Thursday, November 11, 2010

I put the 'suck' in 'Suck-it-up'

Did I really go through the last year without posting? Curse you , FACEBOOK! Basically the whole deployment went undocumented. So yeah, I suck, whatevah.

I will try to spend the next week re-capping our last year, with month/season-to-month/season highlights (of the kids of course, since they are the only entertaining things around these parts).

To give an overview of now:

We decided to do WAVA again this year for the girls (public school at home). We considered sending them back to public school, but F-bomb still presents an 'issue' for our school, as they have no placement testing, nor supplemental programs to challenge her. She is working 2 grades ahead in all her Literature/Language Skills, and a grade ahead in math. The school SJ would have gone to does not allow running on the playground at recess, nor any physical contact on school property (yep, that includes high-fives and hugging), due to the HUGE 'mean-girls'/bullying issue there last year. That's just the tip of the iceburg, but enough. There's also the fact that we are moving in the Spring anyway, and would like to take our time coming across the country, so the homeschooling allows us to get ahead, or not, whatever - we can school on the road if need be! Believe me, good schools will be top priority in choosing our next home's location!

We did send Mel to Kindergarten right around the corner from our house. It's a half-day program, but he is a perfect fit, and LOVES it! Most mornings, as we are walking out the door heading to school, there is a vanload of girls from Kindergarten passing by, and windows are rolled down with a resounding "Heeeeeeyyyyyy, Melsssssooooonnnnn!" followed by giggle, giggle, squeal. Seriously, this kid's got game!

Of course, JM is back from his 3rd year in Iraq, and we are just beginning to find our 'normal' family battle-ryhthm again. Four months after his return. Yeah.

Our next assignment has us 'out of the fight' for what looks to be a solid three years. He will be teaching Captains at Benning's career course for a couple of years, then we should be off to Leavenworth for ILE (Major school) for another year.

A right-now snapshot of the kids:

SJ - Fiercely responsible and practical. Actively seeking employment. Not afraid to scoop cow poop if that's what it takes to earn a buck. Always has a running list of things to get done. Likes country music (>sigh<). Says frequently that growing up isn't fun. Still crazy about her Daddy, and compares all males to him, at which point they all come up abruptly short. Just found the first boy who is "funny and nice like Daddy", Zach, and is giving him a chance. Hates her hair. Has reading glasses (understated - purple-ish), and loves to read. Gets mature/adult humor, probably too much, but I love it! My 'partner'.


F-bomb - Still quirky, if not more so. Dances in double-and-a-half time to the beat of 11 different drummers AND their accompanying bands. Still only tolerates Mel, but trying more and more to be a help. Idolizes SJ and wants to share a room again with her. Loves shoes, fashion, and all things girl. "Rainbows/Unicorns/Glitter - EEEEEEEEEEE!" Loves to read. Wears reading glasses (RED! and rocks them). Might have a lucrative future in acrobatics and contortionism. Seriously. Although still a worrier, has discovered her thrill-seeker side this last year. Likes 'biker stuff' and has asked for leather chaps. Is very into writing books, and has at least four works-in-progress, of all genre, all the time, on our hard drive. Thinks outside the box - asked Santa for fried chicken if he can't bring her the two other things she asked for. She is the reason for at least 1/2 of the 'stick around' friends I have - they have clearly stated that I'm great and all, but they really just want to see what she turns out to be.



Mel - B. O. Y. And all that encompasses. He is completely in awe of his Daddy. Wants to be "something where I can carry a gun" when he grows up. Builds his own made-up weapons (yesterday's was made out of a pencil case, a drum stick and a flip flop, and it was actually pretty cool!) Charm is an understatement. Gets unsolicited kisses from other Kindergarten girls. Only has eyes for one in particular, though (one of a set of identical twins - and he can tell which is which!) Rotten. Loves music, all kinds, and has a great sense of ryhthm and genre. Proves that particularness about clothing (sleeve length, sock wrinkles, ANY wrinkles, fit, feel) is genetic - thanks Dad (mine)! Doesn't care as much about style of the clothing, as long as it is 'tough'. Dent in his chin - works it. Dimple on his left cheek - works it. ONLY likes the good guys - doesn't even like the bad guy if they come in a dueling set. Sweet and caring toward his sisters when they are hurt/sad/crying, but otherwise takes great joy in tormenting them in typical little-brother fashion.