Thursday, March 15, 2007

Hello? Is this thing on?

Yeah, well, it's been a bit chaotic around here, so I'll try to catch everyone up with a photo-filled update.

The trip. It was long. Actually it only took us 4 1/2 days, but let me tell you... Nebraska? Longest state EVER!! Not necessarily in miles, but in minutes of pure boredom. We crossed from Lincoln, Nebraska all the way to the furthest west town in Wyoming (Evanston) in one day. One long day. But overall, the trip was good. The weather was amazing, nothing but sun. Thank you for all well-wishes from the last post! We had goofy moments. Many of them. That's what happens when you don't see your spouse for two months and then spend five days together non-stop!
When we got home, we received the not-so-good news that Jason did not receive the recruiting job he was after, although he could take a different job. So we cried a bit and worried a bit.

And the next day? We realized that everything we have done over the last couple of months and all the opportunities that have presented themselves all point to the fact that we should concentrate on staying in my home town. So we are. Jason went out and got a job (YAY!), we're fixing up my grandparents' old house, and the kids get to stay in their great schools!!!

We are firm believers in the idea that everything happens for a reason, and this just feels right. Jason may still enter the National Guard or Reserves just to keep his Federal status active for retirement benefits. But we're also waiting to hear about a different possible job that would maintain that status and pay more than his current one does. We're really excited about what these changes may bring!

We got back last Wednesday, which meant we were in plenty of time to celebrate Emma's sixth birthday. What a beauty she is, and such a character! For those of you that spoke with her on her birthday and were regaled with the story of her being banished to the living room for two hours, let me explain. Long ago I started the misguided tradition of creating custom cakes for her. Nothing fancy, but cut into shapes with some basic frosting decoration. This year she requested a horse. Yikes! Thus, the banishment while I created!

It may not be the most attractive horse cake ever made, but heck, she knew what it was when we presented it to her! And it tasted darn good!

Last weekend, she went to the birthday party of a classmate and had her first roller-skating experience. She loved it! And by the end of the party, she was helping me pick her friends up off the floor! (Yes, I skated too, for the first time in who knows how long. What fun!)

I don't have much news in regards to George, other than he looked to be about a foot taller when he came running out to meet us last week! He's learning about a word a day and is WAY into Thomas trains. And he's on Spring Break starting tomorrow.... for the next two weeks. Oh boy. Keep that good weather coming!

8 comments:

Sharon said...

Great layout and terrific job on the cake. Mine are round - full stop, end of story.

Dave said...

It's great to hear that you are home -- home! -- safe and sound. I love the fact that you are working on Grandma's house. I hoped that would happen. And Emma looks so tall!

Stephani said...

Oh Meg! I am so glad you get to stay home! That is so terrific! And the kids get to stay in there schools. Just fantastic. I think you and Jason made the right descision. I am a true believer also that things happen for a reason. CONGRATS! I hope good things keep happening for you guys!

Denise said...

Everything does happen for a reason, I'm glad it's working out. LOVE the cake! and your gum layout...

Anonymous said...

Traveling across country is great. And the plains state do go forever. Jimmy and I are so happy to hear from you and know you arrived safely. I agree with you--things always happen for a reason. We'll keep our fingers crossed for the best job outcome for Jason. Keep us posted.

Anonymous said...

Love the layout Meg and I'm very impressed by the cake. i must admit i was relieved when my daughter got old enough to settle for 'standard' type birthday cakes. So glad the life is working out 'right' for your family.

samm said...

your cake is amazing reminds of the wonderful cakes I made for my girls when they were younger. Allsort of different shapes now they too worried about calories to want me to bake them a cake :(

Stephanie said...

I love all of your pictures on this post!