Fabulous Army Life

April is the Month of the Military Child and I cannot help but reflect on my own children's tour of duty as Army kids.  They are amazing young men and I could not be more proud of who they are ... and I know that having a dad in the military has shaped much of their life experience. From the very beginning, my boys have had both extraordinary and challenging experiences.  Like all kids, they go through the typical rites of passage ... learning to walk and talk, starting school, losing teeth, making friends, growing up.  Unlike all kids, they must endure some of these events not only without their dad, but while being worried to the core of their little beings that Dad might be in danger.  It's a large burden for young hearts to bear. In their young lives, my boys have ... lived in three different states attended nine different schools spent a total of 36+ months without their dad due to combat deployments been separated from their dad for a total of 6+ month...

Spring has sprung in Vienna, Virginia. I had to post these pictures because 1) the flowers are just breathtaking and the colors are magnificent, and 2) when I was in the front yard taking these pictures, Joshua came outside and said, "Are you going to post these with the title 'Spring Has Sprung?'"

Today is National Sibling Day and I must confess that I have some truly fabulous siblings. I grew up with three sisters and a baby brother and could not be more thankful for their presence in my life. Kristin is my one-and-only full, true blood sibling. Our parents divorced when she was 2 and I was 6 so, of all our siblings, she and I are the ones who spent our entire childhoods together. We fought like crazy all the way through early life, ending only when I left for college. It's funny to look back at it, though, because she is one of my very best friends in the world now. Kristin is an amazing woman, strong, beautiful, and caring. She is loyal and will do absolutely anything for those she loves. She is the most selfless person I know and I admire her so much. She is smart, feisty, fun, and fabulous. Krissa is my step-sister. We met when were still young and, although we are only 6 months apart in age, never experienced that fierce sibling rivalry. Krissa had this ...

My teenager began an adolescent rite of passage today in getting braces on his teeth. We were both so pleased with his orthodontist, Dr. Garai, and his entire staff. All were friendly, professional, and efficient. Each person who dealt with Trey took the time to explain what they were doing and ask if he had any questions. It was a fairly quick process and now he's ready for the next 18+ months of life with braces. His biggest disappointment is not being able to chew gum, but his beautiful straight smile will be worth it in the end.  :) Before Teeth cleaning Preparing for the braces Adding the bands After!

Joshua has a "Science Share" coming up and, in true Joshua-fashion, has already decided on a project, gathered needed materials, and conducted his experiment.  Now he's ready to write it all up and display it on a trifold board (that he asked me to buy a week ago).  He's such an awesome planner and it's amazing to me to watch how he works.  Here is the sneak peek of his project in progress ...