Apple Pickin'

For three weeks the trip to the local orchard to pick apples has been penciled on our calendar. It was a bit of a disappointment this year as there were very few apples on the trees. We were literally crawling under the branches of the trees looking at the fallen apples and grabbing those with the fewest bruises. However, the boys had a blast climbing the trees and using the apple picker. And you can bet we got enough Granny Smith apples to make a few apple pies.

Fall, A Season of Change

Fall at our house means football games in the backyard between the Cowboys and the Aggies.

It means leaf collections and looking for "fruity pebbles" in the trees with changing colors.

It means showing off new skills learned at school.

We're Moving Again

Much to my dismay, it seems that this moving ordeal is now a reality. I have ignored it and left all decisions to Wes (with the exception of finding a new house) because I have secretly hoped that we could avoid a move. Yesterday, however, Wes received the stamp of approval from DoL, and he made his way to the last office for another signature and approval for a fund site. Today he drove to the transportation office at Belvoir and arranged our pack out for October 20. On the 21st the moving company will drive our precious goods 1/8 of a mile to our new house. Because for the past three years I have said that if we had a bigger house I would entertain more, I have decided to do just that, and I have decided that no matter what we will buy a house when we get to our next duty station. 

Evan and His Journal

This morning I was awakened with, "Mom there is trash everywhere. Come quick!" I peeked out the window to find the receycling bin overturned and plastic strewn across the deck. I am assuming the neighbor's cat got into our yard last night. Evan quickly replied, "This is an event that I need to write about." He took out his new Halloween pencil and his journal and wrote this.

"A cta ran on the porch."

Proof that Writer's Workshop is working!

Let's Celebrate

Our friends, the Cranes, have two boys the same ages as Evan and Keagan. We have a lot in common with them: we are both military, have two boys 21 months apart, we are soccer moms, and we both live in rental houses in the process of a short sale. Lately, we have spent a lot of time trading stories and advice. Their older son Hunter had his sixth birthday today at the bowling alley. It was the first time that either of my boys had bowled, and Evan was super excited about giving bowling a try. Some how he had learned the lingo (spare and strike) and he used it appropriately at the party. We had a great time!

Motorcylces and Tigers

On our way home from school today, Keagan said, "Mom, I want a motorcycle." Evan responded, "No, you don't Keagan. They are dangerous." Keagan said, "No, they are fun!" This exchange epitimizes our boys. Keagan is adventurous and daring. Evan is prudent and cautious.

Further down the road Keagan asked, "Mom, do tigers shave?" Assuming he was mentally comparing a lion and a tiger, I tried to explain that tigers don't have manes like a lion. He replied, "No, I was wondering why the tiger has shaving cream around his face. Does he shave?"

Home, Sweet, Home Number 7

In the ten years that Wes and I have been married, we have moved six times. At the end of the month we will be moving into house number seven. The owners of the house we currently rent are going into foreclosure and the owner is hoping to sell the house before the bank repossesses it. Thankfully, the owners of the new rental house have agreed to lease their house to us for eight months. The two houses officially sit 1/8 mile apart. 

What a relief to have some questions finally answered! Now we are awaiting paperwork from two banks that will allow the gov't to move us for free. The boys are excited about the move, sort of anyway. Keagan is still worried that he will never see his Thomas trains, bunk bed, or collection of costumes ever again. Evan really wanted to live on a street with a friend from school. Unfortunately, the cul-de-sac has very few young kids. In my spare time, like I have any!!!, I will be cleaning out closets and trying to consolidate as much as possible. And we must find a washer and dryer.