We really are BACK

Summer is my absolute favorite time of the year- I'm a little upset that it's going so fast! We've been back for more than a week, and I'm just starting to catch up to speed. We had a great time, but I will say it was nice to return to the hot summer days of Kansas! I'll try to post more photos this week!

On VACATION

We're in ALASKA... enjoying a family vacation at Grandma and Grandpa's house! My sis, her hubby and my sweet little nephew are also up here- we're loving time together! It was quite the trip up with four boys and our pup (couldn't leave her home alone!) but, it's been a great week!

I'm sure I'll be on the computer more once we're back at home in our groove! Of course, I've already taken a zillion photos.

Our GARDEN

There's no therapy like working in our garden! I just love it! Lots of weeding, but it's a great way to enjoy the sunshine! While staying with us for the months of April and May, my uncle spent countless hours getting our garden organized and planted.

We've added to it and are so excited to watch it grow! I think it's the Alaska girl in me... I'm still so amazed to see anything grow!

We have.......... tomatoes, squash, zucchini, peppers, watermelon, cantelope, beets, sweet corn, eggplant, green beans, onions... Yummy- we'll see how it goes!

My Master Husband

I'm so proud of my husband! He FINALLY got to sew on his stripe for earning his new rank of Master Sergeant! After testing last February, he found out last June that he made it. One year later, he finally has it!

This is probably the one area of the military that I understand the least. It seems in any other job, if you pass your test, or are promoted it's immediate. Not so in the Air Force. While everyone up for promotion tests about the same time, they award the stripe (along with the raise) in order starting with those who have been in the military the longest. If you're on a faster track and have been in less time, you even have to score higher than those with more time in service. To me, it almost seems like you're punished for testing well and passing faster. There are some who tested the same time as Jim,who sewed on their stripe last August and have enjoyed the raise almost a full year longer.

On the flip side, they have no problem immediately moving them in to a job with more responsibility. I'll probably never understand it- guess it is what it is! At any rate- it was a very nice ceremony, we're happy his time finally arrived!

LOVE LOVE LOVE Summer

I love pretty much everything about SUMMER... hot days, warm nights, flip flops, no school, mowing, happy boys, the pool.... all of it! It's definitely my favorite season!

A Hit

He's getting the hitting down!

T Ball Humor

T-ball is in full-swing now, with two games under Coleman's belt he's finally (almost) got the routine down to run from first to second to third...
He still can't resist the temptation to run from the outfield in to any where on the field to pick up a loose ball. Oh well... he'll get it!

It's quite entertaining to watch. The coaches HAVE to have some patience along with a sense of humor.

Here's a little clip of Coleman.

Eight Kids and a couple of Dogs

I've often said if my pregnancies weren't so horrible, I probably would have had more kids. That doesn't mean Jim was on board, that was just my idea. This week, I'm getting a small taste of what it may have been like...
Our dear friends had to go out of state, so we have their four girls and pup this week. They're darling girls, and fit in like the sisters our boys never had (or will have). I've never had to fix little girl's hair- didn't know if I could even do a simple pony tail, but we've managed! Our little Lady absolutely loves having little Buster (their beagle) to run with all day.

We're on day four and it's been a smooth week- so far. Just a little more laundry, cooking, cleaning and craziness! Overall- quite enjoyable!

No MORE Training Wheels

Our sweet little Caden just couldn't be left behind! As soon as Coleman was riding his bike without training wheels, we knew Caden would be quick to follow. Last week, he begged his daddy to take his training wheels off. To Jim's surprise, Caden just took off! He's only 3 1/2! He's a fast little guy, and SO happy to be a "big kid" on his bike! We know we have to keep his determination focused in the right direction. Once he sets his mind to something, it's hard to convince him otherwise! He's giving us all a workout running with him to help him around the corners. Here's a short video clip of him cruising down our dirt road with Uncle Dana.

So much BETTER

Yes, I'm doing much better now that I have my Jim back. It was a long two weeks apart, but we survived. We've had a long week of nothing but rain... so our swamp is back and the frogs are happy campers back there! On a positive note, we're thrilled with how green everything is- especially our front grass. Really- it's the simple things that get me so excited!

Tyler took first in his track meet last week in the 200 hurdles. He finished 2nd in the 100 hurdles and 1st in a 4x200 relay. So impressive since it was just his second WEEK doing hurdles HIS WHOLE LIFE! Justin placed 3rd in disc- while disappointed, we were pleased since there were close to 20 kids competing. He's just so dang competitive.

A few days to go

I just want my husband back! We only have to endure a couple more days, but it just doesn't seem to be quick enough. It's been more than a week that he's been gone- I'm just grateful that it's not longer. We've managed ok, but it just seems like things are a bit off. Jim's been bored with so much time and nothing to do. We always manage to have a zillion projects and boys to keep us busy at home.

I've tried to stay busy with projects while he's gone, but I've also cried more this week than I have the entire last year. I hate to think of surviving a 4-month deployment. Some couples do well with time apart- we just like to be together!

On a sunny note, our weather is supposed to be in the 80's the rest of the week, so I'm going to try to stay outside and enjoy it! Playing in the dirt might makes things better!

Hurdles

He did GREAT! We think Ty may have just found a new love. He did wonderful for his first time ever competing in hurdles and only his second day ever even jumping over them! He placed 4 out of 5 and didn't knock a single one down. YEAH!Caden took this picture as I was videotaping... I was shocked he actually got him in the air!

The only shot I have of Justin is his sunburn last night. He was excited as well as he placed 5th (out of 28) in discus and beat his personal best by ten feet.

This season should definitely be exciting!

Justin - Tyler - Coleman - Caden

Coleman Starts T-Ball

Last summer, Coleman loved playing ball in our yard. Daddy and Grandma B both put some time in with him hitting balls. We have been a little slower getting out this spring to practice and realized at his first real t-ball practice last week we haven't even gone over the rules or the game with him! It's quite entertaining to watch 4-6 year olds running running after every ball from every position, forgetting to touch the base and learning the game of baseball.
The first thing the coach asked them is if anyone could catch. Coleman quickly raised his hand and started on 1st base... We hadn't even played catch with him! Guess we have some work to do!
On another note, Tyler and Justin have their first track meets today. My excitement turned to a little nervousness last night at the dinner table when Tyler told me he was running hurdles today. I love watching them, but secretly, I think I've been a little relieved that neither of my boys have done it. Some of those kids hit hard... and each hurdle, I find myself holding my breath. Ty let me know as well that one of his friends broke his arm last year after missing a hurdle and falling... just great!

My brother Seth was amazing and I'm proud of Ty for trying something new, but... he didn't even start until YESTERDAY... and he's competing TODAY. I'm sure I'll be a bit nervous- glad Grandma's not here to be stressed out along with me!