Australia or Bust 2011!

So, I realized after I informed many of you that I had begun a blog because of our upcoming year that I hadn't really "personally" told you about our upcoming year! And what a year it is, and is going to be!  Early this past spring Mike put in a request for an international move within his unit (somewhat laughable considering Mikes unit does NOT have many interantional options other that going overseas every now-and-then and kicking some buttocks!). We were suprised, well more like shocked when not long after his request we were offered a position in AUSTRALIA! Holy Awesomeness! While not matter where we go I will always be a little nervous, my excitement in all of this completely dilutes that. What and amazing opportunity. Of course I'm concerned for my boys, especially since Xanny will be starting Kindergarten "down-under," but I think just living in Australia is a learning experience all together. One thing that was just pointed out to us was that we can still link ourselves up with a U.S. homeschool program. Considering what life has been like the past few years with Xanny, I think this is a fabulous idea. 

Currently, we are in the process of preparing our house for the market. This stresses me out beyond belief. I barely have time to do school work, house work, and my "referee" job as mom, so how on earth will this house ever be ready?? Grrr! The only thing I have going for me right now in regards to preparing the house, is that Michael has been given a wonderful incentive to finish the housework by the end of the year, Harley. This is a topic in need of later explanation. I hoe you are all doing well. God Bless and Enjoy your weekend.

BRE
         

Halloween Week!

So I have decided that children (Especially the Elliott Boys) feel the need to torcher all of society the week prior to Halloween. Do they not know that this just makes parents want to revoke their "Trick-or Treating" rights???? Xanny and Lou have felt the need to try and destroy one another all week and I'm at my wits end. I'm not really sure how to react to this. I've tried to ignore it, discipline, and to reason but no luck. Xanny finally told me the other day that I, was making HIM crazy! Wanted to laugh and knock him out at the same time, HAHAHA. I've heard this happens a lot with same-sex siblings and Mike reassures me of this as well, but I want my boys to love and respect each other and I want to make sure I'm doing everything right in my parenting to ensure this. My mother always said and still does, "Children don't come with manuals," but I sure wish they did! Every night I go to bed and think, "How could this day have gone differently?" "What can I do differently tomorrow?" ..........Does anyone else do that? I hope this is a normal "mom" thing to do.

I will say this on behalf of Xanny and Lou, they keep Mike and I entertained! Some of the stuff they come up I'll admit, is genius. Currently our living room ceiling is covered with stretchy skeletons. A little creepy if you ask me but funny. Xanny figured out that if you get them wet and then throw them upward that they will stick! He thinks he's a pretty funny guy. And then there's Louden, who has figured out how to hide in the cupboard and the drying. It pays to be the Little Man sometimes. And believe me he totally has Little Man syndrome, hahaha!

For the most part they really are best friends, but it's those moments of fighting and ugliness that put me over the edge :) ...What to do. I guess for now the best thing would be to pray for guidance, strength, and Energy!

BRE

A note with more to come ....

                                             Boy's seeing Mike for the First Time in 4 months.

                                                      Xanny always spots Mike First!

I guess before I start sharing insight and details of our lives I should first tell you a little bit about ourselves. We are a Military Family. My hubby has been in the Army for 9 years, and yes... we are "lifers." I will never share too many details about his job because that's part of it, everything he does is super secret... hehehehe ...shhhhh! I moved to be with Mike 6 years ago and I'll admit it now, I never thought we'd still be here today. I thought his military career was going to be short lived and that he'd finish out his time and we'd be back in New York before our lives ever really started as a married couple. Life and the Lord always have a different plan. We both agreed that if Mike (my hubby) re-enlisted then "that was that" ... we were staying in for the entire 20. When Mike re-enlisted, retirement looked so far away but now that we are already at the half-way mark I can't believe how fast its going. I have been with Mike his entire Military career. We dated long distance for the first couple and then in 2004 we got married. Best desicion of my life. Mike is an amazing man. Hard worker, great friend, amazing father, and full of life and ambition. He inspires me to be a better person everyday of my life. He's made sacrifices that no man should ever have to make and does it all graciously. We have been through 12 deployment together, and before your get too confused, Mike's unit only deploys for a few months at a time, not 12-18 month tours. This is a blessing but believe me when I say its a few months that I sit here on anxiously waiting and praying for his SAFE return. The pictures posted are from this past July when he returned home. "Trip" #12 will always remain fresh in my mind. You wouldn't think you'd forget each "trip" but after awhile they all start to feel the same way but not "Trip" #12. This last one will remain special. This last one touched us all. This last one WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

BRE

Hello ..... Excited to try something new!

Hello Friends,
Well ... I've been following some blogs and just began a computer course and realized, Blogging is great! I have learned so much from both (class and blogger's) and decided to give it a try. Considering Mike and I have so much to share with everyone all the time and that our lives are so Blessed that I want to be able to share every aspect of with the world. Wish me luck with this. Well, its off the a parent/ teacher conference :) More soon to come!!!

BRE