Home again

So, Beau has returned! Last Wednesday I left for Fort Bragg to pick him up. After a long trip and yet another fun "adventure" in getting lost (what is it with me and getting lost in Fayetteville!), I finally arrived on post. Thankfully, our room was close enough to Beau's barracks so that when his Cadre eventually did decide to give them free time (6:30pm- good thing I didn't get there early) he was able to just walk over and meet me.

We visited for a little while then he had to get back to his barracks before lights out (ninja- style). :) We found the auditorium the next morning where the graduation was held and met up with Jason and Jeanette- they both looked so great and it was awesome to be able to visit with them.

During the ceremony Gwen was pretty good- we just kept sneaking her goldfish crackers even though the sign clearly read "No food or drink allowed." Hopefully we didn't leave crumbs... She clapped after the songs ended during the slideshow and said "Yea!" and everyone giggled. Then- I tried to get up to take a closer picture. Bad move- Gwen started shrieking for "Momma" and I rushed back to quiet her down. Eventually she couldn't take anymore sitting in her stroller and Jason scooped her up and took her outside the doors so she could walk around in the foyer. So I was able to listen to the rest of graduation and Gwen was much happier. Thanks, Jason. :)

After graduation, we took lots of pictures, visited with Jason and Jeanette, and with Beau's fellow soldiers. It was nice to be able to relax a little. After Gwen's nap we headed over to visit with Niki and Todd. We let the kids play together and enjoyed some good home cooked food. Once we put the kids to bed we were able to hang out- just like old times. :) Thanks for sharing your home with us, Niki and Todd.

The drive home was easier with two adults and the portable dvd player we parked in the backseat. I wouldn't use it for short trips, but it was a definite help for this car trip. However, if I hear one more Elmo song... I'm going to have to find some less annoying kids dvds- maybe Baby Einstein? But since Gwen asks for Elmo now when she wakes up in the morning, I don't think I'll be getting rid of these anytime soon. Marketing genius...

It's great to have Beau home. It took him a few days to get used to not having to be somewhere every minute of the day. Gwen is slowly adjusting to having Daddy home. She's a Momma's girl right now and we're considering a "vacation" for me on a Saturday so Gwen can spend some quality time with her Daddy without me around to distract her. I'm all for it except I wish I had won a spa trip or something... Good thing a quiet trip to Barnes and Noble and a pedicure will do the job just as well. :)

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!

To all of the amazing fathers in my life- we love you so much!

Hot Dogs

This past Saturday, it was 101 degrees outside (not the heat index). So, what did Gwen and I do? We went to the park to see a group of people raising money to train dogs for the blind. We didn't stay long, but Gwen loved watching all of the different kinds of dogs. These are my co-worker's beautiful Australian Shepherds, Chili and Cheyenne.

"Eyes"

Cooling off- that's what we should have done ourselves!

Cutest Poser

I promise that I didn't pose any of these pictures-
Gwen wouldn't have let me anyway!

Memorial Day

Gwen and I left for Fort Bragg, N.C. last Friday and ran into some traffic along the way (busy traveling weekend). Despite the traffic, we made good time and were able to visit with Beau by Friday afternoon. I met Beau's roomates, Chip and Manny and it was nice to finally put faces to the names that I've heard so much about. I will say that I'm positive that Beau was lucky to get such great roomates and I enjoyed meeting both of them.

The three amigos- Manny, Beau and Chip

Saturday we were able to run some errands in town and, as Beau said in his post, eat some good food for our anniversary. :) Sunday I picked Beau up from his barracks and we headed to church at his brother, Jason's, ward. We were also able to see Niki Deca (our friend from D.C.) and AnnaMolgard which was great- I only wish we'd had more time to visit. After church we spent some much appreciated downtime at Jason and Jeanette's house. Here are some pictures from that afternoon.

Beau and Jason- and yes, Jason IS smiling.

Gwen and Victoria- Gwen just loved being with her cousins.

Kisses for Julian

Fun with Daddy.

We were sad to leave Beau and our family in N.C., but we'll be seeing them again in less than a month. Beau has about 3 more weeks of AIT and then Gwen and I will travel again to see him graduate. Hopefully we'll have more time to visit our friends and family then.

Hey Y'all, It's Beau. I'm almost done with my Initial Entry Training, and boy am I ready. Shellie is here with me in Fayettenam for the 4 day weekend (and I even get all 4 days off) and it has been nice. We celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary with fillet minion and Cold Stone Ice Cream. I'm amazed at how big Gwen has grown, and I love her curly hair too! She warmed up to me with a little cajoling, but she sings my name (Daddeee) and then calls me by my first name! Words cannot describe my appreciation to all who have been so supportive of Shellie while I've been gone.

Happy...

Happy birthday, Mom- we love you!

Happy birthday, Fran Martin!

Happy birthday, Sarah Palmer!

Happy anniversary to me- 8 years!

From baby to toddler

These are two videos of Gwen. The first was taken in January of this year and shows Gwen dancing. The second one was taken just a few weeks ago in April. She starts out dancing and then just decides to be silly and yell at the cat. :) I just can't believe how fast she's changing!

Beau has finally "graduated" to gold phase in his AIT training. It's the last phase before his actual graduation, so he should finally be able to keep his phone with him and go off post on the weekends. This IS the Army we're talking about, though, so I'm not holding my breath just in case. :) Hopefully all will go just as he's been told. Beau's doing well in his classes and has met several other soldiers that he hangs out with during his downtime. He's in good spirits and wants to thank everyone who has asked about him and helped us out while he's been away. Maybe he'll be able to post his own message soon.

They Might Be Giants

http://www.amazon.com/Here-Come-Bonus-Tracks-Video/dp/B000V5YOZ6/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1208833591&sr=1-1

Okay. I'll admit that I'd only heard two songs from They Might Be Giants- "Birdhouse in Your Soul" and "Istambul"-until I met Beau. Then he introduced me to the rest of their quirky, crazy, fun music. Well, they have produced several children's CDs and I happen to LOVE their latest. It's called "Here Come the 123's." I heard one of the songs on a day when I had the Disney Channel turned on. The more I listened, the more I liked it. I found the CD at Target when I was of course shopping for something else. It's one of the few children's CDs that I actually enjoy listening to. The songs are catchy and simple and get stuck in my head (and I don't mind). :) If you're looking for something different, but kid-friendly I'd recommend this one. Oh- click on the link to hear samples of the songs (I couldn't figure out how to download the songs from my cd, so hopefully you'll get the idea from this). Just press pause on my music (at the bottom of the blog) so you can actually hear it. Enjoy!

Spring pictures

I'm posting more pictures of Gwen just in case Beau is finally able to get to a computer to see them. So- enjoy. :)

"Are we done yet? "

Our sweet Gwen

Fun Pics of Gwen

Masters and Allergies

One of the many scoreboards

So, it's Master's Week around here. All of the dogwood trees and azaleas are blooming and beautiful. And all of the news on television starts out with the Master's Report. I don't mind, I just wish I could go to the Tournament again sometime. Even if you hate golf, the course is just amazing and worth seeing at least once. And you can't help but get excited about the Tournament when you hear the roar of cheers from another hole. The Practice Rounds are especially fun to attend. These are the days when the players are still relaxed and more likely to interact with the crowd and have fun. This year, ESPN covered the Par 3 Tournament on Wednesday where the golfers' kids were allowed to help caddie.

Golfer Trip Kuehne and his son

When I was a teenager I worked on the course in one of their many food tents. Although the smell from the food tent by the end of the week was definitely memorable, even more memorable were the quiet walks into the gate as I made it to my assignment. I loved the smell of the freshly mowed grass (they mow every morning during the Tournament) and the sound of the birds chirpping before all of the crowds arrived. Because I was assigned to the 13th hole, I was able to enjoy the long winding walk along the paths of azaleas and dogwoods. Ah, memories... Of course once the crowds arrived, I did have to go to work.

For those of you interested in the details of the Tournament, I'm sure you already know that it's being broadcast on ESPN and the Golf Channel. Around here it's on the local stations, too, of course. And here's the online version- there are a lot of great pictures on the site and up to the minute scores. I feel like I'm a sports anchor... oh, well... :)

The Offical Site of the Masters Tournament
http://www.masters.org/en_US/index.html


Now, being able to boast of beautiful dogwoods and azaleas does have it's price. And for me, it's paid in the form of Zyrtec. And apparently, I'm not the only one-

Worst Cities for Allergies This Spring

http://www.fitsugar.com/1541391


"Think your city must fall on the list? Here are the top 25 worst allergy offenders:

1. Lexington, Ky.
2. Greensboro, N.C.
3. Johnson City, Tenn.
4. Augusta, Ga.
5. Jackson, Miss. "

So, there are many reasons to live in Augusta- especially if you love golf or the outdoors. Just remember to bring your Zyrtec.

Beau's Address

Here's Beau's address at Fort Bragg:

PFC Beau Person
Class #03-08
A Co 3rd Bn, 1st SWTG
USA JFK SWC
Bldg 3004 Ardennes St Stop B
Ft Bragg, NC 28310

I was finally able to talk to Beau and he's doing well. He is now able to use his cell phone in the evenings and on the weekends. I'll include more info in my next entry. :)

See- I told you! :)

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family reunion - Pedigree

Beau

I spoke with Beau on Monday. He's doing well, but it sounds like they've decided not to give them as many freedoms as they initially promised- big surprise to all of you military wives, right? :) He hasn't been able to use his phone (he had to get special permission to call me) and he wasn't allowed to go off base for church this past Sunday. He said that there are 7 other LDS soldiers in his group, so they were allowed to hold their own service on base- at least they let them do that. They're trying to make arrangements to get to the closest ward and it sounds like they'll be taking a taxi every Sunday. I think his AIT will go in phases the same way that Basic did so that he should gradually gain more freedom. We'll see. He said that he's sending a letter so I should be getting it anytime now. I'll let you know.

Ear Tubes

Gwen's ear tube surgery was yesterday morning. They told me to just wake her up and bring her just as she was, so I brought Gwen in her PJ's with her blanket and woobie. We got to Augusta ENT at 6:45am and my mom met me there. We were quickly taken back to a pre-op room where I was able to ask Dr. Barfield questions. Apparently, after her follow up, I won't have to worry about using any earplugs for her, even when she's in a pool. That's a relief to not have to worry about all of that. I was also able to talk with the anesthesiologist. He skillfully distracted Gwen with a stuffed animal and gently whisked her away before she was able to get upset.

By the time I went into the waiting room and got comfortable, the surgery was already over. It took about 15 minutes and then a few more minutes for her to come out of the anesthesia. It did freak me out a little to see her so disoriented while the gas was still in her system, but she quickly came out of it. We stayed in recovery for a half hour and Gwen drank 3 full glasses of apple juice since she had not been able to eat or drink since the night before.

When we got home Gwen was very tired and clingy, but otherwise doing well. After a good nap and lunch, she seemed almost as good as new. I've been keeping an eye on her ears today before taking her back to daycare tomorrow. She does have some drainage, but she's not acting like she's in pain like she was during her ear infections. And she lets me put in her ear drops without too much fuss. Overall, she handled everything very well and I'm so grateful. Hopefully this will help to keep her healthier.

Easter

We took a picture on Easter Sunday before Beau had to report to the Fort.

Conlan, Talmage, Madison and Gwen- what a cute group!

Blue-eyed girl

The Latest

What a week it has been... Last Wednesday, my sister-in-law, Andrea, came down to stay with me so that we could drive together to Columbia for the graduation (her husband was graduating, too). Beau's mom and dad would be driving down to Columbia from Maryland. When Andrea got here from Atlanta, the weather was terrible; the kids were tired and it was getting dark. So, I made a quick phone call to confirm that our reservation would still be available, and we decided to stay for the night and leave first thing Thursday morning.


We left early Thursday and had beautiful weather. We made it to our seats and then heard, "Boom, boom, boom!" On the field there were many different colored smoke bombs going off in front of the line of trees in the distance. A huge cloud of smoke billowed across the field and then all of the soldiers appeared through the haze. A very dramatic entrance- I would have enjoyed it more except that the boom scared Gwen and she was huddled against my chest. She quickly recovered, however, and we were able to listen to the introduction for family day.

Once the instructions were given about what the soldiers were and weren't allowed to do, we were able to meet up with one another. Of course, everyone rushed the field, all looking for their own family members, so it took a long time for me to actually get down from the bleacher seat that I had with Gwen. As I got to the front railing, my phone rang. The caller ID said that it was Beau's mom, so I quickly answered hoping she had found Beau (since I couldn't find him in the see of green uniforms I was looking at). It was Beau and he was standing just below me on the the field! I handed Gwen off to him and made it down the stairs as quickly as I could. Gwen had no problem going to her Daddy and promptly laid her head down on his shoulder.

Once we finally met up, we took a few pictures and then found Elliot and his family. The guys were only given an on base pass, so we had to compete with everyone else for lunch. We ended up waiting two hours for Burger King- yum. At that point, I didn't care what we ate, as long as we ate. Thank goodness I had snacks for Gwen.

Elliot, Dad Person and Beau in front of the Maryland flag

The boys

After lunch we went to check into our hotel on base- I had been anxious about it and wanted to do it earlier, but we weren't able to. Well, we got to the desk and they said the reservation had been cancelled. I was so upset. I "politely yelled" at the desk clerk asking her why it was cancelled when I had spoken with someone the night before who had told me our reservation would be held. Of course she said that there was no note in our file and that there was nothing she could do since they weren't a regular hotel chain. After saying a few more words about the fact that we would have driven our three cranky little kids through the downpour if we'd known that we were going to lose our room, it was clear that were weren't getting anywhere. We ended up going to the Travel Agency on post to try to make other arrangements. I was still so upset that I decided to take a walk with Gwen and I let Beau and Andrea handle the details. They eventually emerged with a hotel room off base for the first night and an on base apartment for the second night. I had been told of course, that the on base apartment had been booked solid when I tried to reserve it two weeks before, but I digress...

Beau's lovely bottom bunk

Elliot, Scott, Brock and Andrea

We finally got everything sorted out and took a tour of the barracks with Beau and Elliot. Afterwards we went to a social at the church building on base. The missionary couple in Beau and Elliot's branch wanted to meet their family. They were very nice and were sad to see them leave. Later we grabbed some food and then Elliot and Beau had to be back in their rooms by 8pm. As we drove back through the base after dropping off the boys, I was able to listen as the different companies sounded off outside their rooms. Their chanting echoed off of the brick buildings and sounded like one voice- it was a very proud and patriotic moment for me as I listened.

The next morning we made it to the graduation field just in time. The companies marched in a parade around the field behind the amazing band. After all of the awards were given for each company, we were finally able to meet our soldiers on the field. Once again, it was mass hysteria- I really wish they would have just kept everyone in their companies so we could find them more easily. After wandering and wandering, Beau borrowed someone's cell phone and I was able to find him. We took some more pictures and met everyone for lunch. Mom and Paul were able to come which was a nice surprise for Beau.

After lunch, Beau was free to go, but Elliot had to return by 8pm. We found our apartment and got settled in so the kids could take their naps.


We found out Saturday morning that Beau didn't have to check in at Fort Bragg until Sunday around 11:30am, so that gave us more time to visit with everyone. Eventually we drove up to Fayetteville to stay with our sister-in-law Jeanette, while Elliot and Andrea stayed in Columbia (Elliot's AIT is at Fort Jackson, SC). I brought Easter baskets for Gwen and Beau, so Beau was good enough to humor me. :)

Sunday we were able to go to Sacrament with Jeanette and then Beau had to report to the Fort. I left after dropping Beau off on base and headed out on the road. Gwen did well for a little one who wasn't feeling well, and I was home by about 4:30pm. Beau was able to call last Sunday and Monday, but won't be able to call again until this Sunday. After that he should be able to keep his cell phone with him and have free time in the afternoons. Since they don't have an LDS chapel on the base, Beau will be able to go to church with Jeanette every Sunday while he's there. Eventually he'll get a pass that will allow him to leave base during the weekend as long as he stays in Fayetteville.

Gwen has just shoved as many jelly beans as possible into her mouth...

At some point I'll be visiting Beau again while he's at AIT, but for now I'm just going to try to get back into a routine with Gwen. As soon as I have an address for Beau I'll let you know- he would still love to receieve letters and he may be able to receive phone calls after awhile. I'll keep you posted.