Monday and Tuesday all rolled into one

CHALK

Chalk outlines of Isaac

Chalk outlines of our little cowgirl
Sidewalks & Sundaes at our church to raise awareness of the needs in children's ministry

Julie at http://comehaveapeace.blogspot.com/ is writing about our men's "manly habits" and how to support them.

Now I will be the first to admit that this is a hard topic. There is a fine line between letting them be men and feeling like you are being walked all over & losing your own interests. My husband most definitely is a "manly man" with a varied amount of interests so it has taken alot of learning and compromising to get us to the point that we are currently at.

Here is a snipet from Julie but it is most definitely worth reading the rest!

Why DO men hunt, yell at other people playing football, golf, or run around mountains? I think of it this way ... God put them together to contend with the world as providers, defenders, and protectors, but today our men may find their battles are mainly mental. They may contend with mortgage rates and employees, but having a place to exert man-sized strength and determination may leave them empty. The lack of physical competition and challenge leaves some feeling disappointed and downcast or ... downright NOT manly. "Men of old" had lives full of arrows and guns and building and jousting and .... all kinds of man stuff. God designed the leaders of our homes to desire masculine things. Physical goals and successes build up a man's confidence to face the world and shelter those he loves. And he thought he was just going to a football game.... ;)

Our men don't need us to "be men" with them or for them, but they need us to put a stamp of approval on their desires to be men. Here are a few ways to show your man you support his "man-type" dreams:

•listen to him share (learn the lingo and pay attention ... eye contact, ladies!)

•let him spend $ (not talking about breaking the bank here) for his challenges (tools for battle)

•lighten up about having guys over (make snacks, don't interrupt, & make lemonade instead of lemons)

•love him by letting him have time to "go" (he'll be more likely to love being home with you)

Nurturing physical and mental strength in our men is important, but it's linked to the strength of spirit and character that truly make a man great.

 

TOP 2 Favorite Songs

1. Praise you in this storm: Casting Crowns

2. I will be there: Steven Curtis Chapman

Courtney at http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/ is asking us to complete another challenge. It starts next week so stop by and see what is going on!

Now others may not find this super funny but it was to us......I am on my way to our church life group stag for a "date night." I was convinced that it was a good idea to come hang out for the evening even though Ben was still in Arizona. I arrived at the resturant & began to chatter to our friends when someone sits down beside me. Low and behold it is my husband. He flew back a day early and decided to surprise me. Was I happy? Of course I was but.....one of the first things out of my mouth was "I didn't shave my legs." followed closely by "there is greenery and flowers all over your side of the bed." The things I worry about when surprised!

September

1. Isaac turned 2 this month!2. My parents and in-laws celebrating their anniversaries this month.3. SCHOOL STARTED!4. Kendall enjoying soccer.5. Camping with great friends.6. Starting my own home-based business.(http://skidzwifecreations.weebly.com/)7. Crafting & sewing.8. Celebrating my pappy's birthday with a phone call. (Better than nothing if I can't be there in person.)9. FALL is here!!10. Starting back to MOPS.

1.What characteristic about yourself has either been strengthened or weakened due to your experience as a Military Spouse? (from The Albrecht Squad)

Hmmmm.....definitely my problem solving abilities. (strengthened) learning to live on my own without relying on Ben, appreciating the small things (strengthened)

2.What is your favorite vacation spot and why? (from ‘Tis the Life of the Army Wife)

Anywhere new!

3.If you could have any fast-food restaurant in the food court on base/post what would you pick? (from The Only Pink in a House of Blue)

Chick Fil A

4.Where did you go on your honeymoon? (from Pennies from Heaven)

The first one (after our elopement) we traveled from Pensacola, Florida, to Oceanside, California. We saw alot of beautiful countryside!
The second one (after our renewal of vows) we went to Puerto Rico.
5.If you could have any job in the world regardless of money, degree or experience, which job would you have and why? (from Proud to Be a Navy Family and The Calm Before The Storm)
Just what I am doing! I have always wanted to be a wife, mommy, nurse, and crafter. I am seriously living my dream!

Week 40 of 52

Bug and I on the first day of pre-school.
Her last year of pre-school. (I am in the fetal position as I am typing this.....)

Isaac's first dentist appointment on his 2nd birthday
He did so wonderful! Such a cooperative little boy!

With the birthday boy
Taken by photographer Kendall

Birthday cake is so yummy esp when shared with friends

Buddy.....mommy loves being in pictures with you BUT when your birthday rolls around it is time to be in them by YOURSELF! No more mommy cuddles just nice smiles for the pretty photographer!

On time Wednesday!

Wordful Wednesday

has moved from the above to here

On Isaac's actual birthday, September 7th, the kids and I made cupcakes to share.
We had his party on the 12th with just a few friends. (I know give me the sob story of the second child.)
Isaac was really not feeling well with a double ear infection and a miserable diaper rash BUT
a little taste of frosting hit the spot!

Isaac LOVES to play and try new things. We have been to this park several times but not since he has become mobile. We went after Kendall's soccer game this past Saturday and he had a blast playing!



I really wanted to find the picture of Ben mowing with his Dad but I don't know where to start looking and I am plain old tired this week. (Esp. since I am mommy & daddy for the week.)
So I am flashing back to this weekend when the family was all together enjoying the cooler weather outside and some yard prep for fall.



Wordless Wednesday

Can you tell how much she ENJOYS soccer?
These shots are from the past 2 games against the Kicks & the Hurricanes.



Random Dozen

1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything? I guess my husband's service medals. I have been racking my brain trying to think of something else but nothing is coming to mind right now.
2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military? My hubby currently serves as a Huey pilot in the Marine Corps. Before that, my Pappy Heider.....
3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you. Driving onto base, there are always flags on every pole but on special occasions (homecomings) there are yellow ribbons that also go up on every pole. It never fails to bring tears to my eyes. (I am not sure if I am remembering all of the homecomings that we have had or knowing that soon couples will be reuniting & fathers/mothers will be returned to their families.)
4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your "placement" made a difference in your personality? Firstborn and NO because my sister is WAY more bosy than I am!
5. Name one trait you hope you carry that was evidenced in your parents or grandparents. A strong moral compass; an ethical nature; loyalty; a great, lifelong friend; love of God; willingness to help out people; a need to serve.
6. If female, do you prefer wearing a skirt or pants? If male, shirt and tie or polo? Both. It just depends on the day and the occasion.
7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep?
2-3......most of the time it is to go to the bathroom & check on the kids. I can normally lay back down and sleep. (Unless it is while my husband is gone and then I have to patrol the house & stew for a bit before I will go back to sleep.)
8. Share a favorite movie quote. Beginnings are usually scary. Endings are normally sad. It's the middle that counts the most so give hope a chance to float up. (Hope Floats)
9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent? Anything with pumpkin spice in it.
10. What is one Fall activity you're looking forward to? Pumpkin picking and my parents being here for Thanksgiving.
11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently. Ben was super supportive of my decision to do our local craft fair and start a home based business even though it is going to be heavy on costs at the get-go.
12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be? Hee,hee....considering I only had 15 minutes notice that we were meeting at my apartment instead of out in town......I was instantly comfortable with them. They were so very open and caring. You can tell alot about someone by meeting their parents. I had such a great week with them and geuninely felt sad when they left to go back to Texas. My mother-in-law said that she looked at my father-in-law when they got in the car & said, "We just met our future daughter-in-law." Not sure how they knew but here we are 7 years later!

Ben's latest triathlon

Ben had a triathlon 2 weekend ago that we couldn't go to since it was Kendall's first soccer game (ever) with the YellowJackets.

This one wasn't a sprint but an international distance. (His first one.)It was about 1.5 km swim, 28 mile bike, & a 6 mile run. Ben finished it in 2 hours and 41 minutes.

He placed 78/337 in the men's group and 92/577 overall. (Not sure about his age group.) Way to go babers!

Now he is prepping for the 1/2 Ironman on November 13th this year.

Thanks to my friend, Kelly, who snagged all these photos for me!

JT, Ben, Aaron, & Dan



Kendall waving to all her adoring fans......

Back to my normal blogging.......

My sweet, little Kendall girl.....
She ALWAYS says what is on her mind.
Just this morning it was this......
(Me changing Isaac's diaper)
"Mom maybe Isaac's peepee is popping out to say hi!"
And what can you say to that?!

Energetic Isaac
Had his 2 year appointment today.
He is 36.5 inches tall (92%) and weighed 35 lbs (95%)
Needless to say he is a GOOD eater. He is also able to tell you sometimes what he wants.
I am preparing a good meal for the family last week. (Pork chops, beans, garlic noodles, biscuits) Little man comes out and tells me "no momma. izza,izza." (Pointing at the fridge)
Me: "Do you want leftover pizza buddy?"
Isaac: "Uh-huh."

Isaac enjoyed some frosting off of his 2nd birthday cake about two weekend ago.

Monday Mugs (smirks)

Isaac's 2 year portraits