Remember OPSEC

"Loose Lips Sink Ships"

Howard didn't want me to give too many details, but it turns out Howard's taking an extended vacation in several weeks to Afghanistan. Yeah! (Note the sarcasm in my words.) He's concerned about OPSEC, I guess it was all those AFN commercials (propaganda) in Okinawa that scared us from giving too many details. Anyway he'll be gone for 6 months (give or take).

I'm pretty bummed out about it, but we knew he'd get another assignment when his last one was cancelled. It was just a matter of time. This deployment is actually leaving a little sooner than his previously scheduled one. On the bright side, he'll be home for the holidays! That makes me happy.

This definitely puts a wrench in our adoption plans. We're still waiting on final word of our official approval (DHS is kind of slow), but Howard and I have reservations about accepting a child while he is away. We've discussed it and we'll just have to wait and see what the Lord has in store for us. We're not putting it on hold, but at the same time, we're not going to rush anything either. Since we're not doing foster/adoption, it can take months for a placement since they have to match the needs of the child(ren) to the needs of the prospective family.

I'll try not to complain too much, just maybe once in a while. ;)

Sneaky, Sneaky

We recently had a visit from the Tooth Fairy. (Howie lost another tooth.) The next morning Jackson told me that he was going to "sneak the Tooth Fairy and get Howie's tooth back."

Random cute picture of my Jackson.

Sweet & Sour

St Patrick's Day 2009

Oh, how sweet!

What a sour face!

I can't believe that was already a year ago. *Sniffle*Sniffle*

Finally...An Updated Picture

Parkes Family 2010

We finally had our family picture taken. I'm not thrilled with it, but it's good enough. You should have seen some of the faces the kids gave us. I was not amused! I think next year will be better when Luke is a little older. **Knock on wood.** Let's just say, it wasn't really a fun experience with all the kids. Kind of ironic when you're all stressed out, snapping at the kids, and saying in your mean mom voice, "Smile for the camera!"

We lived through it and treated the kids out to McD's Playland for dinner.

One more complaint...it's kind of hard to see, but the little boy's shirts were supposed to tie in the girl green shirts and boy blue shirts since they have both colors. But it doesn't look as cohesive as I would have liked.

On a positive note, I'm sportin' my new $10 hair cut. I went to a beauty college last week and the student was even kind enough to teach me HOW to style my hair. I've never had that before and I'm so grateful to her for showing me. I'm fairly plain most of the time, but it's because I just don't know what I'm doing (or I'm lazy). I'm so happy I can finally re-create what the beauty shop did for once.

Ride 'em Cowboy!

The week of Howie's baptism, Howard's father came for a visit. He wanted to see the Cowboy Museum while he was here so Sam, Jack, Luke, and I went for a visit one day while we had some free time. I swear there was a cowboy convention going on because half of the people there were in cowboy hats, big belt buckles, and boots! From a city girl's point of view, it was pretty of funny. (Of course since I was on their turf, I kept that to myself). The museum had a lot of different aspects of western life. My favorite was the western town, but because the boys were getting board, we didn't get to enjoy all that was there. I want to go back and ENJOY the sculptures, artworks, and clothing on display a little more without kids.

You know...actually READ about what I'm looking at!

The one room school house was my absolute favorite! They had the McGuffey Readers on display. I love the Little House books and it reminded me of that.

Fleming Mercantile, in honor of our good friends by the same name. We were married at their house!

This was the children's area with hands on exhibits. We spent a LOT of time here.

Just outside the children's area. This is how I want my backyard terrace to look one day, it was gorgeous!

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Sometimes this happens for a reason. Someones scared, Jack won't leave Howie alone, or they stay up and play their DS's together.

This night was different. It was "just because".

They may fight and claim they don't love each other, but actions speak louder than words!