Fabulous Army Life

Every year, Mountain View Elementary School hosts a Fall Carnival on a Friday in October after school. It's always a lot of fun and the kids really look forward to going. There were some new fun things this year and we all had a great time. We really love this school! Welcome to the Fall Friend-zy at Mountain View! I don't normally cheer against my kids, but "Look, Mom!  You can win a LIVE fish!" certainly made it tempting.  =)  I know the fish all went home with loving families, I just was not in the market for another pet. Trey getting spray glittered. Trey with red and orange glitter hair. Our school principal, Mrs. Varljen, braves the dunking booth. There were lots of totally fun, original games to play. Joshua picked out a handmade Angry Birds hat at the Craft Vendor booths. Joshua is read to chuck a chicken! The Chuck a Chicken game made me laugh.  So cute! Joshua at Buggin' Out I love that the school PE coaches teach ton...

Our battalion hosted a Trunk or Treat this year, and even though Mother Nature fought against us, we still had a really great time.  We moved the events from the open area of the Motor Pool into one of the bay areas and it worked out well.  A group of FABULOUS volunteers helped turn the area into a spook-tacular party place.  It became a little chillier as the night went on, but was comfortably cool most of the event.  Lots of fun activities, candy from the FRGs, and a yummy chili dog dinner made for a really fun night.  I am so thankful for this amazing group of people and so happy to be on this deployment ride with such a supportive bunch.  Red Dragons! Haunted HMMWV Write a letter to your Soldier hero! And add a "Hurry Home, Red Dragon Soldier!" sticker! Letters to Heroes Make a foam photo frame. Princess at the Photo Frames Decorate a pumpkin, too! Me with Zach-enstein, a friend and unit sponsor. Trey with his Witch Hat cooki...

Elena, Debbie, and me after a grueling session organizing the FRG Closet. I know there is a lot of debate about the Family Readiness Support Assistants in the Army.  For a fairly new program, it certainly has sparked strong emotions on both sides.  Some feel that they are the best things since cannons and we could never live without them ... others feel they are a red-tape nightmare, full of drama and lists of "things I cannot do for you." For me, I have seen some of the best and worst of FRSA traits and believe that each unit should be responsible for integrating their FRSA into their Family programs in the way that makes the most sense for them.  Clearly, that does not always happen, but when it does, it is a beautiful thing. Our unit currently has an absolutely fantastic FRSA.  She is professional, efficient, friendly, and committed to the Soldiers and Families of our battalion.  Because she has been so beneficial in our Family program, I honestly cann...

We had a great Town Hall meeting tonight with the battalion commander, battalion CSM, and all battery commanders and 1SGs, plus a few staff members, who gave us an updated on what is happening in Iraq and answered all of our questions. Kids made "You are my HERO" letters, decorated a banner, and participated in some other fun crafts with our fabulous volunteers while grown-ups listened to the updates on the big screen. Red Dragon Families! Fabulous Volunteers working with Red Dragon kids. "I'm proud to be a military kid!" Kids decorated "You are me HERO" letters for their Soldiers. Fun crafts for kids. Working on a banner for the Soldiers. Attendees take advantage of a break in connection with Iraq to check their emails and texts.  =) We had a couple of 'breaks' when the connection broke with our Soldiers in Iraq, but they were short and few.