This is Only the Beginning....

Photo courtesy of Andrew Robey

As I folded laundry today, I noticed once again that the size of Luke's shirts were not too far different than mine.  So, I decided to check it out.  Yes, I can fit into Luke's shirts.  Granted, they are a bit too short, but otherwise, fit just fine.  Here, I have on Luke's class shirt from this past year.

Short, Hot and Sweet

 The Trio

While Grandpa and Grandma Robey were in town, we headed out for a short outing that turned out to be rather warm, but it was fun.  We found a really nice, short trail at a reservoir not far from our home.  It was fun just chatting while we walked, but the highlight for me was that the cacti were in bloom!  Just over a year ago, I did a bit of regional traveling and saw them, but wasn't able to stop and capture how pretty they were.  I was thrilled that they were in bloom today.  The only other thing we saw that was too newsworthy was the dead baby snake we saw.  If you know me, you know I did not feel the least bit sorry for that thing and I will be quite thankful if that is the only snake we see while living here.

 Just a sample of the cacti

 Yeah!  Grandpa & Grandma Robey are here!

"Poor" snake.....

Practice!

 Chris and Andrew discussing the run before taking even one step

Yesterday, I signed the kids up to do a fun run on base this Saturday.  So, last night, they figured they could all use some practice.  Andrew and Hannah will do a 1/2 mile and Luke will have to do a mile.  We have never run with the kids and the boys are very much wanting to ride their bikes with us while we run.  Luke has done this with Chris before.  However, I think they're starting to figure out that they will now be running.  Last night, they practiced running and running with Chris.  Hannah does an excellent job and I may even see if she'd like to do the mile run.  Who knows what Saturday morning will look like when we actually run, but it should be fun no matter what!

Go!

And He's Off....

A couple of days ago, Chris bought Andrew new training wheels in hopes that it would get him more accustomed to riding a two wheel bike sooner than later.  However, neither one of us anticipated that it would just take a couple of days and he would be riding on his own.  He actually rode by himself the first time Chris put him on it.  Now, he still needs assistance starting, turning and stopping, but I'd say he's doing just fine with how much he's ridden so far. 

And as for the pink bike, well, it's the only 16 inch bike we have that is a perfect size for him at the moment.  It may or may not get painted for him.  He won't be able to ride it long anyway so he may just have to wait for his next bike to be more appropriately colored.  Luke rode it like this and still does from time to time...

Just a Short Little Story

A brief article in the paper this morning caught my attention.  It's about two boys age 6 and 10 with the last name of Abernathy.  Their last name caught my attention because that was Luke's teacher's name this past year.  She may or may not be related, but that really has nothing to do with this story that piqued my interest.  So with no further ado, here is what I learned about the Abernathy brothers age 6 and 10.  Let's just say this would never happen today!

These two boys, Louis and Temple Abernathy, had to be adventurous at heart.  Their first adventure was by horseback at the ages of 9 and 5 from southwest Oklahoma to Sante Fe, New Mexico.  That is just under 500 miles and today would take just under 7 1/2 hours to drive.  This is without any chaperones!  I guess they survived because the next year they decided to head to New York city for Roosevelt's ticker tape parade after his trip to Africa and Europe.  They made this trip from southwest Oklahoma to New York City on horseback as well at the ages of 6 and 10!  They were rewarded for their efforts by getting to ride directly behind Roosevelt's float and in front of Roosevelt's Rough Riders.  That's not the end, though.  While in New York, they purchased a small car to make the return trip to southwest Oklahoma by themselves.  From some of my research, it sounded like they had quite a few adventures along the way as well.

In later years, Louis became a lawyer and his brother, Temple, worked in the oil and gas company.  Hopefully, you enjoyed that small piece of history that has nearly been forgotten, but is remembered each year by their home community.

The Last Day!

 Last Day of School 2012-2013

 First Day of School 2012-2013

I nearly did a happy dance when it was time to go pick Luke and Hannah up from school.  I was over the top ready for them to be home for the summer.  They both had great teachers this year and and had really good years, but I really like having my entire trio around.  So, just before 3:00, I headed out to pick them up.  We made a stop at McDonald's to get hot fudge sundaes and then headed home to plan for our fun summer.  They had some great ideas.  Now, we're all set for some fun times in the next few weeks!!  Watch out Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd Grade!!

 

 Summer Planning Meeting

The "list" so far

Hard Work Pays Off

Today was a special day for Luke.  It was the day of the awards assembly.  He did a great job.  I had the privilege of seeing him recognized for his straight A's (he did this all year long!).  His most cherished award, though, was the best for him.  You might not have known it if you'd seen him, but he was pleased.  He earned the highest reader award for all three of the first grade classes.  To do this, he earned the highest number of Accelerated Reading points (accelerated reading points are earned by reading the book and then taking a short quiz over it).  I was proud of him.  He'd done most of the reading on his own with very little prompting from me except at the beginning of the year when we were trying to get in the swing of things.  Subsequently, he also earned the "Ravenous Reader" award from his own teacher.  Anyway, today was a special day for him!

 All A's

First Grade Reading Award

Just as a side note...thanks for allowing me to be a proud Mama for a moment.

Field Day 2013

Today was the much anticipated field day.  We loaded up and headed to school first thing this morning to see Hannah's classes participate first.  You couldn't have asked for cooler temperatures for this time of year.  I had planned on getting a bit of sun by wearing a tank top and shorts.  Instead, I ended up in jeans and a jacket.  Yes, low-60s, cloudy and windy just doesn't happen in May in Oklahoma.  I would have been fine in shorts yesterday!  Despite the cool weather, we had a great time.  The kids played the games well.  Their gym teacher had everything well under control so it always runs smoothly with very little waiting.  That's a huge help.  The only down part of the day was that by the time Luke got in two races, we had to finish.  Lightening had been spotted in the area so we had to end the fun activities...

Hannah waiting her turn

Andrew enjoyed watching all that was going on.  He's definitely looking forward to his turn next year!

 Tug of War

 Luke waiting his turn

 Elementary version of egg on a spoon...tennis ball on a bigger spoon

Sack Race

Part of the cloud that ended the day's fun...  Just as a side note, we were two hours from the absolutely devastating tornadoes of yesterday.  However, the looks of this cloud made many parents quite jumpy this morning.  Thankfully, it just had a little bit of lightening, a little bit of rain and a little bit of pea sized hail.

Big Boy Toys

Yesterday marked a first for Luke.  Chris let him use his drills and real wood and real screws!  Yes, it was a day that made Luke really happy.  Oh, as for what he was building, he wanted to build a crane that was taller than he was.  With just a bit of help from Chris, he got it done.  I'm not sure it is fully functioning, but Luke seemed pleased with the outcome.

H is for Honor

Chris and I had the privilege of attending Hannah's kindergarten program on Friday.  It had a military theme this year, which is very appropriate since they attend school on base.  I loved hearing the patriotic songs and smiled and laughed at the funny songs.  Hannah had a short speaking part.  She had it memorized before she even brought it home to be memorized.  She was so excited. 

Emotions at times like this threaten to get the best of me.  I'm pretty sure that tears will fall next year when we'll attend our last kindergarten performance.  However, I was able to hold in the tears despite the fact that they were threatening to fall again this year.  I don't know what it is about 80 5-6 year olds singing "Party in the USA" that makes me want to cry.  It may have something to do with the accomplishment of completing this grade and growing up to being a 1st grader next year.

Hannah's part, "P .  Our letter P will make you proud and cause a little commotion.  Here's a hug we just got a promotion."

Hannah with her teacher, Mrs. Burgener.  She was Luke's teacher last year and we just loving her!

The best part of this is when Hannah sees us.  Love it!

An Interview with Andrew

Of our trio, Andrew is our sports enthusiast.  He likes the Washington Redskins for football.  He likes whatever team is winning in basketball.  As for playing, he is partial to basketball and soccer.  However, his big love at the moment is Nascar.  I'll let him tell you about it....

A Fun Little Outing

Saturday evening was one not to be wasted. So, we headed to a local area resort to just walk around.  I always enjoy this time of year there because the grass is green and I think it's beautiful against the red rocks.  Most of the year, the grass is brown so this is always a treat when it's green.  We got even more of a surprise since there were some beautiful yellow wildflowers in bloom.  We just enjoyed walking a short path and just spending time together.

 Hannah racing towards me

 The boys

Just one of the wildflowers

 Taking in the Sights

Sweet Sanctuary - A Book Review

Sweet Sanctuary offered a small glimpse into what life was a like for those in the US during the end of World War II.  The author touched upon the plight of immigrants, Jewish concentration camps and rationing as she weaved a story through these heart wrenching situations that so many encountered during this time.  The story is a beautiful tale of a daughter, a sweet little boy, the little boy's father, a doctor and a little girl.  At times, you may wonder how they will all tie together in the end.  However, I must admit, I never got it fully figured out and I loved how the author told the story and left you with a happy ending. 

I received a complimentary copy of Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer from Bethany House Publishers.

AWANA Finale

We wrapped another good year of AWANA last night.  The kids did another good job of learning their verses.  I'm thankful to have a local program.  At this point, this is their only extracurricular activity.  That may change soon, but for now, I think it's a good one that they are a part of.

Luke just finished book the second of the three Sparks books.  He also finished the review book as well as learning John 1:1-5. (Sparks is K-2)

Hannah finished her first Sparks book.  She also finished her review book as well as learning Psalm 1.

Andrew finished his final Cubbies (ages 3-4) book.  He is also our last Cubbies.  We've had one or two in that division for the last four years.  He's excited, though, he will be a Sparks right along with Luke and Hannah next year!

Hannah also got to recite a verse at the program last night....her first time using a microphone, she reminded me :).  Anyway, each letter of SPARKS is given a word and a verse to go with it.  Hannah was supposed to say, "A is for according to the Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:3 Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures...".  However, you may notice in the video that she has it all there, but she recites 1 Corinthians 15:4, which was the verse for R.  Anyway, she did a great job, but just got a little bit turned around.  The whole thing was a bit confusing anyway.....

The Rest of the Story....for now

Last week, I wrote a post on an article I'd read about religious tolerance in the military.  In response to those original articles, the Department of Defense issued an official statement.  I originally posted that blog because I strongly feel that when God is completely taken out of the equation, the results are never, ever good.  As well as, the fact that we, as followers of Jesus, will need to be strong and couragous in our stand and relationship with Him in the years to come as similar events begin to unfold.  As for the DOD's response, personally, I still have some questions about the entire event.  However, to be fair, I've included their statement below.

"The Department of Defense places a high value on the rights of members of the military services to observe the tenets of their respective religions and respects, (and supports by its policy) the rights of others to their own religious beliefs, including the right to hold no beliefs," Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen said in a written statement on the issue.

"The department does not endorse any one religion or religious organization, and provides free access of religion for all members of the military services," he added.

Internet posts are attributing a statement that superior officers who try to convert those under their command should face court-martial to Mikey Weinstein, president of the Albuquerque, N.M.-based Military Religious Freedom Foundation, and are identifying him as a Pentagon advisor, Christensen noted.

"Mr. Weinstein is not part of any DOD advisory group or committee, nor is he a consultant to the Defense Department regarding religious matters," Christensen said. "Mr. Weinstein requested, and was granted, a meeting at the Pentagon April 23, with the Air Force judge advocate general and others, to include the deputy chief of chaplains, to express his concerns of religious issues in the military."

Some bloggers have taken sections of Air Force Instruction 1-1 "Air Force Standards" -- specifically, the section titled "Government Neutrality Regarding Religion" -- out of context in supporting their take, Christensen said.

"Leaders at all levels must balance constitutional protections for an individual's free exercise of religion or other personal beliefs and the constitutional prohibition against governmental establishment of religion," the instruction states.

Air Force leaders at all levels "must avoid the actual or apparent use of their position to promote their personal religious beliefs to their subordinates or to extend preferential treatment for any religion. Commanders or supervisors who engage in such behavior may cause members to doubt their impartiality and objectivity. The potential result is a degradation of the unit's morale, good order, and discipline," the instruction goes on to say.

The instruction further says all Airmen "are able to choose to practice their particular religion, or subscribe to no religious belief at all." It tells Airmen to practice their own beliefs while respecting differing viewpoints.

The right to practice religious beliefs does not excuse Airmen from complying with directives, instructions and lawful orders, the instruction says.

It adds that Airmen "must ensure that in exercising their right of religious free expression, they do not degrade morale, good order, and discipline in the Air Force or degrade the trust and confidence that the public has in the United States Air Force."

The Color Orange

Luke has always had a preferential color.  For the longest time, it was green in honor of his beloved John Deere.  He still enjoys his John Deere shirts, but he has moved on to another beloved color - orange.  He likes this color in honor of construction cones world wide.  He loves all things construction including the color orange!  So, he didn't let his opportunity pass yesterday when I told him he needed new shoelaces that he wanted orange.  It was to his great delight that when Daddy took him to our local stuff mart that they did indeed have orange shoelaces.  He was very excited to wear them to school today...I think even more excited than if they'd been new shoes!