Halloween!

I think this is the first family portrait we have had, isn't it perfect!

Downtown Augusta

The Metro Coffee House in Augusta features a local artist by the name of Eryn Eubanks, she is 18 and comes out every Saturday to perform bluegrass, gospel, mountain, folk, Celtic and Apollon music. We were lucky enough that her father gave us a little demo cd. The coffee house was perfect, the cafe had couches and chairs for everyone and we topped the performance off with a Chai!
More about Eryn Eubanks

Today was an all out banner day for the Augusta area. I have been down these streets a dozen times but I had never gone into this Book Tavern. The store itself is not large, 3 rows of books - 3 deep, VERY small, but the book selection they had featured as you walked in nearly caused me to gasp! The titles and authors were of a few select that not everyone would read, or should, I was thoroughly impressed! After getting my footing I stumbled to the back of the store, I needed to know what and whom selected those books. To my great luck, I was speaking to man himself; a native Californian transplanted to Georgia, for what reasons....I do not want to know. After speaking to him I was also delighted to find out that it was also his art displayed in the storefront window. I think I had fallen into a little bit of heaven. I was so inspired that I picked up a book. I have to give some history to the significance of this; I haven't picked up a book to read for pleasure in months, it has been so long that I can't remember the last book I read... so sad.

Usually I am handed a book to read, but books are like a specialty cuisine...there is a taste in your mouth and only you know what will satisfy the craving, you cant just walk around saying you have a craving and expect someone else to fill your craving...to me books are the same way, perhaps that is why I am so unsuccessful at book clubs. All this unusual luck has inspired me to pick up a new book. Soul Mountain.

Lunch at Nacho Mamma's. I wish there was a better website. This is the one place that our entire family loves! The art featured inside is by the local artists, gives the place a warm feeling.

On the phone with Grandpa E.

Peek-a-boo!

This little man is our charming house guest and his name is Oliver. Oliver is 4 months old and is a wonderful baby, very happy. Meredith and Oliver came to visit us last Sunday and we have been loving every minute of the visit!

James Brown @ The Soul Bar

Jolly Ollie!

Meredith and Oliver arrived Sunday, since they have been here I have come to the conclusion that Meredith is a very nurturing mother, 6hrs sleep is beautiful, typing with 2 hands is easier than with one and when the going gets tough...I can always hand them back to the rightful owner. Oliver is one of the happiest babies I have ever met. The picture of Oliver laughing is not an uncommon sight, very pleasant baby. I wish I had a picture of Peter (rightful owner) so everyone could see the resemblance, its pretty amazing to see so much of one person in a little person.

Fort Discovery ~ Friday

Fifth and Sixth grade


The fifth and sixth grade took a field trip to Fort Discovery, what made this trip VERY special was that it was an overnighter! Kid translation... PaRtY!

Pumpkin Patch ~Thursday

The "Special" one...

Roasting Marshmellows...

what is a trip to the patch without the hayride?

Fort GordonFire Department~ Wednesday

Daycare Fire Department Field Trip

Howie, Sophia and Akelah

Bluetooth epidemic!

I was at the gym tonight when I spotted not one but at least 2 people randomly talking to what appeared to be no one. The word "crazy" went through my mind but it quickly changed to pity for the person they were talking to. Imagine talking to someone who was (assuming their heart rate is above resting) exercising? Can the other person even make out what is being said? Will the person wearing the tooth suffer from electrical shock if they begin to sweat? (again, assuming their heart rate is above resting) . There is a reason they didn't come up with this invention earlier, I honestly think that if whatever your doing requires both hands; chances are you shouldn't be on the phone. I will use all my will to refuse the seduction of the tooth! (blue or pink...do they come in beige to match my shirt?)
Resist the Epidemic

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Chris called last night and it was another game of Hot Potato with the phone, everyone had a chance to talk to him and everything seems to be going well.

Meredith and Oliver are flying in this Sunday and I can't wait!

Military lifestyle creates unique friendships, to say the least! Typical introductions usually consist of questions like; "how long have you been here?", "how much longer do you think you will be here?","Is your husband deployed?", "Is your husband deploying soon?" All friendships that you make in the military have a point where someone will have to say goodbye. I will say that goodbyes have become much easier, some more than others;>
Without the luxury of family close by, sometimes all you have are acquaintances. There is no greater gift than seeing an old friend ...my breath of fresh air, my home. When I see Meredith, nothing has changed but a couple of pounds and a few grey hairs. I'm not going to mention what impeccable timing she has! The last time she was able to visit was while Chris was in Iraq. How does she do this? I think she has magical powers.

Octoberfest!

This weekend was Ft. Gordon's annual Octoberfest! (when you link to this page, scroll down to see Sophia)

Haley, Isabelle, Sophia and I decided to investigate the American version of Oktoberfest.

Upon arrival, we headed straight for the food booths. Haley and Isabelle each had a bockwurst plate (sides of sauerkraut and potato salad), Sophia had the bockwurst on a roll and I had the Doner. I left the girls at the table to eat while I went to get sodas, when I came back I had 3 sour faces staring at me with both plates half full, and from that moment on every sentence started with, "but in Germany they do it this way...." Needless to say, we miss our Germany.

...later that day...

Oktoberfest was hosting musical chairs for the kids. One game consisted of about 15 four year olds and 4 winners, Sophia was one of them! Winning this round of "musical chairs" lead to one minute in the money machine! I can't explain the excitement that was pulsing through her 4 year old veins. Haley and Isabelle we busily doing their big sister jobs and schooling Sophia on how to get the most money possible; tuck in your shirt, stuff it down your pants, stuff in your shirt, grab the red bill -it's worth 10$. When the minute was over Sophia walked away with her well earned 1$!

The weather here is starting to cool allowing the kids to play with a bit more comfort, it was a mere 75.

Honor Roll

Haley and Isabelle made the A-Honor Roll. Congratulations to ladies for all their hard work!

Haley for President!

Please welcome the new Student Body President to Freedom Park, Haley!

WOW, have I got some news to share with everyone, I'll start with Sunday...

Prior to leaving for Alabama, Chris was vigilant in taking care of himself, keeping a healthy distance to anyone who had the slightest symptoms of illness, taking his daily vitamins, and exercise. This man was in excellent condition. What would a perfect situation be for storytelling if something did't happen? The day after he arrived, he slipped on a rock and sprained his ankle (see picture). He says his ankle has been fine, a little sore but nothing worth getting sent home for. While he was telling me about it, he had a slight giggle... I think we both know why, I'll call it, "Chris luck".

I do have some news that everyone has been anticipating for the last couple of months, "where in the world are we going next?" I had thought of every situation and was prepared for anything, or so I thought. As Chris put it, we are going to "the other side". I had no idea what to think, nor was I prepared for what he had to tell me. "We are going to Korea", he says with excitement. I was turned upside down and all I could think, "could they have sent us to a place farther from home?"An entire world away, driving distance to family is not an option. Tears were welling in my eyes, my body was fighting my need to weep. I had to be supportive, not ruin the 5 minutes I had on the phone with my husband in 2 weeks. I was not ready to leave to leave the US. The call ended and I was devastated.
We have 2 options, 2 years in Korea as a family or he goes alone for 1 year.
When we finish this tour in Korea (11 years in the military) we will have been stateside for a total of 2 years max. This news left me with rocks sized boulders in my stomach, I sulked for the night.
I had to prepare to tell the kids that we were heading overseas again. I envisioned tears and "WHY US?"(as I had been doing all night in my lonely pity party).
The morning came and it was time to tell them the news. I sat on the couch nursing my coffee, both hands cupping my mug, running all the explanations through my head, preparing myself for the drama and the tears. "Girls, daddy called and told me where we would be moving next", groggy eyed, all 3 girls stopped in mid-morning rush, they leaned forward as if I was going to whisper and they would miss what I was going to say,"We are going to Korea". What I heard next was a stadium like cheer! They were so excited and I sat offended. How could they be so excited about taking on such a daunting adventure and so far from family?
The immediate comments are as follows; Haley, "yeah, cheap Korean food"... Isabelle (the girls of few words had the most to say) "oh cool, I have been doing some reading about Korea and I think they have Panda Bears". Not wanting to diffuse their excitement I wipe away my straggling tear and joined their excitement. "Ok, crazy ladies...finish getting ready!" I sat there stunned, my mind was reeling, how could they possibly be happy about this?
...Later that day after much thought...
How could I wish anything else less than excitement from these kids? As parents, we have embraced every move as an opportunity, knowledge and adventure! I was very proud of these kids. They took news that could easily be seen as devastating and saw it as a lifetime opportunity. Is there any other way to live in the military?