Life with the Moore boys

Almost home...

2011-08-12T10:57:00.002-05:00

Days away from putting deployment #2 in the bag! God is so good! He is so faithful. I am going to be honest right now and say that I would've liked for this deployment to have been a bit more graceful on my part. My faith was tested a lot this one. The boys were older during this deployment. Sassier! They missed their daddy more, I think. They really needed Ramey more on a certain level that I couldn't provide. I also took on a new role as: homeschooling mom this year! Hats off to those with more than three children that homeschool! WHEW! It is hard to do when you have one that is struggling with one subject, then you need to teach the other in another subject. I don't know how teachers do it with 20+ kids in the public school system. I do think that is why so many kids slip through the cracks.
We are continuing to homeschool this year. I believe it will be a much smoother year with one under my belt, and the principal here with me.
He is due back VERY soon--within days...Pictures to follow. We have missed him tremendously. We are planning a very big vacation to Florida. The boys are going to get to fly for the first time. (Will has flown, but doesn't remember it very well) DISNEY WORLD!!! We truly can't wait to wrap our arms around our hero in a few days! We'll keep you posted!

Reintegration Woes

2011-06-01T17:05:00.005-05:00

Today I was driving to Lowe's for some soil for my new herb garden, and I looked over at a soldier and his wife in the car next to us. Just a normal daily occurrence...I see it every day; and it hit me. In two plus months, I will have my soldier back in the car with me. I started to tear up. It literally was real to me. He would be WITH me in the flesh. Not on the computer screen, not on the other end of a telephone in another country...HERE with me and the boys. I know it sounds crazy, but in my own little world I've made, we've got our routine down. We get up, we eat breakfast, do our chores, run our errands, do the laundry, do school, we may make a meal for someone, go to church, go to Bible study, come home, then do it again the next day. Day in and day out...we do this. Ramey is seen on the computer and we wave at him and we tell him we love him and miss him SO much (and we DO!) but he hasn't been here in almost an entire year!! Yes, I've done this before...BUT it reintegration was NOT easy!!! I remember all too well how hard the transition was. I am getting an early start on this! I am hitting my knees now! Prayer is needed for all the families that are going to be welcoming a solider home. Soldiers are coming home everyday all over the U.S. and prayer is essential for these families to get through the transition. The solider has made himself a routine without his family, and his family has made their routine without their soldier! It is crucial that there is a period of grace and understanding the first few weeks, even months. The kids may have issues they need to work out as well. If one of our family members is reading this, please pray for our soldiers and their families that are coming home. They are in desperate need of prayer! The divorce rate in the army has been increasing over the past few years. Thank you so much! Ramey is due back later this summer! We love our hero and miss him so much every day. We can't wait to wrap all eight of our arms around him!!

I'm a YOUTUBE sensation!

2011-05-12T08:31:00.000-05:00

My sister was bored one day and found me on youtube...found a few videos of me at the U.S. Classic. It definitely takes me back to a different life. My boys are skeptical that it's even me. :) It is funny because all of my Karolyi's gym friends have reunited on facebook and want to have a reunion this summer. I did fall on at this meet on balance beam--my very best event. I am convinced that I just didn't have the heart to be a champion. God gave me the ability, but not the heart. He had other plans for me. Three to be exact. :) I did train 45-50 hours a week for over 3 years for the Olympics in gymnastics. My parents did everything in their power to make my dream come true. They never pushed me. I never felt pressured. When it was time for me to quit, I did. I coached gymnastics throughout high school and college and enjoyed that thoroughly. Gymnastics will always be in my blood. I love watching it on TV, and I will always critique it. :) Always be coaching in my head...I just have three boys. I am throwing footballs and baseballs around these days and probably always will. But hey! They may have me some girls someday!!

Bluebonnets Pictures 2011

2011-05-04T08:43:00.017-05:00

Here are our 2011 Bluebonnet pictures. We skipped a year since last year we were in Georgia for the Bluebonnet season. This year we are without our daddy, but we still went ahead with our tradition. Next year, we will have Ramey to make our pictures complete (and a bit easier to maneuver!).

How to Tear Down Your Home in Ten Easy Steps

2011-05-03T06:41:00.005-05:00

1.) Criticize your husband. Be sure and do it right when he steps in the front door as he gets home from work. Even better if the children can hear. An equally effective time would be in front of his friends.

2.) Complain a lot. If you aren't happy be sure everyone who lives with you, knows it.

3.) Neglect your prayer life and study of scripture.

4.) Harbor up some hurt feelings you've incurred from...oh, anyone will do. Be sure and let it take root and nurture it until it officially becomes bitterness.

5.) Spend more time on facebook than you do with your family. Make your social life high priority. (Ouch...I feel some conviction)

6.) At all costs, don't serve anyone else. Especially not in your own home. And leave that hospitality stuff to the experts.

7.) Keep up the perception you want the folks at church or your outside friends to have of you, but don't worry too much about the One who knows your heart nor the little eyes who watch you.

8.) Don't bother with housekeeping. What's the point?

9.) Impose a set of religious rules on your family and yourself that have no love-motivated obedience behind them. Teach your children to have a self-righteous spirit instead of a heart full of humility and service to others.

10.) Spend lots of money you don't have. Get into lots of consumer debt, trying to live the illusive American Dream. However, if you find you can't possibly keep up...be sure and remember numbers 1 & 2.

This is a great post that one of our family members posted. They are a wonderful, godly, homeschooling family! Check out their blog:
www.nurseryofthenation.blogspot.com

First Kisses

2011-02-03T13:32:00.007-06:00

I was driving to the commissary today, thinking about Ramey, after passing 5 big white buses of soldiers. It reminded me of the first kiss from him after many months of being separated. As a military wife, we kiss goodbye A LOT. We also get to have a lot of first kisses! When your husband is gone for months at a time, it feels a lot like the very beginning of a love story. It is sweet, exciting, a bit unfamiliar, and awkward. It makes me smile to think back on the first kisses I've received these 5 1/2 years of military life. The above picture was taken before Ramey got on the bus for basic training. It was the first of many good-bye kisses on our military journey.

Now for the first kisses! There was the--hello I'm SO pregnant and you're wearing a beret???, after basic training-- kiss. (10 weeks away)

There was the--I am SO SO pregnant and literally hours away from birthing your 3rd son--first kiss. (OCS 10 weeks away) He got a 3 day pass to be there for Noah's birth.

Many first kisses later, (I can't name all the times Ramey was gone or I'd be terribly depressed) there was the first kiss after returning for R&R, from war. (seven months away) I have to admit this kiss was more relief than romance. Especially since he had a thick BLACK mustache. :)

Then the famous--I'm a Ranger now--first kiss. VERY romantic! Have I mentioned on my blog before that my husband is a Ranger?! (62 days away)

This last time our first kiss was a Merry Christmas one! (after 3 + months away) The next first kiss I will get, will be the first kiss of 2011! It will more than likely be around August or September. I am really looking forward to it.

You can spin military life just about any way you want to. It can either be a miserable, difficult journey, or you can anxiously await your true love's first kiss...AGAIN.

I love you Ramey! I thank God every day for my perfect soul mate. Dreaming of our first 2011 kiss...

Prayer for our troopers

2011-01-18T15:35:00.005-06:00

It was a normal start to our weekend on Saturday morning. We were gearing up for the first basketball games for Will and Reece! It was a nasty, rainy day, but I was determined to have it all together! I had the video camera charged, my box of pom poms,(for my cheerleaders I am coaching) and gatorade in tow. Reece's game was first at 10 a.m. He did a great job, even toughing out when hit by another player. He did very well for his first game ever! We had a couple of hours till my game (and Will's) started, so we went home for lunch. We had also made a Skype date with daddy so he could see how Reecie did. We got home, had lunch and I went to check my email and make sure Skype was on. How mundane that seems, but it was like a punch in the gut. Yahoo news story: 3 soldiers killed in Iraq. 2 in Mosul from the 4th Brigade, 1 CAV. A radical made it within the ranks of the Iraqi Army had smuggled in bullets to the training lane. The IA soldier killed 2 of our soldiers and critically wounded another before he was shot and killed by our men. The entire Brigade's mission is now to: Advise and Assist the IA. Ramey had been at the Brigade staff ever since they deployed in September. Just a week ago, he was transferred to 1-9 CAV, where later this spring he will take command of a recon troop. His job right now is walking up and down the training lanes to observe. Just a few days before he was complaining that the weather was rainy and nasty having to walk around watching the training. After reading the story, I thought about not being home all morning long. (thinking: HEAVEN forbid I missed a casualty notification) Trying my best to hold it together for the kids and not making too big of a deal out if it, I called my battle buddy. She assured me that no news was good news and came down right away to pray with me. I also knew the entire Brigade was in blackout which meant no communication till all family notifications were completed. I didn't want to leave the house again, BUT I had 12 cheerleaders and Will depending on me. So, with a heavy heart I went to our game. The Lord gave me peace as I spoke with a couple of ladies from the unit at the gym, my heart was calm.
After getting home, I received an email from my new FRG saying that this was within our own Squadron and that it was Apache troop. Ramey's friend had just taken over command of that troop in December. My heart sank again...praying it wasn't him. Still not hearing from Ramey, I went to bed giving it over to the Lord.
Sunday morning and still no word from him. I went on to church praying that I would hear from him after we got home. Finally, we saw him and heard his voice over Skype. Relief.
Please continue to pray for the families that have lost their soldiers and for the wounded soldier and his family.
Psalm 91He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord,
"You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."
You need not fear terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, plagues that roam the dark, epidemics that strike at noon.
They will not come near you, even though a thousand may fall dead beside you or ten thousand at your right side.
He will put his angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways. They will carry you in their hands..

2010 Highlights

2010-12-31T12:48:00.003-06:00

Month by month I thought I could look back on the year of 2010 with THANKFULNESS:

JANUARY:
We have a few weeks with daddy before he goes to exciting--Ranger school!!!
We're already so proud!

FEBRUARY:
It's just the kids and I for a while. It took a few days to get used to since we had been with Ramey for 1 whole year without any deployments! Boys are doing well in school.
We also had an 8 hr. pass with Ramey after Darby phase. Turns out that Ranger school is a "suck fest" as Ramey described it. It was PITIFUL. He barely looked alive.

MARCH:
Noah's 4th birthday! Another one for him that daddy missed. :(
We're busy with our church and activities. Get sporadic letters from Ramey. They make sense (it is a good sign since they're basically being starved), but are terribly depressing.

April:
Ramey IS A RANGER!!!!!! WOOHOO! He went all the way through without recycling!Words cannot describe the joy (from him and me!)
2 weeks later, we moved from our apartment in Georgia back to Fort Hood. We hated to leave our wonderful church and newfound friends. :(

MAY:
Moving into a house down the street from where we were before! Also found out that my friend was coming back to Hood too!

JUNE:
Ramey is gone to JRTC for a month. Ft. Polk, LA We did a lot of swimming, a lot of playing outside.

JULY:
Reece and Will's birthdays this month. Will hurt himself jumping off the diving board AT his birthday party. ER trip with gash on head...taken care of with dermabond. The nurses gave him presents wrapped in gauze (from the vending machine) and sang him happy birthday since he missed his party.

AUGUST:
Block leave for 2 weeks! We had our friends visit from Georgia, and family came down and we went to Sea World. We got to see the famed Cowboy Stadium and all it's glory! We got to run on the field and see the lockeroom!
At the end of the month, I started homeschooling our boys. What an adventure!
I was so nervous, but it turns out to be a blessing. I am loving that I am developing deeper relationships with them. With Ramey gone, this is a wonderful thing to grow closer to my boys.

SEPTEMBER:
Ramey deploys. I turn 31. Need I say more?!!?

OCTOBER:
Made it through month 1 and SO glad. Halloween was fun. Josh Hamilton, Zorro and Bumble Bee Transformer and I (not in costume) went trick or treating around our circle.

NOVEMBER:
Trip to Paris for Thanksgiving. Found out that it's NOT so easy to pick up and do school away from home. My car was dragging the ground with books!
Anxiously waiting for word on Ramey's R&R

DECEMBER:
Ramey comes for R&R the first of the month! It was incredible. We basically hung out for the majority of the time. We visited Direct and Paris. Ramey got a buck! I am his lucky charm. :) I will be his hunting buddy from now on. I kinda liked it too! We opened presents early since he had to go back on the 23rd.
The day before I had to drop him off we stayed in Grapevine and went to the Gaylord's ICE exhibit. Not really worth the money if you ask me. People were FLOCKING there though! On the 23rd we got to go on the secure side of the airport with him and wait till he boarded the plane. I had forgotten how AWESOME the secure side of the airport is! After 3 hours of waiting we watched him walk away and board the plane. The boys and I were slightly traumatized. As I quickly grabbed them up to leave, Mrs. Clause pulls up in the USO golf cart. I really thought I was going to have to take her out. I was bawling and all three of the boys had tears brimmed in their eyes. She forced a candy cane on all of us and let us pass--finally.
I will say that the USO is an awesome organization of people. They make hard days a lot easier.

That was our year! God truly blessed us and continues to renew and refresh me while Ramey is deployed. Looking forward to 2011 to grow closer to HIM and bring HIM GLORY!

Thanksgivng already?

2010-11-13T15:16:00.002-06:00

Hellooo to everyone! It is a beautiful, fall day here in Central Texas. My boys and I just raked 11 bags of leaves, plus a compost can full last night. I love my tree in the back, but WHEW! All of the leaves are almost off now! It happened so fast.
Ramey is doing well. He is going on a little helicopter ride soon to visit his, soon-to-be, company. I am happy that he's getting to do that since he's been bored to tears looking only at the inside of his chu and the talk. He is working nights, so he doesn't get to see a lot of the sun. It is wonderful though because we get to talk on Skype twice a day! The boys dance, wiggle, and giggle for him. Occasionally, Ramey will have to talk with them about their behavior for mommy.
He will take his EML, or R&R leave in a few weeks! We don't know if he'll be here for Christmas, but he'll be here sometime around then. I can't wait to see him, even though it will have only been 3 months. The first time we went 7 months until R&R. 3 months is still a long time not to have him in my arms.
The boys are taking an art class every Thursday. I think they enjoy the extracurricular activity. They are also going to starting Upwards basketball at our church. They got evaluated today, and are super excited to start.
That is pretty much all I've got! Praying blessings on all you readers out there!
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Psalm 15:30

Survivin' & almost thriving...

2010-10-13T14:22:00.006-05:00

Our fish tank...who knew fish could be so much trouble!!!

Daddy showing Noah how to aim!

We are well into our second month of deployment now. The boys and I have survived the initial SHOCK of daddy being gone. We are rocking along with school. I enjoy having them home all day, and being their teacher! I do have my moments--don't get me wrong. Ramey is settled and doing his night shift, battle Captain job. :) He just ripped out with the other unit they replaced. He's on his own now. He instructed me to update the blog. I would update more, but it takes forever to upload the pictures! We are planning a trip to Paris soon. The boys need a good visit with the grandparents! (aka: babysitters) The boys also LOVE going to Nanny & Papa's to roam around the country. The have a mule, a go-kart, and a four wheeler. What else could be better for three rambunctious boys?

Has anyone seen any sackcloth & ashes?

2010-09-10T12:47:00.003-05:00

It's D-day. I've been pretty calm and collected today. The alarm went off at 5am. Just a few more minutes to snuggle. SNIFF. I was the first to get up. Ramey, needless to say, was dragging his feet. I asked him if he had packed everything and to double check just in case. We came downstairs and I sat in his lap in the recliner and tried not to cry. (I didn't)
6 am and we are waking the boys up. Will immediately squeezes Ramey. He remembered what this day was. Reece was a bit slower to realize. They got up squinty eyed with stinky breath. :) Noah was the funniest little guy. He did not know what the stinkin' deal was with people in his room before the sun came out! I reminded him that daddy was leaving and he looked up at Ramey with one eye and said, "BYYYYEEEEE!". Then he turned back over to go back to sleepy town.
After a very depressing breakfast, I mean DE-pressing, we all snuggled on the couch together and I'm fighting tears HARD. I call Heather to have her come early.
7:15 we're headed out the door. Reece tried to sneak out with us and grabbed Ramey's leg. I thought he was going to cry. (which is out of the ordinary for him)
I'm driving fighting the Hood traffic. I am convinced that toddlers could drive better than people on post. Finally made it to the HHC. I went with Ramey to draw his weapon. (Yes, they are allowed to carry assault rifles on the plane! No ammo.)
We chat with his soon-to-be roomie Chad and his family. We then sat in the car for a few minutes. Ramey's stomach was not feeling too good. It may have been apprehension. I was cool as a cucumber. I told him I needed to go home to see about the boys, so he reluctantly gave me one last bear hug and kiss and told me I was his best friend in the whole world, and walked away. I was fine until he walked away. He didn't see me cry, but I did. I sat in the car and broke down. BUT--I pulled it together for my boys and went home. Heather was there--as she always is for me--and life goes on. Even when you think it should pause, life does go on. As I type now, Ramey isn't even on the plane yet. Hard for me to understand, but they are sitting in a gym on post till this afternoon.
This is not a story about how strong I am, but about how strong the One that holds me Is. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ saved me, holds me, pursues me and loves me. Thank God! I could NOT do this without him. Ramey is in His hands too, and is praying to be used to glorify Him. Thank you to all who are praying for Ramey and the boys and I. We FEEL those prayers daily!

Deployments

2010-08-15T23:36:00.003-05:00

Just now came downstairs to vent my emotions. (I've had caffeine past 5pm)
Deployments just plain, well, SUCK. There is no sugar coating it. I was laying there listening to Ramey snore thinking, he won't be here in a month. He won't be here for me to reach out and touch his warm hand in the middle of the night, which is a safe feeling for me. He won't be here to joke with me and YES--shake his tea glass for me to fill up. I knew this was coming, but it is totally different from the little training/school TDY trips. Ranger school was grueling, don't get me wrong...but I didn't even cry when he left for that one! 62 days...that's nothing! JRTC was a month long--NO BIG deal! This is just mind boggling. One year without our daddy. I can see why our army is in the shape it's in. Many soldiers have done 3, 4 even 5 YEAR long (or more) deployments away from their families. Many of these families don't have faith in God to get them through it either. I don't see how it can be done without the power of the Lord. The first deployment, I was naive and didn't know what to expect. I know I'm about to feel like I've been drop kicked in the gut. It is just such a long time to go without having a leader in your home. A leader, tag team disciplinarian, father of my boys, and the most important one--friend. I am just going to miss being able to hug him and run my hands through his hair.
I have loved every minute being alone with him these past couple of weeks...and to all the family and friends that have made that happen, I THANK YOU. Jenny, Joyce, Andrew & Amanda, Mom and Dad, Sherry & Jr. We have truly enjoyed the time you've watched our boys and not had to worry a bit about whether they were taken care of. It is a treasure to have people like you in our lives. As I speak, the boys are staying with Gran & Grandad. Ramey and I have been lonesome for them, but have really enjoyed just being with each other! I felt like we haven't done that in years!
I am going to pull my army wife boot straps up and I know that God is right there guiding me and encouraging me to think past myself and the hard times that may be ahead.

My God

2010-08-02T18:01:00.003-05:00

My God is the One & Only that was, is, and will be forever and ever.
With God on my side, whom shall I fear?! No one. No one is righteous, no not one. He is all knowing, present everywhere, and ALL POWERFUL. He is the ONLY GOD that was, is and ever will be. I am His child. He is my Father. I inherited my salvation through His Son who died on the cross for my sin.
Jesus is God's ONE AND ONLY Son--immaculately conceived. Born of the Virgin Mary, he lived a sinless life. He gave his life on Calvary for the sin of the world. He is the Creator, Savior, Shepherd, Great Physician, Prince of Peace, Lover of my soul, and Friend of all friends. He is Truth. In Him there is nothing false. He is God in the flesh of a man. He is my mediator. I would be condemned to Hell without Him. Apart from Him, I am nothing. With Him, I am everything. If I do anything worthy, it is for Him and through Him. He lives within my heart and speaks to me through His Spirit.
The Spirit of God hears the groanings of my heart. He lives and speaks within me. He pricks my heart when I sin, comforts me when I hurt, and rejoices with me when I am joyful. He speaks wisdom to me and gives me power to glorify the Father.
I AM A DAUGHTER OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD THAT WAS, IS AND FOREVER WILL BE.

This is something that I was thinking in my mind all day today. All the things that God means and is to me. Just wanted to write it down and never forget it for one moment.

Reece's 7th birthday

2010-07-29T16:05:00.009-05:00

Here are some snapshots of the celebration of Wesley Reece. He turned 7 and that is so unfathomable to me. (I say this every year)
Our air conditioner went out the morning of the party. *BUMMER* It was sweltering hot, so inside the house was not too tolerable. It was sprinkling off and on outside. We filled up some water ballons for the kids to play with and it turned out well. That is why Reece is without a shirt in some of the pics. We are so blessed to have him as our son! Thank you Lord for our Reecie-pie.

OLE!

Blowing out his # 7 candle!

J & Reece...two peas in a pod for sure!

Reece and all his neighborhood buds! :)

Noah surrounded by girls...pretty girls at that!

Time is sneaking by!

2010-07-22T17:35:00.003-05:00

I was sitting at the kitchen table this morning, wiping off the last month's TO DO'S on our calendar. As I was filling in the next few weeks, I felt what felt like a kick in the gut. We have around 7 weeks with Ramey left. I am not one to whine (a lot), but this really took my breath away. I guess I've been dee-doodling along knowing it was coming up soon...just not wanting to be aware of how soon. I started thinking back about three years ago when I was gearing up for our first deployment. I had NO clue what was about to happen. Ignorance is bliss? Maybe for the first time around. Now, knowing full well what emptiness is coming my way, I am fighting for some peace. I need to stop fighting, and start praying! :) I am now going to be praying diligently for peace, and grace to transition once again to single parenthood. I know that God can be a Father to the fatherless, and in that is PEACE.
I am also going to be starting a new adventure. I am going to be homeschooling our three boys. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I have already gotten the boys curriculum and am making schedules and lessons. I have a feeling these little boys (who aren't so little anymore) are going to be occupying the emptiness after Ramey leaves. It will be good. I'm praying and I will keep you all updated. OPSEC of course. (means I won't be disclosing any definite travel info with his unit) Keeping all our soldiers safe. :)

INDEPENDENCE DAY!

2010-07-06T15:52:00.009-05:00

Here are just a few pictures from our trip to Paris/Direct this past weekend. Ramey and I got to see four nights of fireworks! We went to see a Ranger game on Friday night. (without the boys) Saturday night was the Paris fireworks. It rained quite a bit that night, so I wasn't for sure they were going to have them! Sunday night,our home church had a hamburger supper and fireworks. It was a great weekend. But, always after a great weekend, there is JET LAG. We are catching up on our sleep now that we're home. It is a sweet thing to get into your own bed after being away from home. Reece's birthday is tomorrow! He is so excited about turning seven years old!
I can't even fathom him being that old. :( Just seems like yesterday I held that sweet littl' thing.

Reece got his birthday haircut! He's never had a mohawk! So cute!!

Noah with his sparkler!

Will with some fireworks. My stomach was in knots that night! I didn't want anyone to get burned.

Can you tell Noah is a comodo dragon? I couldn't either...

Noah and his cousin Judah at the church 4th of July celebration!

Grandad floating with his Willboy

Gran watching her grandsons splash around in their pool!

Summer!

2010-06-26T17:23:00.016-05:00

I am so happy to say that my hubby will be home in a few days! I missed him so very much this past month. It has seemed long at times, and now as I sit...it seems to have gone by fast.
The boys have started summer baseball. They had their first game today. I was so proud of both of them! Reece hit the ball twice and scored! Will hit the ball many times and scored too.
Our summer has mainly consisted of trying to stay cool...popcicles, pool time, and we just finished up VBS!
Update on the army life:
Ramey and I both agree that this upcoming deployment will be difficult. Noah is so much older than when Ramey left the last time. He was not even two the last time! Will & Reece are also older and are continuing in their need of Ramey's presence. I know God will give me strength and wisdom during this next year. I am glad that I can have confidence in Him for grace. I only pray that I rely on that strength and not on my own. I will surely fall if the latter.
Ramey will be coming home for EML (R&R) around Thanksgiving. After he goes back, he is to take command of a company! That is definitely a prayer request. I know he is going to be a great commanding officer. I pray that God gives him many opportunities to share his faith.

Two of the cutest baseball players I know!

Reece playing shortstop! He did SO good!!

Chillaxin'

Noah swimming at Gran & Grandad's!

Will had FOUR teeth extracted. :(

Daddy and his boys

The Aquarium

Yummy!

Noah enjoying his Lemon Chill!

Will Benjamin!

Reece looking at a komdo dragon at the Waco zoo.

Noah playing outside on the sidewalk.

Email and Share

2010-06-23T09:23:00.000-05:00

Email and Share

This is a great sermon! I have listened to Alistar Begg for many years now. He is explaining what scripture tells us about The Coming of the Lord! What an exciting topic. We are not to chase rabbits about the timing of His Glorious appearing, but to expectantly await it--fully awake and alert.
I will update the ol' blog with pictures soon!

First month back in Texas

2010-05-15T19:32:00.010-05:00

Here are some pictures of various things the past couple of months. If you're not on Facebook, you wouldn't have seen the Ranger pics. We are completely settled in here in Texas. We even got a new couch! Old blue (our denim couch) is upstairs in the play room.
Ramey started his job in the 3 shop of his Brigade. 3 shop is the planning and operations for the entire Brigade. It is not a fun job, but he's got to do his time with paperwork before he gets command. He is supposed to take command soon after deploying. He'll be the first one to take R&R (boo) and when he gets back, he will take over one of the line companies.
We also found a church in this short time! We're so excited about it. It is a small congregation and they have a fantastic Awana program.

The pictures:

Our new couch. It's not as monstrus as it was. It did have another double armless recliner that wouldn't fit properly. They picked it up and were going to order a replacement when I told them to not bother. It was extremely big with it in and barley fit in our living room. Now it is much better since the piece is gone.

They're a bit cold!

Carson & Noah having a blast on Spring Break at the pool!

Can't leave this one out! General Petraeus with the boys! Truly a treasure to have!
Equal to a picture in WWII with General Patton!

The boys in front of the Infantry Museum after graduation.

A very relieved and proud mom and dad!

The coveted "black & gold" 90 cent tab!!! Woohoo! 62 days later, he has got one!

We're in TEXAS!

2010-04-30T19:47:00.005-05:00

We got here about a week and a half ago. Fort Hood housing had a house for us immediately, but we weren't sure that we were going to take it. The yard is very small. Everything else was exactly the same layout that we had before, just not a great yard. We spent the night at a hotel the first night and prayed about what to do. We had looked at an extremely nice, new rental home. It had a huge yard and lots of trees. The only thing was that it was a 20 min. drive for Ramey on post. We decided to take the house on post because Ramey would be able to come home for lunch everyday. I am trying not to think about the fact that we only have 3 more months with him. He is going to Ft. Polk with his unit for the whole month of June. He'll come home right around the 4th of July, then in August we'll have his 2 week block leave (vacation). He is supposed to deploy sometime in September to the same place he was before.
It was strange to be back here. It was like we never left. Everything is very familiar. There are even a handful of our friends that are still here. Will & Reece are back at the same school they were in before. The day we enrolled them, some of their teachers came to the office just to say hi to them and welcome them back.
I had to make an attitude adjustment being back. Georgia was like a break from army life for me. I loved our church there and even our little routine we had living off post. Back here at the Hood it's back to carrying around your entire life's paper trail. Birth certificate, POA, CYS registration, shot records, marriage certificate, SS #'s, physicals, and on and on...
In Georgia (even on Fort Benning) they were so relaxed about things like that. Maybe it is good that Hood is super strict with these things. I know there are wives that are trying to milk their soldiers for all they're worth, but not this army wife. I am feeling better now. Ramey and I have been trying to make this house a home. We knew where we wanted all the furniture since we had the same house last year.
The boys have been practicing for baseball out in our yard. We sign them up for summer ball next week. Even though it's small, the boys have made the yard into their own baseball diamond. Even Noah has got a super swing!
Just wanted to update everyone. I've been getting some complaints that I needed to get on top of the blog. :)

What a blessed day!

2010-03-29T15:41:00.002-05:00

So many answered prayers today. Ramey is a Ranger now! He's on his way back to Fort Benning as I type. It was a miracle because he got low peer evaluations after passing everything. What happened: He was put in a new platoon when he got to Florida. He doesn't know why, but these guys didn't know him from Adam. The only thing he can think of is that they had been together the last two phases and knew each other really well, so they rated him at the bottom. Half of his old platoon came with Ramey to plead his case to the Major. The Major then called the Lt. Col. He said he couldn't do anything about it, so it then went up to the full bird Colonel. He blessed off on it. I had been praying ALL day that the Colonel's would have a compassionate heart for Ramey. :) YIPPIE! I did make peace with the fact that if Ramey did recycle, there was a reason for it. In my conversation with God, I told him I would praise him either way. My heart really did cry out for Him to bring my hubby home. I am so overwhelmed that God truly heard my prayers (and many others). Reece stayed home with me because he was exhausted after the weekend of playing with his buddy Carson. He napped for 3 hours today. When he woke up we read a new book that I had bought at Pigeon Forge. It was about the struggle within everyone's heart to make the right choices. I didn't even prompt him and he confessed to me that he had lied earlier. He was crying and so repentant. I told him that I was proud of him for coming clean. I explained how hard it is sometimes to admit that we were in the wrong on something. I did punish him by taking his DS away for a while, but I was SO encouraged at what he did. :) :)
So...I am going to buy Ranger shirts for all of the family tomorrow. Sherry and Jr. are coming Wednesday and we'll have our Ranger home on Thursday! Just in time to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord!!!!
A good day. Very good day.

4 years ago....

2010-03-17T20:06:00.002-05:00

...God blessed Ramey and I with our third son! Ramey had flown in the night before from Fort Benning, Georgia. (He was at OCS) Sherry and Jr. drove Will and I to pick him up at DFW. His flight was late getting in. I sat there a bit nervous since he hadn't seen me since New Year's day. I was ENORMOUS! We didn't get home till late that night. I forget where Reece was, but I remember Ramey didn't get to see Reece till after Noah was already born. We woke up early that next Friday morning and drove up to the hospital for my C-section. Noah came screaming into this world a little after 8 am. I remember how MAD he was. He did not want out! They asked me how much I thought he weighed, and I guessed 9 lbs. They took him back to weigh him and he weighed 9 lbs exactly! Momma's instincts are SHARP! It was the easiest birth I had. The Lord truly blessed me with every detail. Ramey was able to be there, the C-section went MUCH better than the last, Noah was an excellent nurser, NO post-partum blues, and he was HEALTHY! Ramey did have to go back to Georgia on Monday. I wasn't that sad since I knew that I would be flying to see him graduate in 3 weeks. My mom, Noah and Will also made the trip to his graduation. He was such a great baby. Thank you Lord for my Noah. He is now a very active 4 year old boy. He looks up to his brothers so much. He never forgets to thank me for whatever it is I'm doing for him. He's a polite, sweet little boy. Don't get me wrong, he has his moments! We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful child in our family.

Florida bound! One step closer to the black & gold

2010-03-12T21:02:00.003-06:00

FINALLY got a call from my husband tonight. It was an agonizing day waiting for his call. Me, Sherry and my mom were on edge all day. He got a go on his redo-patrol. He got his box from me with my homemade chocolate chip cookies and other goodies.He is supposed to get a nice night's sleep tonight on an actual bed. He said he had not slept in 4 days. I assured him that it was not much longer and he'd get to sleep all night and eat anything he wants when he gets home. He called Ranger school a suck fest (common army term). He said he thought he was going to learn something from this, but it turns out that RS is just to make life a living hell for them and see who can endure it. 17 more days till he is Ft. Benning bound and can put that 90 cent patch on his uniform. This is all I've got tonight. I'm just so relieved to have heard his voice and that he got his *go*. God is so faithful. Boy did I learn some patience today! I read James earlier about how trials develop patience (circumstantial). I am so glad that I read that this morning! I see God working. SO COOL. Blessing to all.
S

Greetings from funk land

2010-03-06T06:02:00.003-06:00

We've got the funk around here. We're all coughing little greenies. I didn't sleep well last night. I strongly abhor sleeping with my mouth open, which I had to do last night. Mom is here visiting and is so glad she timed her visit along with our sickness. She is not feeling well either.
I got Ramey a package of gear off Thursday when I read in his letter that he needed it ASAP. I hope they let him open it. I am sending him a food box Monday that he can open on his pass between Mountain and Florida Phase. I am packing extra in case some of his buds don't get anything from their families. Ramey's letter are very sad and make my heart hurt. He is terribly cold and going on almost zero sleep. I pray so many times a day for him to keep some clarity and is able to escape recycle.
He's got 4 weeks left. Florida phase is only 17 days long, then they have 3 days back at Fort Benning to get ready for graduation.
My Noah's birthday is coming up. I have got to make it extra special since Ramey won't be here. Ramey's only been here for his 1st and 3rd birthdays...missing now his 2nd and 4th. I'm sure it'll be this way as long as we're in the army. Something I'll have to get over.
Thank you Lord that my husband has a job, and that you have provided us with a comfortable living.

Jenny02ag Thinks

2010-02-25T13:11:00.001-06:00

Jenny02ag Thinks

If anyone needs a laugh, my niece and her thoughts on life in general can be read on the above link. Be prepared to laugh!

Breaking News from Vancouver

2010-02-25T10:53:00.004-06:00

Breaking news from Vancouver...Lindsey Vonn's Gold Medal in the downhill was taken from her today. It is being rewarded to Barak Obama because he is going downhill faster than she did.
Thank you Jenny for making me smile this morning. These days it's taking a lot more to make me smile. I WAS a bit chipper yesterday though. My sweet comrade Amanda and I went Antique shopping the previous day. It was nice to get my mind off of my husband and how cold he is for a while. It actually snowed for about 10 seconds yesterday. Where is global warming when you need it most???!!! According to the guy's blog --I'm using to keep me sane-- Ramey slept on the mountain last night. **GROAN** He is learning platoon operations today and sleeping in the barracks tonight. I'm back to no news is good news. **Sidebar** I wonder how many times on this army journey am I going to be saying that. I know I've said it many times already and we've only been in 4 1/2 years! I was also doing the math...which I should NEVER do...that of these 4 1/2 years we've been in the army, he's been away from us 2 years of them.
Moving on to brighter subjects! My mommy dearest is coming for a visit Sunday. :) The boys will enjoy having her around to save them from certain punishment. haha. I'm just glad to have another adult around this house! Praying she has a safe, uneventful journey across the South. More later with some pictures and more sarcasm. ;)
Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Ranger School 05-06 06-06 501-06

2010-02-20T21:27:00.001-06:00

Ranger School 05-06 06-06 501-06

For anyone interested click on the above for a day by day diary of a LT that went through Ranger school a few years back. It is helping me get through this ordeal by knowing what Ramey is going through in the day to day. Ramey is in Mountain Phase..tomorrow Day 2.
This LT also gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country, and was KIA in Iraq a few months later. It upset me at first, but this diary is his testimony living on. Really praying for his family still.

Broken

2010-02-20T07:52:00.003-06:00

Here is my broken man. He couldn't keep his eyes open in the recliner here...almost time to go back. So--it was GREAT to see him no doubt, but he was so skinny and tired. It wasn't much like seeing my Ramey. He did tell me lots of stories and I'm sure you will all be excited to see and hear from him soon. He had not slept in 2 days when we picked him up. He did not want to nap during the pass so that he could spend as much time with us a possible, but after a warm shower, he was O U T. We got him a lot of stuff from Commando's. He has a new pair of boots for the Mountain Phase. He will get five days of staying in the barracks and good food during Mountain. I am just PRAYING the weather warms up. He has frost nip on his fingers which is really dangerous when left untreated. AND of course he'll be back out in the cold. I am diligently praying the cadre stay on top of the guys and make sure they don't get frostbite. He also had a rash all over his legs and blisters all over his feet. He did have to jump and swim in Victory Pond...had to break the ice over it! eeeissh. My heart really hurts. I wanted so badly to tell him to quit and stay home with me & the boys. It took all I had to hold back the flood of tears behind my eyes and not tell him to stop this ridiculous school. I knew that I would be holding him back and that he would regret not giving it his all. He kept staring at me about an hour before we had to leave, and I knew all I had to do was tell him to stop and he would. My head hurts and my body feels heavy with burden. I know that I need to give it over to the Lord and let him carry it--and him. As I watched him walk back to barracks to drop his bags off, he kept looking back to see if I was still here. I guess he might have been contemplating making a break for it while I was still around!! haha. I drove away weeping and saw the gorgeous sunset the Lord created. I felt better thinking the Lord put that in the sky just for me to remind me of His love and covering over us--his children. I know my soul mate is in His hands. Thank you to all who are praying for him during this trial.
I did remind Ramey that they would not be handing out Ranger tabs in heaven, so this was not a MUST have. We'd love him no matter what. OF COURSE!

Snow pictures

2010-02-16T15:36:00.012-06:00

The big snow did make it all the way to the Peach state and we had one afternoon of fun. It was gone the next afternoon which is unimaginable if you see how much it did snow. An afternoon of it is great...4 or 5 months, I am not so sure. I do love the South!
The pictures at the bottom are of our "camp out" with pizza and movies. I didn't get pictures of the tent we set up. Noah didn't want to sleep in the tent. He asked around 9 pm to go to his own bed. :)

My NC

My Billy Ben

My Reecie..

The boys at the bottom of the hill!

Pizza! Marco's is the best!

A movie on the floor...later a tent!

1st week underway and successful!

2010-02-04T09:25:00.004-06:00

I got someone on the "inside" letting me know about how my Ray is doing. :) He made it through the CWSA and the PT test with flying colors, and the most recent update is that he made the 16 mile ruck march early this morning to Darby. After talking with a friend of mine that works in the Basic training area at Fort Benning, he said that they no longer do the CWSA in Victory Pond since a few men lost their lives back in the late 90s. They do the test in a pool (inside) somewhere. I wish I would've know that a few days ago. It was agonizing thinking of Ramey doing that outside! Every time I wake up in the night, I say a prayer for my honey. One morning I woke up and it was POURING down rain. Yucko. I am pretty confident now that he will finish on time. Hoping the ambush phase goes without a hitch. Noah keeps thinking daddy will be home every time we get home from somewhere. The last time daddy was gone, Noah was too young to understand the concept. Now, he knows that daddy is really gone and wants to know WHEN he'll be back. That is that hard part now, because he doesn't get how long 20 days is. Ramey should get his 8 hour pass on the 19th, then he'll go on to the Mountain Phase. That is all I have for now. We are contemplating a trip over to Texas next week, but I am just not sure. Praying about it and hoping to know soon. :) As my friend quoted this morning on FB, "they are weak, but HE is strong!" YES--so true Heather. Love to all...

Ranger school has begun

2010-01-31T15:53:00.004-06:00

It's Sunday afternoon. Ramey left this morning to sign into Ranger school. They are sorting through their bags today, making sure they have the packing list squared away. Tomorrow is the PT test and the CWST (Combat Water Survival test). He zip lines into Victory Pond--an icy body of water located at Fort Benning. That was what he was dreading the most, I think. The first five days are the toughest. They want to weed out those that are not strong of heart, Sometimes though, life works against you. Guys a few weeks ago were running in 12 degree weather for their PT test. It should be a balmy 38 degrees for Ray. haha.
The boys seem unaffected by his departure. I too have been somewhat distant to emotion today. I teared up on the way home from picking the boys up on Friday, thinking of Ramey's upcoming leave. I was thinking...the beginning of so many goodbye's this year. He will have JRTC for all of June. Deployment to Iraq #2 will arrive in September. (Despite the President's statement that all troops would be out of Iraq by August--a technicality being that they will no longer have the title: Combat troops). BUT--Stephanie, the Lord wants you to take one day at a time, seeing that each day has enough trouble of it's own. FOR SURE. Wednesday afternoon, Noah broke his pinky finger wrestling with the boys. I was not really worried..neither was Ramey seeing that I had to practically BEG him to take Noah to the ER. Come to find out it was broken right at the joint. An adult with that kind of break would have to have surgery to make sure the finger would heal properly. They even threw that out during our trip to the orthopaedic doctor Thursday. He was going to go in through the skin with a pin to make sure the bone healed like it was supposed to. He conferred with another OP and he said that he should be fine as long as the finger was held straight in a splint. We go back in 2 weeks to see. I hope the doc was right. Noah was SO very proud that his finger was broken. A battle wound to talk about for a while. He's pretty hard on Reece, telling everyone that asks what happened that "Reece broke my finger!". We have now nicknamed Reece--bonecrusher. :) I've got Awana's soon so I'll wrap this up. I'll get all of y'all updated on the Ranger in training. Hopefully I won't see him till his 8 hour pass! Thank you for all your prayers for him during this time of trial.
Love to all....
SB

Tuesday in January

2010-01-12T07:28:00.003-06:00

Here we are in the most boring month of the year. I seems that January always drags by. I am trying to count my blessings with the Captain being home so much. He has his initial PT test this Thursday for Ranger school. I know he can physically do it, it is just a matter of the weather being cooperative! I know I wouldn't want to run in 12 degree weather. Even if my body was completely healthy, I don't think my organs could function in meat freezer-like temperatures. We were talking to the kids last night about how to pray, and we were explaining God's omnipotence. Our all knowing God has a plan for this...whether it be going to Fort Hood early or after he's done. I think the Captain has made peace with it. If he for some reason doesn't make the cut the first few days, he is fine with it. He knows the Lord has a reason why we would move earlier than planned. Not to say he won't go through with flying colors. :) Here lately, they haven't been allowing too many guys a second chance at RS. They need them to go to units and get ready to deploy. If he was to not make it the first few days, he'd have to call his Branch Manager and find out if they would let him try again. I, for his sake hope he makes it. He's always wanted a Ranger tab. It would give him a bit more respect within his branch since it's not a MUST have. I talked with a Chaplain's wife that had said her husband felt like he needed it to be able to have the soldiers respect. This is the same with the Captain. He is an Armor officer that may be leading cav and infantry troops when he gets his own company.
Enough about army stuff, I plan to make Valentine cards for everyone since I neglected to get Christmas cards out. I figure it will be a good diversion when the Captain leaves for RS.
I really need to go get groceries now. I am also making a resolution to cook more at home and not eat out so much. We decided that Sunday after church would be our one time a week to eat out. On the menu this week, is chicken n dumplings, chicken fried steak and maybe something with pasta!
God bless everyone this week and may we make it our number one priority to be about the Father's business as Jesus was in the temple at age 12. Lord, open our eyes to those who are hurting and are in need of encouragment.

Christmas pics!

2010-01-07T07:15:00.026-06:00

Marshmallows!

It's the LIP!!!!!!!!!!!

The seven Moore grandkids!

Beautiful Rachel and Noah playing with their Christmas presents.

Cousin Lindsey wants sugar from Reece!

A&M football uniforms from their cousin Jenny! It's a hit!

The boys sporting their new PJ's. This is when they look their best--before bed and their hair is freshly combed. After they wake up they have bed head and resist my styling it.

My big sis and her oldest daughter Jenny!

The boys are helping Gran blow out her candles! Glad we were able to be there to celebrate her Bday!

Ramey at his MCCC graduation!

Noah and the rest of the 3 yr olds...singing!

Here's Reece at the Christmas program at our church.

Christmas and New Year news

2010-01-06T13:15:00.002-06:00

We survived the trip to Texas! It was a 12 hour drive and the best feeling in the world to cross the state line. :) I got my fix for Tex-Mex and homecooking thanks to mom, mom in law and sister in law! The boys thouroughly enjoyed their time with the family. All three of them got a bug while we were there, but they are much better. It was so nice to see them play outside and not worry about a passing car or stranger. It is what us city folk take for granted. It's now back to 1500 sq ft of area where they can play and run. I will be so ready to have a yard for them to be sent outside to release their wiggles. I heard a rumor (those are common place among us army wives) that they are opening the new housing at Hood for our rank. Let's pray because I seriously doubt we are going to chance the older housing again. We really lucked out with it the first time, but not guarunteed this time. We've also been throwing the idea out to buy, but there is so much red tape to rent out when we move. The housing market in Killeen, HH area is erratic anyway.
Back to our visit. It was so nice to see everyone. We even got a couple of dinner's with friends. Some we hadn't seen in years! (ahem, The Nutt's) I will be posting pictures soon, I promise. I have just been assigned to buying things for Ramey's packing list for Ranger school. A couple of his buddies that started a class earlier didn't make it past the PT test. eek. One of them said it was 12 degrees when he was doing his 5 mile run. His muscles just cramped up..it was too cold. Needless to say we are praying for a warm front that weekend Ramey starts. I am feeling great. The cold weather is good on my MS. I can actually run a ways without feeling like my legs are made of jello. My sister heard of a new research study being done. This doctor has done research and found that 90% of people he tested (with MS) had blockages in their arteries to the brain. The brain was thus storing Iron in excess and the onset of MS progressed. I may have worded that wrong. I'll have to re-read the article again. It was very interesting. This dr. put shunts in the blocked vavles and the patients no longer had symptoms. Awesome stuff! I'll close for now. Gotta pick up the big ones and take them for haircuts! Pics soon!

Great dr. news

2009-11-12T06:41:00.002-06:00

I went to visit my neurologist this week and got some great news. My MRI looked good. (No active lesions) My EEG was also normal and I'm going to start weaning off my seizure meds. I am still going through the relapse that I was going through in April, but am still hopeful it will completely go into remission soon. Each day it's getting better. I am placing my hope in the Lord. Some days it's hard to, but I have to make a conscious effort to lay it down for him. I know He is the Great Physician. I also know the Lord doesn't do anything through his children without a purpose. I may never know the exact purpose for this trial, but He does. Even if it is to grow my faith in Him. Also good news for the MS community..a pill will be out on the market in 5 months! It has very little side effects and great protective, preventative aspects. They don't recommend it if you have a history of cancer in your family. My doctor told me since I was doing well on the injection, that I might wait and see how well this pill does in the first year out and see if it's something for me.
I'd better go take my boys to school now! Just a quick praise post..

November already?

2009-11-04T09:36:00.008-06:00

November already? I can't believe it! And we are still playing soccer! WOW. I am sort of glad I didn't sign anyone up for basketball. We'll do something in the Spring. I need a break. I am so looking forward to the holdiays though! It's hard to believe that Christmas music is already being played in the stores. Don't have time to post many pics..I feel like I've been on the computer all morning! God bless everyone! Let's spend the whole month being thankful!

Spraying the boys hair for Awana's crazy hair night!

Will's soccer pics

2009-09-27T14:36:00.009-05:00

Here are some shots of Will's 1st game and a little pregame recorder playing.
Noah is eating some cereal below one morning for breakfast and letting me try out my new camera. (A birthday gift from my sweet hubby! It lessened the blow from going up a decade to GULP...30)

Soccer Pictures

2009-09-24T12:37:00.007-05:00

Here are some pics of Reece at his last soccer game this past Saturday. Will is playing tonight! I will post some pics of him hopefully tomorrow!

SCORE! Reece celebrates after his team scores a goal!

Reece practicing before the game.

More cruise pics

2009-09-12T18:32:00.015-05:00

Mom and I sitting with the birthday girl...that night we had them bring out a chocolate birthday cake! We all sang to her and had a delicious piece! :)

We played in a bean bag toss...we all got medals! :)

Cozumel! The water was a beautiful aqua blue! There were shop's right along the water's edge where the ship's dock. We shopped a little, then went to relax at the beach.

Every night we had a different towel animal from our maid! Really cute.

Our waiter's would entertain us every night and we were told to wave our napkin's if we liked their performances. :)

Two lovely ladies at our fancy dinner night.

The birthday girl!

Lisa is being silly hiding under a towel...

Mom and I catching some rays on the open seas!

Hey Lisa! Having a good time?

Here's our ship from the top deck...the slide which we did go down! :)

Family update

2009-09-11T11:24:00.004-05:00

I've updated photos on my cruise and our aquarium visit, but I've neglected to update on the status of our family! In the past month, we've gotten word on a lot! Ramey has gotten orders sending us back to Fort Hood, (The Great Place--hahaha) in the Spring of next year. After he finishes his career course December 15, we plan on coming home for the holidays, then we will come back to Georgia and he will start Ranger school at the end of January. Ranger school is 2 months long and he will not get to come home. It is a mix of different terrains--Georgia mountains and Florida swamps. He stays OUT the whole two months. He says he should get a couple of times where they give him a few hours to do laundry. That should be fun times for me because he says it may very well be in the middle of the night. :) YIPPY! After we get back to Texas and Ramey gets all settled into his new unit, they are set to deploy next fall/winter. Big BREATH. He is thinking they may give him command at some point, either before they leave or mid-deployment. I am confident Ramey will make a fine company commander. I am praying that it is in theater and not in garrison so he won't have to deal with wives so much. ;) I guess that will be up to me.
9-11 today and I've been thinking of how lucky our family is. Ramey has met a lot of Captains that have gone through some rough deployments. I remember Deb and I always talking about the need for the Lord's covering over Ramey. I know I've blogged this before, but the Lord had His hand on my husband during deployment # 1 and I know He will on # 2. Ramey's classmate didn't have such a great story. His company lost more guys than any other company since Vietnam. He saw many of his fellow soldiers lose their lives before his very eyes. That has to change a man.
I was praying this morning for all of those affected and still hurting from 9-11. Then it dawned on me that in a way, we were all affected, hurt and changed from that morning. It will never be the same. Our children may not remember, but as long as we can remember, it will never be the same.

Video clip of aquarium visit

2009-09-10T10:28:00.002-05:00

Here, the boys were enjoying the gigantic tank of whale sharks, great white's, sting ray's and other large fish. They were so excited to see all the wonderful creatures God has created for us to behold and study!

Fun on the Fun Ship & The World's largest aquarium!

2009-09-07T18:44:00.023-05:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted! I got to go on a cruise with my sisters, mom and niece! It was a girls vacation to Cozumel! Sherry was so sweet enough to come fly out and keep the boys for me while I flew to Houston. The gals picked me up and we headed to Galveston where we set sail! It was my first time cruising! My mom and oldest sister had been on a cruise to Alaska, so they were veteran cruisers. Lisa, Jenny and I had never been! We had a great time. We all got massages the first morning....then sun bathed a while. Typical relaxing stuff. :) Food galore! You could eat all day long if you wanted to. They also had waiters shoving drinks in your face. NO THANK YOU...a million times. UGH. Our cabin was teeninny. Mom, Lisa and I shared a closet spaced cabin for four nights. We could reach out and touch one another during the night if need be..ya know..if we had nightmares or anything. We just happened to be sharing the hall with the party crowd. It is amazing that I got any sleep at all between the rocking boat, and drunk twenty somethings...oh wait! I am still twenty something and I was not drunk and crazy! Grow up people...I wanted to tell them. All in all we had a great time and the reason we went...to celebrate my eldest sissy's birthday! She had a good time and we ended the cruise the last night with her birthday cake! I'll add more photos later when I get on MY computer. Ramey says that I have stolen his. His laptop is faster. heeee :)
Enjoy the pics...God bless everyone!

It's been a while since my big sissy has fixed my hair! :) Fun times!

Here's me in front of our fake window in our economy room on the Fun Ship! We weren't there to sit in our room though! :)

Sitting outside in beautifiul Atlanta, Georgia!

We actually got to TOUCH a sting ray AND a SHARK!!! YES! It was so cool!

Really cool octopus!

Jellyfish are some really cool creatures to watch...

Eww..alligator. Talk about mean looking predator. It looked like it wanted to eat us.

Will and Reece in front of the huge aquarium filled with whale sharks, sting rays and other various fish. Very impressive! Will kept telling me how awesome it was and how he was going to be a diver someday. :)

8 years ago...

2009-07-29T18:27:00.003-05:00

July 30, 2001 around 6:4something William Benjamin was born, our very first child.
Ramey was 22 years old and I was a whopping 21 years old! We'd been married almost 14 months. Our newlywed days were OVER! Will was 8lbs 4oz and came after 12 hours of no show labor and a C-section. He had a large, 90% head! (still does) We were SO blessed by his appearance! Little did we know what parenthood had in store for us, but we quickly learned. :) He was not the easiest baby I had (now I know this) but I enjoyed him so very much...as you do with first babies! Everything is so fantastic and wonderful. You want them to do everything so fast and the very best of all the babies of the neighborhood! By the third one, you're just happy if the kid gets in a word or two by the time he's two. Of course everything was perfectly ready and name brand. Baby #3 gets #1's hand me downs from 5 years ago. Hopefully grandma's nice enough (and they are!) to buy em some new things! Okay...back to Will. He just doesn't remember how good his life was. By age 2, Reecie was on the scene and well, that is just not fair! Hee. Now, they just can't live with or without one another. They do love each other so very much, and at the end of the day, it is sweet how they talk to one another as they're going to bed.
So, to my Will Benjamin...We're so very blessed to have such a smart, handsome young NOW Christian boy in our home and are so excited to see how the Lord is going to continually work in your life! We love you! Mom & Dad

I miss my house!

2009-07-23T18:33:00.003-05:00

I was just looking at the screen saver on my computer and staring at all the memories of our house at Ft. Hood. I have to say...I miss that old house! We lived there almost 3 years! That is a record for our family for sure! There were some definite memories. Year long deployment, Noah's 1st everything...Will and Reece also had a lot of 1st's there too. They had so many little buddies that came and went. I did too. So many wonderful neighbors. I've made a few friends for life! I was just spending my Thursday night being nostalgic and sort of sad. Apartment life is so much different. I know it will only be for a short while. Life is still quite up in the air. Ramey has started class, but doesn't know if he's staying in since they've over booked the class by about 20 guys. His year group will be the first to be weeded out. It's Infantry and Armor guys together (MCCC) and he's already said they're treating the Armor guys like red-headed step-children. **since Ft. Benning is the home of the Infantry** :) Missing my big ol' backyard..but know the good Lord will provide another one someday soon! At least I'm not having to mow RIGHT?
Below is my 4th of July cake I took to church!
Signing off...
God bless

Florida pictures and Reece's birthday

2009-07-13T17:34:00.008-05:00

Here are some pics from our trip to Florida to visit our Paris friends and to celebrate Reece's 6th birthday!

We took the kids to Destin to ride go-karts! They had a blast!

How adorable is this little princess?

Don't worry, everyone was chaperoned!

Now there's a group of future heartbreakers!

What?

You would think this was a sneaky dad that stuck his son's face in the cake, but NO. Reece did this his own self. He remembered his good buddy Jaxon at Ft. Hood and how cool he was when he got his face in his cake. Thanks Jax!

Here are some cutie pies with their party hats on! Noah and his girlfriend Zoey girl!

This is Reece's cake which was supposed to be Transformers, but Winn Dixie didn't have, so we had to settle for Power Rangers. :(

6 years ago....

2009-07-05T15:57:00.006-05:00

We were anxiously awaiting, well, we didn't know! We know now we were waiting for Wesley Reece Moore! What a blessing he is to us everyday. He makes us laugh, wonder, shake our heads and PRAY, A LOT! :) God blessed us greatly when he blessed us and entrusted us with the life of this sweet little boy. I love him to pieces and he enriches my life everyday. Some moments he tries my patience, but all in all, I couldn't possibly fathom life without my Reecie pie. Hope you enjoy the photos from his true birth day! I love you my darling middle child!

We're MOVED in! Lots of pictures!!!

2009-06-27T17:51:00.022-05:00

Here's Reece in the sunken play ship at Sharky's where we went to eat the last night we were in Panama City. In a week, we're going down to Destin to meet up with some friends from Paris. Back to the beach! It'll be a great way to celebrate Reece's 6th birthday. The grandparents are also coming over for a visit in late July. We've got that to look forward to as well. :) We've settled in nicely. Ramey's class doesn't start till mid-July so he's getting to come home early every day. We are spending lots of family time together. :) We also found a church right off the bat less than a mile down the road! They just embraced us from the get go. God is so good! Signing off...Stay cool everyone!

Here's the boys in Florida! They had never seen the beach before!

This is our new home sweet home for a few months at least! Our apartment is on the bottom front with the screened in porch.

Reece graduated Kindergarden! I wasn't able to attend the ceremony since the movers were at the house that morning. Ramey was able to be there. Here he is with his buddy Jaxon with his diploma.

Will made the A honor roll again the last six weeks...here he is with his teacher Mrs. Anderson during the awards ceremony.

Here are the fearsome seven Moore grandkiddos visiting Ft. Hood.

Here's Noah bumming a bite of Andrew's Lemon Ice at UT vs Westpoint baseball game. UT kicked bootie and I can't say I minded. We were with some Westpoint grads that weren't that happy. Ah, well. Boo hoo.

The guys after Deubs and Andrew got promoted! AW! It was the last time together... They'll be coming up to Georgia in late summer for the career course though!

Leaving on the midnight train to Georgia...well, a Durango and Xterra

2009-05-23T07:17:00.009-05:00

About 2 weeks from now, we'll be headed East. Ramey does have an interview with the General sometime within the next 2 weeks, but we HAVE to go ahead with our plans with moving. If the General does like him and just has to have him as his AG, then he can pull all the strings to keep us here. There are a lot more Captains up for the job, but you never know. As you all know Ramey has few words, and he doesn't like to stroke egos. If the General needs that sort of thing, the interview will be short and sweet. If the General likes a John Wayne, quiet, get the job done with a minimal conversation involved type, then Ramey will be his man! :)
Meanwhile, back here at home I'm furiously cleaning the house trying to save $400! YES! That is what the army charges to clean on post houses when you move out...well at least 4bdrm. with carpet upstairs. There is also no guarantees that they'll pass me either!
I don't think the boys really have a grasp that we're REALLY moving. Especially Reece. Some days he doesn't even remember if it was a school day. Bless his little soul. I pray that there are some little boys around wherever we end up. In our cul de sac now, there have always been little boys around to play with!
I'd also appreciate your prayers for my health as well. My relapse has not gotten much better. I am dealing with it fine, but would not like to deal with it for the rest of my life like I am. But if this is what God has dealt me, I know that I can do it.
The pictures are from Rachel's 4th birthday party at mom's.

Bluebonnet adventure

2009-05-15T13:32:00.017-05:00

We had our family picture taken by a very talented photographer that we are lucky enough to have within our Squadron! As you will see, she is a very gifted lady. What an awesome Mother's day gift I got! I will treasure these photos forever!

The Captain... (Easter egg hunt too!)

2009-04-28T18:14:00.019-05:00

Some pictures from our visit to Direct and our Easter egg hunt w/ cousins at Pete's cabin. There was a jump house and everything! Mr. Pete took the kiddos on a hay ride while the rest of the parents hid the eggs around the place. It was great fun!
THEN...two days ago, Ramey was promoted to Captain! A few days early since the Colonel was leaving the Squadron and wanted to do the ceremony. Ramey officially makes Captain tomorrow, May 1st. I don't think he minded wearing the rank a little early. :) I am very proud of him and was proud of his speech to his platoon. He let them know how proud of them he was and how well the deployment went. Ramey's replacement platoon leader (2LT...NEWBIE which has already been tormented by Ramey) has already taken over, so he really doesn't have a "job" anymore. He is still in Dragon Company, as assistant to 3rd platoon. HAHA. The first day that the 2LT showed up, he was in formation, in RAMEY'S spot with his platoon. Ramey told him to "MOVE!!!!!!!!!" He was like, uh, "Yes, sir..." How mean huh? All in good fun I guess.
The sun has peeked out, but has gone back behind the clouds! Glad to have the rain though! Blessings to all!

The Moore Archery Club!

2009-04-27T13:39:00.002-05:00

Every nice afternoon, all the neighborhood boys usually congregate in our yard to shoot Mr. Ramey's bow! :) Actually, they shoot Will and Reece's bow. Ramey's bow is too hard for them to pull back. We've even had some sneaky hands get the bow & arrows out of our shed to shoot when we're gone from the house. Mmm.. I've had to start locking the shed up. That's the last thing we want is an accident without supervision! Ramey and Will shot at an archery tournament this weekend here on post! Will got 5th place (there were 5 competitors...the others were older than him) and Ramey got fourth! There were a lot more adult competitors. The first two that placed were pros! I thought Ramey did GREAT since this was his first tournament! I didn't bring my camera...BOO Steph. Next time I will! We are gearing up for the big move in four weeks. Ramey is going to have to go to a lot of briefings and do a lot of paperwork. I am ready to get it over with. I will miss all my friends tremendously, but the thing is that they are all moving too--eventually! Such is life in the army. We're heading to P town for Mother's Day, my dad's birthday and a good friend's golden birthday! HA--JS.
I'm trading my sickness, I'm trading my pain, I'm trading my sorrow for the joy of the Lord!!! YES LORD, YES LORD, YES YES LORD!!!!! AMEN....
(Love that song...)

Heavenly Reunion

2009-04-21T08:35:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Ramey's Aunt Lavonia went on to be with her Lord and Savior. She joined many others of her family that went on before her. I know they are welcoming her with open arms and rejoicing in the Lord! I am diligently praying for her family who will greatly miss her. She was a great testimony of a submissive wife, dedicated follower of Christ, mother, friend, daughter, & sister. She was a fierce worker, sweet encourager, and loving family member. You could always find her in the church kitchen, and usually the last one to leave. If ever you looked for a Proverbs 31 woman, this was your lady. She is a testimony to me, truly a woman after God's own heart.
We grieve, but not like those who have no hope. And we listen. We listen for His voice. For we know who has the final say about death.

Fallible Humanity, Infallible God...(Thank goodness!)

2009-04-15T09:10:00.006-05:00

I've been going through more issues with my health of late. It has really brought me to my knees. I am totally at the mercy of the cross. I am ever so reminded how human I am and what that means. I am a blink, a blipt, a breath, a breeze. I have been reading Job, trying to make sense of what he went through...not that what I'm going through is anything comparable. Solomon's Ecclesiastes comes to mind. Ramey and I chuckle sometimes when we quote it to ourselves. It has to be the most depressing book of the Bible. Meaningless, Meaningless is everything! :) What I'm trying to articulate here is that I feel this life we have is so brief and I feel like I'm not doing the most I can with what I've been given. I don't know if any of you have ever felt that way...come on, I'm sure you have. I am ever reminded with my disease that my body is going to give up on me and I just want to give God glory every day that I can. I've been tremendously blessed with three wonderful boys and a wonderful husband. We've been called into the army, to move around like nomads and give up our daddy for intermittent periods of time for the love of our country. (Which needs our prayers more than ever) After Easter Sunday, and the reminder that Christ laid His life down for us, I want to rededicate my life *each day* and live for Him. More than ever, I am reminded of how trivial my life is and how little time I have here on earth. I'm sorry...this post is more for me...a moral boost of a mission statement and refocus. :) I hope everyone is serving the Lord and having a wonderful Spring. May God remind you of how blessed you are, because if you live in America, you have a job and a house, YOU are blessed. Christ laid His life down for you, a sinner, a breeze in the wind. Make the most of everyday!

Spring break and 3rd birthday fun!

2009-03-26T10:58:00.025-05:00

Here are some new pics from our visit to Ptown and Noah's birthday marathon with the grandparents! He had a fish party. That kid wakes up and goes to sleep jabbering about FISH. ???? I don't know what we've done to promote this. HE LOVES FISH. Now if we can just get him to loves Jesus just as much! ;-) We did get to take him fishing too! As you can see and who caught the biggest??? MOMMY!!! Woo hoo!
We also got to unload a few pretty plants at Ross's nursery on our last day in town. We're glad to be home and back in the swing of things. Ramey is back to full days of work! How hard on him! ;-) Easter is fast approaching and then Spring!

Pics... kite day at the Great Place

2009-03-06T09:02:00.008-06:00

Here are some random photos from after the ball with friends, Iraq, and Kite day today at the boys school. The Great Wolf pics are coming soon. We had to buy a water camera that had good ol' regular film. Ramey joked that they had to bring JimBob out of retirement to develop it at Walmart. :) It'll be ready next week. The boys were feeling better by the time we got up to Grapevine. Noah still had a rash. We were hoping that we didn't infect anyone up there. The boys had a blast on the slides. Today is the perfect day for kite day. The winds have to be gusting up to 30 MPH. It is in the mid 80s. AWESOME. I squeezed in some pics from Ramey's last days in his homeland...Iraq. Blessings to all!

Scarlet Fever

2009-02-28T10:26:00.002-06:00

My sweet lil' boys have Strep throat...or scarlet fever. It started with Will boy on Tuesday night. He had fever and stayed home from school Wednesday and Thursday. We sent him to school when his fever broke on Friday, but they called me to pick him up because of his rash. It had gotten worse. Then lil' Noah got sick Friday morning. He started the rash late afternoon yesterday. It looks TERRIBLE. It is more prominent than Will's. Last night about 4 am Noah was screaming for us...he was BURNING up with fever. I took them both to the Walk in clinic this morning and they tested positive for Strep. I got them started on the antibiotics. We have reservations for the Great Wolf tomorrow...we planned to go to church, then make our way up there. I really hope they are feeling good enough to go. We don't get our money back on the deposit for our reservation. I don't know how fast antibiotics work. ??
Let me share where my husband was this morning when I was taking the boys to the clinic...he and the Reecie pie were at a GUN SHOW. OH YES. *** AND *** He made a purchase!! QUITE a big purchase and we'll leave it at that. I'll add a bit more...an $1100 PURCHASE!!!!!!!!!!!! AHH! Men and their manly instincts to protect what's theirs. I'll never understand. You'd think a shotgun would do.
Praying my little guys are up for swimming!!

It's Monday..help me meds

2009-02-23T11:17:00.002-06:00

Avonex, Topamax, Provigil, Advil-600 , Anitbiotics....I'm a regular medicine cabinet these days. I all but fall asleep standing without Provigil. Advil helps me get through my side effect Mondays, and well my Antibiotics may be my new norm. for a new side effect of the ever annoying disease I have. That is all I'm going to share on that one. It is something I'll have to deal with. It may get a bit worse, but nothing I can't handle. My sister has gone through it early on in her career w/ MS. ;) We get to find humor in our trials to get us through. It makes things not so, um, crappy. Pardon my french. My boys would *SHOUT* at me for saying that word. I can type it I guess.
This weekend we're going to the Great Wolf Lodge and I'm very excited about the prospect of getting into a swimsuit in the middle of winter! WOO HOO. It will be fun. Then the next week we're going to visit the folks for a week.
We found out the Ramey will also get promoted on May 1st! :) YEAHA. It is funny...I just think Captain Moore sounds weird. Lieutenant Moore sounded better, but I think he'll be fine with Captain. :) I'm very proud of him.
I've really got some laundry calling my name.

The long awaited...Ball!

2009-02-14T13:18:00.014-06:00

Friday the 13th arrived & so did Ball day. Ramey & I left for Austin about noon to get there to set up. He had about four soldiers helping him with the set up. His good friend Randy also helped. They put 650 chair covers on, placed programs out on each chair, spread rose petals around each of the centerpiece, and placed the gift glasses around the centerpiece. It took a long time! I had to go back to our hotel and get showered and dressed while Ramey had a rehearsal at 4:15. The cocktail hour started at 5:30. I really didn't see Ramey all that much till after the dinner was underway! He was very busy making sure everything was going according to plan. He was in charge of the grog. The grog is a tribute (with alcohol) to all the soldiers from different wars, that came before. It is a very masculine, dramatic affair. Each commander and 1Sgt of each troop and company came up to add a different bottle. Of course, they have to make sure that it is not poisoned, so they take a big swig....JUST IN CASE! It doesn't help that everyone cheers and encourages this. After all the alcohol is added, a strong sugary punch is added to help the taste. The video I have at the end of this is the Jr. officers of the Squadron singing the Regimental song. It is a little dark, but I think you can see Ramey and Andrew front and center! Good times were had and Ramey is relieved it is OVER.

The homecoming ceremony!

2009-02-06T10:29:00.006-06:00

I forgot to tell about the homecoming ceremony when the main part of Dragon Company came home. It was great! I told all the gals (who were waiting on their husbands) that I was going to pretend that it was Ramey's homecoming ceremony too! When Ramey showed up about an hour before the other guys, the girls all cheered, "Yeaha!! Welcome home Ramey!" I ran up to him and gave him a big hug. We were just joking around. Ramey had already seen the guys. He had been at the airport when they got off the plane to turn in their weapons two hours before. The families have to wait to see their soldier till all of that is done. They then load all 150 soldiers on white buses and haul them to a gym where 100s of anxious family members await! As we waited, the DJ was playing really bad 80s music. He kept telling us where the buses were. They finally showed up and the DJ told everyone that they were here and they were parked outside. It took a while for the guys to unload and get into formation to enter the building. The doors were all taped up so we couldn't see out! Then the DJ started playing American Soldier by Toby Keith. That song makes me cry to this day!! Then he told everyone to give a round of applause for their soldiers!! I started BAWLING. It took me totally by surprise. I was overwhelmed with emotion. It was finally over. I don't know. I couldn't tell you why, but it wasn't even over when Ramey took a cab home that day in November. It was over this day, when all of his fellow men were finally home. I am crying as I write this! What a journey this has been. Such a long one, but I am so thankful to God for carrying us through this. My husband was protected so many times. SO MANY TIMES. I cannot even tell you. Ramey can't either. Just take our word, God is MIGHTY.
Another thing I'd like to share. If you would like to receive a blessing, go to DFW airport to the B terminal, to the USO and tell them that you'd like to volunteer to hug a soldier. It would take one afternoon of your time. They would give you a parking ticket for free parking. B terminal is the R&R terminal. There are flights everyday. I think maybe two or three a day! I can't tell you how many soldiers walk through that gate to NO family to welcome them. It is heart wrenching.
I got the opportunity to hug Ramey's platoon Sgt. He didn't have any family come to the ceremony. His wife is also deployed with the Regiment and was still in Iraq. He got a hotel room for the first few nights of his homecoming! :( Pray for a soldier tonight! Some risked their lives and came home to no one! I am blessed that my soldier came home! SO very blessed.

February..is that spelled right??

2009-02-02T13:13:00.008-06:00

I always think that I misspell February. That isn't the only thing I misspell though. Ha. Thank the good Lord for spell check! Someone made fun of my usage of exclamation points on Facebook. I guess I never though about how much I use them. My husband always tells me I talk too loud. Maybe that is why I blog and type too many exclamation points. :) I can't even make it in cyber world silently. OH, I do try Lord to have a submissive and quiet spirit. Meanwhile, back at the Ranch, well, the Hood...we went to Austin this past weekend **YET AGAIN**. We went to Cabela's to buy my husband a target for shooting his bow. We stopped at the Capitol so the boys could see it. I remember mom and dad taking Jenny and I there when we were little. It seemed so huge back then. It's still big, but it just seemed gargantuan. It is a gorgeous building. Our oldest son made the honor roll again & got the sportsman award again this year!! :) We're very proud of him.
Ramey and I are gearing up for a marriage retreat this coming weekend sponsored by our unit Chaplain. It will be held in Marble Falls, TX. Another beautiful place in Central, TX. Then, the next weekend will be our big ball weekend. Mom & Dad are coming down to watch the boys while Ramey and I drive down to Austin for it. It'll be at the Hyatt. Just a few more months and we will be heading for Georgia! Ramey will be doing his Captain's career course there. He is going to try and squeeze some more training there too. We may be there till the first of next year. We don't know where we'll be going after that. He will talk with his branch manager and get more info on that this summer when we get to Georgia! He's kinda scaring me with saying places like: Germany, Alaska, Washington State, New York. AHHH!!! I am a Southern girl and those places all sound really cold. I would really like the Germany thing, but Alaska??? UHHH. I MUST have sunshine. God made the day and God made the night. :) Y'all have a good week now!!

In the land of used cars

2009-01-25T13:47:00.002-06:00

We have been knee deep in the land of used cars for the last two weeks. YIKES is all I have to say. We've been really exhausted by the whole ordeal. We feel like we've been lied to by everyone we've come into contact with. We finally made a purchase yesterday in North Austin. It is a '06 Dodge Durango. I am excited to have it! It will be great with long car trips. It has a DVD player and THREE rows of seats! :) It is nice. It is the nicest car I've ever owned. Leather...the whole package. I think we got a good deal on it. ?? The boys keep telling me how nice my car is! Hee. We drove it to church this morning! This afternoon our church is having their annual chili cookoff. We contributed some of my brother in law's deer sausage for our sunday school class. Each class makes a batch and is judged. It is a nice chilly day for it too! Yesterday was REALLY chilly. It didn't get out of the 30s and for the big T that is rather COLD! Hopefully we'll warm up this week. The Squadron ball is coming up soon! I'll have lots of pictures after that! I am looking forward to a fancy night with my husband in Austin! :) Have a blessed week everyone! Looking forward to the coming of Christ!!!!!
1 Thes. 4:16-18

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-13T12:50:00.007-06:00

Hey to all! We are still around believe it or not. I have not had a computer in about three weeks. (I think) It may be longer...Ramey's guys are trickling in! We are soooo glad to see it! We are glad to see the new year and it seems to be passing quickly. My friend Heather will argue that one, but she's waiting on her hubby to get back for good. She's not got long. We are looking forward to Spring Break and block leave for us. Civilian terms....VACATION! I think Ramey will probably will take about 2 weeks and we'll hit the metroplex with the kiddos. Maybe the Great Wolfe and Six Flags. I'd like to take them to see the King Tut showing. We may try to do Disney World on our way to Georgia. Of course it would be quite a bit of a detour, but we would get a good military discount. I was told today that June is the absolute WORST time to go ...We'll have to talk and pray about it.
The pics about are of mom on her bday, Mama Dean & I on her bday, Noah with his new, "awesome" tricycle, and of us at mom's Christmas.
Still in the land of NO driving, and it's not an incredibly happy place to be. I am really trying to look on the bright side. We are saving money and I am being forced to plan meals and be totally frugal. Ramey is getting a little irritated. Especially since he sat in the car for almost an hour (I thought he was at a gun store w/ the boys) while I was dress shopping. I had to find a dress for the ball! I sound like Cinderella huh? :) Not quite. The dress I ended up buying was a bit too big for me and has to be altered. It has to have like twelve feet cut off the bottom. Come on I'm not that short!!! It is pretty and simple. I don't like a lot of fru fru stuff if you know me at all. It is a pretty gold color. Cav is gold and I thought since Ramey is staying Cav that it would be good to have a gold dress. It's not like bright GOLD, but a shimmery gold. I've got to get some taller gold shoes, and I've got to go back try the dress on with the shoes. Ramey is really excited that the dress event is not entirely over. :) :) He loves being my chauffeur. With the boys in tote of course. I've had issues with allergies, but all in all, my health has been better. My side effects to my injections have lessened.
Ramey is a good shot giver. He's been a real trooper. We're all doing fairly well here at the Hood! Many blessings to everyone!
Phil. 4:8

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

2008-12-17T20:36:00.003-06:00

Hope everyone has a safe and joyful Christmas! We are doing quite a bit of traveling. Ramey had to work up until Christmas Eve, so we'll be doing the last minute drive up to North Texas. We're going to cherish this drive...we're thinking next year the drive will be MUCH MUCH longer! EEEk. I said goodbye to my another neighbor today. She moved herself back home (to Idaho) after sending her husband off to Iraq this past weekend. Her dad and sister came to help her. She ended up getting too small of a truck and had to leave behind a few things. She left me some bookcases and a couple of dining chairs. :) I was more than happy to take them! Reece got home from school and realized that they were gone and started crying. She had two boys that were right around my boys ages. Such is a military brat's life. Sounds really sympathetic huh? I did feel sorry for him. They were his buds. :(
Ramey is busy planning our Squadron ball. :) He is busy going through reintegration meetings and has been assinged to details with the party in February! As you all know, Ramey is not really a party planning kind of guy. I didn't think they would really stick a--door kickin in joe--to party planning. BUT--the army did!
Poor Ramey. He's a bit depressed. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated. He just wants to know that his guys over there are going to be okay and are going to get home safe. I think the counselor said he may have "Mission Incomplete Syndrome".
Some men get it when they come home early without the rest of their men.
The boys are good. Noah is getting a lot better with potty training. He was in underwear today and did okay. We're making some progress.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas....

We're still here and still alive & kicking!

2008-12-09T08:37:00.009-06:00

I was politely reminded that I needed to keep on blogging by my fellow blogger buddy-- Yank T from way up North. We have just been relishing in having our main man home. We've been wrestling, eating out (which has been eating into our now- no extra deployment $$ budget), and just plain enjoying our daddy!!! We haven't been taking too many pictures, but I did snap some before church on Sunday. I got some silly ones of all the boys by the Christmas tree.
We went back to P town for Thanksgiving or I guess I should say big D! (Direct)
Everyone was glad to see Ramey home from Iraq and we had a great visit and lots of good home cooking. Thanks moms! We are TRYING to get wee one interested in potty training to no avail. We've even gone to bribery. Dum Dums are amazing treats. It is just not clicking in the little toddler brain yet.
Ramey got to welcome home two of his fellow soldiers yesterday that came home on the ADVON party yesterday. The other soldiers will be arriving in about 5 weeks. Ramey starts reintegration meetings next week. I know he's really excited about that.
I've gotten used to my meds. Ramey has given me one injection and is pretty good at it! He didn't even hurt me. I think this med that I'm taking will be one that I can tolerate better than the one I was on last year. It is only once a week, so I don't feel bad all the time. I just have one day where I have side effects where as the other med was the entire week. We're doing really good here! SO blessed to have him home for the holidays. Pray for those who are still away from their loved ones this Christmas!!! Love to all.....

Our hero is HOME!

2008-11-19T19:08:00.002-06:00

My sneaky husband got a CAB home from the airport!! He did not call me at all at any point during his journey home, therefore I was not to know that he was three hours early!! Sherry and Jr. were here and we went to pick the big boys up from school. My mom stayed behind at the house and Ramey comes knocking on the door! We show up a few minutes later, I hop out of the car telling the boys something, and I look up and he flies out of the screen door!!! I dropped the back pack I had in my hand. The boys tackled him! I hugged him and he picked me up off the ground. I was so happy/confused/mad...not really mad. If you know me at all, when I have a plan, I like to stick to it. I didn't have the shirt I was supposed to wear, neither did the boys...yada yada...did it matter??? NO WAY. He was H O M E. Thank goodness all of our banners & flags were up! SO...we do not have any pictures of his actual homecoming on my camera. Sherry and Jr. have some on theirs that I will have to get.
Right now Ramey Don is upstairs catching up on some much needed REST. I'm sure it'll take him a few days to get back on Central time. It is a tremendous thing to have him home and see my boys so incredibly happy.
Our family is together once again and we are giving God ALL the glory.

Ramey is in Kuwait

2008-11-17T05:54:00.002-06:00

Praise be to God who created all things. My husband is on his way home!! I cannot even fathom it yet. It doesn't quite seem real. I have been waking up at 5 am every morning these past few, praising God and praying, wondering what Ramey is doing. I haven't had the greatest contact with him these past few days, but I know he's on his way home. I hope to hear from him this morning. He was supposed to get a flight out of the FOB last night to Kuwait. I know they have phones there. A-HEM Ramey Don. He doesn't get the fact that I could care less of the time difference, that I just want to hear his voice say that he's okay. The little boys are so excited, but I think they are like me. It has been so long, I think they have almost forgotten what it was like to have him at the house! I know that sounds really sad, but it is true. Reece had told me a few weeks ago that he felt like he didn't have a daddy! SNIFF. BUT---HE'S ON HIS WAY HOME NOW!!! Mom is here helping me get ready. She and daddy came this weekend to watch the boys last ball games. Daddy went back yesterday morning and she stayed. Sherry & Jr. are coming at some point to be here when Ramey gets here and mom will ride back with them.
I am feeling so much better since the steroids are almost out of my system. They made me very emotional! My legs are so much better too. I am getting used to being a shotgun driver. :) I know Ramey is going to LOVE that. I miss my driving. I totally took for granted being able to hop in the car to get whatever it is I wanted at the moment. I believe we'll be saving a LOT of money! Walmart will be missing me. I hope to hear from my man today. My next blog will be filled with homecoming pictures and happiness!!!! Psalm 91

THANK YOU

2008-11-12T08:26:00.003-06:00

Thank you to all for your encouragement and prayers through this time of difficulty! I am feeling SO much better today! I know all the medications coursing through my veins was keeping it difficult to keep my perspective. I feel as though I am back on track somewhat. The boys have their last games this weekend and my parents are coming down for a visit tomorrow! I'm really looking forward to that. I know mom will get me out and get me going. This is short, but I'll have more to report maybe later on this week regarding Ramey Don!!! God willing!!!!

Mood swings galore

2008-11-10T06:59:00.002-06:00

I feel like I just gave birth to like quads or something. My moods are so sporadic! Our Sunday was so uneventful. I didn't catch a ride to church, so we were at home ALL day long. I go from manic to severely depressed! I guess I didn't know that it was possible to do that! My boys have been pretty good dealing with mommy's insanity. Heather has been phenomenal. She should get friend of the year award for sure. She's got a rock bed at the back of her house in the middle of the woods. She thinks that I should go release some tension and go throw rocks. It sounds pretty good right about now. It looks like a rainy day, but she wants to get out to go to the PX. God has blessed me so very much with such wonderful friends. My other friend went on a trip to visit some friends in another state, and when she got there, they got word that her friend's husband was wounded in an IED attack. He is stabilized and is in transit back to the states. Praise God for that too. Such a strange emotional weekend this has been!
I have started my dose down pack of oral steroids, so I've still got roid rage. Hopefully it'll go away soon. I don't like feeling like this! Ramey is busy getting all his stuff back from up North. The CO is prepping him for if he comes back here for what he needs to get ready for the company's return. Okay....that's that. Have a good Monday everyone~

Have I got a penny in my mouth?

2008-11-06T14:55:00.004-06:00

Here are the three amigos....one I've yet to meet! The new CO that Ramey tells me is a very nice man. They other is ol' Andrew and of course my handsome husband!!!
My wonderful friend Heather took me to Wally World today to get some groceries! We've gotta go back tomorrow to get some of my prescriptions and back to the commissary to get some meat. She's gotta go, so I figure I'll load up too. The nurse came out and did my infusion of steroids this morning. I have two more mornings of those. I thought I would immediatley feel better, but I don't. It is okay, she said it takes some people a couple of days. I have a horrible metallic taste in my mouth. I thought I was going to faint when she was flushing the IV before we started the steroids. ??? It could be that I did not eat! I got some yummy bagels to eat for breakfast tomorrow so that won't happen again! I called my neurologist and am going to be getting a statement of my medical condition so *MAYBE* Ramey may be able to come home soon. (possibly early December--yeaha!) PLEASE PRAY FOR THAT!! They do not have to send anyone home for anything other than a immediate family death, so it is up to his Company and Squadron commanders if they deem it necessary for him to be home. God's timing is perfect. I fully trust that whatever happens, will be for a reason.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for me and my family at this time!!
God bless you and keep you all.

God is still faithful!!

2008-11-04T17:31:00.003-06:00

Okay. I have been hit by many realities the past 2 weeks. I am trying to look on the brighter side of things. I am able to walk, talk, smile, play, cook, jump (somewhat), yell (I try not to do this a lot! ha.) laugh, pray, praise the Lord through trials & joys, be a friend, be a mommy, be a wife. I can do many, many things. Two things have been taken away from me just today. My ability to drive, and my ability to enjoy carbonated beverages. If any of you know me at all, you know that later *IS* a big deal. My dp is pretty sacred around here. Even my boys know this.
God is so good and I am praising Him for bringing this to light before something major happened...ie: me causing a major wreck, endangering the lives of my family and others. They didn't call it epilepsy, but a seizure disorder. Any way you say it, it means no driving for me for six months..till I get leveled out on meds. My medication will cause carbonated beverages to taste really, really bad. SNIFF. I know, hardly something to get upset over. I think I am trying to laugh my way out of breaking down.
I do trust God and KNOW that He will be glorified through this. I am ready. Let's go God.

Halloween and More!

2008-11-01T14:07:00.027-05:00

Here are some photos of Reece's field trip to the Christmas tree farm, some random Noah moments, and Halloween! We made a tiny little jack o lantern. The boys were so excited to do that! I put a tea light inside and lit the candle. When I tucked them in one night, they said it scared them. Noah really enjoyed a spooky cupcake that we got from a bake sale at the bank. By the end of the night last night, the boys were ELATED from having so much candy! I told Will he had a lot of loot. He didn't know what that was. :) We had so much fun walking around. A lot of the adults dressed up! My friend Miss T was an 80s rocker. Reece's soccer coach is the witch pictured below! Heather and I also spotted Elvis!! We had a blast and hope everyone else did too! The weather was perfect and it was nice that it was on a Friday this year! I'm sure teachers were quite happy about that too. No sugar back lash for them to deal with!
PS...THANK YOU to Mrs. Flohr for designing my new header for the blog! You're fabulous T! Love ya!

Late Night!

2008-10-30T21:57:00.003-05:00

I'm staying up last tonight because of my EEG tomrrow morning. I have to go to bed two hours after I normally do and wake up two hours before I normally do. That puts me getting 4 hours of sleep. YIKES. I'm supposed to go to sleep during the test. I've got a movie on and a dp to drink. I'm not supposed to have caffeine the day of, but they didn't tell me I couldn't have it the night before. My friend brought me a delicious soft pretzel filled with cream cheese. (from Schwans) YUMMO.
I took the boys for a haircut today. I was loving Will's longer hair. It curled up so cute when I scrunched it. Reece loves getting his cut. We then went to the PX to get some good deals on some wind pants for the boys to practice in. They didn't have any on sale.
That's all for now. Nothing much to write. Just trying not to yawn!!!

Sick babies

2008-10-28T09:23:00.003-05:00

Reece started getting sick sometime on Friday. I should've known when he didn't want to go to school something was up! He was coughing, but I just though it was allergies. He started running fever Friday night before bed. He woke up without fever, but was still coughing quite a bit. Saturday night after playing all day his fever came up again. By that time, Noah had fever as well. After a Sunday of laying around, Reece felt fine Monday morning. He went to school and I took Noah to the dr. I'm glad I did because he has an ear infection. He hasn't had too many of those. So-- he's on an antibiotic and also an inhaler for his coughing and wheezing. It seemed to work really well last night. Before I went to bed I peeked in his room and he was sitting up sneezing. I laid him back down and he went right back to sleep. I think we're on the mend. Hopefully Will won't get this! He has a big field trip to a pumpkin patch today. Reece has his tomorrow and my friend and I are going to tag along. I think Noah will be ready by then. I can already tell a difference in him this morning.
Ramey called while I was getting Noah's meds yesterday. He says they are running long missions and may be moving again soon. I hope he calls again today so I can have a better conversation with him.
The pictures are from last week before church. All the boys wanted to take turns taking pictures. The one of me alone was Noah taking it. I had to lunge to get into the picture. We sure bragged on him and showed him what a nice picture he took. ;)
Wishing everyone healthy days....

Yesterday is a wrinkle on my forehead! (or a black hole in my brain)

2008-10-23T19:58:00.007-05:00

This is my life and today is all I got! This is your life, are you who you wanna be??? ;) I love Switchfoot. Ramey called day before yesterday. He is fine and gearing up for urban warfare! I am really anxious to speak with him since I went to the dr. today. Lots and lots to discuss. My sweet friend Miss H kept Noah for me this morning. It is such a blessing to have such a sweet friend and neighbor. Her hubby is back for R&R in December. Then it will be our turn to welcome home our hero! 11 weeks and counting. Ramey was excited when I told him that.
The boys are well. We're still busy with soccer and football till November. Then it'll be Thanksgiving and we'll be one holiday closer. The boys have their costumes ready for next Friday. Will is going to be a motorcycle man, Reece is going to be the Hulk, and Noah is going to be a Tiny Ninja. (that is actually what it says on his costume!) Fort Hood is the coolest place to trick or treat. The entire neighborhood is out walking around. Fun, Fun. I'll be sure and take lots of pics. I'll leave you with a photo of my honey (yes, smoking) and myself at the Spur Ride back in May...pushin', doing real push ups!!! Ramey would be so proud! PS...Ramey can't even inhale that thing. He holds it in his mouth to make his guys laugh...

Crisp Weather

2008-10-16T11:55:00.003-05:00

I am so very thankful for the crisp, cool weather that is upon us today! What a wonderful reminder that we are actually in fall and the holidays are approaching! My boys are ever mindful that daddy's deployment is winding down and that we are expecting him soon! We are not able to web cam anymore. I was pretty down about it, but there is nothing I can do to change that. It does me no good to whine about things that are out of my control. The solid rock of knowing who is in charge is what is keeping me focused! My full trust is in Him and I know that everyday that comes is a beautiful, wonderful gift. All I have to do is look into the eyes of my children.
I am on my way to an MRI today. I hope it doesn't light up like a Christmas tree! :-) That wouldn't be good. I don't think it will because I'm doing really well. Nothing to complain about as far as the normal brain abnormalities that I have by birth. hee. My friend and I always joke that our children took every ounce of brain power from us when we birthed them. Some days are better than others.
Enjoy the nice weather!!

Pumpkin Patch & misc. October photos

2008-10-11T18:27:00.002-05:00

Here are some pictures from our month. Today we went to the pumpkin patch in Marble Falls TX with Sherry & Jr. who were visiting. They brought Noah back to me. I let him stay the week with the grandparents and get some Grandad and Papa time. I think he enjoyed it but I really missed my little wee one. The boys had a great time riding horses and getting their faces painted. AND*** I actually bought gas today at $2.34/gallon!! Sorry--had to brag. God bless to all!

Been a while

2008-10-09T19:52:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope y'all are doing GREAT! It is the ninth day of October!! Yeaha! Ramey is well, saving the world one IED at a time. He is in good spirits. I guess we're going on pure adrenaline now since we are almost at the one year mark. I am hoping to have a great holiday season, awaiting the homecoming of my sweet love! He will be the best, belated Christmas gift ever. It should be mid January. That is what we are hearing. I will post some pictures when I have more time. Please continue to pray for all of our soldiers!
SB

Game Day

2008-09-22T16:28:00.009-05:00

This past Saturday was game day for my Moore boys. Will was up first in his flag football game. He did great! He pulled the flag of their running back right before he scored! I thought they did great for the first football game ever for a lot of the little boys. Reece was up next, but had a bit of game day fright. He sat on the bench and didn't want to play. I hope that he will change his mind for next game. Here are some photos of the big day!

September photos

2008-09-13T18:56:00.006-05:00

Here a just a few pics of my boys these past few weeks. Braveheart and Tiger and hard at work doing some homework! I decided to give Wee one a faux-hawk. My friend told me it wasn't a real mohawk cuz his hair wasn't shaved on the sides. He's still a cutie pie! He acually started acting possessed the rest of that day.
On a more serious note, Ike didn't affect us at all....but it was a major hit to Galveston and Houston. Please pray for those who lost loved ones, property and who are still out of power.

I feel bad, so here are some pictures! <><

2008-09-08T22:28:00.010-05:00

Below are some random photos of the end of summer from both sides of the world. Ramey and his platoon are using some big muscles to get whatever that is on whatever, whatever. :) He's the one with the pistol on his hip! The bright blue building in the background is eye catching for the guys since that is the one lone color in all of Iraq. The other pic is him and the 1Sgt speaking to some men over very important matters, I'm sure. Ramey is the tall one in the back. The rest are of our Squadron Back to School bash that we had at the lake about a month ago. The rear D commander took lots of pictures of all the families there that day so the daddy's could see how much fun we were having! Thanks Brian! More pics to come...

It's actually CLOUDY!

2008-09-08T13:54:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it, but the sun has temporarily disappeared in Central Texas! It has been sunny since summer began! How nice not to be blinded as I walk outside the door!
No new pics to add. Sorry in-laws, momma and sisters. Just going to catch you up on the Moore's of Fort Hood. We've been having a bit of some attitude issues with the big ones. Mostly the small man of the house. I don't know if it the age...7 years to 8 years, but it is going to get nipped in the bud immediately! Tiger just follows along with what Braveheart does. Ramey has re-named our boys. Braveheart (aka: William Wallace), Tiger (well you know-- Reece), and Wee one (which Noahcola doesn't care for too much). When he talks to daddy on the phone its, "NO daddy, I not wee one, I Noah! Y O U are wee one! Daddy wee one! HEEEEE."
It is really adorable to witness. I've been a bit under the weather the past few days, but I think I'm about to shake it. Momma cannot get sick!! I am willing my body not to.
I start my Bible study tomorrow. I KNOW it is going to bless everyone that is taking it. The first chapter really spoke to my heart-- discussing that tomorrows belong to God...not to us. I don't feel like it is wrong to plan, or even dream about how wonderful something in the future is going to be, but not to get caught up in the tomorrows. To live for the now and be hopeful for the tomorrows, but leaving them in God's Mighty Hands!!! A woman missionary wrote several steps for true contentment in your life:
1. Never allow yourself to complain about anything--not even the weather. (a-hem Ramey! ;)
2. Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else. (a-hem myself)
3. Never compare your lot with anothers.
4. Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
5. Never dwell on tomorrow--remember tomorrow is GOD's not ours.

It is a bit intimidating, but you've got to admit that we would all be better off trying to live our lives this way. Hope everyone is peachy keen.
Hold up in prayer the ones in the path of Hurricane Ike. We don't have cable anymore, so I'm on the weather channel website lots. It looks pretty fierce. Have a wonderful week.
Phil. 4:11-13

La-dee-da September is HERE!

2008-09-01T21:22:00.002-05:00

Yeah! September is here and another month down. I can't believe it has already been 10 months since Ramey deployed. It kinda stinks that we've got five to go, but I'm focusing on the positives! (I'm reminding myself here) The boys have completed one full week of school and we survived! I am looking forward to them starting their sports soon. Reece is going to be a soccer star and Will is going to be a football player...every mother's dream for her son! ;D PWOC starts back up tomorrow and I'm leading a Bible study. Lots of prayer going into that one! My battle buddy Miss H is going to be in my class so I hope we don't get off subject too often! (We've been known to do that) I don't know what I'd do without my battle gals. I'll post soon with some pictures of the boys and their awesome athletic abilities. Crossin' my fingers here....
2 Cor 4:17-18

Another school boy!

2008-08-25T17:15:00.009-05:00

Reece had his very first day of kindergarten today! Will had his first day of 2nd grade! WOW. I can't believe I have a seven year old. I feel ancient! The boys were both very excited and had a great day. I was pretty sad all day long. I did catch up on house cleaning and laundry. My friend and I both were sad that we now don't have a good reason to pull the kids out and homeschool since they have good teachers. SNIFF.
My friend and I walked up to the school together. Reece and her son are in the same class. Her oldest is in 3rd grade. By the time we walked up, Reece was ready to get to class! We had a LOT of school supplies to deliver. They had a wonderful day and I hope it will be a wonderful year!

God's Faithfulness

2008-08-16T22:10:00.004-05:00

A few mintues ago, I was lying in bed having my normal nightly conversation with God. I started writing a letter in my head of how God has showed me His great faithfulness through this entire deployment. I was thinking of all the circumstances that He has had His hand on Ramey, me and our boys. I am awe struck of how all-powerful God, loves and cares for His own. Tonight, I read the boys the story about Jesus being the Great Shepherd. I had a very exciting conversation with them after the story. Will knows so very much about the Bible already, and I'm so excited to see how God uses him and all my boys in the future.
I would like to try and list the many, many ways God has been SO faithful to our family. I know there are many times He's been faithful that I have not known about and I'm glad of His omnipotence! God has clearly had His powerful hand over Ramey and his men, protecting them in many instances throughout the deployment. His men say he has a protective bubble around him. Ramey knows he does. On the way home for R&R, the plane from Atlanta to Fort Hood kept malfunctioning. Again, I truly believe God intervened in this situation. I was completely frustrated, but He was in total control for a reason. We bought a lap top over his break and we are able to use it and see each other now sometimes twice a day!! The first seven months, the contact we had was sporadic to say the least. I would go days, sometimes weeks without knowing where Ramey was or what he was doing. Being able to see each other is just awesome. There is no other word. Again, God continues to have His hand on Ramey and his men this half of deployment. They have had a really rough past couple of months and have gone through some tough things. God has used this to allow Ramey to be even more bold for Him and share His good news about salvation. My trip to San Antonio was completely in God's hands this past weekend. I am not supposed to get too hot because I start getting symptomatic. The heat index had to be 108 at least! I felt fine the entire day. There were so many people there as well! God helped my friends get their tire changed when they had a blow out on the way back to my house. I told the girls that I would pray for someone to stop and help us. They laughed and said they could change the tire! Well, the wrench the car was issued didn't work for the rim that my friend had bought. It just wouldn't work. A couple stopped to help, and their wrench worked perfectly. Many, many more instances I could share about the faithfulness of God in my life, but I don't have to. YOU all-- I'm sure-- could think of many instances in your own lives. I challenge you to think of them and thank and praise God for all of them. The hymn comes to my mind, Great is Thy Faithfulness... May God bless you all this week as summertime comes to a close.
Psalm 139:1-12

Are we having fun yet??

2008-08-11T14:30:00.016-05:00

So man, you just haven't had any kind of fun till you've taken 8 kids to Sea World in the midst of August...100+ degrees with about a million other people. Quite the contrary to these pictures, the day in San Antonio was less than appealing. My middlest cried almost all day long because his ear hurt. I am trying to have sympathy...here. My gals--Hoppy and JLo had a flat tire on the way home to my house. I almost hit a deer too! A few minutes after the gang left Sunday morning, my oldest started running fever! AH! I think he was completely exhausted. He is fine today. God definitely had his hand on us the entire day. I'm glad they came for a visit. We had good times.... :) Maybe next year we can plan a cooler, less crowded place! Of course, we'll be much closer to Florida by that time! Whoo hoo!
The picture of Noah holding his hands up was right after I caught him red handed..literally with permanent maker that he decorated himself with AND my COUCH with. I am taking the cusions to see if dry cleaning will get it off. I am not hopeful. Hope y'all are having a blessed day! Romans 8:35-39

Sweet little one

2008-08-04T16:29:00.002-05:00

Look at this adorable picture that Ramey sent me. This was one day last week, in a village where almost all of the children spoke English. The Iraqi doctor taught all of the kids English. He is in the picture as well. Ramey said this little three or four year old boy came up to him. Ramey says all the kids either ask for candy, food or footballs (soccer balls). This little boy said, "Mister...will you hold my hand?" WOW. I am tearing up right now! Ramey said that the little boy walked around with him for a while, just holding his hand.
Our Rear D commander made a joke when okaying this saying that they world should see how cruel the our soldiers can be with the kids over there. HA. Those kids have certainly touched Ramey's heart and mine..all the way from Texas. May God bless them and keep them.

some pics from R&R

2008-07-30T20:55:00.002-05:00

A couple of photos back when Ray was here on R&R. We went to a Ranger game (it rained on us) and then the night before we dropped daddy off to go back. I wonder why my boys cannot take a picture without being completely silly. Mmm...I miss him.

Such a blessing!

2008-07-30T12:53:00.003-05:00

I am really a lucky mom to have such a wonderful young woman as my babysitter! She is only two doors down! Kait went on a mission trip to Peru in June and she has blogged her journey there. It is inspiring and eye opening. The Lord is doing a tremendous work in her. Praise be to God for you Kait!!! Check out her blog! (it is on the right of mine)

Fun in Paris...

2008-07-29T14:48:00.017-05:00

Here are some photos of our 10 day visit to the grandparents house. We had two birthday parties, plenty of time with my "girls" and lots of nerve racking fun! :) I didn't get to talk to Ramey but a couple of times, so being home is good since I can talk to him everyday. Please keep him and his soldiers in your prayers. This month has been a long, tough go for Ramey's platoon. He's been through more this past month, than the past 7 months.
Also, keep praying for peace for the Hawk family. May God lift up all who are in pain at this time.

Brunch

2008-07-17T12:46:00.009-05:00

This morning we had a brunch for our dear friend who is leaving us for California! We had lots of fun and fruit as you can see! We got her a token from our homeland...Texas. Miss H and I wanted to get her a big stain glass Texas flag, but we figured that she would rather have bluebonnets. :) The boys were having lots of fun last night with the mud in the back yard.

middle of July

2008-07-14T21:23:00.007-05:00

Here are some photos of the week. We are all set up and talking to daddy EVERY day! Sometimes we even get to see him (when sand storms aren't knocking his internet out) Skype is awesome!
Down below--Baby boy was not interested in Star Wars like the other boys (actually don't know what in the world he was doing) Middle one was putting together his Kung Fu Panda puzzle, Big boy was being silly with mommy and we were taking pictures of ourselves with the new camera.
Take care y'all...
Jeremiah 29:11!!!

Birthday boy

2008-07-09T15:28:00.002-05:00

My camera is not working anymore, so I'm waiting on one I bought through ebay. Middlest had his 5 year old birthday Monday. We had a little party for him on Sunday. He had a good time. About 17 kids from the neighborhood were over.
Ramey called today--from his room using our new skype phones. He got the internet connected in his chu. The connection was great. It was like he was in the next room. There wasn't any delay either. It is amazing how technology works. We have got to work a bit to get connected with our web cams.
Ramey had a rough day on Monday. I could tell he was shaken up quite a bit. Please pray for him and his platoon. I pray that he finds the bad guys that are responsible for these horrible things...
Hopefully I can get some pictures on here sooner or later.

Back to the Hood

2008-06-30T19:25:00.004-05:00

We are home and daddy is over the Atlantic somewhere. It was a wonderful R&R with Ramey. It was like he never left. We were all so happy to be reunited with him. It was so great. It was a pretty emotional day today as we dropped him off at DFW. The big boys cried and so did daddy. I tried my hardest to stay strong for the boys. I shed a few tears, but nothing like I thought. The drive home was rather quiet and I got to reflect a bit. I guess there will always be thoughts of.."I wish I would've done this, or acted like this..." A pastor gave Ramey a book to read--authored by a former soldier that was in Iraq in 2005 (who has now been called into seminary). I got to read a few pages of it, and thought it was so moving. I believe Ramey will get a lot out of this guys experiences in Iraq. This guy was a Commanding officer of a Tank Company. He spoke of the desert sucking all the pride out of you, so that you must rely on God for strength. Ramey will hit it just about right with the heat. It is topping off over there at 112 degrees and is going to get worse. My prayer for Ramey is that he would walk away from this experience with a strengthened heart for the Lord and a purpose for the rest of his earthly life. My prayer is the same for myself. I want all my pride to be sucked away and to only rely on the One who gave me life. I have far to walk and brokenness to be had. I pray the I would embrace those women who will help me along this journey to grow more like Christ and to steer away from others who will not. God is so good...praise the Lord for His mercy and grace!!!! Love y'all.
I'll post some pics when I get them from Ray....

Just a short one!

2008-06-12T18:57:00.004-05:00

The man of the house is HOME!! After 30 grueling hours of being on US soil but somehow unable to make the flight from Atlanta to Dallas.....Ramey is home. When he got to Atlanta, the plane kept malfunctioning. TWICE-- it got up in the air and almost halfway to DFW and the plane would turn around because of a "mechanical" issue. The first time, the plane turned around and landed... shortly after, had to be TOWED to the terminal because the plane DIED. WOW. God is really on our side for sure! The second time is the plane lost cabin pressure. No matter what happened to that plane, they wouldn't get them another one! ??? Who knows why. I had to stay in the very nice, expensive hotel room that night by myself. Ramey's parents and brother and sister in law were there to help ease my anxiety. We had a wonderful dinner at Papadeaux. They also stuck it out and got a hotel room. The next morning, the arrival time changed another two times. He finally showed up around 2 o'clock. It was a wonderful sight to see my husband. When we got in late last night, the boys were asleep, and Ramey slept in the bottom bunk with big boy. In the middle of the night, big boy woke up to DADDY!!! This morning we all piled into the bed and the boys gabbed for an hour catching daddy up on the past seven months! Baby boy has been attached to daddy ALL day long. I am no longer in the picture. Just thought I'd catch everyone up!

THAT.....JUST HAPPENED!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-08T20:04:00.005-05:00

Well....as I've said before and I'll say it again....things happen really fast here at the Moore house.

On my way out to take some trash out...barefooted, I stepped on a giant, old, rusty, screw. My wonderful neighbor, took me to the ER and I was like a circus act there at the hospital. Everyone wanted to see! They deadened my foot and unscrewed it out. Xrays showed it wasn't in the bone, which was good news. I got some IV antibiotics and a tetanus shot. The numbing medicine has now worn off and it is throbbing pretty good now. I'm so glad Ramey wasn't here for this. I am so thankful that it wasn't one of my boys! I would much rather me be in pain than them. EVERYONE is going to be wearing shoes around here! I love walking on my St. Augustine grass too. Ah, well. I'm thanking God things weren't much worse.

The Waiting Game

2008-06-08T12:17:00.003-05:00

Well, thanks to major sand storms, my love has been on standby to come home. He just loves the desert and it's storms. We are waiting, waiting, waiting. The nice people at the Gaylord Texan hotel cancelled my reservation which was supposed to be for tonight...at no charge. Only our Heavenly Father knows when he'll get here. I have been praying for patience and it seems to be working. I know he'll be here at some point. The good thing is that his leave doesn't start till he hits US soil. Just in case anyone was wondering what was going on with us! Take care! Have a great first "true" week of summer.

Happy Birthday to my sweet love!!!!!

2008-05-30T13:00:00.006-05:00

It's Ramey's birthday today. We've been praying all day that he has a good day. He's such a dork...he sent ME flowers and said all he wanted on his birthday was for me to smile. Check that! Please send up a little prayer for him as he's off doing dangerous things for the next few days.

Littl' one has a bug. He got sick last night. Sniff. It is always pitiful when kids get sick. We have been so lucky this year. We really haven't had that much sickness. I'm going to leave these pics of the love of my life.

If I go MIA...you'll know why

2008-05-28T16:47:00.009-05:00

I am on an emotional high right now! Really looking forward to my man being home. It has been pushed UP and he'll be here soooooon. The boys are so excited. Even baby boy! I'll scrape up some photos, cuz I just don't know what else to write. The chalk on the driveway is so WRONG!!!! Baby boy also has some terrible mosquito bites. I hose him down in the OFF, but it doesn't help at all. He's staying inside till those monsters go away. He may be inside all summer long. Biggest boy has a heck of a body huh? ;-D

Rae had a great Bday! The boys are always so glad to see her. Middlest and big boy got many awards at their Awana ceremony. Middlest also graduated from preschool! It was splash day after the ceremony and I thought they were supposed to wear grad gowns...I was wrong. So that is why he looks like he's going to the beach!

Ta Ta loved ones!

Our VTC with Photos!!

2008-05-24T21:19:00.005-05:00

Today was our big VTC with Ray. The boys were excited to see daddy with above picture to the contrary. He was in good spirits. The last time the lighting wasn't so good and we couldn't see him that well. This time, the lighting was much better and we could see his big, black mustache. WOW. The feed cut out about halfway through it and we waited a few mintues for Baghdad to get us up and going again. After that we only had like two minutes of talk time. Middlest had to get yelled at by daddy because he wasn't listening to mommy. Ugh. Baby boy was talking up a storm to him. Reeeeally wanting daddy to talk to ONLY him! As you can see we made him a big poster for his birthday next week since we won't get to see him. Soon enough though! Thought I'd share these pics...Everyone have a great Memorial Day weekend! Remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom!

My heart goes out

2008-05-22T18:15:00.005-05:00

I guess anyone who listens to a Christian music station, has found out the tragic news of the Steven Curtis Chapman family. What heart wrenching news. His 5 year old daughter was struck and killed by their son (who was driving) in the driveway at their house. He did not see her. Things like this happen every day around the entire country. My heart goes out to all families that have had similar events. May God wrap his loving arms of peace around this family and all others going through the same.
I have been so emotional today! I guess my thoughts have been those of counting my incredible blessings. I just could not even imagine losing one of my children. That would definitely be a dark, dark time.
Another bad guy has been put in jail over there! Score! We'll get to see RD on Saturday afternoon on VTC. I hope the boys act better than they did at the other one! Whew. Wheel of Fortune is on and it's Biggest boy's favorite show. Wherever we are...at 6:30 it's WOF time!
Prayerfully minded tonight...