Pre-Deployment Checklist

Over on Spouse Buzz one of the authors had a great post about pre deployment checklists. As DH gets ready to go to ntc and Iraq again I need to get organized (famous last words in my family, but this time I really really really mean it!). I have gone through deployments and lost power of attorneys and all kinds of other things, but this time I am determined that I will be on top of my game. I am sure my mom will give me one of her many binders (I secretly think she collects them along with Lipton tea lids) and I will get started next week--no rush, right?

7 habits

Today DH and I took a class offered by the Army called 7 Habits of Highly Effective Army Families based on Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families. It was a great class and we learned a lot. (Actually DH left at the lunch break since his chain of command wouldn't authorize him to stay the whole day after approving it originally, but oh well) I think we learned a lot of valuable information and hopefully we can put it into practice. I do wish that they had had more examples that were Army related to deployment as that would be helpful in the upcoming months. I do recommend the course to others though, just check with ACS to see if it is offered at your post. Now it is time for DH and I to plow through the book and the workbook so that we can get the most out of the class.

Happy Birthday!!

Today is Junior's 1st birthday!!! Hard to believe how much he has changed over the last 12 months. He was born at 10:01 pm weighing in at a hefty 10 lbs 1 oz. (Thank goodness for epidurals!) Dh had just returned from Iraq for R&R two days prior so he was able to be there for the birth.

He still doesn't sleep through the night every night but I love him just the same!

A few pictures

We're home

I'll try to post some pictures later but we had a great time and the car ride both ways was not that bad! My brother and SIL were great on Sunday taking the girls on a 3 mile run before we headed back so they were worn out. The girls loved NASA and the grossology exhibit. My brother went along with us which made managing 3 kiddos a lot easier. They even had a multi-level playscape inside that the kids loved! I remember being dragged to NASA when I was a kid all the time and dreading it (sorry Mom I know you were trying!). It has really changed and is definitely worth a visit if you are down near Houston.