Being a Brat is Hard!

Several months ago, we received some exciting news. My husband has been nominated (and since then Senate approved) to become a Brigadier General in the Army. So many years of hard work, plus what we believe to be God's favor, have finally come to a point. Service at this level of the military is both humbling and exciting. And it continues to require what military families do best - sacrifice.

We were told recently that we are needed at a post in Massachusetts. This will require a mid-year move. Those are always just a little tougher than even the ordinary summer rotations. So many things to think about, while life is still going full speed ahead for our family.

Josh took the news especially hard. He's in Jr. High, and his friends are very important to him, as they should be at this age. I tried to remind Josh this morning this is not something we are doing "to him", but something we are doing "with him", as a family.

Deployments... moves... it's a lot to ask of the children who are in military families.

Please don't misinterpret this blog post... we are excited about this move. We feel this is God's plan for our family and we are eagerly anticipating great things for the Cole's. But, I would appreciate you saying a prayer for the little hearts that carry with them such love and pride for their soldiers, and at the same time a sadness for the things they are giving up by being brats.

Guess this southern girl better go buy some snow boots!

Important or Urgent... thoughts from a tired mom

Mother’s Day used to be one of my favorite times of the year.  I love the little handprint cards, the sweet sticky kisses, the burned- toast-breakfast- in- bed.  I love my kids, and I really love being a mom.  So, a day to celebrate that is …wonderful.

But, I’ll be honest – this year, the week leading up to Mother’s Day has almost done me in.  Planning 2 Mother’s Day Programs for preschool, plus being there every day this week (when I usually only go in 1 or 2 days a week) makes for a very busy week.  I love teaching music at preschool – it truly makes me happy.  However, It's been a somewhat stressful week.  This week was also Teacher Appreciation Week.  Now, I believe every day should be teacher appreciation – they are the most underpaid, overworked, hardworking people I know.  They deserve every single card, candy, flower, accolade they get.  However, as a room mom and mother of 2 elementary school kids, I spent a lot more time at school this week than I normally would spend, sent out a lot of emails, helped put together a lot of stuff.    

Add to that, all the normal mom stuff… laundry, baseball games, feeding my kids,  homework, laundry… yes, I know I said laundry twice, but it deserves a second mention.  And, my First Grader had a big biography project due this week.  How many First Graders do you know who can do research on the internet, write and organize a paper, and prepare an oral presentation?  Yea, I don’t know any either.  So, it was one more thing on top of an already overloaded schedule.  Both of my college kids are finishing exams and moving home… and as happy as I am to have them both here, it creates a different dynamic and rhythm to our home, making for a little adjustment on all our parts.  And, Josh had to be at school early on Friday for a field trip… by early, I mean two and a half hours earlier than usual.   Anyone who knows me knows I don’t function well without sleep, and add to that very little time to exercise, well, it made for a very tired and cranky mom.  Not to even mention that my husband has been gone for over 10 months, and I’m weary from this deployment.   I miss him so much, and my heart hurts from him being gone.   

I’ve told more than one person, “These little handprint cards are just not cutting it anymore.  This week is not fun!”

I admit, I have forgotten one of the most important motto’s I know… one my husband told me early in our marriage, a favorite quote from his mentor/boss at the time.  “Never confuse the important with the urgent.”

My life is full of urgent. 

I live in one of the busiest, most stressful parts of the country, I would dare say, the world.  Everyone is an overachiever here in Northern VA.  Being busy and living life in high gear is the norm for almost everyone I know, and I feel like a slug when I tell my friends all I want for Mother’s Day is a nap. 

Today we had one of Michelle’s little friends over for a playdate.  I listened to these 2 little girls giggle and laugh and play dress up in her room.  It was music for my heart.  My son Josh told me I didn’t have to go to his make-up baseball game tomorrow, knowing I was so hoping for a quiet day.  I told him I wouldn’t miss him play ball for all the money in the world… but just that he thought to be so selfless was sweet.  My son, Bill Jr., is moving back home tomorrow after being away at college for the past year.  I can’t wait to see him, to really spend time with him.  My grown daughter spent most of her day planning and shopping for a brunch she is planning to make me tomorrow, in honor of Mother’s Day.  Even though she didn’t feel great, and probably didn’t feel like going out to the store.  She loves to cook, and she makes her food with love.

 

I was reminded today of what is important.  I do love Mother’s Day, because I love my children with every fiber of my being.  All the urgent stuff can make me tired and even somewhat unhappy at times.  But, being a mom to 4 amazing children fills my life with unspeakable joy… I know I am blessed way beyond what I deserve. 

Donations

I mentioned a few months ago that some of the wonderful men and women serving alongside Bill are trying to reach out to one of the local orphanages in the "far away land" where he is stationed.  They are hoping to go in and do more soon.  I would love to get together a box or two to send over... not really sure of the timeline. 

Let's do this - I will plan to send over a box the last Monday in January. (28)  If you have childrens shoes, new or gently worn, I think those would be greatly appreciated.  Most of the children I saw pictured looked like they were elementary school ages.  Also, toiletry items - toothbrushes or toothpaste, bars of soap, combs or hair brushes, etc. 

I think a lot of toys and clothes were donated last time, so I'll make this the focus for now... if I hear of specific items they need, I will let you know. 

I wish I could share some of the pictures Bill forwarded to me.  I can't because of security issues, but let me just say these are beautiful children who need so much... thank you for anything you can give to "the least of these".

My little party (and a purpose)!

This weekend I had a party – it was a class A pity party, just for me!  There was chocolate involved (of course!  I would never dream of having a party without chocolate.)  There was some texting to a friend, a lot of “I can’t do this… o.k., I can do this, but I don’t want to do this!”  She texted back things that made me laugh.  Everyone needs a friend or two like that.  There was a sappy Nicholas Sparks movie involved, and even a few tears.  It was awesome.

I miss my husband.   People say, “But you are doing great.”  But the reality of it is, not all the time.  Some days, I throw pity parties for myself.

This one started when Josh asked me how many days until Christmas.  We were bored and sitting at a restaurant, waiting for our food, so I pulled out my calculator and started adding up the days.  (It was 73, in case you are curious, of course that was a day or two ago.)  So, then I got the bright idea to add up how many days since Bill had left, how many days until his R&R, how many days until he comes home for good.  I can’t say I loved seeing those numbers… especially when each day can already seem really long without him.  So, I came home and threw my pity party.  Waa!  Waa!  Waa!

There is a verse in Leviticus that I just love.  It says, “Because of His great love we are not consumed.  His mercies are new every morning.  Great is thy faithfulness.”  This morning was a new morning. 

Two things helped change my perspective.  First, I got to church.  And my pastor was rocking it!  He preached all about Matthew 6, the passage about not worrying.  I am not a worrier by nature, but I have been slipping into this destructive pattern lately.  Worrying about all the things around the house, worrying about the kids, worrying about when I will see my husband again.  But, not focusing on the things God has told me to do.  Like trust in Him.  And take life day by day.  And stop worrying about what I will eat or wear, because my Heavenly Father knows I need those things and he cares for me so much more than the birds and the lilies of the field. 

The second thing is just awesome!  Bill sent me an email that went something like this, “Just found out some soldiers are helping support a local orphanage.  Got the message too late to ask you to send anything, so I ran to the PX and bought a few washcloths and small socks.  I’ll let you know when the next donation time will be so you can send things.”  Oh my!  This was exactly what I needed… I can so get on board with supporting a local orphanage.  I love that my husband is doing this, that he is going to know how to ask all the right questions, that he is perhaps there for exactly this purpose.  Sure, he’s an amazing soldier who is doing a fantastic job, but this is so much where his heart lies, and mine too!

So, this is a heads up – pretty soon, once we get a few more details, I’m going to be asking for stuff.  Like maybe shoes, or coats, or candy, or toys.  Or whatever they might need.  So be ready.  Because now, I’m a soldiers wife with a purpose. 

And by the way, I threw that pity party to the curb.  Can’t promise I won’t have another one from time to time, but right now I am way too busy.  I’ve got some orphans to pray for and help.

So far, so good!

We made it though week one of "Operation No-Daddy".  Sorry for the cheesy title - that's what the Army does all the time.

I put both of the younger kids in camp this week, because this is not my first rodeo.  I knew they needed to be busy, I needed them to be out of my hair for a few hours each day, and it ended up being a great decision.

Michelle went to Nature Camp with her BFF.  She liked Nature Camp, except not so much the nature part.  She likes the water activities, the playground time and hikes, but not the bees and moths in the bathroom.  I think we need to take this girl camping a little more often.  I can't have a kid who is afraid of bugs!

She also had a couple of playdates with the above pictured BFF.  Good move - between camp, friend time, and the pool, she was too tired most nights to squeak out much more than, "I miss Daddy." as her head hit the pillow.

Josh did baseball camp this week.  On Monday morning he asked me how long he would be at camp.  I told him 6 hours each day.  His response, "So, 6 hours a day for 5 days... that's just awesome!"   He loves baseball in a way that's hard to explain. 

The older 2 were busy with jobs, friends, college summer life. 

I am hanging in there.  Miss my man, but glad this first week is behind us. 

Who seems to be having the hardest time with Dad gone?  That would be our crazy dog.  He is pacing around each night, looking for Bill.  He sleeps by the door, and if he hears the slightest sound outside he jumps up, looking for his Dad.  He barks at the least little sound.  It's sweet, and very annoying.

My New Year Resolution!

I would be willing to bet many of you saw this title and were surprised for 2 reasons - first, you were probably shocked to see I am actually blogging!  And secondly, you probably think I am very confused to be blogging about a new year in July!   In many ways, it is a new year for the Cole family.  Yesterday morning my soldier, my husband, the "Brats" Daddy, got on an airplane to fly to "a-land-far-far-away" to serve his country.  He's only been gone 24 hours, but yea, we miss him a whole bunch already! 

I am trying not to think a year, but think of this as 52 weekends.  Weekends are the worst part - during the week, everyone is working, in school, and life is pretty much business as usual.  But the weekends are tough, because that is family time, and we are painfully aware that our family is not together. The other thing that's hard is holidays, so I'm thinking of this as 52 weekends and one of each holiday.  All we have to do is get through one of each holiday - one Christmas, one of everybody's birthday... etc.  But, even if you look at it as one of each holiday and 52 weekends, or a year, it's still a long time!

So, I am trying to be more intentional about blogging in this "New Year".  I am hoping maybe Daddy can see our blog in his far away land.  But, I am also doing this to keep busy, to keep a record of our year apart. 

I had someone tell me just the other day she could never be an Army wife.  She said we are made a tough stuff, and she just couldn't do it. I thought about that for a while after she left, and I realized how many people really don't understand military life.  If you think we are made out of something different than the rest of the world, that's not true.  We just happen to love a soldier - that's the only difference.  We cry when we are sad, our children misbehave, and we will all walk around with a little piece of our hearts missing until we are together again. 

This was the last picture taken of our family as a "whole".   Only 52 more weekends and a bunch of "ones" until we are together again.

 

A little "Mo" Christmas!

We have been looking for a new dog for about 4 weeks. Our sweet Clark passed away in October at the age of 14, and it took my heart a little while to grieve for him. But, after we returned from my parents house for Thanksgiving, I knew it was time. I missed hearing the pitter patter of doggie feet in our house, so we started looking at the rescues and shelters.

On December 17 we found our little cutie! His name was Larry - really?!!! So, we decided we had to rename him. He is a 5 months old Terrier mix - we think he might have some kind of retriever mix as well... maybe Lab or Golden. He is VERY SWEET! When we went to the shelter, he played with us for about 5 minutes, and then he went over and gave Josh a big lick on the ear. That was when I knew he was the dog for us.

We came up with 3 names we liked, and after much deliberation and a lot of input from our Facebook friends, we settled on Mozart. We are such a musical family, it just seemed like the right fit for us. We decided to call him Mo for short... keeping life simple for now, but letting him know he can aspire to greatness!

We brought him home last Thursday. He is doing great, but oh my, he is such a puppy! Not fully housebroken, jumps on everyone and everything, chews... yep! He is keeping us busy. But, we have laughed more in the last 5 days than in the last 5 months. He is so fun and so funny! He pulled all the bows off our Christmas packages, played in the tissue paper, stole toys from the kids, and mostly stole our hearts.

Having a puppy on Christmas morning is kind of like running a marathon... thrilling, fun and exhausting!

Merry Christmas and best wishes to you all!

Happy Family Day

3 years ago today we met Michelle for the first time! It's hard to imagine life without her. Yet, when I think about that day it still amazes me how much I remember - how I felt, everything we did. I am still in awe of how easy Michelle was, from day one. (She was saving it up for kindergarten! Just kidding.)

When we met Michelle, all I really knew about her was that she had a cleft palate in need of repair, and that supposedly she liked to sing and dance. Of course, we didn't discover that for ourselves until about 6 months later. She did great from day one, but it really did take her about 8 months to "settle in". I didn't even realize it those first months, but I could tell a difference when she finally relaxed, finally settled in, finally gave us every part of herself.

Today, 3 years later, I know so much more about this precious girl. Pink is her favorite color. She lives to be outside and play. She adores her big brother Josh. She can read about 50 sight words, say anything she wants... this, from a girl who could say nothing intelligible when we brought her home. And we were told might never speak clearly - boy, were the Doc's wrong on that one! She has a sweet tooth, but her favorite food is still noodles. She hates to have her hair brushed. She has a great sense of humor.

She completes our family! I can't imagine my life without her, and I thank God every day for the miracle of adoption!



We had to celebrate a day early - tonight Bill Jr. has a guitar concert at school. We celebrated in what has become our tradition - ordering Chinese food from our favorite take out place, red velvet cake, and singing "Michelle" - the Beatles version. (of course, we didn't put quite enough red dye in the cake, so it was more like a pink velvet cake. Michelle loved it - she told me she hoped she turned into Pinkalicious!)

Update from the World's Worst Blogger - or in other words, "Fall"!

These pictures should probably be divided into several different blog posts, but at the rate I am going, I think we better just get them out there and be glad to have anything blogged at this point! I thought I would have all this time this year - Michelle is in school all day, I had images in my head of an immaculate house, time to catch up on scrapbooks (which are now 3 years overdue), lunches with friends and time to read books.

I have no idea why I thought all this would happen! I am busier than ever! I am teaching music at Michelle's old preschool 2 days a week, I have almost as many private students as last year, and I took on several homeschool kids during the day. Bill and I sat down one day recently and figured out how many hours I put in each week, and it was significantly more than a part time job. I'm not quite "working" 40 hours a week, but if you put in my other job - being a mom, then I am way into the overtime department.

So, forgive me if I haven't blogged much lately.

Hope you feel a little caught up after this.

I did get the chance to chaperone Michelle's Kindergarten field trip to the farm a few weeks ago. We had fun on the hayride, visiting the farm animals, and riding a couple of slides. Michelle's BFF is Caitlin - she is a cutie-pa-tootie! She sends Michelle little notes in her backpack. They play together all the time. I love Kindergarten!

I did get the chance to attend the Army Acquisition Ball with my good looking husband. I think I might have already blogged about this, but I really liked this picture so I included it again! I have been to many of these type of formal events over the years, and to be honest, they aren't usually that much fun. Normally, they are kind of stressful, and I hardly get to talk to my husband. I would rather put on a pair of jeans and go out to PF Changs with Bill and have a meaningful conversation over some honey crispy chicken. (This is sooooo not real Chinese food, but we love it anyway! Sorry... I digress....) But, I actually enjoy the Acquisition ball. I think it's because "we" have been in the Army for a long time, and this area is kind of different from living on a military post. We don't see our Army friends on a daily basis, and it's fun to catch up with friends we only see once a year.


Recently we went to see Lizzy sing at school. This is the first time she has performed that we have been able to attend, the first time she has had any solo/just her/ time on stage. It was really neat to see how she is blossoming and developing as a singer! Wow! She is really a young woman now, and it's fun to see. She did a beautiful job with her opera scenes.


We had some fun exploring Pittsburgh - it really is a fun city! We all went to the Science Museum.


This week Michelle's class put on a Thanksgiving play and "feast" with her class. They sang some cute songs, reenacted the Pilgrims coming to America and being welcomed by the Native Americans, and had some turkey and pumpkin pie.

Chasing China

I just finished the newest book by Kay Bratt - Chasing China. If you are looking for something to put on your Christmas list, this would be a great choice! I read this book with such mixed feelings. It is a beautifully written story, and I was immediately captivated by the characters and places Kay describes. It was also emotionally charged - it deals with all the "hard places" in adoption, but still very much worth it.

It's the story of a young woman, Mia, who goes to China looking for her birth family. It's got a little bit of everything - romance, adventure, and such detailed descriptions of the people and places in China.

It's a "must read" for those of us whose lives are touched by International Adoption, but I would buy this book for anyone.

Here's the link-
http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-China-Daughters-Quest-Truth/dp/1466478578/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_2

Every once in a while, we have to leave the "brats" at home and have a little grown up fun! Each October we have the chance to go to the Army Acquisition Ball. We are so fortunate that it is held right here in the D.C. area. It's kind of like homecoming week for us - we see so many old friends. This year Bill was nominated for an award. He didn't win, but it was an honor for him to be nominated. It was a fun night.

And, I get to hang out with this good looking man. Hubba-hubba!

Back to School!

Everyone had a good first day of school. Bill Jr. seems happy with his teachers and schedule. He said he had a friend in each class - that's a first for him! I think last year he didn't have any friends in any classes. Hard to believe he's a Senior!

Josh said he was happy to be going to school today. I almost fell in the floor! That's a huge statement for my non-school child.

Michelle was happy and ready to go to Kindergarten. I walked her to her classroom, helped her find a place to hang up her backpack, located the bathroom (very important for 5 year olds!) and found her seat. She started coloring a paper, and told me "bye mom". All the other parents were taking pictures, standing around, waiting. So, I started talking to another mom I knew, and after a minute or two, Michelle looked up from her coloring and said, "Bye mom! I will see you after school." So, I took the hint and left. Yep, I was the first mom out of the room. Guess she's ready for kindergarten!

Everyone was happy when they returned at the end of the day. Happy kids make a happy mom.

Happy Birthday - Part 2

Yesterday, we started Michelle's birthday with a few presents. Then, we went to her school to meet her Kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Busch is new to our school, but not new to teaching. She and her aide have taught together at a different school (which recently closed) for 11 years. And that is a good thing, because Michelle has 29 kids in her class. Yikes! I better add Mrs. Busch and her aide to my prayer list. She seems very nice, and we saw a few familiar names on the class list. I think it will be a good year. Josh met his teacher too - we have heard 5th grade has tons of homework, but mom is trying to have a positive attitude. I'm a firm believer that is mom approaches things with a positive attitude, it rubs off to the kids. (at least for a while.) Bill Jr. went over to get his locker assignment - he got to report a little early since he is a Senior this year. Wow! It's going to be a busy, crazy, fun kind of year.


We all regrouped at home and then headed over to a local park. We started off with a ride on the little train...

...followed by a little putt-putt. Michelle took about 5 strokes per hole, and she jumped around with such enthusiasm as she said, "5!" each time. I think she is having fun being 5!


We then headed out to one of our favorite places to eat and celebrate, PF Changs. She, of course, had the noodles. This child would eat noodles at every meal if we let her.


She ended the evening with a mini-birthday-dessert. We will do her party next month with her best friend Luke, and hopefully by then we will have some new friends from Kindergarten to invite. It was a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday 5 year old!

We had an early riser at our house today! "Michelle, why are you up so early?" Oh, that's right - it's your Birthday!!!

;
"And how old are you?"


Five! That's hard to believe!

We let her open a couple of presents this morning. Every little princess needs her own Disney Princess collection. I love playing Princess with Michelle, because she always calls me "Queen Mommy". I LOVE having a Princess Michelle, and I will admit, I LOVE to be called Queen Mommy!

We are going to meet our teachers today at school. It's hard to believe Michelle will be in Kindergarten this year. She is excited - I am too, for the most part. I think mixed emotions for Mom just goes with the territory.

After the school open house, we are hoping Daddy can come home early. We are planning to go play putt-putt, and then go out to eat somewhere special for Michelle's birthday. We will let her choose - I'm hoping for PF Changs!

Today will be a family day - we will have a party a little later, after we have made some new friends in Kindergarten.

Happy Birthday big girl! I love you!

Yes Virginia, that really was an earthquake!

This picture made me smile! Too good not to share.

Yesterday afternoon I took the kids out for a little shopping and lunch. As we pulled back into our garage, Josh jumped out first and said he was going to see if a friend was home. Bill Jr. was helping me unload the car, and I was helping Michelle out of the car. Suddenly I heard our garage door start shaking. It got louder and louder but there was a low, rumbling roar going along with it. At first I thought Josh was kicking the door or hitting it, but then I realized we were in the middle of an earthquake. I could hardly believe it - we lived in California for a year and a half, and that was my biggest fear the whole time we lived there. We never felt so much as a tiny rumble our whole time there. This one was centered about 30 miles south of my house. And believe me, we felt this one.

We walked out of our garage and talked with our neighbors for a few minutes. The teenage girl across the street was home alone, and she seemed quite shaken up, in every way. During the actual earthquake I wasn't afraid, just kind of amazed, but I felt a little sick to my stomach afterwards as I realized what had just happened.

We went inside to survey the damage. A scared doggie, a couple of cans that fell out of cabinets, and a few books off our overcrowded book shelf. Other than that, no real damage done to our home.

Everywhere we went, for the rest of the day, we overheard people telling their part of the story. One of my good friends told me she had just left her chair in her office to go get some water, and when she returned after the quake she saw a huge mirror had fallen and shattered right where she was sitting.

When something like this happens, you can't help but become a bit reflective. (O.K., I can't speak for everyone, but things like this always make me stop and think!) One minute we were literally enjoying a perfect day - the sun was shining, the weather was not too hot, not too cold, I was having fun and enjoying my kids, and then the next the ground is shaking under my feet. I will tell you this - I certainly hope that is the worst earthquake I ever experience. I can't even imagine what people in Japan or California must go through.

As I was contemplating this yesterday, I was reminded at how quickly life can change. It only takes a single minute! And I was reminded that my hope is not in this world - I am blessed beyond measure! I have a husband that I love more than words can say, 4 beautiful healthy children, a nice home in a nice neighborhood, great supportive family and a lot of good friends, and even with all it's problems, I still live in what I believe is the greatest country in the world. And yet, my hope is not in any of these things. My hope is in God and His Son Jesus. I know someday my life on this earth will vanish. I believe there is so much more waiting for me - the things of this earth will someday all pass away. No matter how hard I might try, I know I won't live here forever. But I believe, with every fiber of my being, that I will live forever with my Lord and Savior Jesus. That gives me great hope! And, it gives me comfort in this world, when I feel the world shaking under my feet. (literally and figuratively!)

Last night I had a unique privilege. Our church is building a new stage, and our music minister invited everyone on the worship team to come and sign the concrete part of the stage, before it is overlaid with hard wood and carpet. He invited us to sign with a verse or prayer. I choose to sign with the words of a hymn - one that seemed meaningful. After yesterday's events, it seemed even more appropriate. Every week, as I stand on stage to sing praises to my God, I will know under my feet are these words.

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand,
all other ground is sinking sand."

I pray that everyone who reads this post will have that same hope. If not, I pray that this will be the day that you look for it - it's found in the person of Jesus Christ! He is my Hope!

Bits and Pieces of Summer

Someone asked me yesterday what I had done over the summer. It was an innocent enough question, but it made me feel a little sad, as if she was saying that summer was over, time to move on. I love summer time! Relaxed schedules, sleeping late, time with family, leisurely afternoons at the pool, good food. Sigh!

But, my friend is right - summer is coming to a close. And, I will admit, I have not been the best blogger this summer. So, here is a quick recap of a few things that didn't make it into the blog.


After Lizzy returned from Italy, she got a job at a local pizza restaurant. I think she enjoyed the experience, even if it meant very little sleep for her. She worked the late shift 2 or 3 nights a week, which meant she didn't even go to work until 10:00 p.m., returning home in the wee hours of the morning. Then, she slept most of the next day. It was a good experience, and I know she was grateful to get any job in this tough economy. But, I think we both hope next summer she can have a job with more normal hours.


Josh & Michelle had a great time at Vacation Bible School. The theme was Main Street USA. They are both still singing the songs. I lead the worship team. I love working with these young people, most of them having never played in front of an audience. I love teaching them how to not only lead worship, but to be lead worshippers. There is something really wonderful about seeing 500 kids in front of you, singing and jumping and praising God!


Bill and I managed a quick overnight trip away in late July to celebrate our 22 anniversary. Lizzy offered to watch the younger kids, so we checked into a local spa/resort and had 24 hours all to ourselves. It was wonderful!


Bill Jr. got to spend a week at the beach with one of his good friends, Chris. He also had his wisdom teeth out last week - not fun, but necessary. Hard to believe he will be a Senior this year. We have already done several college visits, and we would like to squeeze in a couple more early this fall before he starts the application process. He wants to be a teacher, and he wants to go to college in Virginia. I'm excited to see what the future holds for him!

In 2 more days we drive Lizzy back to school to begin her Sophomore year. Sigh! I guess that means summer really is winding down. Today Michelle has her Kindergarten physical, the last thing we have to do before she heads off to school. So, we will return next week to buy shoes, backpacks, school supplies... and hopefully squeeze in a few more afternoons at the pool.

Still trying to enjoy those last few days of summer!

Our Week at the Cape

Last week we went to visit Grammy Cole at Cape Cod. It was a great week - the traffic was light (I would dare say, it was the easiest travel we have ever had going to Grammy's! Maybe high gas prices kept more people at home?) The weather was nice, especially after such a hot summer here in NOVA. And, this was the first time Bill has joined us for the whole week in a while. We had a really nice week.

We have lots of annual traditions when we visit the Cape. It's wonderful to return to the same place year after year. We visited some of our favorite beaches (although I didn't take many pic's on the beach this year), ate at some of our favorite places (you will notice, most of these pic's are of us eating. Hmmm?!!!) and of course, my kids think no trip to the Cape is complete without a visit to the Brewster General Store. They have lots of "penny" candy ~ I say that with caution, because this year I spent a "pretty penny" on candy! You might notice a few new faces added to the Cole clan - we brought along some cousins who were visiting for the day, Emon and Ethan. We also had Lizzy's boyfriend, Kit, vacation with us for most of the week.

Time with Grammy - the BEST part of our week!

Ice cream smiles!

We actually did pretty well this year - I think we only went out for ice cream twice this visit, including a family favorite, the Sundae School.



Michelle was a little freaked out by the lobster at the Lobster Boat Restaurant. I don't think Daddy helped much. (;

We always take a pic outside the Lobster Boat. This year it was raining when we arrived, so we did an after-dinner picture.

One of my favorite things to do at the Cape is play games. Bill Jr. is usually the most competitive one in our family, but this year Josh won most of the rounds of Clue.

Mini-golf at Pirate's Cove.

Josh & Dad went deep-sea fishing one morning and brought home some yummy Sea-bass.
I love time in the sun and sand with my family!

8-8-08!

I will never forget August 8, 2008! We were spending the day together, going to an Army picnic and fishing tournament with Bill's work. I remember being late and almost getting a speeding ticket. I remember being really hot as we ate hotdogs & burgers. I remember the kids not catching much at the fishing tournament, and being kind of cranky about that.

Everyone was hot and tired, so we came home and decided to rest/nap. We had already made plans to watch the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics and order chinese food takeout from our favorite restaurant.

And then the phone rang... and I knew!

It was CCAI, calling to tell us there was a beautiful little girl, who needed a family. They asked if we would take a look at her file and get back to us as soon as possible. We knew our referral had to be getting close, but God was so good to let it be on that special day! My husband is very rarely home on a Friday afternoon at 3:00, but he was that day. As the world celebrated the beauty and awe of the opening ceremony, we celebrated the beauty and awe of our daughter!




For years I had dreamed of this child, prayed for her, and hoped! Now, I finally had a face, a person to put with all those dreams and prayers.

It's hard to believe it's only been 3 years - I can hardly remember a time before I knew this sweet face! We love you Michelle.

Shreddin' It Up!

Yea, that's skater lingo. Because I'm cool like that! Actually, I know NOTHING about the skater lingo, but I happen to live with a 10 year old who is an expert. Josh thinks he has gone to heaven this week - he is in Skateboard camp. For 3 and a half hours each day he gets to do quarter pikes, grind, ollie's, and basically, just shred it up. (that's short for, what my generation would say, means have a really awesome time)





I don't know exactly why I can't upload this video - we will try to fix it. Come back later to see the skater dude in action!

Hamster balls

We would like to introduce you to 2 of the newest members of our family, Lulu and Lilah. Josh had a hamster a couple of years ago, and he was so happy to get 2 new hamsters at the end of school. I am NOT a hamster/rodent kind of person, but I have to admit, they are awfully cute rolling around in their balls. Josh has done a good job of caring for them. Like a lot of siblings, after a few weeks, we realized they could not share a room, I mean cage. There was some biting, hamster screeching, etc., so we let Bill Jr. take Lilah downstairs in a separate cage to live with him, and Lulu stayed upstairs with Josh. Everyone is happy now!


Not wanting to be left out of the fun, we bought our own people version of the hamster ball for the kids. We were literally stopping traffic as the kids rolled around the front yard in their very own hamster ball.





The hamster ball made it's debut at a neighborhood kids party. We have a great neighborhood, with lots of nice kids for my children to play with. A couple of the families are military, like us, and they were moving at the beginning of the summer. So, we pulled out the slip-and-slides, blew up the hamster ball, and threw some hot dogs on the grill for one last night of fun!