Merry Christmas!

for whom the bugle calls...

Life on Base extends our family the opportunity to participate in a few military custom and courtesies. The Bugle call "blares" (literally) 3 times a day through a giant speaker at the corner of our house.  Reveille wakes our house at 7AM; Retreat and the National Anthem play at 5PM, signaling end of the duty day then Taps at 10pm.  Taps signals "lights out".  Taps is also played at funerals, as soliders' are laid to rest. Taps gets to me every time I hear it. The simple, yet sobering tune has made an humbling impression.

Jake refers to the weekday bugle calls as "the beagles".  Once terrified of "the beagles" , he now responds positively to the sounds that shape his day.  Jake is silly during Retreat, he dances during the National Anthem.  Yet he knows to stop, running or riding his bike, stand and face the flag. Cole is always very respectful, he stands at attention and does not flinch, it makes me smile.   I  caught him on video just shortly after moving in... had to share.  

Cougar of the Week

Cole started Kindergarten on August 27.  We did not have an assigned teacher, so we went in hopes of a great fit. Cole was clinging to my leg, while biting his finger nails. The first day of school nerves were getting the best of all of us.  Mom's had warned me about the "first day of school" and I thought I was holding myself together pretty well.  Then the office administration handed me the name and room number of Cole's teacher.  As I read, I quickly realized I could not pronounce her name. Cole was pulling on my leg, asking, "who is it? who is it?"  I could not answer, last Spanish pronunciation experience was in 8th grade Spanish Class - all we did in that class was sing, "la cockroach".  Inside I could feel myself buckling, my lip was starting to quiver. Hold it together Mom! Hold it together!  I bent down to Cole and said, I can't say your teachers name, I don't know how to pronounce it. I will take you to your class." I took him to class, introduced him, gave him a big squeeze then he joined the class on the rug.  I waived goodbye, shut the classroom door then walked as fast as I could to the parking lot. I lost it, the tears started to flow and the gasping for air began. The hyperventilating cry continued the whole ride home. Trent was a sport. Cole loves school; we both can pronounce his teacher's name and I have learned so much watching Cole amazing spirit of openness and bravery.
Cole was "cougar of the week" last week, we ate lunch together and I observed his classroom - here are some pics.

" the River "

Welcome to Del Rio, Texas Ya'll!

Home Sweet Home. Our brick rambler is our "desert oasis." Fortune can be found inside a cookie, in my case it is built on the corner of Brown Street.  My spot, my parcel of land in this vast Texas valley is more comforting than a slab of brisket and a side of coleslaw.

 Life on "on base" provides more amenities than a resort community. I predict having access to a base amenities in life to come will not be something I could afford: grocery store, car wash, fitness center, gas station, bowling alley, golf course, trails, 24-7 security, pool, a flight line of activity, library, lawn care, maintenance crew, tennis courts and baseball fields, campground... all within walking distance. Did I mention the golf course is open year round? Oh yeah.

Military families are STALWART. We live on a street of pilot instructors, all with multiple years of service & deployments.  Trent and I are smitten with these individuals, it's almost a juvenile obsession. In fact, I am sure the Capri Sun drool coming out of Trent's mouth at a recent party was a result of flight stories from Air Force Academy cadets, pilots, and now instructors.  We are both trying to hide our desperation to fit in. In reality, we are watching the action from the other side of the bleachers.

New Home

A move, A new address, a new place to call home.  After learning Del Rio would be our next destination I felt a marching song most appropriate - to be honest when I heard Philip's song I cried like a baby and was convinced he wrote it for me. One day it will all be clear and I have no choice but to make this place my home. A new adventure awaits...

Spring

I love Spring! Every year it takes my breath away. Ohio's rural farm landscape-rolling hills and thick forest come to life! Incredibly Gorgeous! This year I especially loved cruising the 4, stereo on-window down-sun on my face-watching the variety of colors dance by:Pinks, Purples, the best Greens,yellow. This Earth is incredible!!

Another great reason to love spring - Spring Break

Took the weekend to visit Kentucky: Louisville Slugger Museum, Churchhill Downs, Mammoth Cave National Park

Mickey Mantle's Bat

Another great reason to love spring - Easter

Easter celebration is just not the same without immediate family, however I am improving at preparing the Easter feast for my little family. Teaching my children about my Faith and belief in Jesus Christ and His Resurrection is an honor.  

Ketchup (and some mustard)

Weather in Dayton has been seasonably warm, you are looking at the only snow that stayed long enough to play in it.

I strolled past the Primary room at church one Sunday. To be sure my eyes were working correctly I snapped a picture. Uh,Yep, that's a girl putting her arm around my son! And sharing a chair?!...relationship must be moving along quickly.

Took on my first coaching job. Purchased women's regulation basketballs, ran some drills, wore a whistle... we finished the season 1-5. Tried to run a full-court press to decrease our 15 point deficit - was quickly informed I could not, it was un-sportsman-like conduct. My conversation with the scoring table. "OK, so you are telling me I can't try to win." "Yes, that's right." "Oh,so we are just here to smile?" "YES." Go Gummy Bears!

I do a lot of driving around town. While in the car I enjoy reading the many local Church signs. My Favorites so far:

NEED A FAITH LIFT?
(Yes a face,I mean,a faith lift would be nice)


Second Favorite:



Goodbye Binks! Took a page out of sister-in-law Heidi's parenting book. With the help of helium balloon, Binks took flight at Huffman Prairie on cold January day. Jake and I both waved goodbye, I loved Binks as much as he did. The send-off worked wonderfully. My apologies to whomever's yard Mr. Binks landed in. (warning:not environmentally friendly)