Luke's Outing

Luke and I had quite the treat yesterday. Since the student pilots are gone for Christmas break, the simulators are free and Chris got to take Luke and I in one to experience a bit what it's like to "fly" the KC-135. Luke had no idea what to expect. Even though I told him that it would be like a big box that never left the ground, I'm still not sure he believes us when we tell him that he was on the ground the entire time. I think he may have even been a bit scared that we were going to "crash" because in his description to Hannah, he made sure that she knew that we always landed on the runway. He was also insistent that I either help him steer or Chris "land" the plane. As you can see, he wasn't quite tall enough to see out the front so he got a boost for most of the time by sitting on my lap. After awhile, I think he did lose interest. However, I think he did absorb more than we originally thought. When he was telling Andrew and Hannah about it, he described more than I thought and was even able to tell us what needed to be pulled to get the landing gear down. Oh, by the way, I enjoyed my time as well!

Luke ready for his simulator adventure

Chris and Luke "starting" the engines

Luke "flying"

The pilots after we're all finished up!

A Book Review

The outlined country is North Korea at night with China to the north and South Korea to the south (the bright spot in South Korea is Seoul)

Last winter I borrowed a book from a friend titled, Nothing to Envy. It was written by a journalist who had sat down with some of the North Korean defectors and told their stories with a lot of history and background of the North Korean country included. Honestly, I think it was one of the hardest books for me to read - not in terms of reading skills, but in terms of the extreme and constant atrocities these people have endured and continue to endure. Part of me wonders how a people group could live like this, but this is all they know. Another part of me wonders how one man/one family can completely shut them out from the entire world and make them believe that you are a god. It is completely beyond my understanding. Yet, at the same time, my heart deeply grieves for these people. Parts of this book have come back to me time and again as political power is currently being transferred. If you're interested, I would suggest reading this book just to give you a glimpse into the lives of the everday Korean people - not the ones on display for the world to see.

Lego Lover!

Luke has always enjoyed his Legos, but it has only been in recent months that he plays with them nearly all. the. time! So, it was an easy fit to make sure he got a couple of more sets for Christmas. Both sets of Grandparents also got him sets and Chris and I sat in amazement at how quickly and efficiently he could put them together. I'm very thorough so by the time I figured out what they were doing, Luke had figured that out, found the piece and put it into place. Maybe he's just practiced more..... Anyway, he declared yesterday a special day since he got to put together his new sets. Here are just a few pics from his special day!

The pieces all awaiting assembly and Luke eager to oblige!

His new harbor in mid-assembly

His final projects. It took him about a half a day, but that was with a lot of playing in between, answering questions, letting Hannah and Andrew watch and posing for pictures for Mom and Dad. He could have done it more quickly minus those distractions.

White Christmas!

This was probably one of the few places where I thought we'd see a white Christmas. So, it was much to my surprise that we did indeed have a white Christmas. It did only last until about 10 am, but here is the proof nonetheless. Unfortunately, I'm not sure it was an "official" white Christmas since I don't think there was an inch or more, but it did make things white and that's all we needed.

Bird House Project

Ever since Luke saw some birdhouses that boys at church had made, he instantly decided that it was a project that he and his Daddy needed to undertake. He didn't waste time, either. The first day that Luke was home for Christmas break, he had a plan for the day and it only involved one thing...to make a birdhouse. The pattern they used (thank you internet for providing free ones!) was a bit different than the one they had at church, but I think it will serve our space a bit better than that one. Plus, I think it was a bit easier to put together. Chris actually did most of the "putting together", but the boys joined him for much of the time. Maybe Luke can make the next one at our next home whenever and wherever that may be.

Chris and the boys putting the house together

Luke so very proud of his birdhouse and Chris's workmanship

The final product. Now, we will probably have to wait for spring to see if any little birds want to make use of this new home.

Cookie Decorating

Oh, how I've missed having Luke home during the day. So, it was with much anticipation that we waited for him to be home for his break and join us for some cookie decorating. Here's just a few pics of our decorating activity.

Hannah and Andrew "helping" me make the cookies. They had a great system - Hannah would roll out the dough, cut out a shape and Andrew would eat it. I see this scenario occurring many times in the years to come!

Chris even got in on the cookie making action when he came home for lunch

Andrew icing cookies. He didn't last long since he got red sprinkles on his fingers, would lick them off and get more on his hands. He didn't like having sticky fingers....

Luke concentrating!

Hannah working on her masterpiece

Everyone busy .... except Andrew who couldn't tolerate those sticky fingers!

HoHoe Down Christmas

Cookie Decorating

Eagerly Awaiting their hayride!

Last Saturday was our third and final Christmas party of the season. They had a good reason to be so excited! When we arrived, they had pancakes (oh excuse me...flapjacks) for breakfast and they weren't just regular ones. They had a choice of red, green or normal - all so very yummy. We got to enjoy a country Christmas band that later did a sing-a-long with the kids. Next came the much anticipated Santa visit. In our home, Santa is fun, but I've made a very big point that he is not real and that Jesus is. Jesus' birthday is the real reason we celebrate Christmas. So, before we went, I had to coach the kids on what to do and how to act around him. Plus, I asked them to not tell others that he wasn't real. They did a great job and enjoyed the fact that he gave them a gift (a book provided by the parents in advance). The rest of the morning was filled with crafts - ornament making, activities - cookie decorating and calf roping and the finale was a hayride around a portion of the base. They loved it and I think I had as much fun as they did.

Conversations With My Babes

So, today's outings did not disappoint with a couple of observations that my kids made that made me laugh.

Chris was updating some of our GPS stuff so there was not one in the van on our way to the base and Wal-Mart - both places we frequent quite often in this small town and I definitely know the way. However, Andrew quite confidently informed me that I would not know where I was going because there was no GPS in the van.

While we were at the base grocery store, we got to see the two cashiers that are generally there when we do our shopping. They are probably both in their mid-50s and friendly ladies. One of them came up to the kids and asked them, "Are you being good so Santa will come see you?" To which, neither one of them replied (that would probably have even funnier). They just smiled and laughed. Well, on our way to our final stop, Hannah informed me, "Mommy, they believe in Santa, but I don't! Santa is just someone dressed up in a suit." I apologize in advance to anyone whose kids learn from mine that he isn't real and ruins it for you.

What's a Mom to Do?

I know. I should have bought stock in a little boy jean company! These jeans were new this year and they didn't even make it to Christmas before there was a hole in the knee (sigh....) I had high hopes for his jeans this year. That we might actually make it through most of the winter before I saw one of these again. He's in school this year and I thought that he would spend less time on his knees and more on his little bottom making his knees last a bit longer. However, he is definitely a little boy who loves, loves, loves his trucks and spends most of his time at home wheeling the little toys around. So, maybe next year will be the year that we will no longer have the knee-blow-out issue. It won't be this year, though, as I had hoped - bummer! Thankfully, winters are relatively short here and he can return to his beloved shorts!

Answered Prayers

I don't know why I'm so surprised when I see God answer prayers in my life. He is a big God and loves bringing situations into my life to draw me closer to Him. There are big answers to prayer, but the most recent was a little one and it still amazed me. It is so evident to me that God wants to be intimately involved even in the tiny details of life. Last night was no exception.

Last night, Chris and I ended up with a scheduling conflict. Now, this had nothing to do with miscommunication on our parts. Instead, it had everything to do with his work schedule that he has very little say in conflicting with my social calendar. This is not uncommon...it wasn't the first time nor will it be the last time this happens. You would think that I would get used to this, but I still get disappointed when plans change. Anyway, here is what happened. I had planned on attending our squadron spouses' social this evening and last night, Chris ended up on the schedule to fly at the same time. Now, I don't mind him flying. It is his passion and I want him to go. I'm actually quite proud of his flying career. I just knew it meant that I would either need to find a babysitter or not go. Yes, I was disappointed, but prayed for direction in what I should do. I decided to pray that if I was to go that the babysitters would be available. I called the only two names I had (getting new babysitters in a new home is an entire other story.....) Neither one answered their phones. I thought I would try a bit later and then if they didn't answer I just wouldn't go. Well, not five minutes after I tried calling them, a dear friend here called me volunteering to watch the kids so I could go tonight. That was not a coincidence! I was just overwhelmed that God had answered prayers in this way.

I know God doesn't always work like this. It's all about the big picture and what will bring Him glory. I'm thankful for this lesson in my life. Now, I just need to enjoy myself tonight and be obedient to His leading as I go tonight.

A special thanks to my dear friend for serving us this way!

Christmas Party

Chris & I with our carriage pulling horse, Dallas.

Saturday evening, Chris and I headed out for a date to his work Christmas party. This was by far one of the best, classiest parties we've attended or probably will ever attend. His squadron commander and his wife are top-notch (and we've been blessed with good commanders)! Not to mention all the others that made the evening so very nice. Thanks to all of you!!

The evening began by dropping off the kids at a friend's house (thanks to you as well!) and then we headed to a tiny town just north of us. The party was in an old drugstore. It is now an empty building with tons of character - brick walls, silver painted ceiling with fleur-de-lis and brick archways between the two rooms. It was just beautiful with simple garland, wreaths and Christmas tree all decked out in white lights. As we entered this beautiful room, we were greeted by the commander and his wife where they gave us a handmade Christmas card with a handwritten greeting (nice!). We then caught up with some friends and headed out on a carriage ride through town. This was a big deal because this is a tiny town that doesn't have the amenities of a large city at all so it was fun to take advantage of this outing. It was my first carriage ride and it was fun to share it with friends. Needless to say, we enjoyed it, but I think all of our kids would have had the time of their life in just that one ride! We then enjoyed hot appetizers and white and milk chocolate fountains with anything you'd ever want to dip in it - yummy!! Later, dinner was good, the fellowship wonderful with a local jazz band providing the background music. We played a couple of simple games, enjoyed the 40 some door prizes (yeah, we got a cash prize - how fun!). Then, we headed back to get our trio for another late night.

It was a fun evening and one that I will cherish for some time to come!

Favorite Fall Photos

Well, I know it's a bit late, but here are a few of my favorite pics from this fall. It was a wonderful weather time away from the three consecutive months of 100+ degree temps and before this frigid weather hit (I think it's colder here this week than in my home state of Indiana!) Anyway, enjoy....

Hannah demonstrating her bike riding abilities. She can do it, but needs help getting started. She will only allow Chris to help her. That's ok with me. I just find it a bit funny!

Luke really has mastered bike riding. His bike of choice this day was way too small for him, but it didn't stop him from zooming around (he can definitely ride bikes without training wheels, but I just noticed this one has them...)

Andrew showing off his mean frisbee throwing skills!

Hannah's frisbee technique. This can definitely be a dangerous activity at our house. That's why she still has on her bike helmet. And that tongue sticking out thing is definitely hereditary!

Just had to throw this one in of my quite handsome husband that is home!!!

Luke in little boy heaven! We really got rid of a lot of our landscaping (don't worry, there is still a lot still there) and this didn't fit in the dumpster so it made the perfect little boy play area.

Yep, he can still hold the trio!

All Girl!

Hannah is all girl! Don't get me wrong, she can hold her own with her brothers, but she is definitely a little girl. Here is a just a bit of evidence....

She is so proud of her handiwork on my hair - it probably did look better :)

She was absolutely delighted when Grandma Robey fixed her hair especially for her!

We Need a Little Christmas

Just as usually try to do, we decorated our home for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. Here are just a few pictures of the beginning of our Christmas in the Robey house!

Decorating fun

All finished and already ready for Christmas

An early "Merry Christmas" from all of us!

Love It!

Oh how Hannah and Andrew miss Luke when he is at school! I'm sure there are a variety of reasons, but maybe one of them is this - the elaborate play areas he makes with a various toys. This is what this afternoon looked like. Hannah was just content making the home fun and cozy. Luke said the front door was broken and he needed to go to the local lumber store (can you tell me made many, many trips there when we were re-doing our bathrooms?) And Andrew was "going somewhere". Now, they have the crane and fire truck backed up to the house. It just cracks me up, but mostly it makes me smile when they enjoy and play so well together!

Mission Complete!

I know I've been absent from much blogging the last several weeks. There are a variety of reasons ranging from I'm-not-in-the-mood-to-write to I-have-nothing-to-write-about to we-were-busy-doing-other-things. All of that to say, I hope to see all of you back on here more often as I pick up my blog writing a bit more.

So, what have we been busy doing? Oh, we've been doing this and that, but the BIG project has been redoing our bathrooms. They were in major need of some updating. So, we tackled the projects this fall. We started with our master bathroom - completely gutting the whole thing. Chris didn't mind the demo and honestly, I think that was the easiest part. Putting the tub in proved to be time consuming. Smoothing the walls proved to be a lesson in frustration. Chris had a lot of "firsts" with this project, but he is really good with his hands and did a great job! The final product was well worth all the effort. I love it and feel like it's way too "fancy" for us.

After taking a break for a week or so, we started in on our other bathroom. We were going to work on it, but started out of necessity. Chris had fixed our toilet with parts from our discarded one, but that didn't last long so we had to replace that well before we were ready to begin another project. It was about the same time, though, that I really wanted that bath changed because I saw what just a bit of work could do. So, began project number two. We did simplify this time by not replacing the tub, floor or cabinets. However, I could not get rid of the permanently stained shell sink soon enough. A special thanks goes out to Chris's Dad who helped us get this project completed just a bit more quickly.

I think we are now done with BIG house projects. The next big project that we will hopefully see finished soon is Chris's Masters. I really enjoy the new bathrooms, but I will be so much more happy when that even BIGGER project is done!!

Master Bath - Before	Master Bath - After
Hall Bath - Before	Hall Bath - After

First Christmas Card

This was the very first Christmas card that we received this year. Hannah made it while I went to Bible study this week. I love it!! Hannah & I are on the right. Chris and the boys are on the right. The stockings at the top are from left to right: Luke, Hannah and Andrew - just like they hang at home and in the same colors that they are. So fun!!