tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-181859022024-03-14T09:43:30.374-05:00Sweet Autumn Brewsharing my journey as the wife of an army chaplain...Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.comBlogger312125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-83427153393904331722011-06-12T11:15:00.001-05:002011-06-12T11:17:16.551-05:00One year<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; font-family:Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;font-size:15.6px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It seems fitting.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One year ago today was one year since I wrote on this blog. Since I even opened the blogger page, as a matter of fact.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There are many, many reasons behind this. One, that I've talked about before, is Facebook. That's my outlet now.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: medium; ">But that's not the biggest reason. The biggest reason is that, contrary to what I thought on June 12, 2010, CPE experiences are, many times, not something to be shared. It is such an intense, personal, unique-to-every-person, challenging experience, that a public blog isn't really the place to write about it. (That said, if you found my blog because you are a chaplain/ spouse and are headed to CPE, contact me. I will share. :-)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">On June 12, 2010, I had no.idea. what was about to hit. I think someone could have even told me about what CPE was like for them, and I still would have been unprepared.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Enough on that.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">On to other news. Thankfully (though that word seems immensely inadequate), CPE is OVER! Next week we are on to Ft. Leavenworth, KS, where Jon will be utilizing the CPE training at the prison. He will do well in that environment... and I will do well back in the midwest and within a day's drive of family! :-)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Speaking of family... #3 will be here in September! I might just break my "once a year blogging" routine and tell you a little more about that. Maybe.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Anyway. Last night, I got a Facebook message from </span></span><a href="http://smallstepsoffaith.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(204, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Meredith</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> telling me she found a comment I left on her blog a couple years ago - long before we ever imagined we'd meet, let alone knew our husbands would go through CPE together! It gave me some motivation to sign back in, and here I am. Will I come back any time soon? Probably not. Maybe. We'll see...</span></span></div></span>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-15792297866205461992010-06-12T10:05:00.003-05:002010-06-12T10:19:22.564-05:00New AgainWe're here!<br /><br />We made it to Fort Lewis, Washington a couple weeks ago. Jon took some leave, so we've had time to get settled in - that was great! The trek from Alabama to Seattle was long, but not nearly as bad as we had dreaded - the kids were troopers!<br /><br />So now begins a whole new chapter. Up until this point, Jon has, with one exception, been a battalion chaplain, serving 700-1000 Soldiers. Ministry in that environment had become normalized and a way of life for both of us.<br /><br />Now, however, he has shifted into "Student Status" - his primary job this next year is completing the CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) training and working on his Doctorate of Ministry. We met yesterday with the supervisor, the outgoing class, Jon's incoming classmates (he's one of 5), and all their families. That took some of the mystery out of it. It seems it will be a challenging year, but I think we'll really enjoy it.<br /><br />One of my original purposes for this blog was to share my experience as an Army chaplain's wife. But, like I said, there were fewer & fewer new things worth sharing! :-) And, the older Sophie gets, the less comfortable I am putting up pictures on here. I know Facebook has its own privacy issues, but at least I have some sort of control over that. So, no more pictures here, and little family updates. If you want to be my FB friend, look me up!<br /><br />All that to say, now that we ARE having new experiences, I hope to write more about those. When we found out Jon would be headed to CPE we both tried to find stories online to get an idea what it would be like, and came up with nothing.<br /><br />Have a great day!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-1941556173236984982010-03-10T09:12:00.005-06:002010-03-10T18:14:48.008-06:00The College StoryI finished my degree!!<br /><br />Ah, it's been a long time coming... I originally went to college (Moody Bible Institute in Chicago) after high school. After a year and a half, for many reasons (some which I was realized at the time, some not until later), I moved back home. I worked as both a camp and a church secretary, and was perfectly happy in my life. I never really considered going back. Who needs college when a husband and babies were all that was needed?<br /><br />Fast forward a couple years. I met Jon. It was only because of his encouragement I ever even considered going back, but honestly, it still didn't really excite me. After that first deployment, we lived in Georgia for a few months while Jon was still in the Guard, and I taught at a small Christian school. I absolutely loved it... which made me realize that maybe finishing my degree wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.<br /><br />We moved down to Ft. Stewart in January of 2007, and I promptly began classes. I took one in-seat, and one online. I very much remember leaving that first day for class. It was January 8 (both my sister-in-law's and my brother-in-law's birthday, so it's a memorable date), and I pulled out of our driveway in our black Ford Ranger. Jon stood in the driveway and waved as I drove away. I think I cried.<br /><br />To be honest, even then, I didn't think I'd finish. I thought it would be really great to "work on" my degree... until we had kids... at which time it would just... sorta... "go away"...<br /><br />After that first term (my school has 8-week terms, not 16-week semesters), I only took one class at a time (always online). Looking back, I <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> wish I would have done more before kids!! I was working, but it was only minimal hours... I really could have done more. I think I just didn't want to invest too much.<br /><br />That December, I had Sophie. Actually, I had her the week of finals... I had to get an extension since she surprised us early! I took one term off, and that March (while Jon was deployed), for some unknown reason, I registered for classes... once again, TWO classes. That was fine... until, once again, finals week. It just so happened that I closed on our house, moved, and had both finals all in the same week. With a 5 month old. And no husband at home.<br /><br />I vowed never to take more than one class at a time again.<br /><br />But, I kept registering. I took another term off when we moved to Huntsville, then I met with the adviser here. I had been working toward a degree in sociology. She pointed out that, with my transfer credits mostly counting as electives, I would end up having to take more credits to get in all the classes I needed. On the other hand, if I were to switch to a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, they could count ALL my electives... plus, I wouldn't have to take those nasty stats and research classes! :-)<br /><br />I think that's when I began seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. She showed me how I could CLEP out of more credits than I had thought, and take a few more electives to fulfill all my credits. So I took two classes, then another two terms off to have Ransom.<br /><br />In that time, I took two CLEPs, worth 6 credits each - one of them was History and Social Sciences, which wasn't much of a sweat for me. The other one, though, was Natural Sciences. I haven't taken a science class since 10th grade biology, which I quite literally slept through. I have NEVER liked science.<br /><br />I got a couple study guides, and went to work. Uh... it was like Greek. Mitochondria? Nucleus? Lunar Phase? Atomic Mass? These were all words I had heard of, but the study guides assumed I already knew what they meant! Way over my head. I had to literally Google things like "what is a cell" and "what is an atom." I can analyze a social situation and tell you what classical and contemporary social theories apply... but atomic mass? Not so much.<br /><br />I studied. HARD. For about 3 weeks. After the test, I nervously awaited my score. I passed!!<br /><br />So, this term - my last - I got special permission to overload: take 3 classes. I have to admit, I have enjoyed the classes this term more than any others I've ever taken. Columbia now offers a Human Services major, and if they would have 3 years ago, that's what I would have done! So I rounded out my electives with courses from that degree, which I loved.<br /><br />All that left was one more CLEP: Intro to Computers. I actually took the DSST version, as either would have counted, and I have read that one was easier! :-) Wanting to get it over with, I've studied the last few days...<br /><br />And now, I'M DONE!<br /><br />I have literally laid in bed at night and daydreamed about what it would be like to be completely done. I can't count how many times I wanted to give up, how many times I cried to Jon that I was just "done." But I am <span style="font-style: italic;">so glad</span> I finished. In the last 3 years since I went back, we've moved 3 times, had 2 kids, and gone through a deployment. It's been hard - but life won't get less busy! Though I don't plan on going back to work for several years (<span style="font-style: italic;">at least </span>until the kids are in school), I'm glad this box is checked. Because my BA isn't in a specific field, I very well may go back (in a decade or so!) and get my Master's. A BA will just open up a lot of doors - I'm realizing there are many jobs that you just have to have *A* degree - regardless of what it's in. We shall see. Right now, I'm just looking forward to spending more time with my kids! :-)<br /><br />If you've actually read all this, thanks. Sometimes when I write, I go back through and delete things to keep it short enough to maintain interest. Today's post was more for my benefit I think. It's good to remember what I went through to get here.<br /><br />And now, I'm done....Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-31603879408872161512010-03-02T06:52:00.008-06:002010-03-06T07:45:48.187-06:00Black Hawk DownLast week we went to the Garrison Prayer Luncheon. These things are all basically the same - a bunch of people go to the Officer's Club to nicely decorated tables, there are some prayers, some Scripture passages read, special music, a buffet dinner, and a speaker. I've probably been to a dozen of them.<br /><br />Last week's was pretty cool though. Sometimes the speakers are interesting, sometimes not so much. Mike Durant happened to be the speaker at this one. You've not heard of him? Yeah, me either...<br /><br />But what I <span style="font-style: italic;">had</span> heard of was <span style="font-style: italic;">Black Hawk Down </span><span>(though I've never actually seen it... I don't tend to enjoy war movies...).</span> He was the real pilot that movie was based on. He didn't have anything extraordinary to say, but I appreciated the fact that he's willing to talk about his experiences. He spoke of how he dealt with the aftermath of what had happened in Somalia, and that, in addition to physical, emotional, and mental well-being, he had to focus on the spiritual.<br /><br />On another note, when we first got there, the chaplain in charge mentioned he needed to find someone to read scripture, as the lady who was going to couldn't make it. I said, "Oh, I'll do it." Totally not a big deal. Jon & I were talking later about how, as pastors' kids, we're used to jumping in. I have played more than one offertory on a moment's notice!<br /><br />In other news, we're crossing things off our to-do list for the move - we even sold the boat a couple weeks ago! It will be here before we know it!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-16336108112399987202010-02-19T16:17:00.002-06:002010-02-19T16:31:26.971-06:00Drumroll please...We have an RFO!<br /><br />(read: We actually have *in writing* where we're going next!)<br /><br />We'll be headed out to Ft. Lewis, Washington in May. Ft. Lewis is near Tacoma, about an hour from Seattle. By all accounts it's a gorgeous place to live, albeit far far far away from family.<br /><br />So the pre-move preparations have begun. We've looked at moving companies (Full DITY is TOTALLY the way to go, even paying a company to drive the truck for us), just today we sold the boat (don't worry, I'm quite certain there will be another one in Seattle...), we've begun a garage sale pile (though I feel an enormous need to get rid of anything & everything baby, I'm resisting that urge for now...), and we've been drooling over houses to rent.<br /><br />Jon will be moving into "student status" as he does the Clinical Pastoral Education training and works on his Doctorate of Ministry. This means that this coming year his job will look very different from what it's been, but a little change of occupational scenery is a pleasant shift.<br /><br />In April we'll be celebrating 5 years of marriage... and in that time, this will be our 6th move... ah, the Army life...Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-66187291056662381942010-02-07T15:22:00.002-06:002010-02-07T15:26:21.349-06:00New pictures<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Ransom, 5 months<br />Sophia, 2 years<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmUsWvgI8NBtTdspEA8vCZrvn9PQdaGy-rE2La1-H6WagVHY1lT84Mus2ho0a2O4Zw_ReAdheLMF_PLRSTxQjF8_P-FzfNlJTjq0mn5p1VYZ2PnavjMf62naBLVRhAr8T_ziY/s1600-h/P1010076_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmUsWvgI8NBtTdspEA8vCZrvn9PQdaGy-rE2La1-H6WagVHY1lT84Mus2ho0a2O4Zw_ReAdheLMF_PLRSTxQjF8_P-FzfNlJTjq0mn5p1VYZ2PnavjMf62naBLVRhAr8T_ziY/s320/P1010076_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435615455672251634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xuHJIOkzw4f4fGzOLH6G_WtGJdRuPjpt1kAiax-DqmsGgSoPsp8IG74DQe6gxMqBZzxKRg_XEzqXzbQWxIaOVT13IX_S9DusM1bq-2-Bk9ngoyxXFWJ4knFQIR9kIz5Dipwg/s1600-h/P1010063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xuHJIOkzw4f4fGzOLH6G_WtGJdRuPjpt1kAiax-DqmsGgSoPsp8IG74DQe6gxMqBZzxKRg_XEzqXzbQWxIaOVT13IX_S9DusM1bq-2-Bk9ngoyxXFWJ4knFQIR9kIz5Dipwg/s320/P1010063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435615450108569730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8UuL_l36sA1L63rlwuG2K6Tsi4NgUai5Z903VOV2puVUvKlFvFIbMraQkRk2Y3u2PyZEq4GzILsSFOU17inshMPSf9YJsfrCiu7TK4yCO8I6SbPYbfM4StGFFF9pUgJr2OEb/s1600-h/P1010038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8UuL_l36sA1L63rlwuG2K6Tsi4NgUai5Z903VOV2puVUvKlFvFIbMraQkRk2Y3u2PyZEq4GzILsSFOU17inshMPSf9YJsfrCiu7TK4yCO8I6SbPYbfM4StGFFF9pUgJr2OEb/s320/P1010038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435615443040222978" border="0" /></a>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-6474539201164308672010-01-27T10:57:00.004-06:002010-01-27T11:15:43.265-06:00What's up with the Fishers?I have made a new goal to blog once a week. We'll see how that goes...<br /><br />So what's new?<br /><br />I'm taking 3 classes this term. Since they're 8-week terms, it's considered overload. BUT... this is my last term! Woohoo! I do have one more CLEP to take in March, and I have my BA! Right now I'm taking Christianity in the Modern World (it's really a history course, starting pre-Reformation), Mental Health, and Working with Communities and Organizations. I am enjoying those last two classes I think more than I have enjoyed any class thus far. If they had had the Human Services major when I started, I would have done that.<br /><br />Sophia is pretty much the most awesome 2-year-old. Ever. She is so much fun, and I'm so proud of her. She knows all her colors, can count to 7, and is super helpful. We're making definite progress in the transition-from-diapers arena, and she loves to help me cook. She now can identify white and wheat flour, white and brown sugar, vegetable and olive oil, onions, garlic, tomatoes, raw meat, salt, pepper, eggs, and various other foods in their raw state. (Can you tell what I cook with the most? ;-) She dumps things in after I measure them, and counts as she goes. Whenever I go in the kitchen, she's right on my heels, saying, "Mommy, Shopee helpme." (I think because I say, "Would you like to help me?")<br /><br />Ransom is sitting up on his own and eating solids. So far we've done cereal, apples, and sweet potatoes. He is really interactive and especially loves playing when Sophie is involved.<br /><br />Well, Sophia is falling asleep next to me (shots this morning), so I'm off to put her in bed. Check back soon! :-)Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-13910144913863138282009-11-23T09:47:00.010-06:002009-11-24T21:48:17.749-06:00Family UpdateSophia...<br />~ LOVES being a big sister!<br />~ enjoys "pretend play" - working in the kitchen like mom, sweeping, dusting, transforming ANYTHING with handles into a purse, "fixing things" like Dad does<br />~ is learning new words every day! It is so fun to hear her rehearse words... my favorite is "cranberry" which ends up more like "kah-pee-pee."<br />~ really enjoys crafts. She asks to "cooor" (color) several times a day, and also loves painting, gluing, drawing with chalk, and anything that involves crafts at all!<br />~ also enjoys reading. A few weeks ago I overheard her choosing a book from the bookshelf, saying "I Shopee. I Shopee. I reeeeeaad." Thrilled my heart!<br />~ weighs about 24 pounds and will be 2 years old next month!<br /><br />Ransom...<br />~ LOVES his big sister!<br />~ is full of smiles and laughs. He is a very happy baby, and it doesn't take much to get him to smile.<br />~ is sleeping about 8 hours at night.<br />~ is very strong. He's happiest when he's sitting up.<br />~ rolled over last Saturday!<br />~ weighs about 14 pounds and is just over 3 months old.<br /><br />I...<br />~ finished one CLEP worth 6 credits - 2 more CLEPS and 3 classes to go - I should be done by early spring! The test I took last week was definitely the one I was most confident in: Social Sciences and History. I crammed for 2 days and did better than I thought I would!<br /><br />Jon...<br />~ was chosen to do training to become a hospital or prison chaplain in the Army! It's the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program. As a part of the training he'll get his Doctorate of Ministry, so he's super excited about that! This will be very good for our family, and we're both looking forward to it. Of course, that means leaving here sooner than we anticipated, but that seems to be the story of our lives, so nothing new there...<br /><br />~ is pastoring the contemporary service here on post as well. Actually, he was the one who started it. It's going incredibly well. We've been having about 60 people - some Soldiers, some families, some civilians.<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-64111598739037359212009-11-09T09:55:00.002-06:002009-11-09T10:27:40.287-06:00Reflections on Fort Hood<span style="font-family:georgia;">I have had many emotions since first hearing of the shootings last Thursday. My heart broke as I read the Facebook status update from a girl I know who recently moved to Fort Hood with her new husband. Immediately I Googled it to find more information. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">At first, it was a horrible incident, but no details were known.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Then it came out that the shooter was not only a Major, but a psychiatrist.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">The feelings I had at that point were indescribable. Mostly just extreme sadness. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I do not know the tragedy of war first-hand. I do, however, know it second- and third-hand, just as Major Hasan did. With a husband (and several friends) in an Army helping profession, I have seen the toll this can take on a person. And to be a psychiatrist at Walter Reed? That must have been a terribly difficult job. I’m not saying that this in any way justifies what he did. I guess what I am saying is that sometimes the unseen collateral from this war is the mental effect on Soldiers and those around them. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Some other thoughts:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">~ To use President Obama’s words, “not speculating” about things we do not know is responsible. The night it happened, I was waiting for the press conference with General Cone to come on, and in that short hour, I was amazed how many things were speculated on. Even with the “of course, this is all speculation” caveat at the end of a long conversation, ideas were planted in peoples’ minds that <span style="font-style: italic;">may</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">may not</span> be true. Remember this. Why even go there until we know? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">~ NOT ALL MUSLIMS WANT TO KILL AMERICANS. In fact, “Muslim” and “American” are not mutually exclusive. Many Muslims ARE Americans. Many Muslims serve in the armed forces proudly. Not all Muslims are terrorists. (For that matter, not all terrorists are Muslims). Was Major Hasan a terrorist? I have absolutely no idea. Unless you want all Christians to be represented by </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://godhatesfags.com/">Westboro Baptist Church</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> (who consider the Fort Hood massacre as a judgment by God – the “Christian” God – on sinful America), please do not paint all Muslims with the extremist brush either. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">~ Speaking out against the war is not illegal. Many great Soldiers are not in favor of this war and continue to follow orders. Some of the same people who cried out against the “hate crime” bill on the basis of it limiting free speech against homosexuality now seem to want to limit free speech against the government and its actions. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">My prayers are with the families directly affected by this tragedy, as well as those indirectly affected. I think in some way the entire Army family has been affected, and I believe we all can feel that. It’s astounding grief. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I write this because I have seen a saddening amount of backlash over the last several days. In the midst of all our grief and fears, let’s not jump to conclusions. Let us not judge others on the basis of speculation. Instead, let’s pray for them. Show love to everyone, regardless of religion or ethnicity. And maybe we’re asking the wrong questions. Let’s start asking what we can do to help Soldiers, what we can do to support those in the military helping professions. That said, there is a lot of help available that people just do not take advantage of. Why is that? Maybe if we can begin to answer these questions, it will make us all better off.</span>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-21705777942846516392009-10-23T08:51:00.002-05:002009-10-23T09:12:05.368-05:00New pics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2foxmAV1AVrF8vx4yqHZwVC9KP455ccqEi7_H4l94oGX1cqbeFapX-rBK5ZLkpqYwDbbvfv9GZ7iqCUOkEgZxW0x2l-r14IcF-kglFc2OoYclqimZWawYu7o19ElLwuYuwsGx/s1600-h/P1010218.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2foxmAV1AVrF8vx4yqHZwVC9KP455ccqEi7_H4l94oGX1cqbeFapX-rBK5ZLkpqYwDbbvfv9GZ7iqCUOkEgZxW0x2l-r14IcF-kglFc2OoYclqimZWawYu7o19ElLwuYuwsGx/s320/P1010218.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395798001552874082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_2Pe-P4aP2xIDg-h_LhgS5ZmGlX60OTfKJwavA4STfjEVseRnn2b_jTKm_Nf8LP461LyZMLPXMQPQ1r_sNfpTo9jMRBvCqAhssD2n6hCR7cMQkxPEbjMgF5voEI1gWzmirlc/s1600-h/P1010208.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_2Pe-P4aP2xIDg-h_LhgS5ZmGlX60OTfKJwavA4STfjEVseRnn2b_jTKm_Nf8LP461LyZMLPXMQPQ1r_sNfpTo9jMRBvCqAhssD2n6hCR7cMQkxPEbjMgF5voEI1gWzmirlc/s320/P1010208.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395796897899392738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcu3jrs6zR2XZsM90LXbry0rcZwAKtRlDj-G7RvLiNK0qNWCf8C0Iop_6AoUZ1lPUMSJuayrJe2oa_QHEV8zy-BeQ-B5V2Z_Xc1Zl6VnMdsg-y7nSHSb3SGqHGb_ZV33fDHPcE/s1600-h/P1010201.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcu3jrs6zR2XZsM90LXbry0rcZwAKtRlDj-G7RvLiNK0qNWCf8C0Iop_6AoUZ1lPUMSJuayrJe2oa_QHEV8zy-BeQ-B5V2Z_Xc1Zl6VnMdsg-y7nSHSb3SGqHGb_ZV33fDHPcE/s320/P1010201.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395796890616825730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSOV6lVGgApul8LCC4NUOcE-mNQSIOgA-RucW3XvlE7R7GOnvmb-FjAe9Y956eGXRO_C6i32OJZiinzUjO3mHAv8fuwQ4ygNtof25onus5_JcKWxdB_Y9xT1Sml0NjlyLujYR/s1600-h/P1010189.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSOV6lVGgApul8LCC4NUOcE-mNQSIOgA-RucW3XvlE7R7GOnvmb-FjAe9Y956eGXRO_C6i32OJZiinzUjO3mHAv8fuwQ4ygNtof25onus5_JcKWxdB_Y9xT1Sml0NjlyLujYR/s320/P1010189.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395796889548699426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSMQh0lWI-ZYEOq7capzGIs46a9UWXX3wL5PJNA9B8GcoIEw2dZ1Shwmip1wVtyjcowu5_ztumc_SI-0RDufhQ4kJjZYK6NYbKNSR8WTERkKuJ6eFqnbQy46U-pe_f3-0zvUT/s1600-h/P1010178.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSMQh0lWI-ZYEOq7capzGIs46a9UWXX3wL5PJNA9B8GcoIEw2dZ1Shwmip1wVtyjcowu5_ztumc_SI-0RDufhQ4kJjZYK6NYbKNSR8WTERkKuJ6eFqnbQy46U-pe_f3-0zvUT/s320/P1010178.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395796877592858530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeWfYmwD9xn6D6uNzOgBOB1ZMLHybaU9XaYlOCC8SoKwYCVZNBqx3JScgfB6TjDihBNKEqBmkl8709tGgB4jza-LJC4BT9bTu9si8eHtLuhJFa7s7vQMRzJ5tz7mi7QEWx7fW/s1600-h/P1010132.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeWfYmwD9xn6D6uNzOgBOB1ZMLHybaU9XaYlOCC8SoKwYCVZNBqx3JScgfB6TjDihBNKEqBmkl8709tGgB4jza-LJC4BT9bTu9si8eHtLuhJFa7s7vQMRzJ5tz7mi7QEWx7fW/s320/P1010132.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395796873568019794" /></a>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-62433105366432437002009-10-09T10:29:00.004-05:002009-10-22T08:48:35.754-05:00Sophie's big girl bed!Lots has happened, but right now I need to show you something cool:<br /><br />Sophie's big girl bed! You know what's even cooler? Jon built it!<br /><br />When I was pregnant, we decided to get a toddler bed for Sophie instead of another crib. That turned into Jon building a toddler bed... which turned into "Why not a twin bed that she can use for many years?"... which turned into "Why not build bunk beds that can be used separately?"<br /><br />And here we are!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAH36JWPNzqdt_YQHfx1je78gzVM0MbdeYMoC_WtlCooP5owb8Eh_lcK0C4IfRegEc_L3Y_s-iWQWGCogeg6BSiLgQHZDAkNWVAhemJTLjhJWaFu1TBvU3v-XtWHfjDufRxOf/s1600-h/P1010128.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAH36JWPNzqdt_YQHfx1je78gzVM0MbdeYMoC_WtlCooP5owb8Eh_lcK0C4IfRegEc_L3Y_s-iWQWGCogeg6BSiLgQHZDAkNWVAhemJTLjhJWaFu1TBvU3v-XtWHfjDufRxOf/s320/P1010128.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395417377395291826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgPB4NdOUxcyO5uOsL1LrDdlrAEj0qxhoAawLOMXsPLXctcjBZPxeLAG6sgMLJHCRBhb2j5VLDYsn_b-beBP3D13fEPkuHxtXdu5pbJunWyAKd9yihUAYuctyaFtf62sx7QY2/s1600-h/P1010125.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgPB4NdOUxcyO5uOsL1LrDdlrAEj0qxhoAawLOMXsPLXctcjBZPxeLAG6sgMLJHCRBhb2j5VLDYsn_b-beBP3D13fEPkuHxtXdu5pbJunWyAKd9yihUAYuctyaFtf62sx7QY2/s320/P1010125.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395417371179345330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILjZshJ6BcNCWyfZPzFjYnMBy0IQMULkG0MtWCl4_F1WFAJ1ezuSfuhZbEwwK0ANYvGa3OWxYR7x7-10o-FVntkH5kfaLjwAqZ4Z_YUUywlZqbNtucrRtgyI_brOn6_fSmz1p/s1600-h/P1010121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILjZshJ6BcNCWyfZPzFjYnMBy0IQMULkG0MtWCl4_F1WFAJ1ezuSfuhZbEwwK0ANYvGa3OWxYR7x7-10o-FVntkH5kfaLjwAqZ4Z_YUUywlZqbNtucrRtgyI_brOn6_fSmz1p/s320/P1010121.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395417368726459378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMMxwolwCbwZQg875ey6evgxNa4Pore-fyPGlDN5vX2kn1wlVUCK_1K4uqRVqDdPbtT9KwDzFfjcOj0S-MDg5v6kmTCJ5iEUFNORnquxG1wRskzC6ElzcaPXchkVi5PkUOLte/s1600-h/P1010119.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMMxwolwCbwZQg875ey6evgxNa4Pore-fyPGlDN5vX2kn1wlVUCK_1K4uqRVqDdPbtT9KwDzFfjcOj0S-MDg5v6kmTCJ5iEUFNORnquxG1wRskzC6ElzcaPXchkVi5PkUOLte/s320/P1010119.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395417357047296738" /></a><br /><br />Sophie loves it! She cried the first couple times we laid her down there. THEN she figured out she could get up! It only took one warning, though, and I am proud to say she has not gotten up prematurely since! She's been in it for about a month now - what a big girl! <br /><br />It's amazing how much older she seems now that we have a newborn. Her vocabulary has expanded - it's so fun now that I actually know what she's talking about! She adores Ransom ("Reme" as she calls him) - and she's very concerned about him. If he's crying, she promptly comes and tells me "Reme shad" (sad). If she sees he doesn't have a blanket - even if it's 80 degrees - she finds him one and covers him up. <br /><br />Ransom is doing great too - he weighs almost 13 pounds and is 24" long - that's the 95th percentile for weight and 90th for length! I think he'll weigh more than Sophie by his first birthday. He's getting strong - he can hold his head up very well and loves to smile!<br /><br />I never believed it would happen to me, but it has... I take significantly fewer pictures of Ransom than I did of Sophie at this age. I'm starting to amend that. Look for new pics later today!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-47578373127501787822009-08-22T15:40:00.009-05:002009-08-26T11:06:48.451-05:00Baby Fisher!I am sitting on the couch, with a cool breeze blowing in through the window. It feels good to be home. Sophie is asleep in her crib, and Jon and Ransom are having that perfect "newborn sleeps on Daddy's chest while he sleeps" moment. <br /><br />Yes. Ransom.<br /><br />Late Wednesday afternoon I started getting really uncomfortable. Around 9pm or so, the contractions got worse, but after having visited the hospital with false labor a couple weeks ago, I was in no hurry to go in. We watched a movie, I took a bath and went to bed. They were still getting worse, but not lasting longer than about 30 seconds, so I didn't think too much of it (though they were about 4 minutes apart at that point...) Finally Jon talked me into calling our friend to stay with Sophie, and we left.<br /><br />We got to the hospital about 12:30 at night. We went through the whole admittance process in no hurry - the nurse told me later she thought I would be in labor for several more hours. So did I.<br /><br />Finally, about 1:00am, she checked me out. She got a really surprised look on her face and said she needed to go call my doctor - I was at 9! They told me to not push until the doctor got there (seriously? SERIOUSLY?), which he did a little after 2. I pushed for a few minutes, and at 2:21am on August 20, Ransom Decatur Fisher was born! <br /><br />------------------<br /><br />I wrote all that last Saturday. What can I say, I have a newborn and a toddler...<br /><br />All has been going well. He's eating like a champ and is above his discharge weight. We went to the doctor yesterday for his first routine appointment, and the doctor was afraid he was jaundiced. We did the blood test, and the results were "not alarming" - so we don't have to do anything! What a huge relief...<br /><br />Sophia absolutely loves him, though by now she has gotten pretty used to him. The first day she wanted to hold him and be by him constantly, the next day she just needed my and Jon's attention. By now the novelty has pretty much worn off. I'm sure there will be more difficult times ahead, but kids adapt easily.<br /><br />My parents have been here for a few days, which has been a huge blessing. For reasons I'll write about in another post, Jon has had to go to work every day this week, and I've been gone some as well. Having someone here to watch the kids - and keep the house from falling apart - has been wonderful. They're leaving tonight about the same time Jon's family is coming in - so glad it worked out for them to come before school starts!<br /><br />Ok, I've been writing this over several days, and if I keep going it will digress into more and more rambling. Instead, I leave you with pictures!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF2T4nfXVyQfwAcbsZgN5bK3PTPj1VqgX6qWZRKoI_27TSIovMDKkNoFAFCrwVxwAoYcEmp6ZVCAXzAfjzmWNWs2Vx3Oyh1FXa9poudicwfsGRMGYiU7GZYoRmUcr-oW3PS6f/s1600-h/P1010103.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF2T4nfXVyQfwAcbsZgN5bK3PTPj1VqgX6qWZRKoI_27TSIovMDKkNoFAFCrwVxwAoYcEmp6ZVCAXzAfjzmWNWs2Vx3Oyh1FXa9poudicwfsGRMGYiU7GZYoRmUcr-oW3PS6f/s320/P1010103.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374303857659248466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUgWoaC1MDC-7ZvbIHrVOkhu72AaE5Umu7BI7ZPPLgTsH21VDcbpBB9qjq1y1oTYCfAi-6DOoYxE3AkdvsxHE19XFnnnhuPa8Kfd2uhGAllAkTPG7-1ZLeg2KcgsV6_xVmDdn/s1600-h/P1010077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUgWoaC1MDC-7ZvbIHrVOkhu72AaE5Umu7BI7ZPPLgTsH21VDcbpBB9qjq1y1oTYCfAi-6DOoYxE3AkdvsxHE19XFnnnhuPa8Kfd2uhGAllAkTPG7-1ZLeg2KcgsV6_xVmDdn/s320/P1010077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374303845345178706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfFDz7ASHxYYqxZYdDVocuxMPqSxCxeLDO_VfbaBgF2WbQdnPmhlebOU-80CPL2BIWFbaAHA9q0GZP6rtk3mi-Rh26A2oQz2nY2GYaMrdVkuLFbeJPCB2DvmpErCa2_vSJjEw/s1600-h/P1010098_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfFDz7ASHxYYqxZYdDVocuxMPqSxCxeLDO_VfbaBgF2WbQdnPmhlebOU-80CPL2BIWFbaAHA9q0GZP6rtk3mi-Rh26A2oQz2nY2GYaMrdVkuLFbeJPCB2DvmpErCa2_vSJjEw/s320/P1010098_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374303826897564786" /></a>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-81778697132343880752009-08-17T21:12:00.002-05:002009-08-17T21:20:22.864-05:00Troops' families feel weight of warThis is a bit of a read, but it does a great job at displaying some of the difficulties multiple deployments place on military families. It references Strong Bonds, the retreat program we just did in Nashville. <br /><br /><blockquote>As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to demand long and multiple deployments of soldiers, the Army high command is focusing more attention on a tragic consequence to military families. Soldiers and their spouses are learning to live separate lives — the soldier at war, the spouse at home with the children — and it is becoming more difficult with each deployment to get back together.</blockquote> <br /><br />Read the whole article here: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2009-08-03-broken-families_N.htm">Troops' families feel weight of war</a> - there is also a short video on the site of one couple talking about their life in the military.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-41531357018510976932009-08-12T07:17:00.007-05:002009-08-12T19:48:16.940-05:0038 and counting.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoOeQnQ-vik23zvAXR7nkK6Vyz5bSY2i6dCM1GgCmNOB4a5r_t4X1JC8UTNR9xm8hv6m4m8oJYNKZjkjbGdQ4KrOUox6V6MFvQiMy-wHqn9BP1fsHybmU23bUvP5yAOa0V5OC/s1600-h/P1010142.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoOeQnQ-vik23zvAXR7nkK6Vyz5bSY2i6dCM1GgCmNOB4a5r_t4X1JC8UTNR9xm8hv6m4m8oJYNKZjkjbGdQ4KrOUox6V6MFvQiMy-wHqn9BP1fsHybmU23bUvP5yAOa0V5OC/s320/P1010142.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369243424156534770" /></a><br />Well, here it is, August 12, the date that was my guess to have the baby. <br /><br />The end is not in sight. I went to the doctor this morning, who informed me - unsurprisingly - that there has been no change in the past 2 weeks. The way I have been feeling, I expect the baby to make his grand appearance around Halloween - I feel the same as I did a month ago, except even fewer of my clothes fit! The other day I didn't update my Facebook status all day, so my sister took that to mean I was in the hospital! No such luck...<br /><br />What is nice is that, since I got everything done that I wanted to before our Nashville trip, I have been enjoying relaxing and reading these past couple weeks! <br /><br />Ah yes, Nashville. I suppose that's something non-baby I could talk about. The Army, in its ever infinite wisdom, realized a few years ago that - surprise - the military doesn't exactly make marriage easy. And since, in most cases, happy marriage = happy Soldier = good Soldier, they decided to do something about it. Hence the inception of Strong Bonds. <br /><br />Strong Bonds is a Marriage Enrichment Retreat program run by Chaplains. Two weeks ago, Jon and I, along with 19 other couples from Redstone, went to the Opryland Hotel in Nashville for a few days for this retreat. Aside from a few minor hiccups, all went well! Jon taught on, among other things, The Five Love Languages and healthy conflict resolution. He is a really great teacher - of all the hats he wears as a Chaplain, that's probably his favorite! The couples seemed to interact with the material and respond well to it. Though these events take a ton of work on Jon's part, it is great knowing that these marriages are better off because of it. <br /><br />We were planning on staying an extra night, but I thought I was in labor. Silly me. I think all the walking around made me go into false labor, and being 2 1/2 hours from home, I didn't want to risk it... It was a beautiful hotel, albeit a little ostentatious. The photo is of us at the garden. INSIDE the hotel.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-90241114708610532372009-07-29T15:41:00.003-05:002009-07-29T15:45:27.398-05:00Baby PoolIt's that time again!<br /><br />Here are the stats: I'm at 36 weeks right now, 2-3 cm dilated. <br /><br />I had Sophie at 36 weeks/5 days, which would be this coming Monday (August 3) if this baby were to be the same.<br /><br />So, what are your guesses - <span style="font-style:italic;">when do you think we will meet Baby Boy Fisher?</span><br /><br />(For what it's worth, my guess is August 12...)<br /><br />Put your guess in the comments section! :-)Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-30105358591807415752009-07-19T21:39:00.003-05:002009-07-19T21:52:11.712-05:00Homemade Ice Cream (in a bag)So I've seen a recipe on a few different "Mommy Blogs" this summer for homemade ice cream that you make with in plastic bags and is ready in 5 minutes. Didn't quite believe it would be as good as they said, but I thought I'd try it. <br /><br />I have to admit, it was pretty good! I used one part milk and one part half-and-half. We drink skim milk, so I think doing it with a higher fat milk or ALL half-and-half would produce a creamier product. Also, it helps to think of it more as a milk shake than ice cream. That said, it's ridiculously easy to make and would be tons of fun for kids to do! <br /><br />One other note - I have always thought ingredients I had never used seemed exotic, and therefore expensive. Case in point: Rock Salt. To all you out there like me, rest assured - I picked up a 1-pound box of it for 89 cents. :-)<br /><br /><blockquote>Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag<br /><br />1 tablespoon sugar<br />1/2 cup half & half or milk<br />1/4 teaspoon vanilla<br /><br />6 tablespoons rock salt<br />1 pint-size ziploc bag<br />1 gallon-size ziploc bag<br />Ice cubes<br /><br />Step One: Put the first three ingredients into the pint sized ziploc bag. Seal well. Check and make sure that is is sealed well. Check again.<br /><br />Step Two: Put the pint sized ziploc bag inside of the gallon sized ziploc bag.<br /><br />Step Three: Fill the gallon sized ziploc bag with ice and rock salt. <br /><br />Step Four: Shake your bags.<br /><br />After about 5-10 minutes the half & half will thicken and you will have ice cream!<br /><br />Take the small bag of ice cream out of the larger bag — you may want to wipe the bag off to get rid of the salt residue, especially for younger children who are not as neat. Then, grab a spoon and eat it right out of the bag.<br /><br />Enjoy! </blockquote><br /><br /><a href="http://www.handipoints.com/mommypoints/just-for-fun/long-hot-summer-days/">Here</a> is the site I got this particular recipe from, but if you Google "homemade ice cream bag" you'll come up with lots of variations and ideas... I'm thinking chocolate next time! :-) Oh, we also put it in a bowl instead of eating it out of the bag - I hate getting melty ice cream on my hand as I'm trying to scrape the bottom...<br /><br />Happy eating!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-47834064072628456732009-07-11T09:37:00.007-05:002009-07-12T14:55:42.838-05:00Thoughts on a Rainy SundaySeveral people have asked me why I've stopped blogging, or at least writing so much. There are many reasons for this. One, admittedly, is Facebook. I post a lot of thoughts there, so the blog gets pretty much ignored. Then there's the fact that I completely and utterly decompress to Jon, so by the time I think to write about a given topic, I've probably already talked about it to death! Oh, then there's the small matter of being in school full time right now (should have my BA next spring!!!), and trying to do what I can to get ready for a new baby next month. (NEXT month? What??? When did THAT happen?)<br /><br />The other reason is actually similar to why Jon stopped blogging. I started this out to chronicle being a Chaplain's wife, and I have few new experiences anymore. It's just life. Redstone is different from Hunter, which was different from Stewart, but at the end of the day, it's pretty much the same.<br /><br />And, honestly, many of the things I would write about, I'm not really comfortable putting out there in cyberspace for anyone to read. <br /><br />After listening to a story yesterday on NPR, Jon and I had a conversation about what it would look like to move "back home." I'll admit, there are times moving back to Cedar Springs seems appealing. My parents now live 4 hours away from there, so it's not "home" in that sense, but it is where I grew up. Every time I visit, I wish I could stay longer. Most of our siblings live within a 45 minute drive of there, and what I consider my home church - the one I went to and worked at in my early 20s - is just 10 minutes away.<br /><br />But could I do it?<br /><br />When Jon was in Iraq the first time, our plan was to go Active Duty. Long story short, that didn't work out. He came home in May of 2006, and we weren't sure where life would take us. We ended up moving back to Atlanta to work. I remember being completely terrified of this. Away from Michigan? Away from my family? Away from <span style="font-style:italic;">home</span>? <br /><br />But you know, home isn't Cedar Springs anymore. Home is not Savannah nor Huntsville. We often say that home is wherever we both are, but when he is deployed, I certainly don't consider THAT home! Many people use the phrase "Home is where the Army sends you" - and I think that right now, I tend to agree.<br /><br />I feel more at home with other spouses than I do with friends from Michigan. I feel like I could walk onto any Army post and be integrated quite quickly. <br /><br />A couple weeks ago I was on the phone with a good friend from high school. We used to do everything together. She got married a year after me, had a girl 7 weeks after Sophie was born, and had a baby boy in March. In that way, our lives have remained similar. <br /><br />But really, they couldn't be more different. She lives in the next town over from our high school, in a small community. She is happy with her life, and I'm happy for her.<br /><br />But it's not for me.<br /><br />My life is the Army now. Jon and I have talked recently about how intimidated I used to be by it all. The first few social functions I went to I was scared to death. I didn't know when to stand, when to sit, how to interact with people. It was all so unknown. <br /><br />Not anymore. Changes of Command, Hail & Farewells, Coffees, FRGs, even Memorial Services - they're all a part of life. I can tell rank by glancing at a Soldier's chest (though I'll admit, I still have to mentally count rockers), Taps playing at the end of the day has become common, and all my friends know exactly what it's like to have a husband overseas. I am more comfortable here than I would be anywhere else. I appreciate the diversity of people I meet, and I realize that, regardless of rank and position, that's all they all are - just people. People who introduce me to worlds quite unlike mine, people who might look at things differently. <br /><br />I'm not done blogging. You'll still get your Sophie updates :-) - and I'm sure many more once Baby Boy arrives! And I'll still fill you in about what's going on now and then - but as far as the "Army firsts" - I think those are getting fewer & further between. And I'm realizing that what it means to be a "Chaplain's wife" is different with every person, every post, every year. I have other Chaplains' wives as friends who view this ministry vastly different than we do, so their experience looks different. So, I'll keep telling my story - just don't be surprised if I continue to not update very frequently. (If you DO want to know what's going on in my life, though, add me as a Facebook friend - that's a better way! :-)Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-85528674023057205002009-06-21T14:25:00.004-05:002009-06-21T14:30:54.730-05:00Need your help!We bought a deep freezer yesterday!!! Yes. THREE exclamation points. It is very exciting.<br /><br />The refrigerator in this house is considerably smaller than we've had in the past - and the freezer has about enough room for 2 bags of vegetables. Being people who like to stock up during sales and such, that just wasn't cutting it...<br /><br />One of my plans is to use the month of July to prepare some meals ahead, so in the last weeks of pregnancy and first weeks of Life With Two Kids, I can have some frozen meals ready.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Suggestions?</span> <br /><br />I need meals that freeze well - all suggestions are welcome! My ideas so far are chicken (pulled chicken, maybe with garlic/onions, that I can use in other things), sweet & sour chicken, meatloaf, of course soup... what else? I'm looking for not just meals, but also things like the chicken, that aren't a whole meal, but would cut down immensely in preparation.<br /><br />Look forward to your ideas!!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-77649836315395917182009-06-16T09:44:00.007-05:002009-06-16T16:43:50.155-05:00Sophie Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwED1NsdMh1cZUryc3538BQfM1nvc-TVrE0XWwSKyzV8A6K2siEaekqDasPihkQfTRKRBcvg3iSjiTh5QHMKCeSFF5fzI0J-rahazwpXMu2n4cYOBZkIdRmSLHqMW-RBOorVJ/s1600-h/P1010053.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwED1NsdMh1cZUryc3538BQfM1nvc-TVrE0XWwSKyzV8A6K2siEaekqDasPihkQfTRKRBcvg3iSjiTh5QHMKCeSFF5fzI0J-rahazwpXMu2n4cYOBZkIdRmSLHqMW-RBOorVJ/s320/P1010053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348044369720184258" /></a><br />Sophia turned 18 months on Sunday! We celebrated by having her well-baby check-up yesterday...<br /><br />She is, not surprisingly, doing great. I have had several people comment to me that she looks tall, which I never understood - until yesterday. Seems she is in the 40th percentile in height, but only 14th in weight. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Sophia, now that you're 18 months, here are some of the things I absolutely adore about you, and never want to forget...</span><br /><br />~ The way you drink all your milk from your cereal bowl when you're done, following my accidental example... <br /><br />~ When you see something you want, you say "peeease" and nod your head.<br /><br />~ The way you start "reading out loud" from the book you're looking at when Dad or I read to you.<br /><br />~ How excited you get when Dad gets home - you run toward the door, arms out for a hug, squealing the whole way.<br /><br />~ How you have started liking being "pretty" - barrettes and headbands in your hair, necklaces, combing your hair.<br /><br />~ How, every time I walk down the hall, you follow me, either saying "upupupup" (telling me you want me to lift you "up" onto my bed to play), or "po-y" (meaning you want to sit on the potty).<br /><br />~ The way you sit at your desk with a piece of paper and pen, diligently writing, as if you are chronicling your day for future generations.<br /><br />~ How, when you know we're getting ready to leave, you start gathering things: your shoes, my shoes, my purse, the diaper bag... then get VERY upset if we don't leave right away!<br /><br />~ The way you hold your hand up to your mouth and make "whisper" noises if Dad or I whispers to you.<br /><br />~ How you fold your hands and say "paaay" when it's time to pray - and if we say the Lord's Prayer, you say it with us. In tongues, apparently. ;-)<br /><br />~ How upset you get when someone else is crying or yelling. I hope you never lose this sense of empathy.<br /><br />You are such a sweet child!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-24039906055882596242009-06-02T21:55:00.006-05:002009-06-04T13:08:41.653-05:00I really should write more often...I'm sitting outside right now, under the covered patio, eating chips and cheese, watching it rain. I love this. The cool breeze is such a welcome break from the 90s weather we've been having - I'm actually wearing a sweatshirt right now! Feels like fall... <br /><br />It's been busy around here. It's definitely a different kind of "busy" than the last unit - but busy nonetheless. Those "leave work at 5" days (novel concept!) have quickly fluttered by... ah well... so, here's a recap of the last few weeks...<br /><br />----------------------------------------------------<br /><br />We went to our first 832nd Hail & Farewell last week. It was by far the shortest I have ever been to - and they were farewelling the Commander! Usually these things take HOURS - even with the meal, this one was done in about 90 minutes! It was cool to get to meet more of the people in Jon's unit.<br /><br />----------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Sophie is growing more interactive every day! She is getting to a really fun age - there are times I'm not sure what I'm going to do with a newborn again! She is very independent and loves doing things that Mom and Dad do... though not always exactly the way Mom and Dad do them. For example, she loves helping me unload the dishwasher. There is a low cupboard with plastic things she can put away, but lately she has been putting away the silverware for me. Unfortunately, since she can't reach the drawer, she has claimed another low cabinet for silverware! She very purposefully gets each piece, one at a time, walks over, and puts it on the shelf. She's trying so hard to help I can't bear to stop her! <br /><br />Last night at Bible study one of the Soldiers put Sophie up to the microphone - she didn't even hesitate doing exactly what Dad does... she leaned forward and started singing away! The words consisted mostly of "duh"s and "nuh"s, but it was definitely a song! When he tried to put her down, she grabbed the mic and started singing louder! <br /><br />----------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Thanks for all your suggestions about play group. We didn't go on Tuesday, and there weren't any problems today. There were fewer kids there today, plus one of them was a 6-year-old girl who loved helping Sophie play all morning! <br /><br />----------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Long story short, I got some good news about my degree last week! They FINALLY got all my transcripts evaluated (2 1/2 years after the process began...) and they accepted ALL of them!!! The one blow-off AP math class I took in high school even paid off - not only did they give me 3 credits for it, but it waived THREE math classes! All said, it seems I have 3 CLEPs and 6 8-week classes left! Even taking my time (and a term off for the baby), I should be done in less than a year! Woohoo!<br /><br />----------------------------------------------------<br /><br />We were visited by yet another "official welcoming committee" this week. It's funny to me that every group comes individually - I think this was the 3rd. They came with a cookbook with recipes from spouses (Officers' Spouses Club), so that was cool. I have heard people talk about not feeling very welcome when they move on post, but that hasn't been our experience at all! People here seem just the right amount of friendly - they'll welcome you and talk to you, but don't intrude! ;-)<br /><br />-----------------------------------------------------<br /><br />I'm officially in my third trimester! Let me tell you... this kid... shirts I wore up until the day I had Sophie are already stretched tight around my belly. After I eat, I have to push him down so I can breathe. I'm really hoping I go early again, because I have a feeling he'll be bigger than Sophie was! I would love to do a natural birth again, but if he's big... I just don't know...<br /><br />----------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Ok, that's enough for now. I'm off to write the first paper for "Music of the United States"... it's a book report of the table of contents and chapter summaries. Seriously?!?! I think I'll like this class...Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-10649034641451764772009-05-13T19:11:00.003-05:002009-05-15T17:57:40.327-05:00Petting ZooThis week Sophie and I went on her first field trip! We have been going to a morning Play Group twice a week. Sophie loves Play Group - and so do I! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOTh012RIOYgc7wbzOVUiNTBLCfvzWuFgaVVfzfPrG2y3SN5PIITpEeIiVfpbRAZjwocYnUEXu6-cnF8C_hUtBMJaohpFfczf1H6BDxfQj5ISXD3LYOjjdayJ9iJ2Kp5no_-I/s1600-h/P1010069.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOTh012RIOYgc7wbzOVUiNTBLCfvzWuFgaVVfzfPrG2y3SN5PIITpEeIiVfpbRAZjwocYnUEXu6-cnF8C_hUtBMJaohpFfczf1H6BDxfQj5ISXD3LYOjjdayJ9iJ2Kp5no_-I/s320/P1010069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336187071123457858" /></a>It's sponsored by Army Community Services, and they have a huge building with all sorts of fun toys, plus an outside play area with outdoor toys just for Sophie's age. I have enjoyed getting to know other moms, and Sophie literally runs to the building when we gets there and... shall we say... it's a struggle to leave...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEzqDXCQIvh8XoXlOxHK1A-g89x07yw6hEqxWa2FyL4w2EafxbwQvYhfMcls3aJKD00n-ejLQtaE4-AjMPp9lm03WB_QxTXTS7zupVirF6LJMS81E53z_KXRcOq5SNwDRlEaX/s1600-h/P1010044.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEzqDXCQIvh8XoXlOxHK1A-g89x07yw6hEqxWa2FyL4w2EafxbwQvYhfMcls3aJKD00n-ejLQtaE4-AjMPp9lm03WB_QxTXTS7zupVirF6LJMS81E53z_KXRcOq5SNwDRlEaX/s320/P1010044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336187065705569474" /></a><br /><br />Sophie also LOVES animals. Didn't get it from me, that's for sure. "Dog" was her second word (after the ever-important "Dad") - and we don't even have one! (Notice in the first video how she got distracted by the dog - that happened several times that morning). So, I knew that she would enjoy this trip - she had a blast! It took some convincing for ME to feed the animals, but when I saw all the 2-year-olds around me not sharing my trepidation around the goats, I had to toughen up.. ;-) <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlj8LJGZAgzmwbpOovh0G4rj149tNhruuCNqTezvdA82QA5F3LOflmddDyQlq-qXu1Es0HtOfxlRe9jY7ksXt7U9LV1tCH_8mDcPr002SNCbqe9957D8HRQNM77ho59r7RwUE/s1600-h/P1010098_2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlj8LJGZAgzmwbpOovh0G4rj149tNhruuCNqTezvdA82QA5F3LOflmddDyQlq-qXu1Es0HtOfxlRe9jY7ksXt7U9LV1tCH_8mDcPr002SNCbqe9957D8HRQNM77ho59r7RwUE/s320/P1010098_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336187075870440194" /></a><br />You can click <a href="http://web.mac.com/jonathan_fisher.mac/iWeb/Site/Petting%20Zoo.html">HERE</a> to see the whole set of pictures (plus some with her new sandbox and table & chairs).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaJDRimvuAd8l3bSfqmu_RzLDTxMbbU9ErYQRuaxprsnPV7LvptYOvkUuD35tq2AKPSdbtGhMGr400m1ahZMsU1TzmDfPuNcX-Wvg5xskWhfGslIJ1UHGZR0lqx_qH0pMoMRd/s1600-h/P1010042.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaJDRimvuAd8l3bSfqmu_RzLDTxMbbU9ErYQRuaxprsnPV7LvptYOvkUuD35tq2AKPSdbtGhMGr400m1ahZMsU1TzmDfPuNcX-Wvg5xskWhfGslIJ1UHGZR0lqx_qH0pMoMRd/s320/P1010042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336187061869311330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD2ux0g-yvGvs6du-NxQvSKXRcciNjPlZ5t16LfiK9o5KPypSzHUuwtluhKCzDNhKVEfqu5ixPJoUa6D5P2T5SG4Ov66oOXrsFlBJRibxK0LdnELTHiLlHfWAa9jz3MrMupZk/s1600-h/P1010035.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD2ux0g-yvGvs6du-NxQvSKXRcciNjPlZ5t16LfiK9o5KPypSzHUuwtluhKCzDNhKVEfqu5ixPJoUa6D5P2T5SG4Ov66oOXrsFlBJRibxK0LdnELTHiLlHfWAa9jz3MrMupZk/s320/P1010035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336187058963109634" /></a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0uLY8aA5TeY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0uLY8aA5TeY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9SLaUS2T3I8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9SLaUS2T3I8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-76116971507943740872009-05-06T07:39:00.005-05:002009-05-12T21:01:45.063-05:00Life at RedstoneIf you've read my blog for long, you have heard me "wax an elephant" about how a military Chaplain has a very unique roll - that of a religious Government employee. Each Chaplain has a different take on what exactly that means, but regardless of your personal view, what the job looks like on a day to day basis is different with each unit. And not only does the kind of unit/ mission affect the day-to-day work, but so does the Commander and his/her expectations.<br /><br />Contrary to what many people think, the main function of a Chaplain is (typically) not pastoral ministry in the "church" sense. There is a large amount of counseling, plus meetings, staff work, training, etc. While there are some Chaplains who fill the pastor role, those jobs are few and far between - and even then, he probably shares the pulpit with all the others stationed there. <br /><br />All that background is to say that this job is very different than what he's done, in a lot of ways - more on that in the future... <br /><br />To make a long story not quite as long, Jon has started a contemporary service here! We have only met for two weeks and are about to undergo some changes (moving to a bigger chapel and meeting on Sunday evenings instead of mornings), but it has been refreshing for us to be in this kind of ministry. At this point, he's doing it all - leading worship, preaching, presiding over communion - everything. On top of that, he's doing a Bible study on Wednesday evenings. Though it's very different from his other roles, we are really enjoying this aspect of the Chaplaincy.<br /><br />On a personal level, I'm loving it! I get to do a lot of those things that pastors' wives do that I never have. Or, things I did as a church secretary and miss! (Seriously, I get a ridiculous amount of pleasure from building Power Points for the service...) I am just beginning to build relationships with a couple female Soldiers and look forward to doing that more. <br /><br />Jon and I have always made it a point to function as a team - "whatever we do, we do together" - but here, more than ever before, I feel like a part of his ministry and what he's doing. Of course, he still has the Soldier aspect to his job - and he can keep that! As for me, I will continue to lay in bed while he gets up to run every morning! :)Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-86112813841192514142009-05-03T13:23:00.001-05:002009-05-03T13:23:40.421-05:00Stepping OutMost people who know me casually think I'm outgoing. I'm not. I would typically be MUCH happier at home - even socially, I like to get together with one or two other people, not groups. AFTER I know you, I'm not quiet - but it takes every ounce of willpower to go say hello to someone I don't know. I have always felt pretentious doing that - I thought that if someone had any desire to meet me, THEY would come up to ME. What I've realized, though, is that most people don't just walk up and introduce themselves, which makes it REALLY hard to meet them! With each new place we've moved, I've tried to overcome that a bit more. I'm happy to say it's starting to work!<br /><br />Earlier this week there was an FRG meeting - the first they have had in a couple years - perfect timing! :-) Unfortunately, Jon had gotten a call right before it started to meet with a Soldier, so he wasn't able to make it. <br /><br />There were probably 25 people there or so, which, for having never done it, was a great turnout. I sat with the Commander and his wife, who I think were the only people in the room I had met before (Jon & I have gone to a couple Battalion softball games - fun! Reminds me of church leagues... except with cussing...). I quickly got to know the other people at our table, and after we ate, I met everyone else! It must be pointed out that Sophie is a GREAT buffer and way to meet people...<br /><br />Contrary to my previous belief, no one blew me off and acted annoyed that I said hello like I thought they would! ;-) As much as it's out of my comfort zone, Jon sometimes reminds me that, as the Chaplain's wife, it is appropriate and good for me to take initiative to meet people like that. I look forward to getting to know them better!<br /><br />Sophie and I have also started going to a play group that meets twice a week (though it's indefinitely canceled due to the swine flu... er... I mean N1H1...). The other moms there are super nice, plus it's great to watch Sophie interact with other kids her age! They have TONS of toys, both indoor and outdoor - once Sophie realized I wasn't just dropping her off and leaving, she was ready to explore! <br /><br />Some other exciting things have happened, but those will have to wait for another day! :-)Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-80897416597892110092009-04-29T12:53:00.005-05:002009-04-29T14:43:59.624-05:00Contemplating...I have a post nearly ready to be published, about the people I've met and the things I've done since moving here. I just can't seem to finish it right now...<br /><br />My thoughts are with my old roommate from Moody. Kandice, who just turned 28, was diagnosed this month with inflammatory breast cancer. She has been preparing to go to the mission field in a Creative Access country in Central Asia to work with the deaf. She's meeting with an oncologist for the first time, even as I type this. Please keep her in your prayers...<br /><br />My sister-in-law <a href="http://amylfisher.blogspot.com/">Amy</a> just posted this video this week from a conference she recently attended sponsored by Living Beyond Breast Cancer. I encourage you to take a few minutes and watch it.<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7hEsGJMx-GE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7hEsGJMx-GE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-6203266891905549462009-04-26T20:46:00.004-05:002009-04-27T20:22:32.409-05:00The World of Kevin (updated)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE8SMQYUNkBMVqj-jyqZZh9fBeIW6sheFbMe447HZ5K1MoXsD5XPnx9WfITiXo-RjiEoU1YAJNW79ZDX3FGr9v6MR_Kv2w5D-B30RYZsNW-mVe9eURzJNjQflY_7AlmiXeEod/s1600-h/P1010024.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE8SMQYUNkBMVqj-jyqZZh9fBeIW6sheFbMe447HZ5K1MoXsD5XPnx9WfITiXo-RjiEoU1YAJNW79ZDX3FGr9v6MR_Kv2w5D-B30RYZsNW-mVe9eURzJNjQflY_7AlmiXeEod/s320/P1010024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329183359083026066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAUA-_cFIJQz7o0UnN_Ym7bIyNRsTcJ32TXj05HYMk36CtGbM-uilZnCFkycxQ9arKAUZ0IISNgHvS8HXf4hnXP5g_3212An4A_xHzmsxmWriGF-1frekqUvamILEoSSXXi8e/s1600-h/P1010019.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAUA-_cFIJQz7o0UnN_Ym7bIyNRsTcJ32TXj05HYMk36CtGbM-uilZnCFkycxQ9arKAUZ0IISNgHvS8HXf4hnXP5g_3212An4A_xHzmsxmWriGF-1frekqUvamILEoSSXXi8e/s320/P1010019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329183352096166114" /></a> Sorry - it seems I wasn't super clear - there is a separate photo page with 20 or so new photos - click the link at the word "here" in the following sentence:<br /><br />I posted new photos<br /><a href="http://web.mac.com/jonathan_fisher.mac/iWeb/Site/Easter%20and%20April.html"> here</a>! Some are from Easter, some are from various other times. Sorry about the photo page title - I forgot to change it from the iWeb prefab.<br /><br />Here are just a couple...Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.com3