Little Steps

It seems like our lives are happening in phases right now and two major hurdles are now in motion. First, after much deliberation and discussion, Jeff has re-joined the ranks as a full-time worker for the Army National Guard. We thought we were done with the Army but when certain opportunities arise, you have to take the blessings you are given. So.....we finally broke down and bought the new uniforms ( I affectionately call them Jeff's "pixels" because they look like a digital picture when you zoom in), patches, and everything else he needs to start on his new career. His first week back at work, he had to go TDY (temporary duty) to a class and the kids missed him bunches. As you can see from the picture, he was barely in the door when Molly was in his lap saying, "I not mommy's girl, I daddy's girl." Jeff was pretty happy about that.

Second step: break ground on the house! DONE, can't believe it but it is started. The winter was really rough and we closed on our construction loan about a week after the ice storm. With the cold and all the recovery still going on it took a while to get things moving. Finally, we have a hole in the ground and should have basement walls by the end of the week......















Jeff in his new uniform with "daddy's Girl."



















Here it is...our basement. Can't you just picture it? Ha, ha!

I had to include this picture of Jack playing a cars computer game. I think he works the mouse and controllers better than most adults. I can't believe that he knows how to do things like drive with the arrows on one hand and use his other to press the space bar. His hand-eye coordination has gotten really advanced!

Welcome Spring!

I don't think we've ever been this happy to see spring and I also don't think we've spent a day inside in at least five days. It's been great. The kids are in heaven and driving us crazy from the minute they are dressed until they go to bed to PLAY OUTSIDE! Here a few cute pictures of them riding the slide at the park. Molly has finally decided that she isn't scared of the slide and I am pretty happy about that. Now I can cheer her on from below rather than going up and coming down 300 times!

Update

Things are still moving along here. Jeff starts his National Guard job on Saturday (the one weekend a month part) and starts his day job on Monday. It's going to be a challenging week for me. We've kind of gotten used to having him around. Our house is still yet to be started....if you asked me why I could tell you a variety of reasons I have heard but to be honest I really don't understand. Something to do with all the bad weather (even though we've had nearly two weeks over the 55 degree mark) and the soil condition not being right. "Whatever" I say, just get the darn thing built. As long as all the time we've lost is made up for, I'll be okay! The kids and dogs are doing great. We have really enjoyed the glimpse of Spring we've had in the last two weeks. We have spent lots of time outside and not surprisingly it has helped with Jack's sleeping habits. I am thrilled that my best friend Julie just moved back from Alabama after her husband finished flight school. Congrats, Shannon! I am currently trying to plan my trip to California in June for my sisters high school graduation. I'm going to squeeze in a trip to Disneyland so that Molly can see her best friend, MICKEY! It should be an adventure, especially since Jeff won't be with us!



















Here is Jack meeting the famous Bass Pro shops Grizzly bear. Molly was terrified and I had to snap this photo while she was clinging to my leg.





















Just being cute while we wait to watch the fish feeding at bass pro.

Soccer and More

Watching 3-4 year olds play soccer is a highly frustrating event but Jack does love it. When we don't have a soccer night, he asks for it, but when he does sometimes he is tired and unfocused. On this night (when we remembered to bring the camera), he was not entirely with it but he is awfully CUTE!




One of the rare moments when he was actually after the ball.















Here, as I was saying is our unfocused son. The Ref got a good laugh at this!















Jack played Goalie in the last quarter.....he saved about four goals and let in FIVE. He wasn't really paying attention but he was having fun!