CST Urban Ops Fun!

Here is a picture of me and my teammates preparing to clear a room during urban operations training. Guess which one is me?

Interesting verse . . .

This was the Bible verse on 20 Jan 09, inauguration day for the 44th President of the United States. I'm putting it in this blog for posterity, and so we never forget what should be expected of leaders who lead under the banner of our God.

Psalm 2:10-11

"Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling."

Hannah's 1st Birthday!

She's actually one year old, Everybody! Every time I mention it to someone who's known us for the last year, they are in such disbelief that a year has already gone by. I understand that completely. It has been an extremely full year, but then again, when have David and I had a slow year? It seems we're always packing the most we can into life, sometimes to a fault, but most of the time to God's glory.

Below is the little joy angel eating her cupcake (strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting and a strawberry half on top), and enjoying her presents. My parents and our dear friends the Bergrens came over to celebrate with us.

Chuck E. Cheese

Before last Monday, this was at the way bottom of the list of activities I wanted to do with my children. However, we had a really wonderful time with our dear friends, who took us as their guests as a reward for their just-turned-three-year-old son. "What did he do to earn such an extravagant reward?" you may ask. Well, after months of trepidation, he finally worked up the courage to poop in the potty. Yes, you read that correctly.

So we all went to Chuck E. Cheese that very same night! We almost had the whole place to ourselves and everyone, even little Hannah, had a really great time and I think learned a little and grew up a little, too. Here are a few pictures to attest.

What Have We Been Up To?

What have we been up to? Well, besides Christmas, a wonderful Chick-fil-A bowl party, company the last two weekends, Chuck E. Cheese, Hannah's 1st birthday and just digging in and getting this homeschooling routine down, just the everyday stuff.

No, really, we have just been very blessed. After nearly coming to the end of my homeschooling rope, I have a lot of hope again, and things have been better than ever. I did, at the counsel of my dear husband and several friends, buy a reading/writing/phonics curriculum so I wouldn't have to come up with so much on my own--just making educated guesses as to what to do next for him. I think he's well on target, and behaviorally and maturity-wise, I am seeing much improvement due to God's grace, and a lot of determination and consistency, and did I mention God's grace?

The Hills are Alive

(MP) - I just got back from a quick trip to our family's cabin in the Black Hills and it was terrific. This cabin was the closest thing to a permanent home in our family and it's always nice to go back. It was especially nice to share the Hills with some friends who are deploying with me. I can't wait to get back after the trip.

Longest CST Ever

(MP) - I've been in Combat Skills Training (CST) since the beginning of November. I still won't be deploying (that which I've been training for) for another month. The biggest bit of irony is that a friend of mine at church has already been notified of, prepared for, deployed to, and returned from Iraq in the time since I've been notified of my own upcoming trip (16 Sep 08) - and I still haven't really even left!