tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27507903596943713652024-03-13T13:54:36.935-07:00OH! The Places We'll Go...Our Little Navy Life, One Duty Station at a TimeNelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.comBlogger221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-13099891796367203122013-02-24T20:18:00.001-08:002013-02-24T20:18:26.853-08:00The Bucket List<div style="text-align: center;">
The last week was rough (it usually is, no matter how long the deployment) but we managed to start on our DC Bucket List. </div>
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I drove the boys to Annapolis for coffee on a freezing, rainy day.</div>
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We also drove the GW Parkway to Great Falls on a different rainy day and hit the National Air & Space museum -Udvar-Hazy Center. </div>
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Nothing huge, but it's a start AND we are on our way to a MUCH better week! </div>
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Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-31606459522433670742013-02-22T18:34:00.001-08:002013-02-22T20:44:14.837-08:00Picking Up The Pieces<div style="text-align: center;">
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As a mom, I find myself always picking up: the toys, the dishes, the laundry... It comes with the territory. You get used to it and, somehow, you manage to find the humor in the day-to-day. </div>
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What you don't get used to as a military wife is picking up the emotional pieces. I remember when John and I first got married, we moved out to San Diego and then to Japan shortly after. Half a world away, I had to pick up my own emotional pieces when he was gone 290+ days of our 14 months there. What if I wasn't meant to be a Navy Wife? Why the hell did I leave EVERYTHING and EVERYONE I knew? </div>
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It took a lot of soul-searching to realize I was just becoming a full-fleged adult living away from anything and everything I ever knew. I picked up my pieces and moved on. </div>
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Enter kids. </div>
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Our first deployment post-kids wasn't terrible. I mean, I WAS pregnant with our third son (and may or may not have had an actual panic attack for the first time) while caring for two toddlers four hours away from any family. It was EMOTIONALLY exhausting. I found myself aggrivated. A lot. Not at my kids, but at the situation: 18+ months of no Daddy around had me feeling like I was a single parent. {John didn't even know Eli had learned to walk!} It's hard not to feel that way, but I was able to keep my emotions in check as realized I signed the dotted line when I married this man. The entire duty station left Turner angry and that was <i>very</i> hard to deal with. I picked up the pieces. </div>
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Another deployment, another age group older. Each of the kids manifested different "symptoms" of deployment. One of the more difficult was Eli; he immediately stopped talking about John. Instead, Eli talked about his "grandfadder." John's dad is someone we never talk much about since death is hard for kids to understand. Eli, however, is a sensitive soul and understood more than we ever knew about his Grandpa. Eli completely eliminated John and talked, instead, about Jonathan. That was really hard -realizing that Eli's coping skills involved building an impeneratrable wall. I, again, picked up the pieces. </div>
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We have moved now (again), and I feel like emotions are at a high (again). Turner is mad at me, Eli put up his wall (actually, he told our neighbor that John is dead) and Deacon is nothing short of violent at the mention of John's name. Monday evening, I picked up the pieces. Tuesday, I picked up the pieces. Wednesday, I had a big glass of wine and picked up the pieces. Thursday, I picked up the pieces. </div>
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Today, I pick up the pieces and put them back where they belong. One day this will all be worth the time spent apart. Some times, I wonder...but in my heart I know that as hard as it is to watch my kids go through these big emotions our life is worth it.</div>
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Again, I pick up the pieces. </div>
Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-45482248678625018342013-01-20T18:22:00.000-08:002013-01-20T18:22:08.973-08:00Derby Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Turner has waited his entire life (yes, really) to join Scouts. He was so happy this past September when the time had finally come for him to join our local pack! </div>
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We've had a busy few weeks with my new business, John's schedule and then finding out deployment and our move is going to happen earlier than expected! We did make time for Turner to design and make his first ever derby car, though. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turner's design. He wanted a medical humvee. The next day, the handwriting<br />lesson involved properly spacing words...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John was great about letting Turner really do the work!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product. Very unassuming, but it had great speed! </td></tr>
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Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-76339731979831746152013-01-08T05:29:00.001-08:002013-01-08T05:29:28.270-08:00School Update<div style="text-align: center;">
Things are moving right along here at Full Sail Academy!</div>
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We did some school work immediately after returning from a trip to New Jersey just to try to get back in to the groove quickly. This week is supposed to be our week back to normal (whatever that is) but our Monday started off slow. Daddy's alarm clock mysteriously turned itself off at 5am so we all got up late! </div>
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The big boys were very in to Legos so instead of interrupting that, Deacon and I cleaned up his room and played with cars. </div>
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For the start of the new year, the plan is jus to continue on our current track. Turner is plugging along with Miquon (math) so instead of moving over to Singapore math like I intended, I'm going to let him stay with Miquon. I think by using that and reinforcing with fun games it's making more of an impact for a child with zero interest in math. </div>
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Eli is fascinated with letters and sounds so I'm taking the opportunity to really dive in to this with him. He's a creative soul, so art and creating are a huge part of his day right now. </div>
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That's all for now! This week is all about keeping it easy since I'm trying to balance the new job with this homeschool thing! </div>
Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-9878180238695935062013-01-03T18:28:00.000-08:002013-01-03T18:28:21.327-08:00Jumping In...To BUSINESS! <div style="text-align: center;">
Yikes. I just said it out loud...</div>
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One of my goals for 2013 is to focus a little more. On life, on my daily tasks, being present with my kids, on my workouts and races...all of it! I had no idea that it would entail owning my own small business. </div>
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About a month (or two?) ago a friend messaged me on Facebook. She told me about her new business venture and said she had thought of me. I thought "Yeah, right." A.) I don't do "business" B.) I'm kinda busy here C.) I'm not selling a dang thing and D.) I'm SO not having a "toy"/bag/candle or whatever else party! </div>
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So I let it go! </div>
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Fast forward a few weeks and I was in Arlington, VA, looking for our next home. I found our next home and as I was emailing back and forth with the current owners I noticed something. The woman's signature mentioned the same business my Facebook friend was trying to tell me about. </div>
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Huh. That was weird...and interesting...</div>
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I email the Facebook friend back and found out about <a href="https://nelliebaggett.myrandf.biz/">Rodan + Fields</a> and the opportunity to become part of a very supported team. </div>
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So I stewed on it for a few days. Could this actually work? I talked to John about it and did some research homework. With a money back guarantee, why not jump in for a bit? Wet the feet, give it a good row...</div>
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So, here I am. A stay-at-home-homeschooling-part-time-working-from-home-mom. </div>
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Joining my team is easy and I have a feeling that it's going to be lots of fun. At least it's something all of my own and I'm quite excited about that! </div>
Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-60767299132554563622012-12-31T20:12:00.000-08:002012-12-31T20:18:50.522-08:002012 In Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2012 started off with old friends in DC. We rang in the new year old folks style (complete with early bed time by some) with the Halls. Just enough fun with three young kids. </div>
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We focused on school in January and February since John was busy at work. With deployment looming, his crew was busy with work-ups and all that stuff that goes along with leaving for months on end. </div>
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We spent what little time we had together in March reading and playing together. The boys knew daddy was going to leave, but only Turner really understood what was happening. We enjoyed a quick little vacation to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg and then it was time for daddy to lead his crew in Bahrain. </div>
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Mid-March we said by for now to John for half a year. While it wasn't our first rodeo, it never gets any easier! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys and their count-down chain in March</td></tr>
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April rolled around quickly as I tried to get my bearings. We were lucky enough to spend Easter back up in DC with our friends, the Halls. For some reason, I thought it was a grand idea to wake up BEFORE the crack of dawn to go to Arlington for a sunrise service. It was beautiful, but freezing!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0d19IcPZzjM/UOI_ZQMhFII/AAAAAAAACkA/ByCwWpzB_58/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0d19IcPZzjM/UOI_ZQMhFII/AAAAAAAACkA/ByCwWpzB_58/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys and I in Arlington. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIlELO3DilY/UOI_gMKaYgI/AAAAAAAACkk/chtLvv2JKKc/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIlELO3DilY/UOI_gMKaYgI/AAAAAAAACkk/chtLvv2JKKc/s400/photo.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berry picking in Pungo weekly until the season was done! </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
May was done and gone in a flash. Again, I had a grand idea to take the kids on a trip...alone. We went to Natural Bridge for Mother's Day and it actually ended up quite nicely! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9rCYKgI_9BU/UOI_YHaJdiI/AAAAAAAACj4/xutGI7L4o3E/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9rCYKgI_9BU/UOI_YHaJdiI/AAAAAAAACj4/xutGI7L4o3E/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural Bridge, VA</td></tr>
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In June we drove to New Jersey for a visit. I asked Eli several times what he wanted to do for his birthday and he kept answering "I want to go to Grandmas!" So, birthday wish granted. </div>
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We celebrated his fourth birthday with John's family and just spent some time visiting. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5OthMPAu4k/UOJAZ_Wu5BI/AAAAAAAACkw/YeTtKcYOIH0/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5OthMPAu4k/UOJAZ_Wu5BI/AAAAAAAACkw/YeTtKcYOIH0/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging with cousins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmqK9EsSdZo/UOJAbAanmbI/AAAAAAAACk4/HnYN2gxgEH0/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmqK9EsSdZo/UOJAbAanmbI/AAAAAAAACk4/HnYN2gxgEH0/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli turned FOUR! </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
July was another busy month with Deacon's second birthday. He grew so much while John was gone; it was bitter-sweet to see him turn two. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wX9i8JzbKjQ/UOJAb59Rr7I/AAAAAAAAClA/P3UpTwn_d5I/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wX9i8JzbKjQ/UOJAb59Rr7I/AAAAAAAAClA/P3UpTwn_d5I/s400/DSC_0022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last day of ONE. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SmFku9nWE0/UOJDCvIra7I/AAAAAAAACl8/m9eO8YvZ_yY/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SmFku9nWE0/UOJDCvIra7I/AAAAAAAACl8/m9eO8YvZ_yY/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One giant summer cake to celebrate with his brothers, the most important<br />
people in his life. </td></tr>
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Again, in an insane state of mind, I travelled several hundred miles alone with three kids. This time we found ourselves in Florida in July. We were able to time our visit so we were able to visit with my cousin that was in from California. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVjiUGusEEc/UOJDBucYQGI/AAAAAAAACl0/0cCbIbqKwb8/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVjiUGusEEc/UOJDBucYQGI/AAAAAAAACl0/0cCbIbqKwb8/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dude time at Legoland with cousin Nelson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I trained for a finished my first Triathlon. It was a blast and I was instantly hooked! My parents hung out with the kids while I did some longer brick workouts and got to spend some time on my friend's tri bike (I later treated myself to a Felt bike). The kids spent a lot of time between all the houses down the dirt road and loved every minute. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5gyswjvh_U/UOJDE8NbgTI/AAAAAAAACmM/QZedWaDqtYc/s1600/DSC_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5gyswjvh_U/UOJDE8NbgTI/AAAAAAAACmM/QZedWaDqtYc/s400/DSC_0012.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building a ladder with Pop Pop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vF24FgFxTy0/UOJDJYKYiwI/AAAAAAAACmk/d3pVuEtbmEg/s1600/DSC_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vF24FgFxTy0/UOJDJYKYiwI/AAAAAAAACmk/d3pVuEtbmEg/s400/DSC_0019.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using fun tools</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jau9LUFz3Ao/UOJDKPDCjMI/AAAAAAAACms/MDisPWlELgw/s1600/DSC_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jau9LUFz3Ao/UOJDKPDCjMI/AAAAAAAACms/MDisPWlELgw/s400/DSC_0027.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dunkles took full advantage of the back yard swing.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
August was spent thoroughly investigating our back yard and just trying to pass the time until John returned. We celebrated Turner's SIXTH birthday and watched him lose some more teeth. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7goDbKyzlxM/UOJDFxkJdHI/AAAAAAAACmU/Su6f4f804y8/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7goDbKyzlxM/UOJDFxkJdHI/AAAAAAAACmU/Su6f4f804y8/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up-close and personal with a cicada shell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loIspgZu9XU/UOJDEOo3NtI/AAAAAAAACmE/dLvqywxcdJ0/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loIspgZu9XU/UOJDEOo3NtI/AAAAAAAACmE/dLvqywxcdJ0/s400/DSC_0009.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure what's going on here...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNULBKlugCE/UOJDKoLNl-I/AAAAAAAACm0/9AE3I2ebGk0/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNULBKlugCE/UOJDKoLNl-I/AAAAAAAACm0/9AE3I2ebGk0/s400/DSC_0034.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day of 5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9aM5FwFn84/UOJDIUisp6I/AAAAAAAACmc/ViEJB7J3jDc/s1600/DSC_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9aM5FwFn84/UOJDIUisp6I/AAAAAAAACmc/ViEJB7J3jDc/s400/DSC_0015.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another trip to DC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmbUZ-UCIZs/UOJHDDJ-roI/AAAAAAAACqE/3IHN7cc5WKk/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmbUZ-UCIZs/UOJHDDJ-roI/AAAAAAAACqE/3IHN7cc5WKk/s400/DSC_0064.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach day in the OBX with Grandma and some New Jersey family </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6I91SnJIhWA/UOJHD29ztcI/AAAAAAAACqM/pkh-UCCkAp8/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6I91SnJIhWA/UOJHD29ztcI/AAAAAAAACqM/pkh-UCCkAp8/s400/IMG_1919.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day back at Homeschool Out of the Box</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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September was a much anticipated month! John was set to return home from deployment and Turner was excited to start Scouts...finally! He's only talked about it since he was FOUR! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqdy5natmXg/UOJHCuLM6WI/AAAAAAAACp8/i6lJS3zHx7U/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqdy5natmXg/UOJHCuLM6WI/AAAAAAAACp8/i6lJS3zHx7U/s400/DSC_0003.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Cub Scout meeting in September</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We finally said BUH-BYE to deployment and HELLO Daddy!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAPObBJqo-A/UOJInFxwA1I/AAAAAAAACrM/ZwYoKX88UgA/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAPObBJqo-A/UOJInFxwA1I/AAAAAAAACrM/ZwYoKX88UgA/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All done with the kiss jars for this deployment</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a weird home-coming since we picked him up at the airport, but exciting nonetheless. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8KLGPCdhsU/UOJIn8g0X4I/AAAAAAAACrU/OsszAlL6Cc4/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8KLGPCdhsU/UOJIn8g0X4I/AAAAAAAACrU/OsszAlL6Cc4/s400/DSC_0006.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome home! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLppOvrdUXg/UOJIoZWkZ0I/AAAAAAAACrc/K5PIX5mMlGc/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLppOvrdUXg/UOJIoZWkZ0I/AAAAAAAACrc/K5PIX5mMlGc/s400/DSC_0031.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hey Dad, read my sign!"</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We are lucky enough to have some very generous friends and got to head off on a very quiet little vacation to Ocean City, Maryland. The kids loved it and we really had a great time not feeling obligated to run around and see everything since OC was "off season." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KjMf0JFGP_M/UOJIq98JuSI/AAAAAAAACr0/e03knCOAxvQ/s1600/IMG_1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KjMf0JFGP_M/UOJIq98JuSI/AAAAAAAACr0/e03knCOAxvQ/s400/IMG_1997.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys and I on the Ocean City boardwalk</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
October was still busy for John but we were able to go camping and spend some much needed time just quietly hanging out. There were a few date nights but we mostly spent time letting the boys readjust to life with dad. Deacon got his first haircut, Turner really improved in his reading and Eli received five staples to his sweet little head. It was a busy month! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83lXA7qMSKI/UOJIqcKBrUI/AAAAAAAACrs/lJAaJV7aAM8/s1600/DSC_0123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83lXA7qMSKI/UOJIqcKBrUI/AAAAAAAACrs/lJAaJV7aAM8/s400/DSC_0123.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tI5f0NedAgY/UOJIr3rqeCI/AAAAAAAACr8/sAN_j-WsOEg/s1600/IMG_2080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tI5f0NedAgY/UOJIr3rqeCI/AAAAAAAACr8/sAN_j-WsOEg/s400/IMG_2080.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deacon got his first hair cut</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAN5FLPA0jQ/UOJItodi-rI/AAAAAAAACsM/q7NJYywmedQ/s1600/IMG_2127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAN5FLPA0jQ/UOJItodi-rI/AAAAAAAACsM/q7NJYywmedQ/s400/IMG_2127.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli at the hospital</td></tr>
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In November we welcomed our first dog, James Ewell Brown Stuart (Jeb) to the family. No, I did not choose the name. Yes, there is some Virginia military history involved. John and I quietly celebrated our 9th anniversary and that was that. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IaB_GVk3L5M/UOJIpEwPaEI/AAAAAAAACrk/BYsPxbpipjw/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IaB_GVk3L5M/UOJIpEwPaEI/AAAAAAAACrk/BYsPxbpipjw/s400/DSC_0043.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny Jeb (he's a giant now)</td></tr>
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December was spent making cookies, eggnog and gingerbread houses! We really looked forward to Christmas this year. The kids just enjoy the whole month and we had lots of fun decorating the hose and making crafts. For school we learned of different celebrations around the world and it was quite the hit. The boys were also baptized while we were in New Jersey visiting. It was a nice way to end the year. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turner, Eli & Deacon at their baptism. </td></tr>
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<br />Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-66955178806238823322012-12-26T17:25:00.000-08:002012-12-31T17:27:11.282-08:00Christmas 2012<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another Christmas come and gone. I'm so thankful for a video camera, a DSLR and my smartphone. Between the three, I can capture every image, word and memory my heart desires. While I love just being in the moment and not taking pictures or recording video clips, having those digital bits to cherish later makes me happy! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ouuN_Qjm2ak/UOHHzkW5zxI/AAAAAAAACjA/TVkImF3J24g/s640/blogger-image--510169239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ouuN_Qjm2ak/UOHHzkW5zxI/AAAAAAAACjA/TVkImF3J24g/s400/blogger-image--510169239.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grain free, artificial dye free gingerbread boys!</td></tr>
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Christmas Eve, we were invited to a friend's for an open house. We have known the Brandt family for quite a few years now and are just now getting around to the same duty station for the first time since we met! It's so nice to have friends that are more like family because generosity like that always makes us feel at home, no matter where we are. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toby the Elf made his second annual appearance. </td></tr>
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After playing and eating with the Brandts, we headed home to read the Pajama Elf in new jams and scurry off to bed. We were a bit later than planned, so it was nice that <i>The Night Before Christmas</i> was read aloud at the open house. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uK04XT5uORo/UOByTnHR0WI/AAAAAAAAChg/Vug5n45qWto/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uK04XT5uORo/UOByTnHR0WI/AAAAAAAAChg/Vug5n45qWto/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading The Pajama Elf. </td></tr>
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After the kids went to bed, Santa's elves got right to work pulling gifts from the woodwork. </div>
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Thankfully, Turner and Eli were so excited Christmas morning that after running in to our room to tell us of the Jolly Man's arrival</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas morning 2012.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deacon was obviously preoccupied! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qMPMat4bEZk/UOByZdAXRFI/AAAAAAAACh4/s3WbdB8mP60/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qMPMat4bEZk/UOByZdAXRFI/AAAAAAAACh4/s3WbdB8mP60/s400/DSC_0028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New bike!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2JvijJT3Xxw/UOBybS1CA4I/AAAAAAAACiA/iq5HsdSSJfc/s1600/DSC_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2JvijJT3Xxw/UOBybS1CA4I/AAAAAAAACiA/iq5HsdSSJfc/s400/DSC_0032.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Play-doh makes him happy. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DN3U7w1SnSE/UOByd0rlHEI/AAAAAAAACiI/mugEFFvPeoY/s1600/DSC_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DN3U7w1SnSE/UOByd0rlHEI/AAAAAAAACiI/mugEFFvPeoY/s400/DSC_0033.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool Lego boards my dad made from <a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/build-a-quick-and-clever-lego-tray/">this</a> tutorial. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GbkS-7XrOVg/UOByfN7uhMI/AAAAAAAACiQ/8cIlk8v1h2s/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GbkS-7XrOVg/UOByfN7uhMI/AAAAAAAACiQ/8cIlk8v1h2s/s400/DSC_0039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deacon and his car mat back pack that I made from <a href="http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2011/11/diy-car-mat-backpack/">this</a> idea. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_CqWbzeEsY/UOByhAYt1lI/AAAAAAAACiY/Xaiya2e2mgo/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_CqWbzeEsY/UOByhAYt1lI/AAAAAAAACiY/Xaiya2e2mgo/s400/DSC_0042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first video game system that hasn't even been opened yet! The kids <br />don't even realize what it is at this point.<br /></td></tr>
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Merry Christmas from our family to yours! </div>
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Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-92095413590935943942012-12-21T18:37:00.001-08:002012-12-21T18:37:49.153-08:00School Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I still call myself the most reluctant homeschooler...EVER. Here I am, though, 2.5 years in to this gig: something draws me back day after day. </div>
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Turner is doing well reading, though I need to challenge him a bit more. He's working on "rule breakers" and learning about the nuances of the English language. Mostly, he's still in his Miquon books but I'm hoping to switch to Singapore Math (probably the US version) in January. He truly needs to be switched up often so math is not "boring" to him. The Story of the World and R.E.A.L Science Odyssey are still some favorites! </div>
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Eli really thrives on art! It is rather amazing. He can come up with some intricate plans or a simple drawing and I feel like Jackson Pollack lives in my house. I really think if there is one child that really benefits from being home, it's him. I know Turner does, but he's such a rule follower that he'd go along with anything. Eli, on the other hand, is a rule breaker! He really, truly, belongs home for these years. As crazy as his crafting and creating can make me...</div>
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Deacon is pretty sure he's 4. Just ask him! He's reciting things and trying hard to keep up with his big brothers. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli, counting. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turner working on some Miquon a while ago. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deacon, "working." </td></tr>
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<br />Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-34662717617255642352012-12-20T08:45:00.000-08:002012-12-20T08:45:18.545-08:00Where Did We Leave Off? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not going to bother with a catch-up post because so much life occurs in just a little bit of time. There was a deployment home coming, a vacation, lots of fun school stuff, time with friends, melt-downs and crafts. </div>
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I have fallen prey to the instant gratification that our technology saturated world offers. I <i>was</i> an Instagram-aholic. The filters and blurs and seemingly endless edit options. I could easily put up a quick picture I didn't really want to share with the Facebook world, add a caption and bam. No blog post, no stream of comments and "likes" -just a picture, worth a thousand words. </div>
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A few days ago I found out that Instagram (purchased and probably run by Facebook) decided it was going to change it's privacy policy. As of January 16, 2013 they can sell any of my pictures without notifying me (or compensating). My kids sweet faces could be anywhere in the world, without my knowledge or consent (rare, but possible). </div>
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I immediately deleted my account and then I realized: I haven't blogged BECAUSE Instagram is just right at my finger tips (so is Blogger, by the way, because I have an app on my phone). I can still share pictures and stories without having to post on Facebook AND I can continue to chronicle our life story...when I remember to do it! </div>
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Here we are, in December. Everyone is healthy and happy and waiting on Christmas! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big boys, decorating the tree. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jolly Men. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys' ginger bread houses and a picture of one my Father In Law's creations. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli and his Grandpa's house. </td></tr>
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<br />Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-63961031821809637122012-08-29T17:47:00.000-07:002012-08-29T17:47:23.875-07:00The Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've hit the wall. The last 162 days have gone really well. I really don't feel like I've said to myself "deployment really freaking sucks" (ok, maybe when Eli was saying John was dead was a little hard) but today it happened. </div>
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I hit the wall. </div>
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I'm exhausted, done, and over this one. As a parent, you're expected to take a certain number of tantrums, "I don't like this" and those days when your children doubt themselves. I can't take any more of them. </div>
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I have two races coming up before he comes home and I'm really, seriously, thinking about just quitting. Quitting it all and just doing the necessary until my birthday. </div>
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I'm that tired. </div>
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Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-21336242488658517002012-08-25T15:12:00.000-07:002012-08-26T15:13:32.000-07:00The First Few Weeks of School <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So far, we've started the new school year strong. Honestly, I wasn't sure how things were going to go during deployment. The kids were ready for routine and I was ready to get started to we could have 6 weeks under our belt before we took a week of vacation to relax with John. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My big 1st grader! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preschooler doing more Kindergarten work, but at his<br />
own pace.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teeny tiny tot school graduate, moving on to Tot School. </td></tr>
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Turner is doing very well and finally actually ready to write. We are using Handwriting Without Tears in addition to writing notes and letters to people. He still works on fine motor skills by participating in anything Eli does for PK work. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working out of his Handwriting Without Tears book.</td></tr>
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Eli is MUCH more willing to sit and work on things that aren't just manipulatives, or toys/blocks. He's taken a huge interest in learning his letter sounds and really would rather learn to write the letters. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stamping the letter C.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diligently working away at his Tot School work. </td></tr>
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They boys have inherited John's love of history so I decided to go with The Story of the World and the activity book. The boys have enjoyed everything so far! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning a bit about archaeology with a fake dig. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli loves his crafts! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOTW coloring sheet. Do you know what a shaduf is?!? I didn't! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montessori inspired Tot work.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just making cave paintings on a rainy morning!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took a trip to DC (that totally counts as school work!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli asked to do some handwriting like Brother. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tT88uB3VHgM/UDqZU_2LWGI/AAAAAAAACbA/LCYP1VxS8cU/s1600/DSC_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tT88uB3VHgM/UDqZU_2LWGI/AAAAAAAACbA/LCYP1VxS8cU/s320/DSC_0026.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deacon has been obsessed with lining up cars so this was the<br />
perfect 10 minute distraction. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Separating capital and lower case letters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No day is complete without a little technology! </td></tr>
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These our our basics for now (I don't have any pictures of Turner with his Miquon Math and the accompanying rods. He will start Math in Focus or Singapore Math around November). We will incorporate our co-op, science (R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey) and a few other things at the end of September. I wasn't in a hurry to start all at once: I wanted guaranteed success for a few weeks!</div>
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Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-14059379306928607102012-08-23T17:35:00.001-07:002012-08-23T17:35:17.450-07:00The Lamest Excuse(s)<div style="text-align: center;">
A few months back, I started having trouble uploading pictures here, facebook and snapfish. It was more annoying than anything, but I stopped uploading everything! Totally lame and I feel terrible for my sweet husband whom I promised I'd keep updated while he was deployed.<br />
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After two months or so of trying to figure it all out, I finally fixed it with a simple drag and drop. Mac is sometimes SO simple, I over look the obvious!<br />
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Training for a triathlon and various other races really kicked my butt, too! Not to mention the homeschooling and general child-rearing. I'd throw house cleaning on the list, but I hired someone to come help me out weekly and it's been life changing (hello, keeping up with laundry since someone else mopped the floors!).<br />
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Enough excuses in one post!<br />
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We are well and three weeks in to school now. I can't believe it's been three consistent weeks with an almost 6, 4 and 2 year old. Last year it was so hard to do much of anything since Deacon needed to nurse and Eli wasn't interested in much aside from gross motor skills games.<br />
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I think from now on, I'll post a bit about school here instead of on a separate blog - maybe I will be able to keep up with both while doing all those other things in life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & My Gang</td></tr>
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Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-23220397638807814462012-06-06T17:53:00.000-07:002012-06-20T17:54:30.005-07:00Happy Birthday, Eli!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am a few weeks late here, but...</div>
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HAPPY FOURTH BIRTHDAY, ELIAS! </div>
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From the day you were born, you wanted to be seen and heard! You were a total shock to the system and you constantly push me to be a better, gentler, more calm mother (because if we all lived in your world...). I know, without a doubt, that without you I'd never know what it was like to be pushed to the brink -but for the better! </div>
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One day you are going to be an AMAZING leader (like your father!) and teach people that they can push past boundaries and dig deep. </div>
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Your charisma and charm are going to win people over left and right as you grow and I can only pray I'm giving you the tools you need to put that to GOOD use! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two days old. Newport, RI. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 months old. Somewhere in Maine. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One year. Jacksonville, FL.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yosOMuOJg_s/T-JjtHXO8GI/AAAAAAAACXE/UfPgG1_XXXY/s1600/DSC_0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yosOMuOJg_s/T-JjtHXO8GI/AAAAAAAACXE/UfPgG1_XXXY/s320/DSC_0054.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My almost two year old. Atlantic Beach, FL. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think it's hilarious that he still makes this face!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My almost three year old! Chesapeake, VA. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No childhood is complete without a broken bone. Eli's motto in life:<br />Go big or go home!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day of THREE. Three years, three duty stations...</td></tr>
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You have a heart of gold, my son. You are fierce, loyal, intense, imaginative and loving. I cannot imagine the world with out an Elias Jonathan Baggett! </div>Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-50208223072598819402012-05-22T17:18:00.002-07:002012-05-22T17:18:18.567-07:00In The Hamster Wheel of Life<div style="text-align: center;">
...I am the hamster and my kids are the wheel...</div>
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I have several posts waiting to be uploaded but I've just been so tired lately! I can't seem to get everything done and it's wearing me out. </div>Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-33945313316208782752012-04-19T19:21:00.001-07:002012-04-19T19:21:02.722-07:00To Da Beach!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Monday was absolutely gorgeous, so the boys and I made it a beach day. It was our favorite homeschool lesson of the week: how to absorb vitamin D! </div>
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This was also (probably) our last visit to a favorite spot for the busy season. I like to avoid the crowds and use the bases around here for beach access. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brudders</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandy baby toes! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deacon enjoyed a few snacks while watching Turner and Eli play like goons in the freezing ocean! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digging for sand fleas! Eli did the digging and Turner did the creature capturing.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CHHHHEEEESE.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting out a fire.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun times digging up things in the sand!</td></tr>
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We had so much fun I can tell this is going to be a good year for us at the beach! Last year Deacon was just crawling around so he was face-first in the sand and eating a lot of it. The big boys respect the water now that they are swimming(ish) and Deacon has enough fear that he doesn't dart right for it. I'm hopeful for many beach days this season! </div>Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-75316176092169142562012-04-17T17:49:00.000-07:002012-04-17T17:49:15.880-07:00Coping Mechanisms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eli has been talking about his Grandpa for about six months now. He used to say things like "My Grandpa lives in New York City and is a police officer who helps people." (Side note, John's dad is deceased and was and New Jersey police officer...weird, but true. We rarely bring him up but Eli is sure of his Grandpa). </div>
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In the last week he's been talking about his Grand"fadder" non-stop. He won't talk about his dad. Not even to say he misses daddy and he's excited to do this or that upon seeing him again. Nothing. It's all about his Grandpa. Every single memory. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a tear in his eye (your right). He was crying before I asked him to smile. </td></tr>
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At first I was keeping it to myself. What man wants to hear his child won't talk about him? I know not my husband: that's a hard pill to swallow! Today, though, I blurted it out in a Face Time session (skype for iPhone). It sucks dealing with that by yourself so I told John. I immediately felt bad because I know I'd just die inside if I knew something like that. </div>
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It's just Eli's way of coping. He just doesn't understand time or space. All he knows is that his dad is gone: for how long doesn't matter. Here or GONE is all he gets and this is how he's dealing. </div>
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Last time he was confused, too. He used to ask any man if the person was his dad. He'd try to rough house with any male figure and didn't seem to realize the depth of John's return. </div>
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In addition to the non-stop talk about his Grandpa, Eli recently started refusing naps. Not only is his world up-side down, but he's transitioning form a toddler to a preschooler. He is just all out of sorts! Poor kid. </div>
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If that wasn't enough, I found Turner whimpering under my blanket tonight. He was crying his eyes out. I tried to console him but all he could squeak out, swimming in an XL "daddy shirt" was that when he closed his eyes all he could see was his dad. He then told me it made him so sad he could hardly stand it. I tried to get him to think of other things -like what we would do as a family when daddy gets home- but all he could do was cry. </div>
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I practically rocked my five year old to sleep. </div>
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<br /></div>Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-26723385519088711712012-04-15T04:46:00.001-07:002012-04-17T16:38:47.283-07:00Strawberry Fields<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I started this post from my phone and "drafted" it but found that I had published it before writing or adding pictures! </div>
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This past Saturday, I took the kids Cullipher Farms organic strawberry field to pick berries. Cullipher is the farm I chose for our CSA this year and I was so happy to meet the Cullipher family and the sweetest old farmer, ever! </div>
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The boys had a great time in the field!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First berries of the season!</td></tr>
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We picked enough berries to eat until we were happy and then made strawberry salad, ice cream and "soup" the next morning! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3LENaRbqixE/T439vNdIB8I/AAAAAAAACGk/rSW1H9jNkGY/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3LENaRbqixE/T439vNdIB8I/AAAAAAAACGk/rSW1H9jNkGY/s320/photo.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-70293498562852774252012-04-09T18:01:00.002-07:002012-04-09T18:02:45.518-07:00Easter 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was so happy to have "family" close (enough) to spend Easter with because holidays without anyone to share the joy of your kids on a special day is just another day. The boys always enjoy long-time friends Chad and Kate and heading to D.C. is always fun for everyone. </div>
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Last Monday, I made them an Easter lunch. The had different items in an egg carton and I think they had fun with the "eggstra" special lunch. Any time I make a lunch like this, it's a hit! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0ouz3rKygk/T4N6_09sjuI/AAAAAAAAB-s/vBm5D0pgcWs/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0ouz3rKygk/T4N6_09sjuI/AAAAAAAAB-s/vBm5D0pgcWs/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading "Happy Easter Curious George." </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
When I mentioned going to D.C. for Easter, Kate told me about the sun rise service in Arlington National Cemetery. I knew it would be a challenge with kids being up so early in the morning but the kids did really well, considering! It was pretty chilly sitting on the marble benches (on a blanket!), but sitting anywhere for an hour and 40 minutes (we arrived early to ensure a seat) in the cold is difficult for anyone. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xV2cK3duEbU/T4N7DXZ8VSI/AAAAAAAAB-0/NTRTb411Mr4/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xV2cK3duEbU/T4N7DXZ8VSI/AAAAAAAAB-0/NTRTb411Mr4/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn in Arlington National Cemetery. The other side of the amphitheater is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLc3QWAdoa8/T4N7GNS2aRI/AAAAAAAAB-8/Lo5IA1sq_fE/s1600/DSC_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLc3QWAdoa8/T4N7GNS2aRI/AAAAAAAAB-8/Lo5IA1sq_fE/s400/DSC_0013.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a beautiful, peaceful, sunrise. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcLAVNo1Egw/T4N7HhuCu9I/AAAAAAAAB_E/cfnah1vsv_8/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcLAVNo1Egw/T4N7HhuCu9I/AAAAAAAAB_E/cfnah1vsv_8/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the grounds of the cemetery. </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Since we needed to stay on track to make it to the service on time, I told the boys that the Easter bunny probably wouldn't have made it to the house by the time we were awake. Instead, the bunny would probably visit while we were out. As Chad and Kate put the boys in the car I put baskets o'fun stuff. Since I had gone to the trouble to make my dress and the boys' ties, I really wanted a picture after the service. We were so cold, I decided to just try to get a few when we got back to the house. Not a great idea! The kids were too excited so these were just about all I got in terms of "official" pictures! Oh, well...there are memories, at least. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pTsgSC_OQY/T4N7KHgWOlI/AAAAAAAAB_M/-st1XIZrRTw/s1600/DSC_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pTsgSC_OQY/T4N7KHgWOlI/AAAAAAAAB_M/-st1XIZrRTw/s400/DSC_0020.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These ties were super simple and quick to make...not to mention velcroed on! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_jUQfybz3I/T4N7OLHBK7I/AAAAAAAAB_U/DnqhSZqnRlc/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_jUQfybz3I/T4N7OLHBK7I/AAAAAAAAB_U/DnqhSZqnRlc/s400/DSC_0023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where's Deacon?!? Some how, between the last picture and this one, Eli untucked his shirt! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40H16Vtv2HA/T4N7TL6cE8I/AAAAAAAAB_c/kBuG5VS1GzQ/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40H16Vtv2HA/T4N7TL6cE8I/AAAAAAAAB_c/kBuG5VS1GzQ/s400/DSC_0029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My camera is dying a slow death. :( I can never count on it for a good shot any more.<br />
I do love Eli's super-cheese, though! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJwR7zHBhcE/T4N7UsGHBYI/AAAAAAAAB_k/P4CNVGKZjpE/s1600/DSC_0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJwR7zHBhcE/T4N7UsGHBYI/AAAAAAAAB_k/P4CNVGKZjpE/s400/DSC_0030.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Animal House! </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
After the service and baskets, we enjoyed brunch and an egg hunt with Kate's mom, dad, sister and family. It was fun for the boys to run around with Ann and Ed for the afternoon! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNO1NZXgHeY/T4N7X6dc8HI/AAAAAAAAB_s/VBqy7usqG8E/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNO1NZXgHeY/T4N7X6dc8HI/AAAAAAAAB_s/VBqy7usqG8E/s400/DSC_0037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chasing Charlie around the yard.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-keAMdcJqlmI/T4N7anD00_I/AAAAAAAAB_0/hmDYBVGR_tQ/s1600/DSC_0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-keAMdcJqlmI/T4N7anD00_I/AAAAAAAAB_0/hmDYBVGR_tQ/s400/DSC_0040.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deacon was the lucky duck that got to go first (even though he had no clue what was going on!). </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AHotuJAMTE/T4N7dcSxbEI/AAAAAAAAB_8/C8FwG4ZxjGw/s1600/DSC_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AHotuJAMTE/T4N7dcSxbEI/AAAAAAAAB_8/C8FwG4ZxjGw/s400/DSC_0042.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli the stealth hunter! I didn't get many pictures of this guy! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmTrGN4855k/T4N7hP6A7BI/AAAAAAAACAE/7qDgTmSuP-M/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmTrGN4855k/T4N7hP6A7BI/AAAAAAAACAE/7qDgTmSuP-M/s400/DSC_0049.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deacon's first egg hunt -he was too little last year.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtWURrnjUPw/T4N7kX1goFI/AAAAAAAACAM/9TfbRbwu92Y/s1600/DSC_0051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtWURrnjUPw/T4N7kX1goFI/AAAAAAAACAM/9TfbRbwu92Y/s320/DSC_0051.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turner was very happy for some "harder to find" eggs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-traHzUJ1duI/T4N7pTqgGMI/AAAAAAAACAU/M1B_NQ1lbjg/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-traHzUJ1duI/T4N7pTqgGMI/AAAAAAAACAU/M1B_NQ1lbjg/s320/DSC_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ann, Edward, and the boys. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IM2GMIks2ck/T4N7rIRqEQI/AAAAAAAACAc/G2tPAGBXZ14/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IM2GMIks2ck/T4N7rIRqEQI/AAAAAAAACAc/G2tPAGBXZ14/s320/DSC_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruddahs! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jKA8A7F63U/T4N7t1AxuzI/AAAAAAAACAk/rMIu9O4eWhA/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jKA8A7F63U/T4N7t1AxuzI/AAAAAAAACAk/rMIu9O4eWhA/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli peaking in on a mamma bird sitting on her eggs. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--17JZQGHq9g/T4N7yO2NmDI/AAAAAAAACAs/dLrSuzNKoeI/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--17JZQGHq9g/T4N7yO2NmDI/AAAAAAAACAs/dLrSuzNKoeI/s320/DSC_0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These kids are troopers! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IL2NH1SSguQ/T4N70UaVj7I/AAAAAAAACA0/VeKqSyNH43Q/s1600/DSC_0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IL2NH1SSguQ/T4N70UaVj7I/AAAAAAAACA0/VeKqSyNH43Q/s320/DSC_0071.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet bunny boy. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only decent picture of my dress! It fits like a glove and I have my grandmother to thank for all the help walking me through parts of the pattern I didn't understand. It was fun to "have" to call her so many times last week.<br />
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As I was tucking Eli in tonight he said to me: "You know, I never did find the golden egg!" I don't know why, but he has this idea that every egg hunt has to have a golden egg! I told him next year and I hope I remember...</div>Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-91629648456070548742012-04-05T18:20:00.001-07:002012-04-05T18:34:19.420-07:00Gimmie Some of That!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This morning Deacon looks at me like he's said this a hundred times: "I want chocolate milk!" It sounded more like "Ah wan chockey malk" but it was adorable! I obliged because I couldn't believe he just asked like that! The big boys didn't have chocolate milk until years later and, at that, they probably never asked for it. </div>
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The things this kid says are too funny. Today, at karate class he heard "Yes, Ma'am" so he walked around saying that instead of just "yes." </div>
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<br /></div>Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-38993655861160374362012-04-01T17:36:00.001-07:002012-04-01T17:38:59.769-07:00Museums and Infestations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Saturday I took the boys to the Virginia Air and Space Museum. The kids really enjoyed this particular museum because of the hands-on exhibits. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQNDwZ9ewb4/T3jvhMvQCxI/AAAAAAAAB5M/iMK3jW-R76Y/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQNDwZ9ewb4/T3jvhMvQCxI/AAAAAAAAB5M/iMK3jW-R76Y/s400/DSC_0006.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love their faces. Eli was annoyed we stopped, Deacon was says "air-pane!" and Turner has<br />
his typical cheese face on! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbAijlDLskI/T3jvjha9mvI/AAAAAAAAB5U/JHsy3HIz1ME/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbAijlDLskI/T3jvjha9mvI/AAAAAAAAB5U/JHsy3HIz1ME/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the cockpit of a jet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5jh4INiFIs/T3jvlvlPA1I/AAAAAAAAB5c/5a8pdEMqtB0/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5jh4INiFIs/T3jvlvlPA1I/AAAAAAAAB5c/5a8pdEMqtB0/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A flight simulator. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qm3PQxL6iQ/T3jvoCrNzjI/AAAAAAAAB5k/-ifJaaem6aE/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qm3PQxL6iQ/T3jvoCrNzjI/AAAAAAAAB5k/-ifJaaem6aE/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baggage claim! The kids put the "luggage" on the belt and it learned how<br />
baggage goes through the beltway at an airport. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OE8CqQdklME/T3jvqMHGQEI/AAAAAAAAB5s/CSQ3NURLv1w/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OE8CqQdklME/T3jvqMHGQEI/AAAAAAAAB5s/CSQ3NURLv1w/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just buckling up for a flight. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDND7g9UJd8/T3jvsXejPZI/AAAAAAAAB50/Llz_P3ZZCSU/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDND7g9UJd8/T3jvsXejPZI/AAAAAAAAB50/Llz_P3ZZCSU/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspecting wind! I think he was surprised at the force!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, Eli had to try! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building an airplane. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More flight simulators!</td></tr>
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It was a fun museum and it's easy to get around with the kids. We didn't stay too incredibly long because, apparently, it was a good day to skip naps. They were all a bit tired and ready to go home and play with their new rockets. </div>
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When we returned home and I opened the pantry to decide on dinner, I noticed quiet a few moths. We've been having a problem with a few of them but never anything I thought twice about. For some reason, they finally started to bother me (or they really did multiply in a few hours!). Since we've never had moths before -let alone near our food- I did an internet search for how to get rid of them and learned that you have to go through ALL of your food to find where they are laying eggs. Aside from the moths, themselves, I've never even noticed larva until I went digging. I started at the top of the pantry and worked my way down finally finding the source for the little infestation. A container of arborio rice was housing the little laying ground. I can't imagine how they got in to a screw top jar, but they did! It was gross! </div>
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After finding the source and throwing away almost any open container of grain (flours, rices, etc), I cleaned the pantry from top to bottom with water and white vinegar. I have been hunting moths all day long: a lovely use of time that I don't care to spend on moths! </div>
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<br /></div>Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-29778953310762812512012-03-27T18:03:00.001-07:002012-03-27T18:20:19.719-07:00ONWARD!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last week was filled with dropping John off for his deployment, the fire alarm screaming at 3am causing me to patrol the house with a baseball bat for the rest of the night (it sounded like the house alarm!), a round of exhaustion induced sore throat/coughing, kids that miss their dad and the coup de grace...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pull start on the mower won the battle...</td></tr>
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A broken finger (it looks 10x worse and prupley today!). </div>
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I sat down and gave myself a nice pep talk over 4 cups of vitamin C/apple cider vinegar/honey "teas" and feel my energy starting to come back a bit. </div>
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Any way, here's looking forward to the second week!</div>Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-84120437094769267512012-03-24T18:00:00.001-07:002012-03-25T13:18:07.527-07:00No Good, Very Bad Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The boys like a story called Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. It was so fitting for today. </div>
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I won't even bother with details because a bad day is a bad day no matter how many words! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4:30 and the house is quiet and I find this...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A ham, as usual. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-75065251705265384362012-03-20T17:39:00.001-07:002012-03-21T19:15:30.733-07:00It Never Gets Easier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When John and I first met, he deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom just two months later. I was giddy college girl, holding tight to this idea of a Naval Officer wanting to be with me when he returned. I can't believe it was all those years ago and he was just a little division officer, squeaky clean and new to the Navy. His leaving didn't bother me at all! I was more concerned wether or not we were going to be in a mutually exclusive relationship when he got back rather than how lonely I was. </div>
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From there we've travelled the world. He's left for more days than I can count, more weekends, more birthdays and more anniversaries have been spent apart than together. Years of our 8 year marriage have consisted of him at sea, just doing the job he was meant to do. It never bothered me. </div>
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Until we had kids. </div>
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The late nights, the duty days, weekends missed, phone calls, going in early, staying on a ship until late at night and missing milestones all add up. </div>
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Seeing my babies cry over missing their daddy hurts more than anything in the world. </div>
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They revere this man: idolize him. </div>
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Missing time with them has to suck about as much as being left behind. I guess I can say, in that respect, I'm the lucky one here: I am with my babies during this separation. It's hard, dirty, exhausting, and rewarding work, but I'm the one around to pick up their hearts and try to lift their spirits. I'd rather be on that end of the stick. </div>
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It never gets easier, this lifestyle of ours. The married single parenting, the playing second fiddle, the moving, the waiting, the watching my children flourish when their dad isn't around. I've head that less than 1% of Americans have served our country, but they've done so to protect the other 99%. </div>
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<br /></div>Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-84356975808142100502012-03-12T10:30:00.001-07:002012-03-12T10:32:20.170-07:00Pre-Deployment "Vacation"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I use quotations because bringing three small children anywhere isn't really a vacation for the parents involved. </div>
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This past weekend we brought the kids to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg for an overnight stay. They were thrilled at the <i>idea</i> but execution of the stay was a little chaotic! I booked the "Kid Camp" room because it had bunk beds and a TV in the room. I thought they could fall asleep to a movie while John and I enjoyed a movie while relaxing in bed. I have NO idea what I was thinking! </div>
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Deacon had a totally different plan and refused to go to sleep. Eli was completely freaked out by the darkness of the Kid Camp and Turner wasn't going to play the game if Eli didn't! </div>
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They were all, however, tired. I was up all night with Deacon because he is the absolute worst co-sleeper I've ever created! I found John on the couch, if that says much. </div>
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Crappy night of sleep or not, everyone had a great time. The kids just loved the water and being able to do some of the slides on their own. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone had fun, even if we were a little rough around the edges!</td></tr>
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A worth it "vacation" if you only have two kids or if all of your children are older...or if you could have another helper around for man-to-man defense. We will give it another shot before we leave, especially now that we've experienced a trip. </div>Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750790359694371365.post-16579934189879265482012-03-07T08:44:00.000-08:002012-03-08T08:48:48.679-08:00Enjoying Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The last time John left for a deployment (January of 2010), we were not able to spend a lot of time with him before hand. He was constantly working incredibly long hours (let's say 4 or 5am until 9 or 10 at night NOT including duty days), and the ship got a week of stand down time (called POM). We took the kids to Disney for 3 or 4 days and that was our quality time. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't believe how little Turner was during the 2010 deployment!</td></tr>
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This time, his schedule hasn't been nearly as grueling! POM was a week long and he had to go in every day, any way, but at least he was able to delegate the work instead of doing it all himself. </div>
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Tomorrow we will take the kids on a weekend trip to Great Wolf Lodge (hotel with an indoor water park) and then soak in the last week together. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n0ww2kiqmdI/T1jdRmqGdkI/AAAAAAAABsQ/hfOGIGP1JZM/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n0ww2kiqmdI/T1jdRmqGdkI/AAAAAAAABsQ/hfOGIGP1JZM/s400/DSC_0088.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in an early spring rain.</td></tr>
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I say "soak in" like he'll be gone for a year: it's really not that bad of a deployment. John leaves for 6 months but, apparently, the communication is much better than anything we've experienced before. I'm looking forward to that! </div>
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A new world map just came in the mail and I even decided to get Turner a beginning geography book so he can enjoy reading the map and talking about where daddy is. He was every excited to look at the map but he started to get upset just thinking about John being gone. Poor little guy! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7MfcUC9KfI/T1jdTs5e4TI/AAAAAAAABsY/zjp-4JeZ26c/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7MfcUC9KfI/T1jdTs5e4TI/AAAAAAAABsY/zjp-4JeZ26c/s320/DSC_0089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids love hearing John read "Night of the Moon Jellies" because he uses an New England<br />(setting of the story) accent. It seems my southern version of New England<br />isn't good enough! </td></tr>
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<br />Nelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09793203775857794140noreply@blogger.com0