Luke's Outing

Luke and I had quite the treat yesterday. Since the student pilots are gone for Christmas break, the simulators are free and Chris got to take Luke and I in one to experience a bit what it's like to "fly" the KC-135. Luke had no idea what to expect. Even though I told him that it would be like a big box that never left the ground, I'm still not sure he believes us when we tell him that he was on the ground the entire time. I think he may have even been a bit scared that we were going to "crash" because in his description to Hannah, he made sure that she knew that we always landed on the runway. He was also insistent that I either help him steer or Chris "land" the plane. As you can see, he wasn't quite tall enough to see out the front so he got a boost for most of the time by sitting on my lap. After awhile, I think he did lose interest. However, I think he did absorb more than we originally thought. When he was telling Andrew and Hannah about it, he described more than I thought and was even able to tell us what needed to be pulled to get the landing gear down. Oh, by the way, I enjoyed my time as well!

Luke ready for his simulator adventure

Chris and Luke "starting" the engines

Luke "flying"

The pilots after we're all finished up!

A Book Review

The outlined country is North Korea at night with China to the north and South Korea to the south (the bright spot in South Korea is Seoul)

Last winter I borrowed a book from a friend titled, Nothing to Envy. It was written by a journalist who had sat down with some of the North Korean defectors and told their stories with a lot of history and background of the North Korean country included. Honestly, I think it was one of the hardest books for me to read - not in terms of reading skills, but in terms of the extreme and constant atrocities these people have endured and continue to endure. Part of me wonders how a people group could live like this, but this is all they know. Another part of me wonders how one man/one family can completely shut them out from the entire world and make them believe that you are a god. It is completely beyond my understanding. Yet, at the same time, my heart deeply grieves for these people. Parts of this book have come back to me time and again as political power is currently being transferred. If you're interested, I would suggest reading this book just to give you a glimpse into the lives of the everday Korean people - not the ones on display for the world to see.

Lego Lover!

Luke has always enjoyed his Legos, but it has only been in recent months that he plays with them nearly all. the. time! So, it was an easy fit to make sure he got a couple of more sets for Christmas. Both sets of Grandparents also got him sets and Chris and I sat in amazement at how quickly and efficiently he could put them together. I'm very thorough so by the time I figured out what they were doing, Luke had figured that out, found the piece and put it into place. Maybe he's just practiced more..... Anyway, he declared yesterday a special day since he got to put together his new sets. Here are just a few pics from his special day!

The pieces all awaiting assembly and Luke eager to oblige!

His new harbor in mid-assembly

His final projects. It took him about a half a day, but that was with a lot of playing in between, answering questions, letting Hannah and Andrew watch and posing for pictures for Mom and Dad. He could have done it more quickly minus those distractions.

White Christmas!

This was probably one of the few places where I thought we'd see a white Christmas. So, it was much to my surprise that we did indeed have a white Christmas. It did only last until about 10 am, but here is the proof nonetheless. Unfortunately, I'm not sure it was an "official" white Christmas since I don't think there was an inch or more, but it did make things white and that's all we needed.

Bird House Project

Ever since Luke saw some birdhouses that boys at church had made, he instantly decided that it was a project that he and his Daddy needed to undertake. He didn't waste time, either. The first day that Luke was home for Christmas break, he had a plan for the day and it only involved one thing...to make a birdhouse. The pattern they used (thank you internet for providing free ones!) was a bit different than the one they had at church, but I think it will serve our space a bit better than that one. Plus, I think it was a bit easier to put together. Chris actually did most of the "putting together", but the boys joined him for much of the time. Maybe Luke can make the next one at our next home whenever and wherever that may be.

Chris and the boys putting the house together

Luke so very proud of his birdhouse and Chris's workmanship

The final product. Now, we will probably have to wait for spring to see if any little birds want to make use of this new home.

Cookie Decorating

Oh, how I've missed having Luke home during the day. So, it was with much anticipation that we waited for him to be home for his break and join us for some cookie decorating. Here's just a few pics of our decorating activity.

Hannah and Andrew "helping" me make the cookies. They had a great system - Hannah would roll out the dough, cut out a shape and Andrew would eat it. I see this scenario occurring many times in the years to come!

Chris even got in on the cookie making action when he came home for lunch

Andrew icing cookies. He didn't last long since he got red sprinkles on his fingers, would lick them off and get more on his hands. He didn't like having sticky fingers....

Luke concentrating!

Hannah working on her masterpiece

Everyone busy .... except Andrew who couldn't tolerate those sticky fingers!

HoHoe Down Christmas

Cookie Decorating

Eagerly Awaiting their hayride!

Last Saturday was our third and final Christmas party of the season. They had a good reason to be so excited! When we arrived, they had pancakes (oh excuse me...flapjacks) for breakfast and they weren't just regular ones. They had a choice of red, green or normal - all so very yummy. We got to enjoy a country Christmas band that later did a sing-a-long with the kids. Next came the much anticipated Santa visit. In our home, Santa is fun, but I've made a very big point that he is not real and that Jesus is. Jesus' birthday is the real reason we celebrate Christmas. So, before we went, I had to coach the kids on what to do and how to act around him. Plus, I asked them to not tell others that he wasn't real. They did a great job and enjoyed the fact that he gave them a gift (a book provided by the parents in advance). The rest of the morning was filled with crafts - ornament making, activities - cookie decorating and calf roping and the finale was a hayride around a portion of the base. They loved it and I think I had as much fun as they did.

Conversations With My Babes

So, today's outings did not disappoint with a couple of observations that my kids made that made me laugh.

Chris was updating some of our GPS stuff so there was not one in the van on our way to the base and Wal-Mart - both places we frequent quite often in this small town and I definitely know the way. However, Andrew quite confidently informed me that I would not know where I was going because there was no GPS in the van.

While we were at the base grocery store, we got to see the two cashiers that are generally there when we do our shopping. They are probably both in their mid-50s and friendly ladies. One of them came up to the kids and asked them, "Are you being good so Santa will come see you?" To which, neither one of them replied (that would probably have even funnier). They just smiled and laughed. Well, on our way to our final stop, Hannah informed me, "Mommy, they believe in Santa, but I don't! Santa is just someone dressed up in a suit." I apologize in advance to anyone whose kids learn from mine that he isn't real and ruins it for you.

What's a Mom to Do?

I know. I should have bought stock in a little boy jean company! These jeans were new this year and they didn't even make it to Christmas before there was a hole in the knee (sigh....) I had high hopes for his jeans this year. That we might actually make it through most of the winter before I saw one of these again. He's in school this year and I thought that he would spend less time on his knees and more on his little bottom making his knees last a bit longer. However, he is definitely a little boy who loves, loves, loves his trucks and spends most of his time at home wheeling the little toys around. So, maybe next year will be the year that we will no longer have the knee-blow-out issue. It won't be this year, though, as I had hoped - bummer! Thankfully, winters are relatively short here and he can return to his beloved shorts!

Answered Prayers

I don't know why I'm so surprised when I see God answer prayers in my life. He is a big God and loves bringing situations into my life to draw me closer to Him. There are big answers to prayer, but the most recent was a little one and it still amazed me. It is so evident to me that God wants to be intimately involved even in the tiny details of life. Last night was no exception.

Last night, Chris and I ended up with a scheduling conflict. Now, this had nothing to do with miscommunication on our parts. Instead, it had everything to do with his work schedule that he has very little say in conflicting with my social calendar. This is not uncommon...it wasn't the first time nor will it be the last time this happens. You would think that I would get used to this, but I still get disappointed when plans change. Anyway, here is what happened. I had planned on attending our squadron spouses' social this evening and last night, Chris ended up on the schedule to fly at the same time. Now, I don't mind him flying. It is his passion and I want him to go. I'm actually quite proud of his flying career. I just knew it meant that I would either need to find a babysitter or not go. Yes, I was disappointed, but prayed for direction in what I should do. I decided to pray that if I was to go that the babysitters would be available. I called the only two names I had (getting new babysitters in a new home is an entire other story.....) Neither one answered their phones. I thought I would try a bit later and then if they didn't answer I just wouldn't go. Well, not five minutes after I tried calling them, a dear friend here called me volunteering to watch the kids so I could go tonight. That was not a coincidence! I was just overwhelmed that God had answered prayers in this way.

I know God doesn't always work like this. It's all about the big picture and what will bring Him glory. I'm thankful for this lesson in my life. Now, I just need to enjoy myself tonight and be obedient to His leading as I go tonight.

A special thanks to my dear friend for serving us this way!

Christmas Party

Chris & I with our carriage pulling horse, Dallas.

Saturday evening, Chris and I headed out for a date to his work Christmas party. This was by far one of the best, classiest parties we've attended or probably will ever attend. His squadron commander and his wife are top-notch (and we've been blessed with good commanders)! Not to mention all the others that made the evening so very nice. Thanks to all of you!!

The evening began by dropping off the kids at a friend's house (thanks to you as well!) and then we headed to a tiny town just north of us. The party was in an old drugstore. It is now an empty building with tons of character - brick walls, silver painted ceiling with fleur-de-lis and brick archways between the two rooms. It was just beautiful with simple garland, wreaths and Christmas tree all decked out in white lights. As we entered this beautiful room, we were greeted by the commander and his wife where they gave us a handmade Christmas card with a handwritten greeting (nice!). We then caught up with some friends and headed out on a carriage ride through town. This was a big deal because this is a tiny town that doesn't have the amenities of a large city at all so it was fun to take advantage of this outing. It was my first carriage ride and it was fun to share it with friends. Needless to say, we enjoyed it, but I think all of our kids would have had the time of their life in just that one ride! We then enjoyed hot appetizers and white and milk chocolate fountains with anything you'd ever want to dip in it - yummy!! Later, dinner was good, the fellowship wonderful with a local jazz band providing the background music. We played a couple of simple games, enjoyed the 40 some door prizes (yeah, we got a cash prize - how fun!). Then, we headed back to get our trio for another late night.

It was a fun evening and one that I will cherish for some time to come!

Favorite Fall Photos

Well, I know it's a bit late, but here are a few of my favorite pics from this fall. It was a wonderful weather time away from the three consecutive months of 100+ degree temps and before this frigid weather hit (I think it's colder here this week than in my home state of Indiana!) Anyway, enjoy....

Hannah demonstrating her bike riding abilities. She can do it, but needs help getting started. She will only allow Chris to help her. That's ok with me. I just find it a bit funny!

Luke really has mastered bike riding. His bike of choice this day was way too small for him, but it didn't stop him from zooming around (he can definitely ride bikes without training wheels, but I just noticed this one has them...)

Andrew showing off his mean frisbee throwing skills!

Hannah's frisbee technique. This can definitely be a dangerous activity at our house. That's why she still has on her bike helmet. And that tongue sticking out thing is definitely hereditary!

Just had to throw this one in of my quite handsome husband that is home!!!

Luke in little boy heaven! We really got rid of a lot of our landscaping (don't worry, there is still a lot still there) and this didn't fit in the dumpster so it made the perfect little boy play area.

Yep, he can still hold the trio!

All Girl!

Hannah is all girl! Don't get me wrong, she can hold her own with her brothers, but she is definitely a little girl. Here is a just a bit of evidence....

She is so proud of her handiwork on my hair - it probably did look better :)

She was absolutely delighted when Grandma Robey fixed her hair especially for her!

We Need a Little Christmas

Just as usually try to do, we decorated our home for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. Here are just a few pictures of the beginning of our Christmas in the Robey house!

Decorating fun

All finished and already ready for Christmas

An early "Merry Christmas" from all of us!

Love It!

Oh how Hannah and Andrew miss Luke when he is at school! I'm sure there are a variety of reasons, but maybe one of them is this - the elaborate play areas he makes with a various toys. This is what this afternoon looked like. Hannah was just content making the home fun and cozy. Luke said the front door was broken and he needed to go to the local lumber store (can you tell me made many, many trips there when we were re-doing our bathrooms?) And Andrew was "going somewhere". Now, they have the crane and fire truck backed up to the house. It just cracks me up, but mostly it makes me smile when they enjoy and play so well together!

Mission Complete!

I know I've been absent from much blogging the last several weeks. There are a variety of reasons ranging from I'm-not-in-the-mood-to-write to I-have-nothing-to-write-about to we-were-busy-doing-other-things. All of that to say, I hope to see all of you back on here more often as I pick up my blog writing a bit more.

So, what have we been busy doing? Oh, we've been doing this and that, but the BIG project has been redoing our bathrooms. They were in major need of some updating. So, we tackled the projects this fall. We started with our master bathroom - completely gutting the whole thing. Chris didn't mind the demo and honestly, I think that was the easiest part. Putting the tub in proved to be time consuming. Smoothing the walls proved to be a lesson in frustration. Chris had a lot of "firsts" with this project, but he is really good with his hands and did a great job! The final product was well worth all the effort. I love it and feel like it's way too "fancy" for us.

After taking a break for a week or so, we started in on our other bathroom. We were going to work on it, but started out of necessity. Chris had fixed our toilet with parts from our discarded one, but that didn't last long so we had to replace that well before we were ready to begin another project. It was about the same time, though, that I really wanted that bath changed because I saw what just a bit of work could do. So, began project number two. We did simplify this time by not replacing the tub, floor or cabinets. However, I could not get rid of the permanently stained shell sink soon enough. A special thanks goes out to Chris's Dad who helped us get this project completed just a bit more quickly.

I think we are now done with BIG house projects. The next big project that we will hopefully see finished soon is Chris's Masters. I really enjoy the new bathrooms, but I will be so much more happy when that even BIGGER project is done!!

Master Bath - Before	Master Bath - After
Hall Bath - Before	Hall Bath - After

First Christmas Card

This was the very first Christmas card that we received this year. Hannah made it while I went to Bible study this week. I love it!! Hannah & I are on the right. Chris and the boys are on the right. The stockings at the top are from left to right: Luke, Hannah and Andrew - just like they hang at home and in the same colors that they are. So fun!!

Blessings Re-Thought

God has really used 2011 to change my perspective on the trials we experience throughout life. Earlier this year, a friend and fellow Air Force pilot went to be with Jesus leaving a wife of only 3 years and a 3 month old baby boy without a husband and Daddy. That loss was painful and it still hurts to think about our friends experiencing such loss. Shortly thereafter, I heard this song and it really got me to thinking about the pain we experience in this life. Isn't all of life to draw us closer to our Lord and Savior, to bring our Jesus glory and what if He does sometimes allow pain in our life to accomplish that goal?

I've thought of this often throughout the last several months, but it has once again become a preoccupying thought. We've known of a couple of other families experiencing such hardships, but a family from our last assignment has really touched my heart. Just a little over two weeks ago, they welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their family thinking she was perfectly healthy. Just 5 days later, she was put in NICU and medi-vaced to an out-of-state hospital to have the first of three open heart surgeries.

It's hard for me to even begin to imagine the pain these families have experienced. In some ways, it's a bit difficult to wrap my mind around the thought that Jesus allows pain to draw us into a closer relationship with Him. However, I trust that His way is the best and truly the best way not just for us, but for those whose life is touched by our own.

Blessings
Laura Story

We pray for blessing
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Life As A Military Wife

I recently read this on Facebook. I thought I'd share it with you since so very much of it is true for me. Enjoy!

Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
... ... Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house; Moving curtains that won't fit; Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.

Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!

They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.

She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...

She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
.....all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS; Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.

Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.

Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...

Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU
BAR
CIB
TAD
EPR
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed; the glue that holds them together.

A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture,
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.

Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart.
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband, She will remain his military wife.
And would have it no other way.

--Author Unknown

Religion vs Relationshp

So, we've now been in our new home almost exactly four months. It has been truly enjoyable to be here. There is much to be thankful for. The number one reason has been just having Chris home and being together as a family. We're also thoroughly enjoying the community we are getting to experience here. We see so many of the same people at church, at the squadron and at extra curricular activities. It truly is a different experience than any we've had at any other assignment.

There are many blessings and much to be thankful for here. However, there is one aspect that has been truly difficult for me to deal with and that is finding a true church home. Honestly, we don't have many options, but we are trying to make the most of our experience. I've had a somewhat difficult time with trying to determine what it is that's hard for me. There are little things that truly aren't wrong - they're just personal preference and not necessarily the way I would do things. I just need to deal with that and get over it! However, there is something else that's been hard and I couldn't quite explain it. A friend here said it well, she called it a difference in a church pursuing religion over relationship. I do feel like this church wants people to know Jesus as their Savior. However, it's really hard for me to see them pursuing growth after that commitment has been made, accountability and guidance through this life. I guess this is an extreme to me since we came from a church that did this in a very passionate way for their people and the people in the community that didn't know Jesus. I don't want to just go through the motions on Sunday and throughout my week. I want to have a very real relationship with my Jesus and those around me.

I say all of that because God has something for me to learn through this. I'm thankful that we can go to a church freely. I'm thankful for some of the people we've been blessed to know. I'm blessed for the wonderful Christian community within the squadron. It's my prayer that I watch my attitude and I need to pray more for our church leaders and the people of our community.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from our trio!

We went trick-or-treating at the squadron last night so we put on our dress up clothes and we were off. We might don them again for some trunk-or-treats Monday night.

Pumpkin Tasting!

Yesterday, Luke had a pumpkin tasting at school. They don't have any type of fall party/costume party, but I thought this was a fun and good alternative. That morning, his teacher had carved a pumpkin and then they finished up the day with tasting all sorts of pumpkin cuisine. She had pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pudding, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bread and pumpkin bars for them to try. There were a few that cleared their plates and others that did skip a few things. I think Luke tried nearly everything, but left his pie and pudding. I think this was the highlight of their day.

This was the first time that I'd also gotten to help out at school. I have been wanting to do this so I was thrilled when it worked out for me to do it. So thankful to a friend that watched the other two-thirds while was gone. It was a fun time and so good to see all the other kids that Luke had mentioned to me.