the training is

haven't written in the blog lately, just posted lots of pictures.  maybe that is the easy way out, or maybe just the quickest way to get everyone updated, but i do miss writing.  one thing about being far from family and having eric deployed is that there are so many little things that happen in a day that you don't remember to talk about them or quite frankly, you forget until it is too late.

things around here have been moving incredibly slowly.  since eric left in may, it seems that time has slown almost to a complete stop.  we have tried to stay busy with swimming, visits to the gym, a few travels and just good old fun at home, but nothing seems to be speeding up time!  i do have a feeling, though, that things are about to turn around.  tomorrow evening we have t-ball sign ups for both girls.  that will keep us busy at least 2 nights a week and will offer some much needed change in routine!

kadence started first grade.  first grade.  crazy i know.  i still remember bringing her home from the hospital and the first time in my life feeling pure, raw joy.  she is ready to rule the world.  the other day she came out of her room, completly upset that ty would not stop yelling while she was trying to focus on something.  i just made a comment like "welcome to my world"... she just stood there looking at me.  kambel came out to see what was going on.  kadence says to kambel "guess what kambel?  mom welcomed me to her world.  did she invite you?"  i can't wait til they have their own kids.

kambel is doing really well.  she is starting to take off in her 'academics'.  she never really showed interest until this past school year.  she has mastered writing her name, shapes and starting to draw really neat pictures.  she loves fairy tales and has recently taken up singing.  she thinks she is a pro.  funny.  one morning when we arrived at the gym, we were all still in the car getting ready to get out and kambel says "wow mom, can i feel your muscle?"  feeling quite proud i flexed my bicep as hard as i could so i could impress my 4 year old (sick i know).  well we must have been looking at different 'muscles'.  she reaches from the back seat and starts pushing on a mound of skin that is hanging over the back of my sports bra and says "wow mommy that is really big!"  thanks kambel.  little monkey!

ty is crazy.  all boy.  all b.o.y.  he wants to live outside.  with a four wheeler.  and a motorcycle.  don't forget the tools.  he reminds me a lot of kadence when she was little, wants to be in charge, knows when something is wrong, very - very aware....he is a cool kid though.  pretty easy going (as long as we are outside ;)).  he misses his daddy.  that makes me sad.  he talks about him all the time.  he will be starting school here next week too, so it will be really good for him.  he hasn't had any 'funnies' but he does crack me up when he annoys the girls - on purpose.  haha!

i have been busy, of course with the kids.  but personally i am missing eric so much this deployment.  i am not sure if it is the fact that he will be home for about 2 years (yes i said years!) after this or if it is the fact that i am sick of this.  probably both, huh?  i have been pretty busy with my photography as well.  i told eric that for a year i wanted to test the waters and see what happens.  hoping for 2 clients a month - i have passed that.  i am very blessed and thankful for the opportunity to express my self through photography.  i just continue to practice and hope that i capture my clients in a way they love.  thought i was supposed have clients that were seeking psychological help, not family photos!  funny where life leads ya.  who knows what will happen in the next 10 years.  eric has 15 years in the army and will start thinking about retirement soon, so maybe these two avenues that have been laid for me will bring something in the future.  only god knows.  god does know that eric and i will start training to run a marathon in december when he comes home for R&R.  now that is crazy.  didn't think i was gonna run another one, but we are.  i think that is cool.  we both start training next week.  him in afghanistan, me in clarksville, then we will come together on dec 4th and run the st. jude memphis marathon in memphis.  wow!!  not sure eric knows what he is getting into.  the marathon isn't hard... the training is!!

i have a few more photos to post - i will do it soon!  stayed tuned!