G.I. Joe

Yep. That's my husband. How is it he gets about 40x more attractive in uniform? I mean, I'm lucky enough to be married to a ruggedly handsome and strong silent type anyway... but then you put him in uniform and wow!

 

*sigh* Can anyone blame me now for wanting to follow this man all over God's green earth??
No? Didn't think so.

How about this?
God bless America!
That's all I have to say about that.
That and sorry for the guy in front who's getting in the way... and the creepy guy in the back.

This man right here needs to hurry up and come home! I have a need to make him some cookies and brownies.

Around the House

On the nice weather days the boys and I have been doing a big of work outside the house. Our space here is quite a bit smaller than the house we had in Illinois. Some days it's hard to be grateful for the space we do have. Right after we've finished some sort of project around here, though, my view of the whole place changes. Here's what I finished about a week ago:

All I did was add some stepping stones down the middle of the rocks so I don't try to break my ankle every time I walk to get the hose. It was my dads idea and I love it. Also means I can get the hose barefoot. Double bonus!
Oh the boys helped me spread some fresh mulch and pull some weeds too. So... if you see mulch in the rocks and weeds that need to be pulled I'm blaming it on them!

Before Phil left we bought a few more clay pots and they were all just full of dirt last he saw them. Well now they're adorable! That's my little baby Basil. Isn't it adorable??

Can an herb be adorable?? I don't know. If they could, this one would win.
Now I want pizza. Something about the time we spent in Italy. Every time I see fresh basil leaves I want pizza. Not the American greasy oily stuff. The delicious straight-out-of-a-brick-oven stuff.
I miss Italy.

Anyways, back to dealing with the 3 year old who no longer believes that naps exist. Maybe I'll go sniff my lavender first. That should help, right??

A Picture from the Sandbox

We got this picture from Phil just the other day in an email. Isn't modern technology wonderful?!

Boy do I ever miss this man!

A Park Playdate

Believe it or not we actually know one or two people who are already homeschoolers. Yesterday we met up with one of the families that live closeby for a playdate.

 I love talking with Cheryl. She just started homeschooling last year and already has so much wisdom under her belt.

She's still figuring it out as they go, but it's exciting to have someone to throw around ideas with. The kids had a blast playing and getting slurpees.

It was so warm yesterday we all came back to our house and ran through the sprinkler for a few minutes. It was perfect!

Then last night the clouds rolled in and it's looks like we might be in for several days of clouds and rain. Glad we got out and had fun while the sun was still around!

Getting a Head Start

We decided a long while ago not to worry about putting the boys in preschool. We do our best to get them in social situations with other kids and I teach them the rest of what they will need to know from home.

This year we took that decision a bit further and have decided to keep Joshua home from school next year and begin homeschooling. We're not doing this because we're religious nuts or because what his school is doing is so bad. Joshua is just way ahead for his grade and isn't being challenged in a way we would like at school. He can't be tested for the gifted program offered by our district until after 1st grade which is another entire school year away. So, we're going to join the ranks of the weird ones and be homeschoolers.
We've picked up some textbooks and supplies. We're just about ready.

Spoiled

Arthur has finally found the place he belongs in our family. The boys have been working for days to get Arthur to lay on Jeremiah's bed. Yesterday at nap he stayed in there while they slept. Now today he thinks he owns the place and hops up there without invitation. This, of course, thrills the boys!

Joshua even took his "nap" in Jeremiah's toddler bed this afternoon so he could sleep with Arthur (there no actual napping taking place, but I got a bit of a break at least). This was only after I assured him our short legged little dog could not make it up there to sleep in his bed. I'm pretty sure this can't last much longer. Jeremiah is only going to keep getting bigger and there's really no more room on the bed!

Introducing Stanley

Before Phil left he had a genius idea to stay connected with the boys while he's gone. We made a Flat Stanley. Usually this would be something introduced later on in elementary school but it works so we're using it. We made Stanley in an outfit that will help him fit in over there. We took a picture with him and the boys before he left with Daddy. Jeremiah wanted his cars in the pictures. I don't understand but complied. Stanley left with Daddy last Saturday and this morning we were able to get some pictures of the places Stanley has been in the last week.

He spent a lot of time on a plane with Daddy's friends.

He took a break on the bed Daddy had for a few days at a place they stayed at. Drink lots of water, Stanley!

He must have been really anxious to get going... he was waiting on the door!

Finally Stanley arrived at his destination! A relatively comfortable cot in a tent.

At least he's got a little A/C and a comfy place to sleep. I wonder what Stanley might do next...