Black Nights

is the name of Austin's platoon at Basic Training from which he just graduated! He has now moved on to 5 or 6 weeks of AIT (Advanced Individual Training) in his MOS (Military Occupational Skill), which is something to do with shooting howitzers. 13 Bravo - for those of you who know the artillery stuff. I live with guys who do, but I certainly don't retain the info.

Richard and I flew to Oklahoma this week for the graduation - and it was wonderful to see Austin and be there to celebrate his accomplishment. He has wanted to be an American Soldier his ENTIRE life - and now he is. He has great regard for our country, and a great desire to help protect it.

So enjoy the pictures and video clips below.

FAMILY DAY

When we first arrived on Wednesday, for Family Day, we pulled into the parking lot and were met with this sight. I jumped out of the car and aimed my camera - and started searching for my son. The soldiers were singing cadence and marching in rhythm . . .it was so cool. But I couldn't find him.

They circled around the parking lot and stopped not far from us. Richard found him in the crowd first, and as I turned to see - I confirmed it was Austin by the scar on the back of his head (from a heavy metal hook he had flung from a rope years ago). I ran to be in front and snapped the picture. He spotted me, but never moved his head.

(On the subject of scars, the Soldier you see behind him immigrated from Vietnam directly before Basic Training. He speaks no/little English. He has a ghastly scar nearly the entire width of the back of his neck. I imagine it is from something much worse than a childhood accident.)

Although the main battery waited outside the building, the families gathered inside for a briefing from the leaders and demonstration of some of the training the Soldiers had gone through.

This is Coop's favorite picture - but he was disappointed to learn that I hadn't been able to see them fired (or the live grenades launched).





When the demonstration was over we went outside where the troops were waiting to be released to their families for the day.





Austin found me this time in the crowd. And then we found Richard (who was trying to stay inconspicuous 'cause the eagle on his uniform makes Soldiers uneasy) His buddies had worried for days about whether or not they were supposed to salute his dad when they met him. He told us later he was nervous to see his dad! Can't count how many times Richard had to tell the Privates "at ease Private" as he chatted with them. Some of them looked like they were going to pass out or throw up.

ROAMING THE POST (Ft. Sill)

Richard's father graduated from OCS (Officer Candidate School) here.

We stumbled upon this road and had to have a picture.

TAKING HIM BACK TO THE BAY - ON TIME!!!!

Austin made sure we had him back at the Bay EARLY! We had spent some time at Richard's friend's home (on post, he is a Col. over much of the training at Ft. Sill). When it grew late, Austin worried about not making his curfew. I smiled and said that Col. Fant could write him a permission slip. Austin didn't think that was even a tiny bit funny.

Here he is with his "Battle Buddy" Troy Milton. They had to go EVERYWHERE together. (I asked Austin, "what about the bathroom?" He said, "mom, everywhere means everywhere!") However, even when Austin was on pass to attend church, he took his buddy with him.

Austin was the Platoon Guide for the day, so when the Battery (4 platoons) were assembling at the Bay for formation (roll call) he had to get his platoon ready. The video is fun to listen to, although it's very dark. Here's a picture of what you can't clearly see in the video.

That's Austin in front and his voice you hear calling out cadence.

GRADUATION DAY

The families had to wait in the misty rain outside of the auditorium while the Soldiers finished practicing. When we were able to sit (in the second row, thanks to my husband's rank - a nice perk) the Soldiers were all sitting at attention. This time I found Austin quickly and tried to get him to smile for me. This is the best he would do because he was at attention. But he knew I wasn't going to get out of the aisle until I had a good picture.

This next picture is for all you mothers of boys (especially Mason and Ian). THERE IS HOPE!! Boys DO have the potential to sit STILL for an hour! (Can we get Drill Sergeants to patrol the aisles at church?) They sat this way - without talking or moving their heads or hands - the entire time. It did my heart good. (Note to self: enlist Cooper in Army the day he turns 17)

Reciting The Soldier's Creed





These are all of the drill instructors. Austin's are the three at the far end. He actually liked his.

The Graduate




Taking the Oath of an American Soldier

(Austin's is the last forehead on the right)

As the Soldiers filed out of the room, the Drill Sergeant led them in cadence. It was one of my favorite parts. Both of these next two videos are of that scene. On the second video, Austin's the tall one on the right after the first row leaves.

Austin with Elder and Sister Woodbury - the senior missionary couple over the military members on Post. (Half a smile from the Private)

Parents and son. One with frizzy hair and the other two with not enough hair to frizz.




With his Drill Sergeant (evidently DS's don't smile either)

CHECKING OUT THE BAY

Austin listed his hometown as SLC because he said no one knows where Highland is. This is the sign on the front of his locker.

I examined the drawers in his locker - as I was so EXCITED to see them perfectly organized - but, alas, he had already packed up since he would be leaving the next day for AIT (on the same Post, but different barracks). All I found was a sandwich - which he assured me he would eat later that night. gross.




Private Miller's bunk - neatly made!!!!!!!!!!!






I became positively giddy when I saw the corners on his bed so I HAD to snap a picture. He didn't want a picture, however, because he said this was not well made, as it was his last day and wouldn't be inspected. This may not be up to Army standards, but to this mother it is a MIRACLE and a testament that boys CAN BE neat!!!!

The long line of bunks. I had asked his buddies the night before who snored the most. They pointed out a guy, and then assured me that Austin, although he doesn't snore, does talk in his sleep. That was not news to me. So does his father - and his little brother!

Another detail I was excited about. Germ control. Makes my heart happy. (Do you think they actually used it though? I don't.)

Outside his barracks - with the solemn face again. "Mom! I'm not SUPPOSED to smile."

Again with the berets. (The Adjudant General of Utah just changed policy so they get to wear their patrol caps with their ACU's (camo uniform) in Utah! I'm unreasonably happy about that.)

The drizzle has turned me to complete frizz - but still happy. And LOOK !! a smile on my son's face.

This experience has been so good for him, in many ways, and I'm proud of him. He worked HARD to accomplish his goal and is setting more worthy goals for himself. He's an American Soldier.

My Builder Boy

My little boy has always loved building.

Duplos, Tinker Toys, and Lincoln Logs

Now he's loving Legos

He's proud of his creation - and I'm proud of him!

Cutting Edge

After nearly TEN years of never having her hair cut (trims, yes - half of a pony tail whacked off by baby brother (which made layers) - yes, but never a true "cut") Maia decided it was time. She has beautiful THICK hair. And she's darling no matter what. -- Mom and dad were a little sorry to see it go - but it's going to Locks of Love. And we need to realize some time that our little girl is growing up!

I know Christmas is long over, but this was worth posting.

My little Maia worried for days about having to hold hands with a boy. Turns out the little boy didn't tell his parents he'd be holding hands with a girl!! It's his mother you hear laughing because of the look on his face.

(I so remember agonizing over having hold Kevin Sharpe's hand for the Virginia Reel in 3rd grade!)

If you've followed my blog, even randomly, you'll know that my youngest is unpredictable when it comes to posing for the camera. And I do mean un. pre. dic. tah. bull. There really isn't a grey area - she either flirts with the camera or stomps away from it. We never know which is going to happen, or why. So this fine day I had the camera out in the bathroom (nope, don't recall why) and Ivy was in having a visit with the toilet when she realized what I was doing.

"Mom, will you take my picture? I want you to take a picture of me frowning."

"Okay" said I.

She finished washing her little fingers and then came over and immediately posed with this grin on her face. I snapped the picture and commented:

"I thought you wanted to frown in the picture." She gasped and declared "oh yeah! I forgot."

So next she tried to frown. Didn't quite work.




She tried harder the next time, but if you ask her mommy there's still a smile beneath the contortion and a twinkle in her eye.

Then Cooper came in and this is what happened.

Sweetness

Ivy left my bathroom with her fancy dress on and her stockinged toes inside her church shoes. I had just curled her hair and topped it with a matching bow, and off she went to the kitchen. Her daddy was there (doing dishes of course!) and here's what transpired.

Daddy: "Oh, Ivy, you sure do look pretty!"

Ivy: "Don't you mean I look gorgeous?!"

Some Chuckles

I'm sure you've noticed that I'm far behind on my blog, so I've picked a few of the most "memorable" moments from November to share with you.

Tessa dealing with a gross pile of dishes that sat too long in the sink. I must say she's creative. And I give her points for doing whatever she had to to get the job done, instead of throwing a fit (or throwing up) about it!

Sick little Maia


with her nurse beside her "reading" to her and tending to her needs. You can barely see the tiny shadow on the tiny chair, but little Ivy stuck with Maia for a couple of hours with a flashlight so as not to make her head hurt worse. I was rarely allowed in the room - and shooed out quickly if I was.


My niece's two boys. They (obviously) had just gotten out of the tub when they discovered it was snowing (in Oregon). This shot Amber took should really be entered in some contest. Darling!

Sweet Words

As I was putting on makeup the other morning, and chatting with Ivy, I just couldn't stop myself from kissing her with delight.

I said: "I'm so glad you're my child! Who else's child are you?"

Ivy said: "Jesus'?"

I said: "Well . . . who else's?"

Ivy said: "God's?"

I said: "Yes! You are a child of God!"

Ivy said: "And Jesus'?"

I said : "No, Jesus is your brother."

Pause . . .

Ivy said: "Oohhh . . . because Mrs. God had him too!"

Seriously, what's more precious than a simple truth expressed by a child?

I Shouldn't Laugh, But . . .

I am! Austin just texted Richard from his first drill. This drill is for all the new guys to learn some simple routine stuff before they head for Basic Training in Oklahoma next month.

Anyway - Austin said that his BUNK was chosen to be the "example" after he made it. The sergeant ripped off the bedding and had him do it again.

There IS justice for mothers!!! (I think I have a crush on that sergeant)

That's My Boy

We may watch America's Funniest Videos too often - it is our Sunday evening ritual, (followed by Extreme Home Makeover). Let it be known, though, that the following WAS COOPER'S idea and doing - even though it looks like his father was heavily involved! (He was, but not initially. We walked into the living room and Cooper had already done it once, Richard was helping the second time around)

Not what you were expecting, eh? Well, what we SHOULD HAVE sent into AFV, we didn't actually catch on tape. Later that same day Cooper decided to mumble something other than "I love you so much mommy . . . you are the best mommy . . ." and ended up with a bit of soap in his mouth. Of course he was trying to fight me, and so he bit me, and I ended up with his tooth in the back of my hand. At least we ended the episode with both of us in laughter.

Ivy's Antics

Today - for the first time in my married life - I made cinnamon rolls from scratch. Ivy, of course, climbed on the counter to be as close to the mixer as possible. I had just added the warm milk and butter to a little flour and the yeast. Of course the sticky paste smelled yummy and she asked . . .

Ivy: "Can I taste it mom?"

Me: "No, it's icky."

Ivy: "Please!"

Me: "Nope. It's not good for you."

Ivy: "Dad lets me taste it." (Obviously she thinks it's a batter)

Me: "Naughty daddy. He's not supposed to let you taste it when it has raw eggs." (I'm the only one who cares about these things!)

Ivy: (after a pause) "Well, he did. He MADE me taste it with the rotten eggs."

Me: "Oh, oh. He's in big trouble."

Ivy: "Yeah, you better spank him when he gets home for making me eat rotten eggs."

Fashion is her forte

If our warm weather hadn't lasted into November, I would have retired the shirt earlier. But on her, a belly shirt is quite cute! My stomach doesn't hang out near that far, but it's not even close to being that cute. I don't get it!


Just between you and me - her skort is on backward!

If You're Happy and You Know It . . .

Remember how I told you about my friend's new blog Give Away Today (click on the button to the right to go there now)? Well, today she's giving away a cool camera strap, and to enter to win I had to post on my blog about my "happiest" picture ever. -- That is easy! Even though I'm crying uncontrollably in the picture - they are tears of joy. These were taken the moment Richard walked off the plane, returning from war in Iraq for 18 months.

Browsing through the pictures made me think I should start posting more pictures from the past. Hmmm, maybe when I have even more free time in my life.

I TOLD you it was a happy picture!

One Thousand Words and Then Some

Just for fun I thought I'd show you some old pictures of our precious Maia

These were taken in February '04

And these were taken in December '04

More Chocolate

For years I have begged and pleaded, scolded and threatened, cajoled and bribed. And not a single child has obeyed. They each have continued to get bigger and grow older.

The most recent was Coop. He turned 7. The celebration began a few days before the real day . . .

At school with his FANCY BIRTHDAY HAT

Me telling the children how great Cooper is


'cause he's CONTAGIOUS and OBEDIENT (except for the growing up part) and OUTSTANDING and PERSISTENT and ENERGETIC and a READER
(and then I read his fav book Green Eggs and Ham to everyone)

and showing them pictures of him as a baby, and dressed as an Army Guy, and with his daddy, and playing at the beach, and playing baseball, and even his icky Costco toenail (they thought that was cool)!

Then the "real" day came . . . early. I don't know what time he woke us up, but it was way too early for a "no school" day! (I think he had birthday and Christmas confused!) We finally got up and began the present parade.

water grenades . . . a puzzle & book . . . a marbles game . . . a Nerf gun. . . walkie talkies. . .


Thanking his big brother profusely for the Nerf gun!

Grandpa showing him how marbles is played.
Oh! Coop's not paying attention . . . imagine that and then notice the gun in the foreground!

He requested Costco's chocolate cake - and I happily obliged.

One Enchanted Evening . . . and Chocolate

I know I have to take the credit (blame?), but lately when my tiniest one has been waking up, she immediately asks for chocolate cake, or Rice Krispie treats, or Hershey Kisses, or some other sweet. Yesterday morning it was the cake and RK treats. And I should clarify - she didn't "ask," she demanded . . . with stomping of the little feet . . . and arms folded across the chest . . . and a manipulated scowl . . . and an ornery voice. I stood my ground. I really did! I even explained how too much sugar can make our tummies hurt, and how we have to have healthy stuff in our tummies first. She didn't care about any of that. The demanding (and crying) continued.

I patiently explained that after lunch she could have a treat. Mind you, it was only breakfast time, but she then requested lunch immediately! When that didn't work, she asked for dinner! She's a smart one, my little angel.

It still didn't work - and I calmly told her that when she chose to have breakfast she could come and tell me and I would fix it for her. She pouted in private for 20 minutes or so and then came and asked for Cheerios. However, the demanding for sweets did not relent!

I finally tore a square of paper and printed "11" on it with a magic marker. Then I taped it over the minutes on my oven clock, right next to the LED "9." I told her that when that first number matched the one I had written she could have chocolate cake OR a Rice Krispie treat - her choice.

To make the LONG story short - the stomping and crying and demanding continued. It didn't let up one bit, even though I plopped her in front of the TV, hoping for a little relief from the drama. At one point she was pleading and sobbing "please let me have sweets at another number! I want sugar at another number!" Oh my, I was wearing down!

When the clock struck "10" she changed her tactic. She had obviously gotten the lesson that she couldn't have CAKE or RICE KRISPIE TREATS before the magic number, but could she "please (in a desperate voice) have a Hershey Kiss?" And, since she's "almost five" (her birthday is in September) could she "please have five Kisses?!" I was wearing down even more. I know an hour or so doesn't seem so long, but the whining of a child is akin to labor and the minutes tick by slowly! I told her we would call her daddy and ask him (I KNEW he would say yes - and it would free me from having to stand my ground, sort of. I still wouldn't let her have the cake or RK!) I dialed her will-do-anything-for-his-little-princess daddy and he picked up immediately. And just as immediately he said "Can I call you right back?" That means he was in a meeting. Yikes. I hung up and told her she could have one Kiss. I'm weak.

The crying for FIVE Kisses and cake and and a treat went on and on and on . . . Until she had lunch and then a Rice Krispie Treat.

Sometime later, as she lounged on my bed in front of the television, she had forgotten her ornery mood and all the drama. But then she said "remember mom, you said I could have chocolate cake after lunch!" Aaarrgghhh! "But sweetheart, I said you can have that OR the treat, and you chose the treat!" Not too many tears this time.

Fast forward: Early evening and the kids are home from school. Richard has returned from work and, instead of wanting to order for delivery our traditional Monday dinner, wants to go to the pizza place to eat. No problem. Just have to finish the piano practicing with Coop while Richard runs to take care of an issue at a neighbor's. We'll leave when he returns.

I'm counting for Coop, "2, 2, 2 hold," over and over again and the princess begins her drama again. This time she's "starving!!! when are we going to eat??? My tummy hurts because I'm starving!!" Soon, honey, soon. "My tummy hurts! Maybe I had too much sugar today."

What??? She learned her lesson??? I am a good mother??? At the age of four she is beginning to understand the complicated issues of nutrition and body fuel and what we need versus what we want? Halleluja!

We leave for the pizza joint and she is ecstatic (as she is "STARVING!!") and we all (8 + teenage son's girlfriend = 9) squeeze into a booth and dig into the salads and pizza. Just as the second pizza was being brought out, Ivy threw up. She vomited . . .and vomited . . . and vomited! McKenna was quick and shoved a salad bowl under her and contained much of the mess. Luckily the place was mostly empty, except for the teens who were working there. When Ivy finished I lifted and cuddled her and I knew I could read the thoughts of the employees behind their wide eyes. "Do I have to clean that up?" My guilty thought: "I'm so glad I don't have to clean that up off of my carpet or furniture." We had them box up the last pizza and we headed for home and a bath.

So that explains the long, whiny morning. And that explains why she's still asleep this morning.

(p.s. She did wake up briefly a few hours ago with tummy pain, and, while awake, said "McKenna was glad she was sitting by me so maybe she'll get my germs and get to stay home from school." Personally, I'd rather sit through Physics and Geometry than puke.)

You Can Win Something!

My good friend (and next-door neighbor) is such an ambitious person. She's got four children (nearly as cute as mine!) and still makes time to dabble in writing, travel services, and, now, a Give Away Blog. I was able to check out some of the cool merchandise she'll be putting up for the winning and I know you'll like it. It's easy to enter, and it's all FREE. Just click on the Give Away Today button at the right to check it out.