Ft. Leavenworth

We will be headed to Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas this summer. We are so excited to be coming back to the states and to be close to family and friends. We will be there for one year for Shane to attend ILE. His school starts in Aug. so we should be headed that way in June sometime. I have set a ticker at the top of my blog--it is set for 30 June. I will update it when we get orders--for now, it's approximate--And ONLY 5 months away!!!!!!!!!!!

Our trip

We took a 3 day trip to Pisa, Lucca, and Genoa. Here's some photos. Enjoy!

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A Little Pick Me Up

Disappointments

Well, my mom is stuck in Minneapolis now. This really stinks. She was supposed to be here on the 23rd and now won't make it in until Christmas late in the day. The kids are really going to be disappointed when they wake up and I tell them. More rearranging schedules--I don't want her to miss out on all the fun. We are supposed to head to Pisa on the 26th--I hope she won't be too jet lagged, it's the only little trip we are taking while she is here since most everything will be closed most of the time she is here due to the holidays.

Ok so here is to all of us making the best of a not great situation and trying really hard to remember that all that matters is that she gets here safely and we all get to enjoy each others' company.

Changes in Plans

My mom was supposed to be flying in this afternoon. The kids are so excited to see Grandma. Then this morning we woke to an email saying the middle leg of her flight had been cancelled so she won't be in until tomorrow. We are still glad she is coming, but now we are quickly rearranging schedules. She comes right in the middle of Christmas Eve Mass:( So, I think what will happen is that I will take the kids to Mass and Shane will head to the airport. We would just go to Midnight Mass instead, but I think Grandma will be tired--as will the kids--and Brendan is already signed up to serve at the Children's Mass.

Anyway, our Christmas Eve is being rearranged, but the most important elements will still be present--Jesus--and family.

I guess the message is--don't sweat the small stuff.

Remember the reason for the season and enjoy your Christmas!

Christmas Pictures

Well we got family pictures taken and ended up only buying Christmas cards and one copy of the picture of the kids cuz they just were not very good. In the states we will be getting family photos done properly--can't wait.

Anyway, here is what we got.

Meghan-age 5, Dillan- age 2, Brendan-age 10, and Kathryn- age 8

Boy does the copy look discolored.... eww.

Christmas Markets

If it is one thing I miss from Germany it is the Christmas Markets. They were one of our favorite things to do there. We have tried a few here in Italy, but they just don't compare. We went to one today, in Padova, and we had a good time just being together as a family. We ate some treats and bought some fun hats and mittens for the girls, but other than that it wasn't all that exciting. Oh well. At least it was nice family time.

Jingle Bell Run

Another 5K completed for this family of 6! We really enjoy getting out and running these together. Even when we don't stay together....
Brendan finished first, then me, then Katie, and finally Meghan, Shane and Dillan (in the stroller) took up the rear. We finished in a span of 20 minutes....
It's a great way to start a morning though....

Edited to add: Yes we did wear jingle bells on our shoes and Santa Hats. (All 6 of us:))

Better....

Things are going better, but I'm not quite there yet. Just checking in to let you all know we are still alive n' kicking. Still working on those priorities, but it's amazing what I have discovered during the past week. Definitely something to continue working through....
Hope you are all enjoying the Christmas season.

Priorities

Today I got a swift kick in the rear reminding me of my priorities. Lately, things have just been really out of whack around here. With the adjustment of having Shane home, all the kids activities, homeschooling Brendan, being a Brownie leader, on the pack committee, etc.... things have just not been the way I have wanted them to be around here. I have no real excuses just that I lost sight of what was important. I am going to be working really hard, beginning right now, to get things back the way they are intended to be. So, if I'm not around much... that's why. Priorities--I just need to get them straight.

Santa Pictures

Well, we went and saw Santa during our tree lighting ceremony here on post. The kids had come straight from school-so not the best pictures, but we got them anyway. Dillan was so excited about Santa!!! He was running up to him and saying immediately--I want a Screaming Banshee--that's from Cars-Mater and the GhostLight in case you want to know--and yes they do really have them--Santa should comply....:)

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Playing Outside

We are just enjoying the weekend so I thought I'd share some pictures of the kids outside playing.

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Christmas Shopping

So how is everyone doing on this endeavor?? I can actually say--I'm just about finished. I need to make one shopping trip for people back in the states--plan to do that this week--I have 2 small things to pick up for Brendan--and a couple of things to get for Shane--then I'm DONE!!! My goal is to be completely finished and ready to wrap/mail by Friday. Now, there are a few things that I have ordered that might not make it here by Friday, but they are all on the way. That's a great feeling! I have so many other things going on that I really didn't want to be messing with shopping....

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you are all enjoying your Thanksgiving. I know we are. We are very thankful this year to have Shane home and spend the day all together.
Here are some pictures of how we are spending it. I am about ready to finish up our meal and we will eat and then spend the afternoon with a movie I think. Just a relaxing day.

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Snow Day in Italy

Ok so for those of you who were laughing at our snow pictures last year with the grass showing through....

Here's another funny for you. This is what closes school at 10:30 and then the entire base at 11.

Hope it puts a big smile on your face!!

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Isn't my niece beautiful!!

Scattergories

My friend Cheri just posted this at her blog Keeping Up With His Plans
It looked like a fun one so here goes my try...

Scattergories
SCATTERGORIES. ..it's harder than it looks!
Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following.
They have to be real places, names, things…nothing made up!
You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.
WHAT IS YOUR NAME: Laurie
BOY NAME: Lawrence
4 LETTER WORD: Lace
GIRL NAME: Leslie
OCCUPATION: Librarian
A COLOR: Lavender
SOMETHING YOU WEAR:Lipstick
BEVERAGE: Lemonade
FOOD: Limes
SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: Lip Liner
A PLACE : Lincoln, NE
REASON FOR BEING LATE: Lost
SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: Let go!!

Dear Army Family Christmas Cards

I just read about this great idea to remember our soldiers' families this Christmas. A group in Ft. Sill is trying to send cards to 2000 family members there whose soldiers are deployed right now. I will be sending a card for sure--here are all the details if you would like to join in.

Potty Training

I have discovered that after Halloween is a great time to potty train. Dillan now goes in and goes potty and then goes directly to the Halloween candy. The candy is disappearing quickly which is a good thing, and Dillan is figuring out the potty thing. I figure once the candy runs out he will have the process down and we won't "need" it anymore anyway. And all in all--him having a bit too much candy for just a little bit isn't terrible in the grand scheme of things....

LONG day.....

What a busy day this has been. It all started this morning at 5 when we had to get up to take Shane to the train station. He went to Germany to have his eye surgery redone--hope it works this time.
Following that, Brendan had his Bowl-A-Thon for Cub Scouts. The Girl Scouts were invited to bowl as well. So Meghan was bowling with her Daisy Troop, Kathryn bowled with our Brownie Troop, and Brendan bowled with the Webelos. Dillan hung out and drove tractors on the floor:) Then we all went to a potluck picnic. It was Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Italian Scouts, and Girl Scouts--lots of fun!!

Then the Girl Scouts had their Investiture/Re-dedication Ceremony this afternoon. That was nice as well.

Then we spent time with the kids running around playing while the parents talked--just hanging out as friends.
Now we are home and having pizza and a movie to settle down for the evening. Soon it will be baths and bedtime....

It was a really long day, but a good one.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!

I did it!! I ran the 5K this morning! I ran the entire thing and I'm very proud of myself. If anyone cares about time, I did it in 31:52. It's not a great time, but it is a place to start and it's better than I thought I would do.

Now, on to the next goal.....

She's Here!!

My sister had her first baby!! Her name is Nova Ann and I can't wait to meet her! She was born yesterday morning and Mama and baby are both healthy. I just need to get pictures now....

New Endeavor

Ok my newest project...
I am going to coach Meghan's cheerleading squad. It will be 6-7 year olds (yes Meghan is still 5, but will turn 6 at the beginning of the season). The girls cheer once a week for basketball. It should be fun.

Brendan is going to play basketball and I think Kathryn is too--though I haven't clarified that with her. She told me once that she wanted to.

So, our big sports break--yeah it will last until Dec. 29th.

Trick or Treat

The kids had a good time trick or treating. Dillan still isn't 100% so after about 3 houses he decided he didn't want any more candy. That's ok because the other 3 got more than we need that's for sure.

Enjoy the pictures.

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Update on Dillan

Well, my little one was miserable all day yesterday. He was vomiting every 30 min- 1 hour all day long. Finally, about 7 or 7:30 last night was the last time. He fell asleep at that point and slept until this morning. This morning, he seems better, but still not complete. He asked for water and said he was hungry--I bet so after yesterday. I made him some toast, but he hasn't actually eaten any yet. At least he was up and talking and not completely lethargic. He's watching Bob the Builder right now and even has a smile on his face so..... hopefully he is over it.

The kids don't have school today--teacher work day for the end of the quarter--so I think we will do a few Halloween projects today to get ready for Trick or Treating. I'll keep you posted on what we come up with.
Have a spooky Halloween!!

Sickie Boy

Well, I am home today with a sickie. Poor little Dillan has been throwing up all morning. It's so sad. He's just miserable.

Today is the day that Brendan attends the public school for gifted ed.--so we had to implement plan B quickly this morning. It has given me a day at home with no teaching to do--so I'm getting some things done around here that need it, but I'm also busy snuggling a sick one when he needs me....

Hopefully no one will be sick tomorrow for Halloween!

WOW!!

I was just looking back at some of my first posts--just to see what I wrote about way back when--and I can't believe how much the kids have grown!! They were so cute and tiny. Now they are just cute and big I guess:) It's amazing how fast they change. I just don't always see it when I'm around them everyday. But, they sure did have some little baby faces...

2 year olds

Here is something that only a really cute 2 year old can get away with....

The kids were playing with Legos on the living room floor. Meghan evidently took the pieces that Dillan wanted and he started punching her and tackling her. Being the good parents that we are we watched him thinking it was kind of funny (he wasn't hurting her). Then he started to kick so Shane stopped him and told him not to ever kick, even when play fighting. Dillan's response...
"But I kick her ass..."

Potty Training

Well, Dillan was really really into potty training for a while, but now not so much... So, we have been trying any tricks we can. Today when we were at the commissary we saw Cars Pullups. Now, I was not planning to use pullups with Dillan--we have a bunch of undies--but, anything that works I'm all for. Anyway, Dillan has a Cars Stool, a Cars Potty Ring, and now Cars Pullups... he is thrilled with the idea--for the moment anyway so..... keep your fingers crossed for me.

On a side note: I am so proud of me today!! I have been trying really hard to turn myself into a runner. All the 5Ks we have been to I have walked. Heck, when I started this whole idea running 1/4 mile on the track wore me out. So, slowly but surely I have been plugging away at this idea and today--I ran 2 miles!!! Yep, I ran the whole way! I was really slow and about dead when I was done, but I did it!! Now my goal is to run the entire 5K here on post on 15 Nov. (my birthday--it's my gift to me)

They Will Never Be Forgotten

As I put in my last post, we have had changes in our lives. Shane has changed units and is finally home for good. In light of the soldiers returning, and our moving on, I feel it is time to change my sidebar. I do not, however, want to diminish the sacrifice made by Our Fallen Warriors. For that reason, I am going to move thier names to this post so they will remain indefinitely. The loss we have felt will never go away...May they never be forgotten...

SPC Jacob Lowell
PFC Timothy Vimoto
SPC Chris S Honaker
PFC Joseph A Miracle
PFC Jessy S Rogers
PFC Juan Restrepo
SGT Travon T Johnson
1SG Michael S Curry Jr
MAJ Thomas Bostick
SSG William Fritsche
PFC Adam J Davis
1LT Benjamin Hall
PFC Thomas Wilson
PFC Mathew Taylor
SFC Matthew Blaskowski
SSG Larry Rougle
PFC Christopher Pfeifer
SGT Joshua Brennan
SPC Hugo Mendoza
1LT Matthew Ferrara
SGT Jeffrey Mersman
SPC Sean Langevin
SPC Lester Roque
PFC Joseph Lancour
CPT David Boris
SGT Adrian Hike
SSG Michael Gabel
CPL Joshua Blaney
PFC Brian L. Gorham
SFC Matthew R. Kahler
SPC James Finley
PV2 Andrew Shields
SPC (P) Ryan J. Connolly
1LT Jonathan Brostrom
SGT Israel Garcia
SPC Matthew Phillips
SPC Pruitt Rainey
SPC Jonathan Ayers
SPC Jason Bagar
SPC Sergio Abad
SPC Jason Hovater
SPC Gunnar Zwilling
PFC Willington Rhoads

Changes

Well we are no longer a part of the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team. It is sad to say good-bye to such a "mighty" unit. Shane loved every minute of being part of "the best brigade around." Now we move on to 14th Transportation Batallion. Shane started his new job this week. He is the Executive Officer (XO) for the Batalion. That means he is the second in command. Technically, it is a step up and is good for his career, but he is wearing a black beret again so.... in his mind, it's a downward move. Oh well. Here is to a job that will hopefully allow for family time and less stress. It's only for 8-10 months anyway....

Scouts

Lots of scouting going on around here lately. This past weekend Shane took Brendan to Camp Darby (near Pisa) for a Scout Camporee. They were gone for 3 days and had a great time. The earned the Pisa Historical Trail patch, as well as did many "regular" scouting activities.

Meghan had her first Daisy meeting on Tuesday and absolutely loved it!! Now we are working on learning the Girl Scout Promise.

Kathryn and I had our first meeting on Wednesday. It went well--2nd grade girls are so silly. All but 2 were in the troop last year so they were all telling me what I was forgetting and what they did last year. That was actually mostly helpful. They remember a lot--like the promise and part of the law--so that was great to see too. We played a few games and did some introductory stuff and now I've got a feel for it. Kathryn said it was fun--so that's all that matters.

Last night we had Brendan's monthly Pack Meeting--where all the dens come together and share what they did over the previous month and receive their awards. It went really well and now Brendan has some new stuff for his uniform.

As I said Scouts, scouts, and more scouts.....

Small disappointments

Meghan is quite sad right now. Her vocal teacher is moving.... So, no more singing lessons unless they get a new teacher, which as of right now doesn't look good. We were told maybe by January.... Hopefully, something will work out.

For now though, she starts Daisy Girl Scouts today so she is quite excited about that!

Well, Brendan needs some instruction in math so.... until next time:)

Kathryn's Birthday

Kathryn had a Spongebob Squarepants birthday party this past weekend. We had a lot of fun!!
Happy birthday sweet girl--can't believe you are 8!!

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Soccer!!!!

Here is how we spend a tremendous amount of our time....
Good thing it's something fun huh??

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Catching up

Ok so I plan to post a few photo albums and things throughout the day when I can fit it in. Trying to get caught up with all of you.

This first one is some pictures of a Soldier and Family Appreciation Day that was held for us since all the soldiers are finally home. It was basically a big BBQ and some rides and things for the kids. The soldiers were all off work (well not Shane as you will see from the photos) and the kids got out of school early. It was a fun family day.

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Dillan's new favorite

This is Dillan's new favorite thing to watch. He is fasicinated all through it and then when it's over he laughs and laughs and asks to have it played again.

Dancing Polar Bear @ Yahoo! Video

Weekend Busy-ness

It is going to be another busy weekend around here. Saturday we have Brendan's soccer game in the AM and then in the afternoon we are having Katie's birthday party. (Her birthday is actually on Sunday) Somehow this little girl of mine is turning 8! It is amazing to me how fast they grow.
Then on Sunday I am doing my Girl Scout leaders' training. Should be fun.
I'll post some pictures either Sunday evening or Monday of the kids playing soccer and of my growing girl.

Monday

Yep it's another Monday. The weekend went well.
Brendan played really well in his soccer game--he's fun to watch. His team won 1-0. A really evenly matched game.
Our CWOC booth did some good business selling hotdogs. Brendan really enjoyed cleaning up at the bazaar as well. He mostly gets to run around with his buddies--oh and pick up some trash or wipe a table here and there along the way.
We made it to the football game--that was fun. Living in such a small community we know a few of the players and so it was a nice family/friends time.

All in all it was just a nice family weekend. When we were home we didn't do much--just kicked back and enjoyed. I love times like that. We are finally back into "being a family" after Shane being gone for so long. I think we are mostly adjusted.

Oh and in case anyone wondered... The Meatball soup was great. It was a hit with our whole family! Of course, I think it helped to tell Meghan that it was a favorite of Liam:) If you are interested in checking it out, or any other yummy recipes, go visit Angela at Cooking With One Arm
On to today... it shouldn't be too bad. Homeschool, some cleaning, playing with Dillan, soccer practice this afternoon....

Upcoming Weekend

I'm not going to be around much over the weekend. We have the evening off tonight so we will have some family time--probably a movie and sleeping on the living room floor if I know my kids:) Tomorrow Brendan has a soccer game and then he and I are both volunteering at the Italian Bazaar on post. That's where vendors from all over Europe come and sell their wares in one place--it's a big event here. I will be working in a food booth with the Catholic Women of the Chapel (great fund raiser) and Brendan will be doing a service project for the Cub Scouts--picking up trash and being a runner for the food booths. It's a fun, but really busy day. Sunday we will, of course, attend mass and then the kids have their first CCD class of the year. Brendan and I may also fill in some holes in the bazaar volunteering if it's needed. It will be a long weekend, but a fun one.

We might squeeze in the high school football game too....
Well, I'm off to make dinner--Angela if you are reading, we are going to try your meatball soup tonight--I'll let you know how it goes:)
Have a great weekend!

A Day in the Life

It is a really crazy day around here today so I thought I'd just do a quick post of how our days go...

5:30 Alarm goes off--Shane and I get up--he heads out the door for PT and I get my kid free computer time

6:15 I get the kids up--we then have 1 hour to get everyone dressed, breakfasted, hair brushed, teeth brushed, snacks and backpacks backed (supposed to be done the night before, but doesn't always happen), shoes on and girls on the bus

7:15 Shane is usually back to put the girls on the bus--Dillan loves to go with him
Then we have an hour of getting Shane ready--the boys have Daddy time--Brendan throws fits that he's awake...

8:15 or 8:30 Shane leaves for work and Dillan usually wants TV time--Brendan and I get started on Homeschool--I help Brendan with whatever needs instruction or clarification, read to him, etc. in between helping Dillan draw or play or read or whatever he wants to do. I also head upstairs to do a weights workout during this time and fit in cleaning and laundry where I can.

11:00 we have lunch and get the kitchen cleaned back up

11:30 Brendan attends Music or PE at the school 2 days a week--Dillan and I go run on the track--on the days Brendan doesn't have Music or PE he comes with us

1:15ish we head home and get Dillan down for a nap
Brendan and I finish up what we need to finish--I shower--finish chores for the day and prep for the evening.

3:30 the girls get off the bus and we do homework and prep for evening activities.

6:30ish we have dinner and cleanup

7:00 Kids all get ready for bed--showers/baths, PJs, teeth, stories

8:00 Lights out for Dillan, Meghan and Kathryn

8:30 Lights out for Brendan
Then I finish up where needed and spend time with Shane

about 10:00 I collapse.

This is just kind of a rough outline--for instance today after school I am picking up the girls because Brendan has Webelos 3- 4:45-- The rest of us are headed to buy a birthday present for one of Meghan's friends who has a party today at 4. Brendan has soccer practice 5-6 and the girls have a game at 6:10--No I have not figured out the logistics of all this yet....

Well have a great day!!! We will have another busy one....

Busy Busy Busy

What's new right?? Things have been really chaotic lately--school started, Shane went back to work, the kids are playing soccer, we have scouts going again...

So the actual updates with all that--Meghan is loving Kindergarten!! Boy is she tired by the time she gets home though!! I hope she adjusts to that soon. Katie is in 2nd grade an adores her teacher--yay!!! Brendan is working at home again this year. I couldn't in good conscience send him into the 5th grade program this year. There are too many issues with the 5th grade teachers. We are getting into a routine though and I think the year will be good. Brendan is attending Music, PE, and TAG (talented and gifted) classes at the school so he gets quite a bit of time to see his friends--of course he sees them at soccer and scouts and everything else too.

We finally are able to have a good set schedule now that Shane is back at work and we are back to 2 cars. I hope I have lost the name "Car Killer" now.

We only have 2 soccer teams this year (the girls are on the same team), but it's amazing how much we are still on the soccer field. The girls are having a great time--theirs is just a recreational league. Brendan is loving soccer, of course, but he is more serious now since they actually keep score and have a record. They are 1-1 if anyone wants to keep track:)

Scouts: Well, Brendan is a Webelo II this year, which means it is his final year of cub scouting and then in Feb. he will cross over to the Boy Scouts--I can't believe it! I'm still on the pack committee so I spend a bit of time working for them. Meghan is signed up to be a Daisy this year--she is thrilled!! They have changed the program and she will be a Daisy for 2 years. Kathryn finally got her wish and I have joined the ranks of Brownie Leaders. They have started a new program that they are using in addition to what they have been doing so I spent this weekend trying to plan some things out. I have a really rough skeleton plan for the year worked up though. I go to actual training in 2 weeks though so that should help solidify things. We don't start Girl Scouts until mid-Oct.

What else?? Just normal day to day life I guess. At least the computer is functional now. I'll try to post again soon.

sorry for the disappearing act

My Internet has been down for the last week. I now have a full box of emails and all kinds of things to catch up on that I was unable to do without internet (cub scouts, brownies, homeschool, etc)
I'll try to get in a longer post about what's going on with us later.

1st day of school pictures

Here are the pictures of the kids' first days of school. As you can see Meghan was VERY excited about starting Kindergarten. She had a great day and was talking about it all night!! I just hope the excitement continues for her.

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Shane went back to work today too. Now we are going to be able to really get back into a routine. It was wonderful having so much family time, but now we are ready to get "life back to normal"--as if there is such a thing:)

Sicily

I got the pictures all into an album which I have posted below. I know there are a lot of pictures, but we were there a week and we saw some really amazing things. I hope you enjoy them--even if it takes some time to watch.
(Oh and as you will see Brendan didn't hate the entire trip:))

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The Many Faces of Brendan

I will post some more pictures of our trip when I get a chance, but first I just thought I would share the trip to Sicily from Brendan's perspective.

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He was a lot of fun!!!

Home Again

We had a great trip. We are home and recovering:) I will post pictures and stuff later this week. Right now I have laundry to do and a car seat to wash (yep Dillan joined the rest of them in car sickness) Not to mention errands to run--no food in the house--etc. etc. etc.

Glad to be home, but need a couple of days to get things back in order.

Sicily and other stuff

Katie started her first day of school yesterday and had a good day. She really likes her teacher this year--she got the one she wanted--so that should help a lot for her.

Meghan had a meet your teacher day and I'm thrilled to say that she has the same teacher Katie had in Kindergarten!! I couldn't ask for better. Her first day is next Friday (although we will be gone so she will really start the following Monday)

Brendan is going to be homeschooled again and after seeing who his teacher was supposed to be I KNOW that is the right decision. He will start the Monday after our trip too.

I will post pictures of first days after they all start.

We will be taking off for our trip to Sicily tomorrow. Today I will be busy packing a family of 6 for a 9 day trip (should be fun). I will blog again when we get back and I'm sure will have a bunch of pictures to share.

Enjoy your week!!

Triathlon

The kids just finished the 2nd Annual Triathlon here. Brendan did it last year, but this was Katie's first.

Brendan took 2nd in his age group--1.5K run, 3K bike and 75 meter swim--with a time of 19:30

Katie took 3rd in her age group (of 3)--1K run, 2K bike and 75 meter swim--with a time of 15:54.

They both did a fabulous job and had a lot of fun.

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Opera

Shane and I finally had our date night last night. We went to the Opera--Aida--in the Verona Arena. It was really beautiful. We had great weather--it was warm, but there was a breeze. I had never been to an opera before and I doubt I will ever see one that will impress me as much. Being in the open air, under the stars, in the arena, with a huge stage--it was amazing! I'm really glad we went. I was also pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to follow the story even though it was all done in Italian. (Shane didn't enjoy that part as much--he wants one in English) All in all in was a lovely evening that I will never forget.

Notice Anything Missing???

Fishing

We went fishing with the Webelos today. The kids had a great time! Unfortunately, here in Italy, fishing just isn't the same as in the states. You go to a stocked fish farm and pay a lot of money to catch fish that you know are a guaranteed thing. As Shane said, it's a lot like shooting a bird in a cage. Oh well, Brendan earned his fishing awards for scouts and the kids had fun.

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Verona Zoo

We took a trip to the zoo yesterday. We had a ton of fun. The zoo here is actually 2 in 1. The first part is a Safari park where you drive through in your car. The second is a regular walk around zoo.

Oh and yes Brendan was with us, but he was being a "typical pre-teen" and "the zoo is so boring can't we go home." (so no picutres--I do have some video with him in it that I might post later) We just ignored him and enjoyed our day--oh and he did have a bit of fun, but he would never admit it.:)

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Enjoying Family

It is really nice to be a complete family again. Shane is still attending his reintegration training for another few days. That basically means he goes in for 1/2 days so he can learn how to not abuse his family. When that is complete, he will be taking 30 days of leave. Other than spending time together we don't have a whole lot planned. We are going to take a week long trip to Sicily though--we are very excited about that--especially Dillan who just wants to "go beach". So, I'll try to pop in when I can, but we will be spending the next month enjoying each others' company so I may not be around alot. After 15 months we have a lot of catching up to do.

He's HOME!!!!

Shane finally got in about 10:30 last night. We are so happy to have him here--it's just the sharing of attention that is a challenge:) I may be MIA for a while, but I think I have just cause....

On the Way!!

All I can say is he is out of Afghanistan!!! Can't say where he is or when he will get here, but at least he's out of there. Only a few more days till he will be home where he belongs!!!

Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Genealogist - Pedigree

Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Blank family tree - Family name history

Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

Playing Around

Ok so the kids aren't up yet--I found this site and I have been playing around.
I'm not sure I agree with all of these, but see for yourself. Who do you think looks like who??

Sorry it's in like 5 posts--that's the only way I could figure out how to do it... Go figure.

Waiting....

It is so hard to wait!!! We want Shane home and we want him home now!! We are so close to having him that these last few days are torture. I think one of the hardest parts about it is watching everyone else's husband come home first. Shane is one of the last--he always is. I don't begrudge anyone else, but I am a bit jealous and I'm really tired of telling other soldiers "Welcome Home". I want to welcome home my own. Ok enough whining... now back to the waiting...only a few short long days....

Excited!!!

Not only do I get to have my husband home soon, but we are going to go on a date soon after--and not just any date, my friends, we are going here

The Verona Arena

We are going to see the opera Aida.Did I mention with no kids???!!!

I'm just a little excited!

Silly Dilly!

Dillan and Brendan were just playing on the couch. Dillan just covered Brendan up with a blanket--head to toe--and then was talking on his hand like a phone saying "Hello Monster. You no eat Bubba. Ok Bye"
I'm so glad Brendan had Dillan there to save him:)

Good news from Afghanistan

We finally have a return date for Shane!!! We are so excited and are now in the "prep for Daddy" stage. I'm not going to announce an exact date here, but I will tell you it is less than 2 weeks. Yay!!!! Can't wait!

Italy Cracks Me Up!!

I know the quality of these videos isn't that good--they are just clips from my regular camera--but I couldn't pass these up!!

Aparently, YMCA is all the rage at fests and such.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Baseball

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

This N That

Well, we are going to finish up swim lessons tomorrow. I have already been told by Brendan and Meghan's teachers that they will pass on to the next level--so Meghan will be level 3 and Brendan level 5. Katie's teacher hasn't told me about her yet, but the assessment is tomorrow so I'll update on her then.

This weekend is Brendan's baseball tournament. So it is going to be a weekend full of craziness! Thursday night they do the Opening Ceremony and a parade--that should be fun. Saturday is the longest day--a 12 1/2 hour day to be exact. So I am going to send Brendan with his coaches and team on the bus. I just can't take the other 3 (Dillan especially) out in the sun and heat for that long. I will miss 2 games which I'm sad about, but it's got to be that way. Saturday we will all go--only one game that day. And then Sunday is the championships which we will go to--not sure what the schedule looks like for that day yet though. No matter what, it's going to be a really full weekend. Fun, but full.

Next week there is a baseball clinic which Brendan and Katie are still debating whether they want to do or not. They have been so busy lately that I think even they would like some downtime--we will see. I have to register them tomorrow if they are going to do it--so they will be deciding today. They are for sure going to do a Major League Baseball Training Clinic on Thursday and Friday. There is someone being sent from the states and MLB to work with the kids those 2 days--should be good for them.

It's also already time to register for soccer--practices begin the end of August so we will once again have a chaotic schedule with 3 kids on 3 different teams. At least this year I will have an extra set of hands since Daddy will be back. Can't wait for that.

I guess that's about it about the crazy, exciting--or at least busy--lives that we lead.

Look What Brendan Found!!!

Last night Brendan ran outside to get something out of the car and came back in saying "Mom there is a kinda big bird under the car!" I figured it had flown away by the time he said something so I didn't even go out. Today, however, look what we found on our front step. It looks young--and it's wing looks torn up. The fact that it has been hanging around for 2 days tells me it can't fly either way. The kids and I enjoyed looking at it from a distance. I just hope it's going to be ok.

Our Fallen

We received word this morning of the fate of our soldiers. The nine killed were indeed from 173d ABCT. We also had 14 wounded although none life threatening. I have added the names of the fallen to my sidebar and I pray that these are the last I have to add. This was one of the worst incidents in Afghanistan and the timing (with everyone due home so soon) exaggerated it. It has been a very rough time for all of our troops and their families. Please pray for us all.

More Prayers Please

Updated to add: Yes I have heard from Shane and he is fine.

I'm trying really hard to avoid post today. We had to go in for swimming lessons this morning and all of the talk is of this:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080714/wl_sthasia_afp/afghanistanunrest_080714085710;_ylt=ApWsdx95NC3av0c4t_0SQLP9xg8F

The headline of the front page of the Stars and Stripes is this:

Report: 9 U.S. Troops Killed During Attack in Afghanistan

Yes this is the incident that my friend's husband was injured in and no I don't know anything else. Neither does anyone else--thus all the talk. Are these our guys?? Yes, but who??? No one knows right now. Please pray for all of our troops and thier families. It's a really hard day.

Prayers Needed

I just received word that my friends' husband was wounded in Afghanistan. He is doing well--He was shot in the arm. I know nothing of the other soldiers on the mission. Please pray for him, his wife, and his kids, as well as all our troops.

Kinda fun

I just did this little quiz thing. It was kinda fun. What is your PersonalDNA??

Encouraging Director