First Day of School

Today is the first day of school. It is so hard to believe that Aiden is in Kindergarten. All these years we have been walking down to the school to pick up Riley and today Aiden was picked up by Riley and they walked home together. Of course I followed in the van to make sure they were alright. For the next two days I will follow them and make sure they have their routine down. My how the year fly. Riley is now a 5th grader. I remember talking him to kindergarten. It only seems like yesterday. Despite  the cold weather though, the year seems to have gotten off to a good start. Both boys love their teachers and school. Riley is all excited because he gets to study the Civil War this year. Aiden thinks three recess is one day is pretty great. He also said he got to sing today and he loves music. Here
is wishing all a great school year.  

A BABY SHOWER

Tavein gave a friend from work a baby shower on Saturday.

Tavein's gift was diapers. I made a diaper cake and diaper wreath for her to give instead of wrapping them. The favors were baby booties made from Styrofoam cups and tulle circles filled with mints. And of course you can't have a baby shower without on of my famous "one of a kind cakes".

The menu was Chicken Salad, Spinach-Strawberry Salad, Rolls with Honey Butter, Strawberries and Fruit Dip, Watermelon Slices, Lemonade and Ice Tea, and Chocolate Cake.

Tavein did a great job playing hostess. She has now officially learned how to give a baby shower. I am sure she will give many more.

Jared Leaves

So the life of a military wife brought a new duty to Tavein. She is now a deployed military member's wife. She went to the airport this morning to see Jared off as he left for New Jersey for training before heading to Afghanistan. He will return in September for two weeks and then off to Afghanistan for about 7 months. 

She really wasn't as bright and chipper as usually. Not because she was up a 3:00am, but because it hit her that she was saying good-bye to her husband.

As usual our Jared is upbeat. Trying to stay strong for Tavein.

Spouses saying good-bye at the airport is really common these days. I'm sure there will be many of these days in her life. Being a military wife isn't easy. One day you have a partner to share all the ends and outs of a marriage and family and the next you are a single mom trying to keep the home-fires burning while your spouse is off fighting for the counties freedom.

Visiting with others who are leaving. Tavein did her part well trying to be strong and give support.

A final hug and kiss as she bids Jared farewell. Our love and prayers go with you Jared. And our support and love for Tavein will remain constant as we help her get through this.

Dinner for Tavein and Jared

Tonight is Tavein and Jared's last night together because he leaves tomorrow for training before he goes to Afghanistan.  I decided to surprise them with a special dinner. It came complete with candle light and cheese cake.

The Menu was 

Salad

Veggie Salad with Italian Dressing

Entree

Grilled Pepper Lemon Chicken

Asparagus

Wild Rice

Baby Red Potatoes

Dessert

New York Cheese Cake covered in chocolate and raspberries

Beverage

Sparkling Cider

Mango Tea

 

A Party to Celebrate Tavein and Jared

Tavein and Jared returned from a week in Pennsylvania on the 31st of July. We gave them a small party with their friends to celebrate their wedding.  

Jared is holding his godson.

There were even some presents.

Jared's new look until he returns to work.