Interesting Reading

During his deployment Bob has recommended several books for me to read that would help me have a better understanding of the culture he has been surrounded by these many months. I have gotten through two of the books he suggested "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortensen and "The Bookseller of Kabul" by Asene Seirstad, both true stories.
"Three Cups of Tea" is about an American mountain climber who develops a heart for the children of Pakistan and vows to build schools for them, especially for girls. It is quite an amazing story.
I personally found "The Bookseller of Kabul" to be even more interesting. It is the true story of an Afghan family written by a Western journalist who lived with them for a time. I just can't imagine the realities of the daily life of an Afghan woman. Not only do they live in a time of political unrest and war they also deal with the oppression of the tradition of their culture. It's a sad story but eye opening.
I would definitely recommend both of these books to anyone who would like a new perspective on life in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Say it ain't so!

I am so disappointed about what happened last night on LOST! Jin, one of my favorite characters died. Well, actually he's shown to be dead in a flash forward. I hope that there's some crazy twist so that they can change the future and have him stay alive because I really like him. Even more so after last night's episode. Oh and what's up with Hurley showing up to see Sun and the baby? Hurley was put in a mental institution in the previous flash forwards. So is this supposed to happen before he goes on the wild police chase? Oh the tangled web these survivors weave!

Never say never

We've been battling little 24 hour flu bugs here the last few days. Abigail, Chloe and Josiah have all had little bouts with the bug. Chloe and Josiah are still trying to kick the cough. But I just told someone the other day that I never get sick. This afternoon we came home and I started feeling a headache coming on, body aches and nausea. Of course this mean little bug is just trying to put me in my place...how dare I say it couldn't get me. I'm still hoping it will be short lived. There's been tons of junk going around here and I don't want to be passing yucky sickness back and forth right before Bob gets home. BLAH.

It's an honor

After over 30 years of service to his country, my dad has finally retired from the army. At his retirement ceremony he received the Legion of Merit Award. Which is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. Dad doesn't like for people to make a fuss about him but it's important for him to know that we are so proud of all his accomplishments and that he has blessed people all over the world with the work that he has done as a Chaplin and Pastor, most importantly, his work to bring the Gospel to the men and women who fight to keep our country safe.

As a kid I remember looking at pictures of my dad in Vietnam. When I was a bit older he was called away for Desert Storm. I remember the Sunday he returned home, he was a Pastor and reserve Chaplin at the time, he came walking into the sanctuary in his uniform and said that he had an announcement to make. It was a surprise to everyone and it was a fabulous homecoming. When I was a freshman in college he returned to active duty and he and mom started moving around again. I remember when they had to move out to California. He was the installation Chaplin at Ft Hunter-Liggett. It was a challenge for him but he and mom created a wonderful ministry for the families that were stationed there. In recent years it seems that he was constantly traveling to do marriage retreats and retreats and seminars for folks who had just returned from a deployment. His has been a career of service and so I just wanted to say thank you, dad. Thank you for your service to our country and for being such a wonderful example for everyone you come in contact with. I'm so proud to have you as my dad! Now I hope you enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation!!! I love you dad!

Can it be....

In case you hadn't noticed...Bob will be home in less than a month!
Can anyone say YIPPIE YAHOO!!!


Only a few weeks and he'll be able to trade that gun for a bat and ball!

Something old...SomePLACE new

So I've never been good at thrift shopping and garage sales. My friend Tracy is an awesome garage saler...she always finds good stuff for great prices, specifically kids clothes. I on the other hand don't get into it as much. I guess there's just this snobby or lazy side of me that thinks it's just easier to go to Target. Well today I think I've turned a new leaf! Mrs. Polkadot and Baby Blue Bicycle met me at a second hand store called Savers. The store was new to myself and Baby Blue but Mrs. Polkadot has been there tons of times. I was pleasantly surprised with the organization and especially the 20% discount on Wednesdays for military! Fabulous! I took $30 with me and spent it on several items for Abigail and Joshua. Next time I'll be looking for me. I just might be hooked. I'll definitely give it another try. Tracy will be so proud!

Good things

Let me see...my baby boy can all of a sudden pedal his trike. Chloe didn't pedal until she was 3 years old so I'm thinking he's just trying to keep pace with big brother. Speaking of Chloe, she's very interested in writing her letters and has been working in our Kumon books on her upper case letters. She's so proud of herself. And then there's Joshua who is now in reading group at school and has completed the first two books. Miss Abigail has mastered jump roping and our new fun after school activity is counting how many jumps she can do in a row.
I'm so thankful for good things!