I had to call 911 last week. For our sweet Brooke.
In her ever ambitious and super capable way, she was climbing up on the couch, lost her footing, slipped back and hit her forehead on the edge of the coffee table.
I assure you: there was blood everywhere.
Her wail was instantaneous, and my shock and horror was too.
Nate's eyes were as big as saucers and he kept saying "Oh my, Brooke made a big mess!"
My attempts to stop the bleeding seemed feeble. And my panic rose as quickly as her shrieks. Frantically, I called Greg who was studying. He sprinted home (a noble feat considering he was dressed in his uniform, complete with boots and a hefty backpack of books) - but it felt like he was crawling home.
So, I called 911. And with in minutes (actually, they came to the door literally 30 seconds after Greg got home), EMTs arrived. A crew of big burly men, who were so sweet and tender to calm my nerves and get the bleeding to subside.
Brooke and I rode in the ambulance to the hospital, and Greg and Nate followed in the car.
The doctor gave our little love 8 stitches on her forehead, above her left eye brow.
She's a trooper, and has bounced back miraculously. (Greg and I on the other hand are maybe just now officially recovered. Though, when a toy falls - I still jump to look at what the clatter was...) She's running and climbing and insisting on playing with toys just as much as before. A child's resilience is amazing.
Today, our (super awesome) pediatrician took her stitches out, and her little face looks so much happier! Onward to vitamin E oil and sunscreen to make sure she doesn't get a huge scar.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Quotable
I saw an idea on Pintrest (are you a Pinner? It's a little addicting in only how interesting it is... I find that my friends and I are all friends for really good reasons, including this: our pins are eerily similar to one anothers. Also, my friends are brilliant and post some amazing ideas. I digress.) to make a book of your child's most quotable things form various ages.
And we have arrived there. At the quotable stage, I mean. Nate's speech has sky-rocketed, and truly sometime we really do shake our heads and mutter, "Out of the mouths of babes!"
His top phrases as of late:
In frustration...
"Oh, what the heck!"or "Geez" (also sometimes "Cheese")
In worry/concern...
"Oh my" or "Oh my gosh" or "shoot!"
Everyday questions and daily conversations:
"Wear my special short to go to the pool?"
Nate: First you hit the ball, then you run to second base."
Us: What about first base Nate?
Nate: No, only second base, then third base, then Hooooome Ruuuuuun!
and
Nate: I want to go bowling.
Us: Maybe in a a bit.
Nate: No, I need to make a strike.
Us: Well, bowling's not open yet.
Nate: Okay, let's play basketball. Slam dunk! Three points! From downtown.
And we have arrived there. At the quotable stage, I mean. Nate's speech has sky-rocketed, and truly sometime we really do shake our heads and mutter, "Out of the mouths of babes!"
His top phrases as of late:
In frustration...
"Oh, what the heck!"or "Geez" (also sometimes "Cheese")
In worry/concern...
"Oh my" or "Oh my gosh" or "shoot!"
Everyday questions and daily conversations:
"Wear my special short to go to the pool?"
Nate: First you hit the ball, then you run to second base."
Us: What about first base Nate?
Nate: No, only second base, then third base, then Hooooome Ruuuuuun!
and
Nate: I want to go bowling.
Us: Maybe in a a bit.
Nate: No, I need to make a strike.
Us: Well, bowling's not open yet.
Nate: Okay, let's play basketball. Slam dunk! Three points! From downtown.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Dallas
No. Not the show.
The city! With big glowing lights! And Starbucks everywhere! And traffic, and traffic lights! And restaurants a plenty!
We went for the long weekend, and even had a mini family gathering with my sister, her family, and my parents. Nate loved swimming everyday, and we took in a huge ice festival display to help us get in the holiday spirit (even though it was still 80 degree outside), and went to Legoland Discovery Center. We ate well, laughed, and enjoyed a weekend in the land of plenty.
More than anything, we spent a weekend surrounded by those dearly loved - and since you can never tell when those moments will come again, we cherished it. Every. single. minute.
The city! With big glowing lights! And Starbucks everywhere! And traffic, and traffic lights! And restaurants a plenty!
We went for the long weekend, and even had a mini family gathering with my sister, her family, and my parents. Nate loved swimming everyday, and we took in a huge ice festival display to help us get in the holiday spirit (even though it was still 80 degree outside), and went to Legoland Discovery Center. We ate well, laughed, and enjoyed a weekend in the land of plenty.
More than anything, we spent a weekend surrounded by those dearly loved - and since you can never tell when those moments will come again, we cherished it. Every. single. minute.
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| At ICE! All the sculptures behind us in the picture are carved out of ice... pretty neat |
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| Dashing through the "snow"... |
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| Family gathering, complete with a birthday celebration for my awesome sister. She's one special lady, and so we celebrate in style. |
Brooke Turns One!
Our sweet girl turned one this year. She is walking, and started talking (she says ball, baby, mom, dad, hi, bye-bye, and yum), and has established her own little bit of sass. Still, she's a dainty lady, and so sweet and curious... it's hard to believe that our little love is already one! Hardly seems possible.
We celebrated her big day three times (because you can't celebrate a birthday too much!): We celebrate in San Antonio with the family, and then again when our dear friend came to visit us in the middle of Nowhere, OK, and the finally on her actual big day.
We had a party, and invited friends, had dinner, and sang happy birthday. And in a trend I think we might find ourselves doing for many Brooke birthdays to come, we went to the Fall Festival on base. It was a big deal! There were pony rides and bouncy houses and slides, trunk or treating, face painting, bean bag toss... the works! It was sort of like a giant over the top birthday party for our sweet girl, and she loved the bounce house and slides.
She certainly is a gift to us, and so loved. Happy birthday sweet girl!
We celebrated her big day three times (because you can't celebrate a birthday too much!): We celebrate in San Antonio with the family, and then again when our dear friend came to visit us in the middle of Nowhere, OK, and the finally on her actual big day.
We had a party, and invited friends, had dinner, and sang happy birthday. And in a trend I think we might find ourselves doing for many Brooke birthdays to come, we went to the Fall Festival on base. It was a big deal! There were pony rides and bouncy houses and slides, trunk or treating, face painting, bean bag toss... the works! It was sort of like a giant over the top birthday party for our sweet girl, and she loved the bounce house and slides.
She certainly is a gift to us, and so loved. Happy birthday sweet girl!
Fast forward
It's been a little while since I've written an update. So, to bring us all up to speed on the latest and greatest, I am challenging myself (er... limiting myself?) to one sentence.
I know you'll grant me graciousness if I happen to extend myself more than that. Sometimes, I just can't help myself! Also, there are a few things that deserve their own post. These are the quick highlights.
1. We have been exploring Southwestern Oklahoma, and everything within a one hour drive of here (because, truth be told: if you're not staying on base or in town, you're driving one hour. Really. I'm not kidding.)
2. In our discoveries, we have found a wildlife refuge with real nature sightings! Nate has become quite adept at spotting buffalo, prairie dogs, wild roaming long-horn cattle, and on our latest hike, rattlesnake.
3. Halloween happened, and our kids traipsed around housing in costumes that (in my totally partial opinion) were adorable. They rang door bells, declared "Trick or Treat" and loved the loot they raked in (which included a rather high amount of KitKats. Thank goodness they are a favourite around here.) After our 45 minutes of candy sleuthing, we walked home and saw a real live owl. In my fumble to get the camera our and take a picture, it swooped away - but it was beautiful and totally cool to see one on Halloween night.
4. We went to a Cotton Festival. Yes, friends, there is cotton growing here. And I must admit, I was rather surprised to see it growing here. I'm not sure what I was expecting to see in the vast and countless farm field around here, but cotton really wasn't on my list. In any case, it's neat to see. And of course, there was a festival! So, we went and cotton a real cotton blossom and climbed on tractors, and even saw the cotton being harvested and baled. Thanks, Oklahoma, for bringing an out fo the box experience to us.
5. In our every day, we have a rotation of activities: bowling (free on Tuesdays!); the gym where I get a workout and Nate gets to shoot hoops and Brooke gets to tumble over giant foam blocks and tunnels; the community center where the retro arcade games are free and there is an actual little coffee stop (the only one in town, if you don't include the drive through that is at the steakhouse saloon); the park and story time at the library, and walks around the golf course - the path is lovely and is takes us right by the runway which the kids love because they get to see the "plane that dad flies" really close.
I know you'll grant me graciousness if I happen to extend myself more than that. Sometimes, I just can't help myself! Also, there are a few things that deserve their own post. These are the quick highlights.
1. We have been exploring Southwestern Oklahoma, and everything within a one hour drive of here (because, truth be told: if you're not staying on base or in town, you're driving one hour. Really. I'm not kidding.)
3. Halloween happened, and our kids traipsed around housing in costumes that (in my totally partial opinion) were adorable. They rang door bells, declared "Trick or Treat" and loved the loot they raked in (which included a rather high amount of KitKats. Thank goodness they are a favourite around here.) After our 45 minutes of candy sleuthing, we walked home and saw a real live owl. In my fumble to get the camera our and take a picture, it swooped away - but it was beautiful and totally cool to see one on Halloween night.
4. We went to a Cotton Festival. Yes, friends, there is cotton growing here. And I must admit, I was rather surprised to see it growing here. I'm not sure what I was expecting to see in the vast and countless farm field around here, but cotton really wasn't on my list. In any case, it's neat to see. And of course, there was a festival! So, we went and cotton a real cotton blossom and climbed on tractors, and even saw the cotton being harvested and baled. Thanks, Oklahoma, for bringing an out fo the box experience to us.
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| At the cotton festival! |
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| This is what we see when we look out the window. Yes, it's like this everywhere. |
5. In our every day, we have a rotation of activities: bowling (free on Tuesdays!); the gym where I get a workout and Nate gets to shoot hoops and Brooke gets to tumble over giant foam blocks and tunnels; the community center where the retro arcade games are free and there is an actual little coffee stop (the only one in town, if you don't include the drive through that is at the steakhouse saloon); the park and story time at the library, and walks around the golf course - the path is lovely and is takes us right by the runway which the kids love because they get to see the "plane that dad flies" really close.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Moved
We moved! (Again.)
The kids and I are happily reunited with Greg after our three week (totally joyous) stay in The Land of Plenty (read: San Antonio) where my parents indulged me in time to get dressed in the morning without mopping up spilled apple juice between getting dressed and drying my hair; and trips to the store without the kids! (I tried on jeans in the store for the first time in two years! Amazing.); and their wonderful company, constant reassurance that the two's do pass, and patience to play all the time with Nate and Brooke.
It was a wonderful three weeks.
And after a reeeeeeaaaalllllly long drive through Texas, we made it to Southwestern Oklahoma: our new home for the next few months. Our place is small. (Actually, tiny. Yes, that's a better description.) but we are together, and that's what is important. Plus, the kids and I can walk everywhere we need to go, and there are some great playgrounds near by. Last week, we went five whole days without getting in the car. At all. Not even to go to the grocery store. I'm loving it!
It has, however, been sweltering. No kidding: yesterday the reader board on base said the temperature was 101 degrees. In later October! I was so tickled that is was rainy this morning...but then we stepped outside, and it was 95 degrees.
Who's ready for fall and a few cooler temps? We certainly are.
Pictures of our SW OK adventures soon.
The kids and I are happily reunited with Greg after our three week (totally joyous) stay in The Land of Plenty (read: San Antonio) where my parents indulged me in time to get dressed in the morning without mopping up spilled apple juice between getting dressed and drying my hair; and trips to the store without the kids! (I tried on jeans in the store for the first time in two years! Amazing.); and their wonderful company, constant reassurance that the two's do pass, and patience to play all the time with Nate and Brooke.
It was a wonderful three weeks.
And after a reeeeeeaaaalllllly long drive through Texas, we made it to Southwestern Oklahoma: our new home for the next few months. Our place is small. (Actually, tiny. Yes, that's a better description.) but we are together, and that's what is important. Plus, the kids and I can walk everywhere we need to go, and there are some great playgrounds near by. Last week, we went five whole days without getting in the car. At all. Not even to go to the grocery store. I'm loving it!
It has, however, been sweltering. No kidding: yesterday the reader board on base said the temperature was 101 degrees. In later October! I was so tickled that is was rainy this morning...but then we stepped outside, and it was 95 degrees.
Who's ready for fall and a few cooler temps? We certainly are.
Pictures of our SW OK adventures soon.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Pumpkin Patch
Today, my mom and I took the kids to the pumpkin patch. Way out in Texas Hill Country, we found a sweet little pumpkin patch that was complete with hayrides and a tractor train, a cowboy band, petting zoo, face painting, pumpkins (of course!) and fresh apple cider (and other apple wares) straight from an apple orchard.
It was a lovely day.
Here's what I did not anticipate:
1. Finding a pumpkin patch. Apparently, in this part of the country, pumpkin patches are school fundraisers (who knew!) and that translates to heaps of pumpkins being... well, heaped into a local church or grocery store parking lot, setting up hay bales, and opening the gates (with admission!) to the "pumpkin patch." Today's pumpkin patch was an hour and twenty minute drive to get out of "parking lot pumpkin patches" and to some actual dirt. On a farm.
Truly, I tell you (and you can read about our escapades from last year's pumpkin hunting mission!) we are spoiled in the northwest, where when we go to the pumpkin patch, our shoes get muddy and we actually cut the pumpkin from the vine it grows on. It's crazy, I know - but true. The pumpkin patches in the PNW at actually at the farm where the pumpkins grow.
2. Sweat. On October 6, one does not consider the possibility of being overly dressed for the weather when one is wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and flip flops. Seriously, though, I totally under-estimated just how warm today was planning on being. Yeesh. (On a whim, I threw a sweatshirt in the back of the car just in case. Half thinking I might need it, but more just needing to have a sweatshirt in the car to go pumpkin hunting out of the ritual of it.)
All in all, a great adventure - and, even fruitful (ha ha) in getting great pumpkins!
It was a lovely day.
Here's what I did not anticipate:
1. Finding a pumpkin patch. Apparently, in this part of the country, pumpkin patches are school fundraisers (who knew!) and that translates to heaps of pumpkins being... well, heaped into a local church or grocery store parking lot, setting up hay bales, and opening the gates (with admission!) to the "pumpkin patch." Today's pumpkin patch was an hour and twenty minute drive to get out of "parking lot pumpkin patches" and to some actual dirt. On a farm.
Truly, I tell you (and you can read about our escapades from last year's pumpkin hunting mission!) we are spoiled in the northwest, where when we go to the pumpkin patch, our shoes get muddy and we actually cut the pumpkin from the vine it grows on. It's crazy, I know - but true. The pumpkin patches in the PNW at actually at the farm where the pumpkins grow.
2. Sweat. On October 6, one does not consider the possibility of being overly dressed for the weather when one is wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and flip flops. Seriously, though, I totally under-estimated just how warm today was planning on being. Yeesh. (On a whim, I threw a sweatshirt in the back of the car just in case. Half thinking I might need it, but more just needing to have a sweatshirt in the car to go pumpkin hunting out of the ritual of it.)
All in all, a great adventure - and, even fruitful (ha ha) in getting great pumpkins!
But before there was October, there was...
In the midst of gathering as a family and being our larger family's transition to this new chapter, we've dabbled in some good kick-up-your heels fun.
En route to Michigan and Canada, we stopped by Dayton, OH and visited the National Museum of the United State Air Force. What an awesome museum! We had a "back stage" tour of sorts, which made it all the more cool (like, the manikin that they have getting ready to fly a jet at Pearl Harbor is dressed in pajamas: the actual pajamas that the pilot wore on that day! Super cool.)
And, the C-17 in the air park is the same C-17 used in the recent swath of super hero movies (Iron Man I and II, Transformers I and II...)
En route to Michigan and Canada, we stopped by Dayton, OH and visited the National Museum of the United State Air Force. What an awesome museum! We had a "back stage" tour of sorts, which made it all the more cool (like, the manikin that they have getting ready to fly a jet at Pearl Harbor is dressed in pajamas: the actual pajamas that the pilot wore on that day! Super cool.)
And, the C-17 in the air park is the same C-17 used in the recent swath of super hero movies (Iron Man I and II, Transformers I and II...)
And even before going to Dayton, we celebrated my dad's birthday, went to the lake and the river, and played lots and lots of baseball, tennis, basketball, and golf.
October
Usually, when people talk about October, they follow the word October with "fest." It's natural, right? The weather is (supposed) to be getting chillier, we're all craving tasty autumn flavors, football is in the air, and certainly - gathering with friends for your version of OctoberFest is all part of our "getting ready for fall" routine, I think.
This year, I propose that in our house we celebrate OctoberRest.
It's been a whirlwind few weeks (thus, my absence from blogging. It's a general feeling of "well, where should I begin on the updating...?!") and I am ready for a few weeks (but I'll settle for at least a week) of getting our bearings, and taking "getting ready for fall" at a snail's pace.
Plus, it should be noted that it was still well into the mid-90s at our new Oklahoma home. Yes, folks, the 90s.
The kids and I have spent an amazing -amazing - few weeks visiting my parents, and soaking in as much family time as we can garner. (Greg has been setting up our house in OK, and jet-setting literally from one coast of this country to the other.)
The kids took their first trip to the heritage home (and Brooke's first trip across a US border! Very exciting.): Michigan and Canada to be with me and the rest of our fam as we laid to rest my dad's parents. It was a wonderful gathering of family, and a true testament to the legacy and values that my grandparents instilled in me.
This year, I propose that in our house we celebrate OctoberRest.
It's been a whirlwind few weeks (thus, my absence from blogging. It's a general feeling of "well, where should I begin on the updating...?!") and I am ready for a few weeks (but I'll settle for at least a week) of getting our bearings, and taking "getting ready for fall" at a snail's pace.
Plus, it should be noted that it was still well into the mid-90s at our new Oklahoma home. Yes, folks, the 90s.
The kids and I have spent an amazing -amazing - few weeks visiting my parents, and soaking in as much family time as we can garner. (Greg has been setting up our house in OK, and jet-setting literally from one coast of this country to the other.)
The kids took their first trip to the heritage home (and Brooke's first trip across a US border! Very exciting.): Michigan and Canada to be with me and the rest of our fam as we laid to rest my dad's parents. It was a wonderful gathering of family, and a true testament to the legacy and values that my grandparents instilled in me.
Monday, September 17, 2012
These (shoes) were made for walking...
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Brooke is now walking - and loving being able to (sort of) keep up with her big brother. She's quick on her feet too! She's really mastered the art of barefoot (a girl after my own heart!), and now we're upping the stakes, taking on the big leagues, and trying on the shoes.
Let me also say this: my sweet girl is well grounded. She takes after her mom (and dad), and is already into size 5 shoes.
But oh my - does she look adorable in her little shoes cruising around the backyard, trying out stairs and gravel paths, and sidewalk, and the grass.
Pictures of our little wonder walker soon... I just can't get over how fabulous her little shoes are.
blinded
These days, I'm blinded.
(no, not by the light silly. Though, I have had that song in my head lately.)
Seriously, though, I am blinded by all the decisions to be made, all the logistics to consider: do I fly from here or there? When should we go? Should we rent a car? Should we wait to make another really long drive? Should the kids and I meet up with Greg on our trip? Should we wait? Should we buy a double stroller now? Should we buy a double jogger stroller or umbrella-style? Should we live in an apartment or a house? (also, little details like this: Should we wait to start potty training Nate? Should I cut my hair differently? When should I get a hair cut?)
It's maddening. And exhausting, and enough to make me want to park it in the cafe that I discovered today with my mom, and just slurp on the most delicious espresso milkshake I've ever had.
Truly, with so much rolling around my brain I feel like I make move forward with anything.
And, yet, I do know how to do this: focus on one thing, make a decision and trust that the other pieces will fall into place. It's just taking that first step that is unnerving.
(no, not by the light silly. Though, I have had that song in my head lately.)
Seriously, though, I am blinded by all the decisions to be made, all the logistics to consider: do I fly from here or there? When should we go? Should we rent a car? Should we wait to make another really long drive? Should the kids and I meet up with Greg on our trip? Should we wait? Should we buy a double stroller now? Should we buy a double jogger stroller or umbrella-style? Should we live in an apartment or a house? (also, little details like this: Should we wait to start potty training Nate? Should I cut my hair differently? When should I get a hair cut?)
It's maddening. And exhausting, and enough to make me want to park it in the cafe that I discovered today with my mom, and just slurp on the most delicious espresso milkshake I've ever had.
Truly, with so much rolling around my brain I feel like I make move forward with anything.
And, yet, I do know how to do this: focus on one thing, make a decision and trust that the other pieces will fall into place. It's just taking that first step that is unnerving.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Timing
Isn't it amazing? Timing, I mean.
Hours after Greg pinned his wings on, we were celebrating with jubilation at the formal dinner - family all bedazzled (and kids with a sitter!), and basking in such an occasion.
My dad, decked out in his mess dress - that's the military's version of a tuxedo -ducked away from the table to take a phone call.
And with one look to my mom and seeing the expression on her face I had that "some thing's not quite right" gut feeling.
My grandmother passed away. Peacefully, painlessly.
My sister said it best: Greg got his wings, and Grandma got hers.
Still, I'm a bit in awe - a bit in shock? - about it all.
I'm thankful and blessed to have amazing memories of her - and ones that are so silly they make me and my sister peel to the floor in laughter.
She was a woman strong mindset, some might say she was ornery, but really, she just knew what she liked (and what she didn't!) and stuck to it, with all her might. And for all of her one-liners that made us raise our eyebrows and think "oooookkkaaaaayyyyyy....." she was the matriarch over our family, a family that has grown closer in the last 10 years. And I'm thankful for that, too.
She instilled in me a playfulness (she and my grandpa enjoyed Disney, and took us there often as kids.) and a stick-to-it-iveness that is hard to come by; she found simply joy in things like a good baseball game, and The Price is Right, and a burger from Wendy's. She loved it when my dad cooked dinner for her, but didn't like a fuss to be made over her. She saved every picture, every card, note, and newspaper clipping that was sent to her.
She loved to tell a good story. And she loved to listen to a story, too. She bough us Fruit Loops in a time when I thought my parents viewed Cheerios as a "sugar cereal." And she and my grandpa let me drive their golf cart. (Now, that is love to a nine year old.)
I don't think her passing has quite sunk in yet. It will, but in the mean time, I still am in awe of timing.
Hours after Greg pinned his wings on, we were celebrating with jubilation at the formal dinner - family all bedazzled (and kids with a sitter!), and basking in such an occasion.
My dad, decked out in his mess dress - that's the military's version of a tuxedo -ducked away from the table to take a phone call.
And with one look to my mom and seeing the expression on her face I had that "some thing's not quite right" gut feeling.
My grandmother passed away. Peacefully, painlessly.
My sister said it best: Greg got his wings, and Grandma got hers.
Still, I'm a bit in awe - a bit in shock? - about it all.
I'm thankful and blessed to have amazing memories of her - and ones that are so silly they make me and my sister peel to the floor in laughter.
She was a woman strong mindset, some might say she was ornery, but really, she just knew what she liked (and what she didn't!) and stuck to it, with all her might. And for all of her one-liners that made us raise our eyebrows and think "oooookkkaaaaayyyyyy....." she was the matriarch over our family, a family that has grown closer in the last 10 years. And I'm thankful for that, too.
She instilled in me a playfulness (she and my grandpa enjoyed Disney, and took us there often as kids.) and a stick-to-it-iveness that is hard to come by; she found simply joy in things like a good baseball game, and The Price is Right, and a burger from Wendy's. She loved it when my dad cooked dinner for her, but didn't like a fuss to be made over her. She saved every picture, every card, note, and newspaper clipping that was sent to her.
She loved to tell a good story. And she loved to listen to a story, too. She bough us Fruit Loops in a time when I thought my parents viewed Cheerios as a "sugar cereal." And she and my grandpa let me drive their golf cart. (Now, that is love to a nine year old.)
I don't think her passing has quite sunk in yet. It will, but in the mean time, I still am in awe of timing.
Pilot
Did you know? I'm married to a pilot. Not just any pilot - a military pilot. He wears his wings on his chest everyday he is in uniform. (And that is so handsome. Really. It's stunning).
It's true! Greg graduated from Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training on Friday. There was fanfare, there were pictures - but for just a moment, try to imagine this picture:
Twenty-five men in their dress blues,parading into the auditorium at almost a triple step. Standing to attention, saluting the American flag, twinkles in their eyes, knowing how far they have come the adventure that they have in store.
We lucked out had an a terrific speaker, a lieutenant general who spoke from the heart about what he has learned about being an officer, a pilot, and a person in the Air Force in the last 30 years. He spoke candidly, and frankly, and even got a few chuckles. He noted how he wanted to speak longer just so the ceremony would drag on a bit - allowing all of us to savor this occasion.
And then, the squadron commander announced that the winging would proceed. Nate audibly shouted Hooray! much to the delight of the families around us. And me too. Really, we were all shouting hooray. One by one, Greg's classmates were introduced, congratulated, and pinned with wings.
I had the honour of pinning Greg's wings on.
Greg's wings are special: they were his grandfather's wings from World War II. The are real sterling. With a real pin on the back (not a magnet). They are heavy, and tug at his uniform a bit if they are not centered and pinned on just right.
This new pilot we have is carrying on a family legacy both of flying the skies, but also of serving in the Air Force.
Nate was so desperate to see Greg that with every person that was tall, with a close-cut haircut, (you can imagine that doesn't narrow the field much) he shouted out "Daddy!" Truly,his dad is his hero. And I love that about those two.
Pictures to come - but I'm still letting the mental images of tradition, of ceremony, of pure joy capitalize in my mind. You should too.
It's true! Greg graduated from Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training on Friday. There was fanfare, there were pictures - but for just a moment, try to imagine this picture:
Twenty-five men in their dress blues,parading into the auditorium at almost a triple step. Standing to attention, saluting the American flag, twinkles in their eyes, knowing how far they have come the adventure that they have in store.
We lucked out had an a terrific speaker, a lieutenant general who spoke from the heart about what he has learned about being an officer, a pilot, and a person in the Air Force in the last 30 years. He spoke candidly, and frankly, and even got a few chuckles. He noted how he wanted to speak longer just so the ceremony would drag on a bit - allowing all of us to savor this occasion.
And then, the squadron commander announced that the winging would proceed. Nate audibly shouted Hooray! much to the delight of the families around us. And me too. Really, we were all shouting hooray. One by one, Greg's classmates were introduced, congratulated, and pinned with wings.
I had the honour of pinning Greg's wings on.
Greg's wings are special: they were his grandfather's wings from World War II. The are real sterling. With a real pin on the back (not a magnet). They are heavy, and tug at his uniform a bit if they are not centered and pinned on just right.
This new pilot we have is carrying on a family legacy both of flying the skies, but also of serving in the Air Force.
Nate was so desperate to see Greg that with every person that was tall, with a close-cut haircut, (you can imagine that doesn't narrow the field much) he shouted out "Daddy!" Truly,his dad is his hero. And I love that about those two.
Pictures to come - but I'm still letting the mental images of tradition, of ceremony, of pure joy capitalize in my mind. You should too.
Push it up
Just when you think you're going fast enough, there is some little voice within (or maybe that old soccer coach?) that summons up the courage to gently lean into your inner ear, and with all the gusto that can be mustered, yells "Push it up!" meaning, go faster, do more, make the most of this.
So, let me just say this: we have been pushing it up. I think that pleasantly sums up our last two weeks. And the two weeks that are coming, too.
Here's a quick recap: we have had dinner with people either at our house or out for that last 9 nights. We went to Wichita for two days, toured the (Awesome!) zoo, went to a great splash ground, experience the (incredibly busy) science museum - which I think was thronged with people becuase of the Star Wars exhibit that was on display. I mean it was cool... but Nate was less than thrilled with the Stormtroopers that we walking around. We divided our house of the things to move with us and the things to move home, and then we packed the house. We welcomed The Family (that is, almost all of Greg's family, my parents, and my sister) to town for a momentous event, a too-special day, a so-proud-I-cry-thinking-about-it-day: Greg's winging and graduation. Greg and I closed the bar down celebrating his awesome day (believe me, this shocked the rest of his class, too - we call them the Family 12-14). And all the packing, all the celebrating, all the moments you wanted to hit pause and just live in the moment forever? WE could not have done it without The Family here.
Really, we could not have made it through this whole year with out the proverbial village to support us. Thank you kindly, from the bottom of our hearts.
So, let me just say this: we have been pushing it up. I think that pleasantly sums up our last two weeks. And the two weeks that are coming, too.
Here's a quick recap: we have had dinner with people either at our house or out for that last 9 nights. We went to Wichita for two days, toured the (Awesome!) zoo, went to a great splash ground, experience the (incredibly busy) science museum - which I think was thronged with people becuase of the Star Wars exhibit that was on display. I mean it was cool... but Nate was less than thrilled with the Stormtroopers that we walking around. We divided our house of the things to move with us and the things to move home, and then we packed the house. We welcomed The Family (that is, almost all of Greg's family, my parents, and my sister) to town for a momentous event, a too-special day, a so-proud-I-cry-thinking-about-it-day: Greg's winging and graduation. Greg and I closed the bar down celebrating his awesome day (believe me, this shocked the rest of his class, too - we call them the Family 12-14). And all the packing, all the celebrating, all the moments you wanted to hit pause and just live in the moment forever? WE could not have done it without The Family here.
Really, we could not have made it through this whole year with out the proverbial village to support us. Thank you kindly, from the bottom of our hearts.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Dear CEOs of America
If you're looking for a lesson in tenacity, please save your dollars from a motivational speaker. Pocket the dollars saved (or better yet! give the dollars saved to a cause in need) and instead invest in watching a toddler negotiate meal-time with his parents.
I'd like to say Nate is fasting for a good cause - but not, he's just tenacious (and selective) about what/when/how/where he would like to eat.
Brooke on the other hand will eat anything insight, happily.
Seriously, you have never seen someone so committed to their own idea instead of being swayed by the idea of their parents. Yeesh.
(Also, I cannot imagine what it looks like from the "fly on the wall perspective" to watch Greg and I try to convince Nate to eat. It must be really funny. The negotiating stakes are high, but so are the antics. Trains, planes, and cars attempt to deliver the food to Nate's mouth. When that fails, this is what you get: a toddler laughing hysterically as they outsmart you jumping from couch to coffee table, and back again, diving under the table, behind the couch, discovering the tiny spaces under the desk, while mom and dad stand in one spot, fork in hand and try to catch the open mouth (usually from laughing) to shove a bite in.)
Do you suppose this is the precursor for negotiating with a teenager? If so, I'll need to up my game.
I'd like to say Nate is fasting for a good cause - but not, he's just tenacious (and selective) about what/when/how/where he would like to eat.
Brooke on the other hand will eat anything insight, happily.
Seriously, you have never seen someone so committed to their own idea instead of being swayed by the idea of their parents. Yeesh.
(Also, I cannot imagine what it looks like from the "fly on the wall perspective" to watch Greg and I try to convince Nate to eat. It must be really funny. The negotiating stakes are high, but so are the antics. Trains, planes, and cars attempt to deliver the food to Nate's mouth. When that fails, this is what you get: a toddler laughing hysterically as they outsmart you jumping from couch to coffee table, and back again, diving under the table, behind the couch, discovering the tiny spaces under the desk, while mom and dad stand in one spot, fork in hand and try to catch the open mouth (usually from laughing) to shove a bite in.)
Do you suppose this is the precursor for negotiating with a teenager? If so, I'll need to up my game.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Weekend highlights
Thank goodness for three day weekends. This weekend is feeling especially delightful, and I'll tell you why: Greg does not have to study this weekend. At all! It's amazing, and feels triple the length of any weekend we've had for the last year. Bliss.
We have photos from the weekend, but I haven't uploaded them yet. So, I'll summarize the weekend in a few words:
1. Brooke learned how to clap this weekend, and she happily clapped all the way through the Sedgwick County Zoo.
2. Also, Brooke is now confidently taking steps in a row. She's up to four consistently, and while they are not big steps, she certainly makes forward momentum. (and then, she happy claps for herself. And we do, too.)
3. On the way home tonight from our short road trip, we made our final exit from the interstate (which is still another 45 minutes from home - see, Enid America is right in the middle of everything, but close to nothing. ;)) and Nate declared from the backseat that he would like to drive. And also, please go faster. (Oh my, are we in for a treat in 14 years!)
We have photos from the weekend, but I haven't uploaded them yet. So, I'll summarize the weekend in a few words:
1. Brooke learned how to clap this weekend, and she happily clapped all the way through the Sedgwick County Zoo.
2. Also, Brooke is now confidently taking steps in a row. She's up to four consistently, and while they are not big steps, she certainly makes forward momentum. (and then, she happy claps for herself. And we do, too.)
3. On the way home tonight from our short road trip, we made our final exit from the interstate (which is still another 45 minutes from home - see, Enid America is right in the middle of everything, but close to nothing. ;)) and Nate declared from the backseat that he would like to drive. And also, please go faster. (Oh my, are we in for a treat in 14 years!)
Last one in the T-Fun
But, it was a monumental week. Because it was his last week of flying before graduation. That picture above? That's his last take off in the T-1 Jayhawk (Don't worry, he had a last landing, too - I just wasn't there to snap the photo).
Next stop: WINGS! And graduation. And family in town to celebrate.
(We are oh so excited.)
Maddness and chaos - and all in good fun
Chalk this up to more Air Force (er, military pilot, really) tradition: Assignment Night.
See, most people who are in pilot training with us (I say us because well, it is us. I know that Greg is actually learning to fly - but the kids and are are learning how to keep the house running (and flying?!) while he's out and about in the skies. I digress.) don't know where they are heading at the end of the crazy journey.
We, as reservists, are a little different. We know the plane and the base that we're going to... that's a lucky spot to be in.
In any case, two weeks before pilot training graduation, Assignment Night happens and a terrific huge unveiling of where everyone is going. It's a giant exhaling of breath that most - no, everyone - has been holding for weeks, and weeks, and weeks. It's a big deal.
Our "drop night" (that's what it's called because the assignments are "dropped" on the guys) was a total celebration. There were many happy smiling pilot faces around - all quite pleased with they assignments, the next planes that they will fly, and really just getting to this milestone.
See, most people who are in pilot training with us (I say us because well, it is us. I know that Greg is actually learning to fly - but the kids and are are learning how to keep the house running (and flying?!) while he's out and about in the skies. I digress.) don't know where they are heading at the end of the crazy journey.
We, as reservists, are a little different. We know the plane and the base that we're going to... that's a lucky spot to be in.
In any case, two weeks before pilot training graduation, Assignment Night happens and a terrific huge unveiling of where everyone is going. It's a giant exhaling of breath that most - no, everyone - has been holding for weeks, and weeks, and weeks. It's a big deal.
Our "drop night" (that's what it's called because the assignments are "dropped" on the guys) was a total celebration. There were many happy smiling pilot faces around - all quite pleased with they assignments, the next planes that they will fly, and really just getting to this milestone.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Flying high.
We are a flying family. In more ways than one.
You remember, my husband - the pilot? Well, in his spare time (read: the 14 hours between Saturday and Sunday that I mandate fun. No books, no thinking, just fun), he flies like this, too:
You remember, my husband - the pilot? Well, in his spare time (read: the 14 hours between Saturday and Sunday that I mandate fun. No books, no thinking, just fun), he flies like this, too:
And we wonder where this kid gets it from...:
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