Exodus Family
• Dec. 27, 2006 - My blessings, My children
Rebecca is a special young lady. She is my daughter and my friend and my right-hand *girl*. Realizing honestly how blessed I am that we have such a good relationship and that there has never been a bit of rebellion from her. She loves the Lord, us, and her siblings. She truly has her own faith and ponders His Word and comes to us freely with thoughts and questions. She is strong in her beliefs and is alert to bring concerns to us. She is faithful. She is NOT perfect... she gets impatient and sometimes cuts corners.... but accepts correction humbly. She truly loves and enjoys the little ones and they love her very much. She is playful and enjoys *teasing* in a sweet-spirited way. She has a true servant’s heart. I enjoy spending time with her and hearing her thoughts. I know that I can count on her. She is capable of and willing to care for the house and the children in time of need. Like the husband of the Proverbs 31 woman... my heart can safely trust in her.
Aaron is showing growth. Things do not come easily for Aaron. I am praying he will grow greatly in strength because of this. He has just been so turned on by Secret Service Agents and is developing more of a servant’s heart through this. He is growing and realizes he is growing... and his confidence is growing because of that. He has become more respectful in the last yr. And I see his heart softening. I think the time with his dad is also a huge part of this growth... and success... is breeding success in him. Aaron is becoming more willing to stand up and accept correction with grace when he is wrong. I am more and more as time goes by able to trust Aaron to complete his duties and be the big brother and help others complete theirs. He is accepting a larger amount of responsibility in helping his younger siblings with love and compassion. It is a blessing to me to be able to count on Aaron more as he grows. I am grateful for the growth I see in him and his relationship with the Lord. I know Aaron struggles some in this area, but I AM seeing fruit.
Isaac has struggled some this last yr...But I see growth in him because of it. Hormones have sent him on a roller coaster. Much of what I said about Rebecca could be said of him. He is growing into his own faith and ponders His Word and comes to us freely with thoughts and questions. He is faithful. He is NOT perfect... he gets impatient and sometimes cuts corners.... he struggles with anger, but is learning to accept correction humbly. He is so gentle and responsible with the littles. He is aware and alert and tries to help protect his eyes and heart and his siblings. He truly loves to give to others. He loves the Lord, us, and his siblings. His relationship with Aaron is growing and changing... though he still plays the role of older brother. Isaac tends to be hyper-responsible... but that is leveling out and maturing much as Becca did. He has the quirkiest sense of humor. He is struggling to rule his emotions vs. being ruled by them. He has truly become a *right- hand-boy* to Harold. If he has a difficult job to do Harold often depends on Isaac to help. I know that I can count on him. To a very great degree he is capable of and willing to care for the house and the children in time of need.
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• Dec. 26, 2006 - Bryan in uniform!
• Dec. 22, 2006 - He called again.. he made it home!
He called again.. he made it home!
He is sending me pictures.
We talked some about Iraq... he KNOWS he'll be going it is just *when*. He said he meant right after Ranger school... if he does not get into Ranger school he is requesting Airborne Infantry.
They had an exercise where they were in a truck & boom boom boom ambush... he said his squad leader froze... and the drill instructor was yelling at him (squad leader) and Bryan said it all just clicked in and he came off the truck and moved in the direction he was trained to go in.
He commented he worries about stuff ahead of time, but when the time comes he gets in and just does it... just like his mama.
He clarified... he can do 5 pullups, but to go into Rangers min is 20. So we'll see.
Graduation is Feb9th... sounds like he'd like us there... but I do not think we can... but if there is grad from medical training... I think we could swing that... it should be June.
He said the first time they had smoke grenades thrown at them was right after the gassings.... so all but 5 freaked threw down their rifles and ran... incl him! He said they did it over and over and over until NO one ran... plus lots of pushups.
He was in Mc D's in Dallas coming home and a *gang banger* type was standing near him and a man came in with about an 8yo boy... and looked at them both and told his son if you ever dress like THAT *gb* I'll kick your .... I want you to dress like THAT pointing at Bryan... made him feel good!
Again he is just sounding so PUMPED! I am so thrilled for him. |
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• Dec. 21, 2006 - He Called, He Called, Bryan Called
and he talked VERY fast LOL
He was at a bus station in Dallas. He is taking the bus home not a plane.
He sounded great! Which surprised me. He is running, hiking, has already been gassed, was thrown off a 40ft wall and then repelled down, spent 5 days out in the cold, slept with his rifle...
He has NOT gotten my letter yet.
He says it took a bit to get with the program, but he is and says he is doing very well.
One thing he still cannot do is a pull up.. his strength has always been his legs, but he said he can do LOTS of pushups... but he HAS to be able to do a pull up to get Rangers....
He says this is a "kinder and gentler boot camp" than they say it was even 20 yrs ago... he said it really is not that hard and he *worries* about softness and readiness of troops the way it is...
He also said boot camp is CO-ED!!!! And he thinks that is WRONG! I agree.
I asked can you say that? And he said only if no one hears me! LOL
It was wonderful to hear from him and hear him so UP.
I was just talking about him yesterday with my mom... and how good he was with Jordyn... I told her I really thought when Bryan came here HE wanted to be here and make it work... and that if other things had not been as they were... it might have been different. Sooo I CAN truly see him exceling in the military where he can truly focus and there is lots of structure.
What he did NOT tell me that he told Harold is depending on how things go... he might be deployed right after medical training to Iraq.
Not sure if he means if he does not do well enough to make Rangers or ??
I do understand though you join the military and they promise certain things.... do not count on it. That just is how it is. I knew Iraq was a strong possibility when he went in. As a mom... I just want my son well trained before he goes over. If not having done Ranger school first, then at least infantry training.
I just had to share how wonderful he sounded and how good it was to hear from him. He did say he'd try to call this weekend again. |
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• Dec. 21, 2006 - Caleb is Having a VERY Bad Clothes Day!
Mom will you please button this?
Caleb those are NOAH's pants! (note Caleb wears a 6... Noah a 4T)
Mom will you please button this?
You can't wear shorts over long underwear pants!
Mom will you please button this?
It is TOO cold for shorts today. Where are the pants you already had on?
In the dirty clothes. (Note they were clean when he put them on 2hrs before and Caleb tends to try to change OFTEN! LOL)
Get them.
Mom will you please button this?
YES! |
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• Dec. 20, 2006 - Amazing Race update and various ramblings...
It went very well yesterday. Aaron was slow on his AM chores so could not join the first race so the treat was divided by 2 instead of 3 since the work was divided by 2 instead of 3.
Rebecca & Isaac did a GREAT job on the living rm including vacuuming under cushions and moving everything, but the entertainment center. They received 3 homemade thin mints each.
The 3 of them also did the dining rm... and got *most* of it... reward - homemade ice cream 2 scoops each. And the kitchen... pretty good. They hit the biggies I wanted... mostly.... reward - outdoor time followed by homemade hot cocoa with goats milk.
Really all that was not done in the dining rm is one desk and the bookcase. So not bad. In the kitchen they did get walls & sink & cabinets.... but did not get the counters as good as was needed. That is a biggaboo to me... MOVE everything... SCRUB counters... WIPE down appliances. So more work needed there.
The hall got done last under DADDY orders... LOL along with some outdoor things he noted.
So my house looks pretty good today.
Molly & I did not get to do scarfs because she never finished the play rm. That was ok though because Noah woke with a tummy bug so I had my hands full with him and Micah. Poor little fellow. The funny was my dh's chair is the nicest piece of furniture we have... Noah woke from a nap, cried, got up, and before I could move... he ran over and *got sick* ON daddy's chair. Poor boy... poor daddy. Thankfully I'd had it scotch guarded! I got Noah in a nice warm tub with a few drops of peppermint oil and Becca in there with a magazine to sit with him while I cleaned the chair and started laundry.
Bible was certainly quieter last night with Noah dozing on the couch... Micah seemed to think he should make up for it and was vocalizing quite loudly! Isaac decided Micah had started *singing* without us.
So far today Noah has not *gotten sick*, but he is still sick... poor baby. He got up this morning early, nursed, and went to the couch to lay down. Micah is up early too. BUT PTL he did not get anyone out of bed last night! Hopefully that game is behind us.
As I type both littles are watching Veggie Tales Are You My Neighbor, Molly & Caleb are drawing pictures at the table, Isaac & Becca are milking the goats, and Aaron is with daddy today.
The house is on *kitten watch* as our mama cat is *due* today. She is HUGE! We are kitten rich right now as our calico has her first litter of 4 still in the girls rm too. Gladys's (aka Gladness) were born the day after Thanksgiving.
I think today will be a play by ear day here.... though hopefully some sewing and some laundry folding will be done.
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• Dec. 18, 2006 - More pictures - Bryan, Leona, & Jordyn
Posting more pictures... These of Bryan , his wife Leona, and daughter Jordyn while they stayed with us this summer.
Bryan having fun sporting a famous picture
A nice close up. This was in July, they had married in May.
Uncle Noah and Jordyn and yes Mommy/Gramma bribed them with cookies to sit still..... relatively still LOL
Jordyn's 2nd birthday. Nope Gramma and Grandpa did not give her the drums... her daddy did! {{giggle}} He'll learn.
Aunt Becca did Jordyn's hair. She looks like a little bear to me.
Sweet picture of Jordyn with her daddy (Bryan) I think they are both having fun!
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• Dec. 18, 2006 - I was printing pictures (Noah & Micah)
I was printing pictures today to send to my son Bryan and dil Leona with their Christmas box (Yes, yes I KNOW this is running late, but dh said he'd UPS it Tuesday... times like this 1 vehicle is hard) and I really wanted to put some of these on my blog....
So fair warning... this entry is picture intensive.
This is one of my very favorite pictures from this year. Micah helping me show off my new 15" cast iron skillet!
Well you can see how Noah feels about having his picture taken!
This was a better smile, but not quite the character...
I KNEW they were too quiet! That room is even *off limits*. I think these two might be DOUBLE TROUBLE.
The other boys were busy and Micah has already learned Daddy ALWAYS needs a HELPER!
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• Dec. 18, 2006 - Bryan in the Army
I am so behind on blogging and this is a bit old, but I really wanted it on here.
Oct 19th. Bryan (20) called me and said I am joining the ARMY. **Now those of you who know us will understand...**
I asked him "WHY the army?"
"It was the only door that was unlocked" ( BTW - he meant this LITERALLY not figuratively...)
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His ASVAB score was 93 and his LOWEST line score was 119. (That is all very good!)
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Oct 25th. Bryan called again
Well!
OK then!
He signed up for his field.
He is going to be a Army Healthcare Specialist....
attached..... to.....
Airborn Rangers.
I said... "Bryan you are afraid of heights"
He said.... "not anymore"
I said... "Bryan.... jumping out of airplanes???"
He said... "you have a parachute"
He leaves for basic on Nov 14th.
Basic is about 11 weeks. Ft Leonard Wood, MO
Medical training is 16 weeks. Ft Sam Houston, TX
Jump school or whatever is 2 weeks. FT Benning, GA
Each is a few days over that.... his whole *training* will be 30 weeks. Then his first permanent duty station will be Ranger school at Ft Benning, GA. That is one yr. Since it is a *permanent duty station* Leona can be with him then. So they will apart 30 wks.
His gets a very nice enlistment bonus.
He is in for 6 yrs.... at least. 
As things stand right now -
Bryan reported on Nov 14th in Flagstaff, AZ and was transported to Fort Leonard Wood in MO. His actual boot camp/basic training started on Nov 24th. I had never known before that there was a delay between report date and boot camp. I am learning lots. What REALLY surprised me is the army does "Christmas Exodus". They close down for Christmas and STRONGLY encourage the recruits to go home. So Dec 22nd Bryan will be flying home to AZ to spend Christmas with Leona and Jordyn. Honestly *I* do not think this is a good idea. *I* think this will make boot camp all the harder, but no one asked me LOL.
I am very proud of Bryan and am praying for him to excel in the army. |
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• Dec. 18, 2006 - Sew, Sew Two Weeks
Last week and this week we are working on gifts. Yes, I know we are a little late here, but it has been a hectic year with lots of company incl. my mom being here for the month of November.
So, now we are SEWing.
Last week we tag teamed to do an outfit for my granddaughter, Molly and Rebecca's neice. I sewed the skirt, Rebecca (17) made the hat, and Molly (8 with some help) made the scarf. Leona (dil) had not been able to send Jordyn's measurements so we had to briefly use a *live model*..... aka Noah (Noah is 5mos older than Jordyn).
I think it turned out very nice.
The links to the patterns/ideas we are using are -
Joanns hat & scarf
Charity Pattern
VeryGoodThings easy fleece hats
Yesterday, Rebecca with some help with tweaking the pattern completed a hat for Bryan (20 and in army boot camp) and a fleece skirt for Molly that matches Jordyn's hat. Last week Becca also made a doll skirt for Molly's doll to match and a hat, but the hat must be redone as mom messed up on the measurements.
Now the marathon begins!
I still need to help Molly sew 6 scarves. Rebecca has 8 hats and 1 skirt to make. And I have 3-5 skirts to sew plus all the helping and oversight.
Should I mention baking too? Or that we have a batch of kittens due this week? Or the cheese I need to make?
What was I thinking??? LOL I really do love my life! |
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• Dec. 17, 2006 - Head-Banger Music at my House Tonight
Oh I am laughing soooooo hard here!
Becca put on my Oak Ridge Boys Christmas tape...
Micah got down... crawled to the edge of the carpet and bopped his head (in the air) hard... like this was head-banger music...
then he crawled fast over to the entertainment center... pulled up and started DANCING.... full on rocking out!
Harold, Becca, and I were almost rolling!
I so wish I'd had my video camera out...
this... this was PRICELESS!
Jesus is Born Today.... never before realized that was full on head-banging rock out music.... |
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• May. 31, 2006 - Life changes in a moment...
My son Bryan (20 and living in another state) called yesterday afternoon.... from his neighbor's house.
And apologized for not calling for 2 weeks... unusual for him.
And said I have something to tell you... promise you will not get mad.  Not something you ever like to hear...
 NOPE can't promise that, but you have survived my anger before...
OK... Mom I got married Sunday. 
And you have a granddaughter.
OK So the details...
They have been *friends* for 6 months. Her name is Leona. Her dd is Jordyn and she will be 2 in Sept. They drove to Vegas got married... drove back.
Alrighty then.
My first reaction was "he is kidding me"... have you all read that bit where the dd sends her parents a note saying she did all these off the wall things... ending with actually she she just got 2 bad grades and wanted them to have some perspective? That flashed through my mind....
So. I talked briefly to Leona on the phone... got to hear Jordan say "hi".
In a moment without warning I became a mother in law (I WILL CHOOSE to be a mother in love... love is a verb I tell my dc) and a Gramma. 
No I did not lecture him... he knows our beliefs and thoughts and there was no sense rehashing any of them. He made to choice to join with someone in marriage and create a new family... before God.... now my job is to support that *unit*.... not MY son... but this new family. They are now one and I will treat them as such.
Next step is to get to know my new DIL. All I currently know is her name and birthdate.
Harold's reaction for the record mirrored mine... and when he called on his way home last night started with "How you doing Gramma?".
Becca is pretty quiet... shocked too. Aaron & Isaac were bouncing off the walls yelling "I'm an uncle!!" Molly cried... she wanted to be a flower girl. Caleb on down are just too young.
Micah gained a niece more than a year older than he is.... Jordyn is 6 months younger than my Noah.
My mom... "I'm a GREAT grandma" 
So LOL I keep saying "So"...
Welcome to our family Leona and Jordyn.
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• May. 22, 2006 - Noah is really turning it on!
Talking that is...
Dada
Izaac
no
go
night night
yeah
now 
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10
Amen
what
here
more
plus he often now repeats or mimics the last word he hears someone say 
and his newest word OUTSIDE
and of course lots of jabber I do not get.
But you notice a word LACKING from this list????? So I am repeatedly saying "MAMA loves Noah".... hoping he'll catch on.
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• May. 22, 2006 - Noah this time.... so sweet
Tonight I pushed the bassinet into my rm (had a kitty problem with it last night) while carrying Micah (4 months)...
I could not get it through between the bed and swing so I laid Micah on my bed to lift it over the swing...
I turned and Noah (2) had followed us in and laid down on the bed next to Micah... they were laying on their sides facing each other...
and as I watched Noah handed Micah one of his little cars to hold...
Noah loves cars right now he carries and plays with them constantly... He had two and was sharing one with his baby brother.
Oh Lord thank you for the blessing of sweet and caring *big* brothers and sisters....
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• May. 19, 2006 - Such a very special boy....
I was just nursing Micah on my bed and came out to find Caleb (4) sitting on the floor by the door with Whisper (cat) on his lap...
He told me - "Becca (16) told me to sit here because I was naughty. I took mail out of your trash can without asking and was ripping it. That was bad. Becca went out to milk and took Noah and told me to sit here because I was naughty. I called Whisper and she came to me."
I love this little guy so much.
I told him he could get up now and cuddled him on my lap.... then he got down and went to play... he came back over with a kitten in his arms and said "this is my mom... she's my best friend" |
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• May. 17, 2006 - My *character*...
Caleb was being silly this AM.....
"I think you're a character, what do you think?"
"I think you're a ....."
"Careful...."
"I think you're a watermelon."
I think I will NOT ask if he means I am sweet like one.... or that I am shaped like one.
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• May. 15, 2006 - I LOVE 4 Year Olds
Do I have to take a nap?
Yes
But I don't want to
I know, but you are going to
PLEASE.......mommy....
Are you arguing with me?
nods head (This is where I love little ones)
Are you supposed to?
shakes head
What do you need to say?
I'm sorry Mommy, will you please forgive me?
Yes, I do.
Can Charlie nap with me? (kitten)
Yes
Oh thank you!
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• May. 11, 2006 - Babies #7, 8, & 9
I was talking to Harold last night.... about the special joy of these last 3 babies.... and their uniqueness....
Caleb (4yrs) was my earliest talker and I love to listen to the wheels just turn in his mind, he loves to sing and loves to talk about God. His favorite songs are Victory in Jesus, Jesus Loves Me, and Hosanna. He was my first *daredevil*. He loves to *help*... "I'm going to make a clean house for you Mommy!" He is bright & cheerful. He wants to be one of the BIG boys. He loves old westerns and dressing up like "Roy Rogers King of Cowboys!" He is especially good with the goats. Harold insists we are holding him back... so we'll start school this summer at daddy's request.
Noah (2yrs) is my quiet, mostly peaceful one, he loves to just cuddle and rest in your arms or next to you.... he is shy, he watches tv upside down, adores the animals, and has a beautiful smile. Give him a couple cars or plastic animals and he is content for long periods of time. Let him out in the yard with the goats and puppies and he is content for longer.But if I sit down in the rocking chair THAT is an invitation apparently.. no matter who else is in my lap. As soon as he gets up in the morning he comes to nurse. A good thing since he is my first picky eater. A simple verbal correction is all he usually needs.
Micah (3 1/2mos) is Mr Personality.... a small bundle of charm. Anyone just looks at him and he *turns it on* wiggling and SMILING HUGE and cooing & jabbering and he continues as long as you will interact with him, he is also on the content side vs the high needs side. Unless I try to hold him and talk on the phone! He really enjoys going outside. He'd rather be in your arms than on the floor, but the floor in ok for a bit. If you carry him around he just hangs there.... taking it all in. |
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• Apr. 22, 2006 - Chewing up worms!
I just caught Aaron in the kitchen..... washing worms.
Mom "What are you doing?"
Aaron "Washing worms"
Mom "WHY?!"
Aaron "Because I don't want to eat dirt when I chew up the worms!"
See today Aaron caught ANOTHER bird. This is his third.... the second literally flew into his tummy and he grabbed it. LOL
So we explained how you should NEVER pick up a baby bird.... but apparently one of our puppies was about to get it.....
Sooo his daddy had asked "are you going to catch & chew up worms for it??? that is what the mommy does...."
Then daddy went to work....
The result was my catching my son washing worms in my kitchen sink!
I told him he could just mash them with a fork...
icky!
btw - the bird did eat a little mashed worm.
Sooooo anyone know how to care for a baby bird?????????
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• Apr. 18, 2006 - A Few Things I love
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to where I was watering to tell me she had completed her living rm chores and ask what to do now and when I said "do hall" she exclaimed with great joy " I have hall now?? Yippee!!" (and as she rides back to the house) "Mom says I get to do hall now!!" 
