A day in the life...

I received a really cool letter from Ry that he wrote on Jacob's birthday. He talked a bit about a platoon competition which they had on an obstacle course. They had to weave through a maze, jump over a ditch, climb a rope, scale a wall, monkey bars, go under a bar then over a bar, low crawl and lastly crab walk. His platoon won (yay!). He explained that in order to win, everyone one had to finish. For this accomplishment, they were catered (in the woods) a hot breakfast (very nice since it was only 15 degrees outside!) consisting of grits, eggs, turkey bacon and bread (sounds great except for the grits!). After breakfast they went to something called a confidence course/tower. Every event in this was over 45ft in the air (!!!! so much for his fear of heights!!! LOL). He really enjoyed doing all this. For lunch, they had MRE's which he thought was not too bad. He even went as far as to say: "I think our entire food storage should be MREs!" Hmmm....we'll see what he says about that after a few months on that stuff!
On Jacob's birthday they had a short march and then a team challenge. They were supposed to figure out how to negotiate a course as a team. As he so quaintly puts it: "It didn't go too well. There are too many kids who think they know everything who don't want to listen to anyone about anything. WHATEVER. I just sat in the back and chuckled to myself." Well, maybe a few more weeks and these "kids" will begin to grow up a bit? He says that his group gets smoked/scuffed more than anyone else in his company. He explains that half of the reason is because the kids won't do what they are supposed to do...the other half is because his three drill sergeants just love P.T. and think that they should do it all the time. LOL. Well, let's look on the bright side....Ryan will be in the best shape he's been in in over a decade! ;)
It's very cold over there and extremely rainy--"IT has been extremely cold and rained more since we have been here than it did all of last year! I am sick, but refuse to go to sick call. I don't want to miss anything."
He's always had a problem with calling in sick--but here I think it's a good thing that he's sticking it out.
Again, the last thing in his letter was a request for letters whenever we can send them. Again, thank you to those of you who are writing to him. It's much appreciated.

Letters please!

I finally received what I call a "real" letter from Ryan. Meaning, it was more than 1 page and it went beyond "hi, i love you, bye". It was more like, 5 pages with descriptions of life for him and what his platoon and drill sergeants are like. :) Guess which one I love the best? ;)

He's doing well. His platoon is one of 4 right now and his drill sergeants informed them first day that his company will do 3x the amount of the other 3 platoons combined. :O! He did between 300-500 push ups during the first HALF day there. Ouch. Since then, he says that it has only gotten tougher--but he's grateful cause it will help in the long run with Officer Candidacy School. On a positive note, they had a PT test already and he was one of the very few that passed! :) He's also getting used to the 2 minute meals and 1 minute showers (!!!!).

Overall, it sounds like he's doing well and getting into the swing of things. He's been given a few nicknames already: The Professor and Mr. Brady are probably the kinder of all of them (he didn't mention the other ones). He's not sure about why he's named the professor (glasses and being "an old man"?). Mr. Brady cause he has "so many kids". LOL.

In his letter, he has made one request: letters.

"Tell me all about everything and everyone. I miss my whole family (Mom, Dad, Meg, Tiff, Randy, Rob...everyone!) Please give as much detail about everyone as possible. Every day stories would be great to hear and motivate me. Please encourage people to write. I need some connection with the outside world. DON'T SEND ANY FOOD!!!!!!!"

Ok people, he needs our support and here's a way to give it! Letters would be greatly appreciated. If you have lost his address or need it, either give me a call or email me!. Thanks everyone!

Sleep

So the other day I was playing the wii...Marcus was down for a nap and Evelyn was playing with her princess barbies in my room. After a while I noticed that it was very quiet in the house--too quiet. I went in search for Evelyn. Didn't see her in her room or mine so I decided to check Marcus's room (while trying not to feel upset that she would go in there while he's asleep). Not there. I quickly checked the bathrooms while trying to remain calm...but at this point I'm very nervous. She wasn't there either. Ok, breathe, I told myself, remain calm. She's around here somewhere. I checked all the closets and then ran outside (fear hit me at this point). She wasn't anywhere in the yard. I decided to go and check all the rooms again. She wasn't hidden under my covers and not in hers either....and then I checked the bottom bunk--Julia's bed. There she was:



Apparently she had tucked herself (and all her barbies) into Julia's bed for a nice quiet nap.


And today while everyone is at church and Marcus is taking a nap, I came into the living room (once again the house is a bit too quiet) to see this:





Fast asleep in the middle of the room. I didn't think that my computer chair was that comfy!

Round two...or is it three?

It's the absolute coldest day of the season and I was ready to venture out of the house and get some milk and diapers from the store. No big deal...the kids would probably enjoy the change of scenery. Well, halfway through the shopping Evelyn informs me that she's going to throw up. Oh boy. We started making our way to the bathroom (at this point Jacob is doing the pee pee dance). We get there and Jacob zooms into the family bathroom while I pick up Evelyn out of the cart. It's in the process of lifting her out that I hear that lovely little cough/gag come from her. She then promptly threw up all over herself, me, and all the groceries. And the kicker? I couldn't go anywhere to find help cause Jacob was in the bathroom. Julia went to the toy section (right there by the bathrooms) and told the worker that her sister threw up all over the floor (yeah, it was there too).

*sigh*

There went the shopping. I actually did end up still getting a couple things (I really did need milk and diapers) and then we headed home so that I could promptly wash all of our coats and the sweater I had been wearing. Blech! While I was putting the load in the wash, Evelyn then threw up on Jacob's train rug. I'm so grateful for the carpet cleaning doodad I have! It took a while to track down some priesthood holders for a blessing but we managed it in the end. Hopefully Evelyn has this flu bug out of her system.

Two letters

It's been an exciting two days--yesterday flowers and a phone call and today I received two letters from Ryan. Apparently he wrote two days into reception and then again on Sunday.

In his first (and very short) letter, he just sounded exhausted and tired. They kept him up for 42 hours straight (4:30am to 10:30pm the following day). Ouch. He was "scary tired". It's harder than he thought, but thoughts of home and family help bolster him. He also sings hymns in his head ("I think of you and our wonderful family and sing a hymn to help get by. I still feel the presence of the spirit helping me to get through"). In his second (and equally short) letter he said that he was able to attend church on Sunday (they had "sacrament meeting and a gospel principle type class") where about 50 people attended. It was the "spiritual recharge" that he was in need of. It's hard to be around "the kids" (as he calls them) with their language (or lack thereof--he doesn't think they have a large vocabulary) and stories--but again, the hymns in the head and thoughts of family are strengths for him. And being able to attend church was very rejuvenating.

Lastly, he misses everyone and loves everyone. He will send an address as soon as he knows what his is. We are in his thoughts and prayers every day.

*sigh*

Isn't he wonderful? I can't even imagine being in his situation (nor would I ever want to be!). But so far he is remaining strong and close to the spirit. Prayers on his behalf would be greatly appreciated (especially since he will be receiving his shots on Monday...and we all know how well he does with needles LOL). And thank you to all of you who are already doing that.

HE CALLED!!!!!

Yes people, he called this evening right after Dad and James finished giving Marcus a blessing. I could barely hear him cause of all the background noise (on his end) and he barely had any voice left from his first week. I jokingly asked him if he's having fun yet.

"Well, fun isn't exactly the description that comes to mind first" he replied with a laugh.

He then asked me if I've received any of his letters (there's an S on the end of that!). I told him I haven't but that I did receive flowers from him today. *sigh* I love getting flowers from him (it even had his handwriting on the card!). I asked him for his address but apparently he doesn't have one and won't til the end of the week. :(

Not much else was said--he only had a minute (literally). He says he loves everyone and will give us his address when he gets it.

I must say, it was so exciting--I've been jumping every time the phone goes off (with the ringtone set for just anybody), hoping that it's him. Each time I check the number of the caller hoping for an area code which I don't recognize. It happened tonight and oh! I know it was short, but it couldn't have been more comforting. And Dad was right there to hear me speak to him. I didn't hand over the phone (there really wasn't time, he didn't even get to speak to the kids) but Dad's face shone with happiness. I'm glad that he was there.

So to sum it up, he loves us, he misses us, he's surviving, and boy he sounded good! A bit hoarse, yes, but good. That'll sustain me for quite a while. :)

Where's the baby?

Ok, think Ice Age (the movie) and the part where Diego is trying to calm the baby down by playing peek-a-boo only he's saying "where's the baby?". Well, that movie came out about the time that Jacob was born (I think) and we always said that to him instead of "peek-a-boo!". We continued the phrase with both Evelyn and Marcus. Marcus loves to play the game--especially at the dinner table since he has realized that he's going to have his daddy's long arms and he can reach things (like the curtains!).

Dynamic Duo

I found out today that we have TWO student of the month kiddos in our family! This is very exciting for both of them. It's an honor and a privilege which they've received--and they're quite excited about eating Happy Meals for lunch tomorrow!

Maybe not!

So I went to put Jacob to bed again...again, what is that smell? Hmm, coming from Marcus's crib where Marcus is sleeping....

I've never known a baby/child to sleep through throwing up. Apparently Mr. Marcus does. Here comes another load of laundry, another tub....we've done it again already and all he wants is to go back into his crib so that he can suck his thumb and go back to sleep.

I love this little guy. Even when he's sick he's still an angel.

Silent Sunday

So I did something which I don't ever recall doing before--waiting by the phone and waiting for it to ring. LOL. I was kind of hoping that Ryan would be able to call since he supposedly gets a few minutes of personal time on Sundays but it was a no go. So instead I spent the day with Marcus and Evelyn while Julia and Jacob attended church. Marcus decided to nicely induct me into single parenthood Saturday. He went to bed early while the other kiddos stayed up playing the Wii. Well, when it was time to go to bed, I walked Jacob to his bed so that I could tuck him in. The stench in the room about knocked me over--apparently Marcus had thrown up all over himself and then went right back to sleep. GUH-ROSS! Covered head to toe in nasty clumps, I had to wake him up, peel off his clothes, somehow take off the sheets and gather the blankets without getting him out of the crib, scrub the gross blankets and sheets in the sink and then give Mr. Marcus a bath. Oh, and start a quick load of laundry and lysol his crib down.

*sigh*

It hasn't even been a full week yet and life's getting interesting.....Well, at least that was the worst of it though. Marcus didn't have any other symptoms (no runny nose, fever or cough) and he acted perfectly normal yesterday and today.

???

And so it begins.....

Well, the new chapter has begun in our life. Yesterday morning Ryan left to report to Basic Training (the above picture: saying good-bye to Julia that morning). He arrived to Kansas City just fine in the afternoon. Thanks to complimentary phone cards from their hotel, he and the others he's with were able to call home and let loved ones know they got in. Oh it was so good to hear his voice! He said to tell everyone that he misses them but "am excited to begin this new adventure--and don't tell my mom I said that!" LOL. I love this guy so much! He also called this afternoon from the airport in Kansas City. It was around 12:30 and he said that his flight wouldn't leave til 5pm. Hurry up to wait is their motto I guess. He informed me that when they weighed him this morning that he was 226 lbs. Ok people, he hasn't weighed that since our first year of marriage!!!! I'm so proud of him! Just this August he was at a whopping 266! Weight watchers point system and training for the army does wonders for a person. :)
A really cool thing that happened the day before he left: he was able to baptize one of his really good friends (Glenn). He's been waiting to do this for, oh, 3 years now? The baptism was originally set for Wednesday night, but seeing as Ryan was leaving that morning, it was moved to Tuesday. Baptisms are about the person being baptized, not the person doing the baptism, but it was soooo wonderful that he was able to attend. It meant so much to him. Dad spoke on baptism while Mom offered one of the prayers and I lead the music. It was a wonderful experience which we will always remember (Glenn, you'll probably remember freezing above all things). ;)




Later that night we had one last dinner with Mom and Dad (Meg and her kiddos were there too). It was a nice turkey dinner and we mainly enjoyed one another's company.



It was so weird last night for me...I kept telling myself that he really is gone and that he won't show up some time in the middle of the night (that has been our norm for about 3-4 years now with his work schedule). Instead, Evelyn slept in the bed with me. We are adjusting well so far I think (of course he's only been gone 24 hours). Julia is the one I think that feels it the most (or is the one most aware of the situation). She's a bit sad, but understands that what Ryan is doing is a good thing. We look forward to the time when he won't ever have to work Friday evenings or weekends! We just hold on to that vision. She and Jacob were able to talk to Ryan when he called yesterday. I think that really helped boost their spirits. We love him and miss him so much.
I'd like to thank everyone who has given their love and support. I've received numerous emails from family and friends letting me know that they are there for me, asking me if I need anything, and giving tips on how to get through this tough time. It's very uplifting to know that I have so many people to turn to. Thank you so much. Ryan said that he'll call or write as soon as he knows his address. I'll pass it along as soon as I get that info.

We wish you a merry christmas...belated

246

No, that's not my weight...but it is the end score I got when I bowled 7 strikes while playing on the wii!





I challenge anyone out there with a wii to beat that score! Wahoo!

My nose is coming out

It's winter and inevitably the kids are having those lovely runny noses. Evelyn doesn't tell me that her nose is running or that she needs a tissue. Here's what she has to say on the matter:

The Zoo

Over the holidays Joycelyn and her family came to visit for a week. During that time we had maybe one day of good/almost warm weather. We decided to hit the zoo with the kiddos so that they could run around and get some energy out (and get rid of our cabin fever). ;)


Put the key in here and see what happens Katie!






That was fun...let's do it again!







Let's go find the playground!!!!!!



And there they go!




I spy with my little eye four little monkeys....









Let's head over to the reptile house...lots of snakes, spiders, ect.



Uh, found the snake! This particular snake was interested in the girl looking at him through the glass.

Jingle Bells!

Little Miss Evelyn has her own rendition of Jingles Bells which had us laughing all month long.

Where did December go?

Happy New Year! Where did December go? I'll show you......


First, Julia had a birthday...the big 8. As we all know, this is a very special birthday. She received her very own quad (scriptures) with her name on them and a beanie she's been dying for (a pink Broncos one).



Two days later we celebrated Ryan's birthday and then turned right around (literally) and were celebrating Ryan's graduation. I have never been so proud of him! There were so many times that it just seemed too much, too long, ect but he hung in there and endured to the end. Yay!



The day after graduation was Julia's baptism. Can anyone believe that she's reached this age already?! I could hardly believe it! But there she was sitting next to Ryan in her baptismal outfit just grinning from ear to ear. Oh what a special day! She was baptized and confirmed by Ryan while my mom and Elder Sly (her favorite Sunday school teacher) gave the talks on baptism and the Holy Ghost.




Just three days later we had another birthday--Mr. Marcus. One already?! I swear time flies when we're having fun! Then of course there was Christmas and New Year's and, well, here we are! I have a ton more photos and a ton of footage I'll be putting up later but, yeah, later.