The only thing to say about the beginning of a deployment if you've never been through one is that it flat out stinks.  The anticipation leading up to it wasn't as bad for us this time because we were so busy and traveled a lot.  The first few weeks into it though are tough because a year seems so daunting, you have yet to reach any milestones and for me, my kids are completely unsettled.  Anytime there are changes in our schedule or people come to visit, Addison gets on the wild and crazier side of life.  I am praying that things settled down in her world this week!   It is amazing how little he takes to be gone a year! We (ok ME) wanted to get a couple pictures the day Chad left.  It was a BEAUTIFUL day! Since Chad had to be at the hanger in the middle of the night, I took him by myself.  We put the girls to bed like normal and Chad's mom stayed with them while I took Chad.  We have found things to be much easier if we stay in a routine, ...

Mya has decided that now is the time to move!!  For the first 9 months of her life, she was the most content, laid back kid EVER!  She was content sitting, playing with one toy, and watching Addison.  A few weeks ago, she decide it was time to explore the world.  In just a few days she went from occasionally rolling to rolling all over, scooting, crawling and pulling up!  Now that she knows she can move, she has little desire to sit and relax.   Here are a few things about Mya right now: - she weighs 16 lbs and is wearing mostly 6-12 or 9 month clothes.  She can still wear 3-6 month clothes, but I had to move her up to get the winter clothes out.   Words - mama, dada, uh oh - Favorite food right now - yo baby yogurt and she still LOVES water - still no teeth - sits in a big girl carset -has very expressive hands and feet -goes crazy when Daddy comes home from work -will put ANYTHING in her mouth. I have to vacuum and sweep ALL the time! ...

Addison has been her busy self lately!  We recently started home schooling and we are both really enjoying it.  Most people are surprised when they find out Addison doesn't go to pre-school, but right now we feel like it is better to have her at home.  For one thing, a deployment year involves lots of travel and I didn't want to worry about her missing school to spend time with family.  She does go to hourly care on post at least a couple hours a week to run off energy and play with other kids.  Some weeks, she might be there everyday...we'll just have to see how patient Mommy can be! :)    We spend about 20 minutes on school the days we do it (normally about 3x a week). During school time she is learning her letter names, sounds and practicing writing each one.   She learns to recognize her numbers, count and do simple math problems. She is learning the Pledge of Allegiance and once a week we talk about what freedom means and read a history s...

Not a long post tonight, just few quick words to say thanks to all those who have been praying for us this week.  Too often the words "praying for you" are taken for granted or used lightly.  We don't take prayers lightly... especially during weeks like this.  There is nothing natural or enjoyable about deployments, but we find so much comfort in those around us offer unending support and prayers.  Army friends, family, friends and strangers. I am most humbled by the prayers and support offered by our friend who recently lost her husband. To think that she is praying for us as we step out on a journey that ended so tragically for her is so humbling.  I am so sad to see Chad leave, but so proud of what he does.  So proud that he can fight to defend our freedoms and honor the sacrifices of men and women, like our friend a few weeks ago. I am thankful for this aspect of deployments - that is clears my focus, forces me to cherish every moment and draws me clo...

Over Columbus Day, we decided to take advantage of the time for one more family trip before the deployment. Lake Placid has been on our list of places we wanted to go and we chose to wait until the fall to enjoy seeing all the leaves changing in the Adirondacks. The leaves were a little past peak, but it was still beautiful.  To understand how much we enjoyed this trip, you have to understand how much we enjoy the Olympics.  Let's just say we are Olympic fanatics...the Atwells would understand. :)  On our way in to town, we stopped had lunch at a recommended BBQ place. That afternoon, we only had time to go to one venue before they closed for the day.  If you don't know the history, Lake Placid hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980 and is still a site for Olympic training.  First stop - Bobsled, Combination Track   You can pay to ride down the 1932 bobsled course.  It looked fun! After the Bobsled track, we headed back to the hotel and ...