Taylor in Iraq

Taylor arrived in Iraq last week. He sent us some pictures.

This is him on the flight over from Kuwait to Iraq.

This is him after the flight to Iraq. He said they were beat and I think the picture proves it.

Some of his squad

Taylor under the crossed swords.

I talked to him today at 4;30 pm and it was 1:30 am over there. They had just gotten done with some training and he had hopped on the computer to chat with Ellie. I am grateful for technology and being able to chat with my brother over the computer at any time.

No more Monkeys jumping on the bed.

Remember these bunkbeds Chris made for the boys? Love them I really do but hate making them. On Monday I pullled all the bedding off to wash and was in the process of making the top bunk and was standing on the lower one and usually I just slide off onto the bench that we have under the bed now but this time I thought I wonder if I could jump off like I did when I was younger. I remember doing that all the time and nothing bad ever happened. I had a pile of blankets on the floor and I thought I could just jump on them. I stood up and jumped and DID NOT land on the pile of blankets (didn't even come close but they did make a nice pillow for my head ) SO not a good idea. I thought my body was younger than it actually is. As soon as I hit the floor I knew I was done for. Holy Hanna I wish I could hit the rewind button. This is the result of thinking I was young again.

Really no fun at all. A very very bad sprained knee and in this lovely thing until I can walk again. I have the privilege of learning how to use crutches which I hate like no other and I also have had to learn patience and to rely more on my family to help out. They have been wonderful to help me with EVERYTHING. We have wonderful friends and family who have brought us yummy meals and helped with getting the younger kids to school. Chris says maybe this was a good thing to happen so that I would slow down but I am finding ways to get around and hopefully I will be back in the swing of things soon. So for all those who are wondering what it would be like to jump off a bunk bed DON'T DO IT. Course as I tell people I think I am they only one who had this crazy thought.

Happy Birthday Jaxton

Happy Birthday Jaxton. 14 Years Old. We sure love you and are so glad you are part of our family.

Back to School

Back to school already. Where did the Summer go???? I will miss the summer days but I am ready to get back in a routine.

Ryker 10th Grade. Yikes in 2 months he will be Driving and Dating

Jaxton is in 8th grade and turns 14 on weds.
Kaige is in 7th grade

So I have a high schooler, a middle schooler, one in the intermediate school and 2 elementary

Slatin is in 4th grade and has Mrs. Cook

Emerson is in 3rd grade and has Mrs. Jaggi. She has taught all my boys so of course Em had to have her. She is one of our favorite teachers. We love her. Emerson got her hair cut the other day from Aunt Becky.

Made these for Emerson and Slatin's teachers and the wonderful office staff. They were a pain but so cute in the end. They were so excited to take them.

Taylor

Taylor was in Kuwait for about a week and a half and he arrived in Iraq yesterday evening. He sent us some pictures from Kuwait. He said the heat was awful. It would get up to 130 and in the evenings it would cool down to the 100's .

Thank you soliders for your sacrifices..

Hanging with cousins

Kendra came and stayed for a couple of days and the cousins got to hang out and have fun. One day we took them to the Hurricane Splash pad. Sisters got to visit and cousins got to play. What more could you ask for.

We also went to the Washington Rec center which I didn't get pictures because before that we did some shopping and after taking 6 boys (my 4 and 2 friends) shopping I was ready to pull my hair out. And it wasn't even major shopping. NEVER AGAIN. I think it was the car ride and the game they were playing that drove me nuts. Lots of hitting and screaming and one frazzled mom in the front. But once I let them loose at the rec center and I had my laffy taffy all was good. I love hanging with my sisters, just wish Summer could have been there.

Kitchen Chairs

I painted my plain light brown chairs and I love them. I am undecided if I want to paint the bench or not. But I love the chairs. I also repainted my black shutters blue. I am going to repaint my black corner hutch red to match one of the chairs and then on to the walls. I have to work myself up to the walls. Not quite ready to tackle that yet.