Ability

Charlie is growing up before my eyes. It all happens so fast, every time I turn around he is able to do new things. He is 5 1/2 months old already, and can currently roll from his tummy to his back. He is able to turn in a full circle in about 30 seconds or faster. He can scoot backwards--multiple feet backwards in just a couple of minutes. Charlie's favorite thing to do is stand as I hold his fingers. He squeals at an ear piercing pitch, and looooves to watch his sister in everything she does!!! Also, his hand, eye, mouth coordination is just super! As everything he sees he grabs and puts in his mouth if possible. This is something Gracie just never did...why do I even compare??

Biggest Fan

This morning Charlie was grinning ear to ear, looking at Gracie and squealing, as he often does. I said to Gracie, 'You are his best friend.' She said, 'Well I'm not his best friend.' In an instant it made my heart sad to hear it, but then wondered who her best friend was. So I asked. She replied, 'You are.' At that moment Gracie jumped into my arms and gave me a hug and kiss. Talk about making my heart melt. I became all teary and told her I loved her SOOOOO much. I have the best girl in the whole world!!!

Information

Just to keep you all informed...when Jason reenlisted there was a catch we didn't find out about until now. He was due to transfer in May of 2007, which also meant he wouldn't be gone for a six month deployment. However, when he applied for new orders we found out that he had been extended until April of 2008--putting him on deployment in April 2007. We could use all of your prayers through this trying time! I guess we will have more times away from each other than we planned for.

Sweet Innocence?

Gracie and I were just watching the world news and they had a blup with Donald Rumsfeld. He was behind a podium with some microphones--speaking of Iraq. Her eyes brightened and she said, 'That man is talking about Jesus!' I said, 'No, that man is a bad man. He is not speaking about Jesus.' She gave me the most perplexed look and said, 'That bad man is talking about Jesus?'

Imposters

Our little girl riding her 'horse' around and around!--I think only one of them was having a good time. Poor pony.

A tender moment between father and son...

Our tree ornament!!! She loves to hang from anything these days!!!

Admiring the perfect pumpkin!!!

The family photo--taken by a stranger.

We had the BEST time the other day at the pumpkin patch. I had the kids in their country bumpkin outfits as I have done every year. Jason mentioned he was surpised I didn't have overalls for him! There is always next year!!! Gracie had a blast, too bad we can't live in the country now. We played in a hay maze finding stamps, went on a hay ride pulled by a tractor, pet and fed a few goats and chickens--throughly scrubbing our hands afterwards, rode on a pony, picked out a pumpkin and ate some yummmmmy peanuts. I love good family days where time doesn't dictate US.

Typical

If the average picture is worth 1000 words, what is THIS worth? Obviously this is Gracie having a wonderful time at the 'swing park with the whales on it'

Heading to the Hills

hot, tired and all bruised up from falling on the sidewalk earlier in the day
but still she is beautiful