The letter "S"

Haley's class is learning the letter "S". Today they celebrated with a sock hop and milkshakes! Stayed tuned tomorrow is Nursery Rhyme Day. We hear the real Mother Goose may stop in. Haley is prepared to be the Queen of Hearts. She has recited her rhyme several times.

Jason's TEWT Excercise

Photo taken at the Taji warehouse this last week where we conducted our process-walk
exercise. It was called a "TEWT", meaning Tactical Exercise Without
Troops. We are standing in Baghdad on the exercise map painted on the
floor.

Crazy Hat Nite at the Rock

Haley decorated a really neat pumpkin hat for tonite's themed Solid Rock for kids at church. She is so creative. I am so proud of her.

More fall photos...

Fall

Say Cheese!

Hillcrest Orchards

We had a great time visiting this place! It came complete with Pig Races, walk through fairy tale village, petting zoo, tractor rides, go-karts, old-fashioned slides, sitting on bulls, homemade ice-cream and apple fritters! What a kid-friendly place. Even concerts on weekends!

apple_orchard

My Latest Project

Okay, so this is amateur level I know, but I am excited none the least. I have bought an embroidery/sewing machine. I am so excited. I have enjoyed learning to use it.

Haley's First School Field Trip

Haley's class went to the Dallas Theater to see Aesop's Fables. Mrs. Baxter asked all the kids to wear their class t-shirts and she gave all the girls a hot pink polka dotted ribbon for hair bows. Too cute!

Red Shirt Friday

Red Shirt

If the red shirt thing is new to you, read below how it went for a man...

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant
traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together.

After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited
To sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

No, he responded.
Heading out I asked?

No. I'm escorting a soldier home.

Going to pick him up?

No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq , I'm taking him home to
his family.

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut.
It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the
soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family
and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.

I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for
doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the
following announcement over the intercom.

'Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of
having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight
He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please
remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to
deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt
sign.'

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the
casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am
proud to be an American.

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do
so we can live the way we do.

Red Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The
reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent
majority.' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God,
country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or
overbearing.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that
the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity
and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and
continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a
deafening message that .. every red-blooded American who supports our men and
women afar, will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday
a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one
of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers,
friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it
will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side
more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things
better for you?' is. 'We need your support and your prayers.'
Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear
something red every Friday.

Family Fun's Mini Pumpkins

Haley and our neighbors, Anna and Grace had a super time creating mini-pumpkins. The inspiration came from Family Fun's website. We also read the book, "The Pumpkin Gospel". This tells the story of carving a pumpkin can teach how God transforms us into beautiful new crations to shine for him. YOu are like light for the whole world. Matthew 5:14.