Missouri so far

My Mom harassed me for not posting pictures of the kids. So be prepared. We're a month in and we really love Missouri. Everyone keeps telling us that this is one of their least favorite places they've been stationed and I smile and nod and think I'm so glad I don't know any different. I've discovered aside from missing a Costco and Target desperately I can handle a small town. I've grown out of my desire to do it permanently but for now it's a great little pit stop. It's so pretty with all the trees that I almost can ignore the bugs!

In other news David's actually working in the clinic right now and loves it. He came home the first day and said the assistants do everything and I'm not supposed to even help them clean up. That's a far cry away from working at Baylor with no assistant and doing all of his own prep and clean up. I can see why he's still a little shell shocked.

Today we went to my brother Ben's Change of Command. He made it sound like no big deal when he invited us but it was a HUGE deal. Very cool to see his whole command stand in formation and listen to him speak. Anyway, Ben is a stud and once again it made me grateful we're all at this base together so we get to participate in this fun stuff. It made me so proud that that was my brother up there taking charge of a whole company of engineers.

Onto the pictures...

Mostly my kids look like this. Ashton dressed as or pretending to be a super hero and Mallie climbing something. And one is without clothing. Why is it so hard to keep children dressed while you're inside?

Hannah looking so old. I'm not sure if it's the pig tails or the no pants that gets me.

David in uniform. I love it!!

Ben's the one on the left under the cool arches they made with the drill things.

Ben's company saluting him.

I still think it's cool seeing tanks everywhere. And I'm pretty sure an army base is heaven to any little boy. Ashton still loves to talk about all the different tanks and trucks driving around.

After the ceremony I looked back at the kids and thought I want to remember this. I hate buckling car seats but I'm sure one day I'll look back and not even remember them lined up in their seats.

On the deck. Mallie standing up. Hannah dumping water on her. Ashton feeling super cool in his sunglasses. Hannah was so thrilled to have a pair again. Thanks Mom!

So in short we're happy. The news about our friend Rob has given us a huge reality check. Life is fragile and we need to appreciate every moment.

3...2...1...

I think the months August through November will always be some of my favorites. They are the months where the kids' ages line up perfectly by year. Since the move I've been questioned constantly how old they all are... and it sounds really bizarre to say "3, 2 & 1" and I love it. At least I can say there is no "0" in the mix yet. I knew you were thinking it - I was right, wasn't I?

These 3 do keep our hands full lest you think we're super parents or something. For example, on Sunday we went to our new ward. The Bishop has a "welcome to the ward" meeting every Sunday in his office. We were 2 of 6 newbies if that gives you any indication about this kind of military ward's constant rotation. Anyway, we're in there with all adults and Mallie and 2 minutes into the meeting someone pops their head in and informs me that the little girl in the yellow dress is still freaking out in nursery. Yes, that's mine. So my brother Ben goes to grab her and she comes back in covered in tears and snot. So now David and I each have a girl on our lap in this tiny little office trying to pay attention while they're trying desperately to crawl off of us. Even suckers didn't help the cause. And then we look at each other and think... do we really have everything under control? Nope, not today.

Then yesterday we ran into Lowes. We have one out in the middle of nowhere can you believe it?? So David and I went our separate ways. He took Ashton and I took the girls. Why oh why did my gender multiply first? This girls vs boys things better even out soon. Back to the store... I came prepared with pretzels b/c that's what any smart Mom does before she tries to stick her kids in a cart for longer than 10 minutes. Hannah kept dropping them through the holes in the cart and crying and Mallie was showing off her great escape efforts. Yep, she crawled straight through the buckle and stood up. Then I stopped a worker and asked where the hooks were and Hannah proceeds to start choking. This is normal in our house our kiddos are fast eaters and apparently see little to no reason for actually chewing. But their gag reflexes are also stellar so I always think it could be worse. So I proceed to start pounding her back nonchalantly while pushing Mallie back down in her seat as he tries to direct me to aisle 5. I say "uh-huh, uh-huh" pretending my very best not to waste this nice man's time. Hannah's near death experience traumatized the heck out of her and she sobbed as loudly as possible for the next 10 minutes until I could find David and the keys to take her to the car. Madness.

My Dad always says when the house erupts in noise and chaos "Let's have more children!" to which I always reply "You started it!"

But our hard days don't stop us. This sounds like an announcement or something. But really it's my reminder that life is real. Some days are hard, really hard and and I'm sure if those poor observers at Lowes could see them all tucked into bed with their blankies saying "I love you" they'd understand it too.

Moved

We made it. The drive to Missouri went off without a hitch. Ben and Emily put us up for a few days while we house hunted and waited for our stuff to be delivered. We were hoping to live on base but with nothing available we found a great house for rent just 10 minutes from post. It's twice the size of our old house. The first floor is about the size of our old house with the master and 2 bedrooms, kitchen and living room. Coming down the stairs there is an office, 4th bedroom, work room and an enormous 2nd living room. Previously it was a man cave and is completely wired for surround sound and has a wet bar and a fridge. I'm trying to hold David off for as long as possible before he convinces me to buy a flat screen. The guy has been in school for 9 years... after watching all of that hard work I have a hard time saying no especially because he never splurges.

Anyway, the house is great. The base is really family friendly with great parks, pools and splash parks. The greatest part is that David got 10 days permissive leave to find a house and unpack upon arrival. And then he has about 7 half days while he does in processing. So he doesn't step into the clinic til the 21st-ish. Say what you will about army life... they do provide ample time off!

I'll post with pictures as soon as we get rid of all the boxes and stuff everywhere. Trevin and Ashley drove up to drop off David's car and we've enjoyed staying up late and playing instead of unpacking for the past few days. And with Ben and Emily just 15 minutes away we have yet to feel even a tiny bit homesick. We're a week in and so far Missouri feels great. There are trees everywhere and I'm getting excited just thinking about how beautiful the fall will be.