Showing posts with label Children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Children. Show all posts
22 April 2013
03 August 2010
Comfort Zone Camp
These folks are Saints. Watch the video.
If you know of a family that needs help, they should contact CZC... or, if they have questions about what it's like, I'll chat with them.
If you know of a family that needs help, they should contact CZC... or, if they have questions about what it's like, I'll chat with them.
11 March 2010
A Nice Treat
Tonight, completely unexpected, I was released from work super early. I got to tuck my kids into bed. To my first-line supervisor, thank you. The kids, though they don't know it, thank you, too.
Riddle Me This, Army
So, how is this supposed to work?
The Army professes support for families, and how families are vital to the Army's success.
And single parents... well, they're supported, too.
However, here I am working a shift that's opposite my kids' schedules. I don't mind so much, except... I can see the effect in my kids' behavior. M is just going off the rails. I see her for about 15 minutes each morning. That's it. Otherwise, it's schools and sitters.
Very frustrating.
My next schedule will be a "huge" improvement. In May, I switch to working weekends, Sat-Mon, 0700 - 1930. Yep. So, I'll see M at night during the week, and on weekends. Just in time to tuck her in.
HOW DO I GET TO BE THE DAD THEY NEED?!?!?!
Looking for answers... sigh.
The Army professes support for families, and how families are vital to the Army's success.
And single parents... well, they're supported, too.
However, here I am working a shift that's opposite my kids' schedules. I don't mind so much, except... I can see the effect in my kids' behavior. M is just going off the rails. I see her for about 15 minutes each morning. That's it. Otherwise, it's schools and sitters.
Very frustrating.
My next schedule will be a "huge" improvement. In May, I switch to working weekends, Sat-Mon, 0700 - 1930. Yep. So, I'll see M at night during the week, and on weekends. Just in time to tuck her in.
HOW DO I GET TO BE THE DAD THEY NEED?!?!?!
Looking for answers... sigh.
04 July 2009
A Special Moment
Been wallowing a bit, feeling... lost. Adrift.
Anywho, I was detemined to really try to pull together for the holiday, and as part of the effort, we were going to have a family time... Is it the family that was? No, but it is the family that is.
Picked the kids up, and as a surprise, headed off to the local minor league baseball team statium for a baseball game! It was my first pro-game, and T's, too. M's third... which was good, cause this way she at least understood what was going on. While she may not yet grasp the infield fly rule, but then, who does... she does understand the basics of the game. T, on the other hand, was happy with learning that some guys were just trying to hit the ball, catch the ball, and run around the bases.
We had a great time... between ballpark feasting and the music, and their favorites, the mascots... it was fun.
And then (mercifully for some), the game ended.
And it was time to celebrate what M calls "A Special Day". First, the announcer had the music guy play the service songs. For those who don't know, this is a neat tradition. The Army, and I presume all the other branches, have a rule that when your song plays, you stand. And for those who aren't up on all the latest rules, the announcer will usually ask those present to stand whenever their affiliated service song plays.
So, the music starts, and the first song is... (instrumentally) "First to fight..."
HOOAH!
I stand. Cheering. Go Army! Looking down, I have two beaming smiles there. As a later conversation in the car made clear, these two children are all too aware of a) what Daddy does, and that b) it means being apart and c) sacrifices are involved. Yet, they are proud of their Daddy and what Soldiers do. 6 and 4, folks... 6 and 4.
The other services go through... and it's time for fireworks.
There were, predictably, the little babies who are terrified by fireworks, but not these two, they LOVED it. And while the fireworks flew, and we hugged, and oohed, and ahhed... I reflected on past 4ths.
I remember my first 4th with M... sneaking down from AIT to watch fireworks in Duck Ditch with E and her... she loved it then...
A year later, we were apart. I in Deutschland, and they waiting to come over in the States. However, the good news was that the 4th in that year was but a few weeks shy of a wonderful wedding. And the 4th at an overseas base is a unique experience.
The next year, the 4th was also spent apart. This time, I was again at an overseas base, but this time, it was in more hostile territory (hint, see name of blog). E was in Deutschland, and the family was larger. And it was still neat.
Following that came a together Fourth, the last... in Deutschland, too.
I'm kinda hazy on the next one. I really can't recall exactly what we did. I think the kids were with their grandfather, but... as that year totally sucked, much of it has been blocked.
We had a decent Fourth, well, sort of, after that... the fireworks were cool, but there was much tension around... not exactly a happy one.
And now, there was this experience. A restart. Independence from... the past? Hoping for a better future? I don't know, don't want to get too deep. However, sitting there... at a baseball game (of all places), I felt something that had been missing for a few Fourths.
Family.
They're getting so big, and starting to be their own individuals. And while they can be frustrating as kids are wont to do (and adults), I treasure them. They keep me going. And to hold them, and have them hug and lean into me, and ooh and ahh, cheering, as we sang (some knowing the words, others making up sounds as they go along) to the patriotic music, perhaps the best feeling was this:
Progress.
Not a huge step, but the biggest steps are often the smallest.
Happy Fourth, everyone!
Anywho, I was detemined to really try to pull together for the holiday, and as part of the effort, we were going to have a family time... Is it the family that was? No, but it is the family that is.
Picked the kids up, and as a surprise, headed off to the local minor league baseball team statium for a baseball game! It was my first pro-game, and T's, too. M's third... which was good, cause this way she at least understood what was going on. While she may not yet grasp the infield fly rule, but then, who does... she does understand the basics of the game. T, on the other hand, was happy with learning that some guys were just trying to hit the ball, catch the ball, and run around the bases.
We had a great time... between ballpark feasting and the music, and their favorites, the mascots... it was fun.
And then (mercifully for some), the game ended.
And it was time to celebrate what M calls "A Special Day". First, the announcer had the music guy play the service songs. For those who don't know, this is a neat tradition. The Army, and I presume all the other branches, have a rule that when your song plays, you stand. And for those who aren't up on all the latest rules, the announcer will usually ask those present to stand whenever their affiliated service song plays.
So, the music starts, and the first song is... (instrumentally) "First to fight..."
HOOAH!
I stand. Cheering. Go Army! Looking down, I have two beaming smiles there. As a later conversation in the car made clear, these two children are all too aware of a) what Daddy does, and that b) it means being apart and c) sacrifices are involved. Yet, they are proud of their Daddy and what Soldiers do. 6 and 4, folks... 6 and 4.
The other services go through... and it's time for fireworks.
There were, predictably, the little babies who are terrified by fireworks, but not these two, they LOVED it. And while the fireworks flew, and we hugged, and oohed, and ahhed... I reflected on past 4ths.
I remember my first 4th with M... sneaking down from AIT to watch fireworks in Duck Ditch with E and her... she loved it then...
A year later, we were apart. I in Deutschland, and they waiting to come over in the States. However, the good news was that the 4th in that year was but a few weeks shy of a wonderful wedding. And the 4th at an overseas base is a unique experience.
The next year, the 4th was also spent apart. This time, I was again at an overseas base, but this time, it was in more hostile territory (hint, see name of blog). E was in Deutschland, and the family was larger. And it was still neat.
Following that came a together Fourth, the last... in Deutschland, too.
I'm kinda hazy on the next one. I really can't recall exactly what we did. I think the kids were with their grandfather, but... as that year totally sucked, much of it has been blocked.
We had a decent Fourth, well, sort of, after that... the fireworks were cool, but there was much tension around... not exactly a happy one.
And now, there was this experience. A restart. Independence from... the past? Hoping for a better future? I don't know, don't want to get too deep. However, sitting there... at a baseball game (of all places), I felt something that had been missing for a few Fourths.
Family.
They're getting so big, and starting to be their own individuals. And while they can be frustrating as kids are wont to do (and adults), I treasure them. They keep me going. And to hold them, and have them hug and lean into me, and ooh and ahh, cheering, as we sang (some knowing the words, others making up sounds as they go along) to the patriotic music, perhaps the best feeling was this:
Progress.
Not a huge step, but the biggest steps are often the smallest.
Happy Fourth, everyone!
12 June 2008
Kids Say the Darndest... Well, You Know
Recently, M came to me and said, "I have a little secret to tell you!"
Oooh... What's the secret?
"It's a little one..."
What? You're pregnant!
"It's a little secret... In my bedroom!"
Thomas! How'd you let this happen?! I thought I was paying you good money...
"Nobody let it happen... D and I did it!"
ROFLMAO
Oooh... What's the secret?
"It's a little one..."
What? You're pregnant!
"It's a little secret... In my bedroom!"
Thomas! How'd you let this happen?! I thought I was paying you good money...
"Nobody let it happen... D and I did it!"
ROFLMAO
25 May 2008
Scenes from Vacation
Greetings from our vacation in Myrtle Beach!
Sometimes, even a computer addict has to take a moment and check email...
And in today's email were pics from Dad's camera phone he took while on the beach with our kidlets.
In the first pic, D and M are happily digging up the beach.
Here in the second pic, you can see all of them merrily digging and bucketing....
The shadow comes from the Grandpa-sundial taking the pic.
17 February 2008
Children and Fire Alarms
And now, a Public Service Announcement from A Storm in Afghanistan.
And just for starters... Click here for a Voice Alarm.
And just for starters... Click here for a Voice Alarm.
23 January 2008
18 November 2007
A Special Day
Today is a very special day.
Five years ago, I was in India. Running up what had to be one of the most expensive phone bills I've ever had. 8,887! miles away, my daughter was coming into the world.
Delivered by caesarean, she was a beauty. Let's take a peek back, shall we?
(She's still inside - so comfy)
(She's just been hatched!)
(Being born is hard work!)
(Very happy Mommy...)
I finally got to meet my little girl about two months later.
This is my very first look upon her... E had a friend be ready with the camera when she walked in. I don't think I've ever been more excited or nervous to meet someone.
E called this picture "So, this is Daddy!"
Five years. She's such a joy in my life.
I remember her first birthday - I was able to sneak down on a quick pass from Army training.
First cake - can't you tell?
Life is good...
Life is VERY good
Grandpa
Marmee
Second birthday, we shared in Germany (girl gets around, doesn't she?)... The family had just arrived a month earlier...
Third birthday. Sigh. M's third birthday will always be linked... to... Cancer. E received her diagnosis on 18 November 2005. And M STILL had a party that day. To this day, I am in awe of E's strength.
M's birthday in 2006 was a tad bit truncated as the house was being packed and we were in full swing for our evacuation to the States.
And now, it's 2007. Five years old. A whole handful of fingers!
M has grown so much. She's extremely intelligent. E and I were often struck with wonder, pride, and just a tad bit of consternation, as we watched her devilish self learn how to hide sweets. And her first Easter, sorting the candy by type and color. Watching her learn and develop. She still speaks two languages, remembering her German well.
I could write pages, I'm sure... but I reflect on how much this little girl has endured, and the strength that oozes from her. She seems wise beyond her years. So grown up... And more to come!
Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!
(Also, happy birthday to Josie and Charlie!)
Five years ago, I was in India. Running up what had to be one of the most expensive phone bills I've ever had. 8,887! miles away, my daughter was coming into the world.
Delivered by caesarean, she was a beauty. Let's take a peek back, shall we?
(She's still inside - so comfy)
(She's just been hatched!)
(Being born is hard work!)
(Very happy Mommy...)
I finally got to meet my little girl about two months later.
This is my very first look upon her... E had a friend be ready with the camera when she walked in. I don't think I've ever been more excited or nervous to meet someone.
E called this picture "So, this is Daddy!"
Five years. She's such a joy in my life.
I remember her first birthday - I was able to sneak down on a quick pass from Army training.
First cake - can't you tell?
Life is good...
Life is VERY good
Grandpa
Marmee
Second birthday, we shared in Germany (girl gets around, doesn't she?)... The family had just arrived a month earlier...
Third birthday. Sigh. M's third birthday will always be linked... to... Cancer. E received her diagnosis on 18 November 2005. And M STILL had a party that day. To this day, I am in awe of E's strength.
M's birthday in 2006 was a tad bit truncated as the house was being packed and we were in full swing for our evacuation to the States.
And now, it's 2007. Five years old. A whole handful of fingers!
M has grown so much. She's extremely intelligent. E and I were often struck with wonder, pride, and just a tad bit of consternation, as we watched her devilish self learn how to hide sweets. And her first Easter, sorting the candy by type and color. Watching her learn and develop. She still speaks two languages, remembering her German well.
I could write pages, I'm sure... but I reflect on how much this little girl has endured, and the strength that oozes from her. She seems wise beyond her years. So grown up... And more to come!
Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!
(Also, happy birthday to Josie and Charlie!)
09 November 2007
Can Never Have Too Many Children Pictures
We're going to make a Jack-O-Lantern
Reading is FUN! (And so are cool shoes)
Reading is FUN! (And so are cool shoes)
31 October 2007
2007 Trick or Treating!
M is a butterfly and T is a roaring tiger... Was a little slow getting into it, but started catching onto the concept - say "Trick or Treat" and people give you candy! What a cool system...
T would roar and say "Rick or Reat"... M was very polite and wish everyone a "Happy Halloween" and say "Thank you"... Wonderful lil' darlings...
29 October 2007
Prostitots
Mike Straka, one of my favorite columnists over on FOXNews has another good column out about how we prostitot our girls.
I, for one, have been very selective about the Halloween costumes. Even for M's age, the costumes available were atrocious.
I've written about this before...
Such a shame.
I, for one, have been very selective about the Halloween costumes. Even for M's age, the costumes available were atrocious.
I've written about this before...
Such a shame.
18 October 2007
Future Construction Workers
Look at what the kidlets got to do... You can see M (blue shirt) and T having an absolute blast...
They're not just sitting in the machine, you may be able to notice their hands are on the controls, working the machines. As T would like to say, "Tonkas are for little babies!"
No word on if they've joined the union or not, but the smiles on the faces... priceless.
They're not just sitting in the machine, you may be able to notice their hands are on the controls, working the machines. As T would like to say, "Tonkas are for little babies!"
No word on if they've joined the union or not, but the smiles on the faces... priceless.
16 October 2007
A New Grandmother
One of my close(st) friends has newly become a grandmother. First in my generation or age group.
A whole new feeling.
And look at these pictures! Wow, such a beautiful, new life.
Welcome, Kelsi. May Life be a wonderful joy to you.
And for those who are curious, 5 lbs 8 oz... Very happy.
08 April 2007
Easter Outfits
It's Easter, and that means... Easter Outfits!
Getting both of them to smile at the same time was nigh impossible. (What you don't see are the nearly 30 pictures as I just kept taking pictures, rapid-fire, like a fashion model shoot.)
Please note how adorable they are... and Scanner. He decided not to dress up today.
Getting both of them to smile at the same time was nigh impossible. (What you don't see are the nearly 30 pictures as I just kept taking pictures, rapid-fire, like a fashion model shoot.)
Please note how adorable they are... and Scanner. He decided not to dress up today.
07 April 2007
Thank Goodness the Easter Bunny Has Fur!
It snowed today. 07 April. Tomorrow is Easter. (I can't resist - Beware! Global Warming! Global Warming!)
Ok, seriously... it was a winter wonderland upon awakening. We had planned on an early morning Easter Egg hut, but I felt sure that those were called off.
So, what does one do when you have little kids and there's suprise snow outside?
You go play!
There wasn't a tremendous amount of snow... maybe 1-2", but when your hands are small, it's plenty.
T, M, and I had a great time tossing the snow around. T really enjoyed stomping it flat. He absolutely delighted in it. Big smile. And M was positively squealing in pleasure. (Yes, the grass is starting to show... snow started to melt quickly.)
And, if you have snow, you MUST have a snowman. So, here we go!
Ok, seriously... it was a winter wonderland upon awakening. We had planned on an early morning Easter Egg hut, but I felt sure that those were called off.
So, what does one do when you have little kids and there's suprise snow outside?
You go play!
There wasn't a tremendous amount of snow... maybe 1-2", but when your hands are small, it's plenty.
T, M, and I had a great time tossing the snow around. T really enjoyed stomping it flat. He absolutely delighted in it. Big smile. And M was positively squealing in pleasure. (Yes, the grass is starting to show... snow started to melt quickly.)
And, if you have snow, you MUST have a snowman. So, here we go!
30 March 2007
The Military Child
I first saw this over on WizBang Blog, and I would like to share this with all of you.
I CAN imagine what this would have been like. I believe that most any of us who've been over there have dreamed of our reunions, and what they'll be like.
This isn't a bad way to do it.
(Highly recommend a tissue...)
The son's sobs tear at me... wow.
While I'm at it, April is the Month of the Military Child. Of all the sacrifices that our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coasties, and yes, even Marines make, they pale in comparison to the sacrifices of those left behind. And our children make sacrifices they don't even know they're making at the time. Likely, the effects of those sacrifices will shape them and resound throughout their lifetimes.
I CAN imagine what this would have been like. I believe that most any of us who've been over there have dreamed of our reunions, and what they'll be like.
This isn't a bad way to do it.
(Highly recommend a tissue...)
The son's sobs tear at me... wow.
While I'm at it, April is the Month of the Military Child. Of all the sacrifices that our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coasties, and yes, even Marines make, they pale in comparison to the sacrifices of those left behind. And our children make sacrifices they don't even know they're making at the time. Likely, the effects of those sacrifices will shape them and resound throughout their lifetimes.
16 January 2007
The Children Say Goodbye
I have some pictures of when T and M said their good-byes to Mommy.
There's not a whole lot to add to the pictures, but one thing.
Children grasp more than we ever give them credit for.
There's not a whole lot to add to the pictures, but one thing.
T isn't really talking yet. He is a little behind the curve to begin with since he started the first few months of his life deaf. Factor in the humongous stress the family has been through, and it is understandable.
That said, you'll see in the bottom picture, where my Dad is holding him up... Dad is starting to lose it. The reason is: When T leaned in... he kissed E and then waved to her and said, "Bye-bye".
It brought tears to all of our eyes... so sweet... I don't think I'll ever forget T saying good-bye like that.
Children grasp more than we ever give them credit for.
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