Merry Christmas to all of you from Ashlyn, Haley, Owen, Yao Ming and
Bob and Larry!!!
25 December 2006
18 December 2006
Congratulations Stuart and Amy!
Congratulations to Stuart and Amy Phillips on the birth of their son, Sam, on December 14th. Older sister Emma is 1 1/2. We met Stuart and Amy in college. Stuart played baseball with Scott.
Sam's hospital picture is here.
Sam's hospital picture is here.
Seeing Santa
Saturday we all went to the Battalion Christmas party. After we ate Santa showed up. In what can only be described a "classy", he rode up on a Harley. After he got off the motorcycle, MAJ Spencer, I mean Santa, quickly readjusted his bowl full of jelly tummy because for some strange reason is was up near his shoulder and then he fluffed his beard, which was windblown.
Owen sat with Santa because he had no choice. Scott walked him up, plopped him down and walked away. Before Owen could panic Santa did a wonderful job putting him at ease. Owen told Santa he wanted "tools, tools like Daddy has, so I can build things in our house, and a Pablo that sings and dances and candy and maybe gum, gum for peeing on the potty, but not for pooping on the potty, because Owen doesn't poop on the potty, Owen poops in my diaper." 
At this point Owen is asking Santa why his beard moves independent of his face.
Ashlyn asked Santa for "surprises and clothes, because Mama said we can't ask for any toys this year because we don't keep our room clean."
Haley asked Santa for "surprises, you know, like surprises of clothes. I love clothes. And shoes, I always like new shoes. So surprises like clothes and shoes....and make-up. Mommy doesn't let me wear it very much, but when I do my face looks...I don't know...my face just looks really really pretty, very pretty actually, so I think surprises like clothes, shoes and make-up."
Owen sat with Santa because he had no choice. Scott walked him up, plopped him down and walked away. Before Owen could panic Santa did a wonderful job putting him at ease. Owen told Santa he wanted "tools, tools like Daddy has, so I can build things in our house, and a Pablo that sings and dances and candy and maybe gum, gum for peeing on the potty, but not for pooping on the potty, because Owen doesn't poop on the potty, Owen poops in my diaper." 
At this point Owen is asking Santa why his beard moves independent of his face.
Ashlyn asked Santa for "surprises and clothes, because Mama said we can't ask for any toys this year because we don't keep our room clean."
Haley asked Santa for "surprises, you know, like surprises of clothes. I love clothes. And shoes, I always like new shoes. So surprises like clothes and shoes....and make-up. Mommy doesn't let me wear it very much, but when I do my face looks...I don't know...my face just looks really really pretty, very pretty actually, so I think surprises like clothes, shoes and make-up."
The Nativity
As we unpacked our Christmas decorations we came across the nativity sets Nana has bought the girls. One I believe she bought in Mexico, or someplace near Mexico. Anyway, I think (I hope) they were inexpensive sets because Owen treats them like Weebles. Anyway, I sent Owen and Haley into the living room to arrange the sets on the coffee table. This is what they decided on:
note: this is somewhat better than last year, when all the people were in a large circle and the baby Jesus was right smack in the middle.
Ashlyn then came along and rearranged them. She also took the next three pictures. She is a talented photographer, much like our friend Becca, who is going to make baby announcements for us for free.
note: this is somewhat better than last year, when all the people were in a large circle and the baby Jesus was right smack in the middle.
Ashlyn then came along and rearranged them. She also took the next three pictures. She is a talented photographer, much like our friend Becca, who is going to make baby announcements for us for free.
06 December 2006
A nice read
A Different Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
Alone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing outhere!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile."
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled,
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
Alone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing outhere!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile."
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled,
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
05 December 2006
Christmas at Old Fort Concho
Last year we did not go to Christmas at Old Fort Concho as it is pretty much a waste of time and money. It's great for the older crowd though... Anyway, this year we were forced to go because Ashlyn and Haley were participating in a Supersquad event. Each school performed; Glenmore's time was 11:15. The stage was really small so they had to break them up into three groups. Ashlyn went in the first group and Haley went in the second and we sat through the third out of respect for all the parents behind us who were filming. They did one cheer and one chant and due to technical difficulties did not perform the dance, but we have another shot at that on the 14th, when they have their Fall Preview. (I don't know why it's a preview and not a review)
After the Supersquad event we walked over to the horse riding corral and petting zoo. On the way we had to stop several times when they shot off the cannons because it scared the daylights out of Owen and he would scream and cry and beg us to go home. Once, right when we were walking by the cavalry, or whoever they are/were, they got ready to shoot and we stopped to take a picture. It was very loud and my hearing finally fully returned sometime Monday.
After the Supersquad event we walked over to the horse riding corral and petting zoo. On the way we had to stop several times when they shot off the cannons because it scared the daylights out of Owen and he would scream and cry and beg us to go home. Once, right when we were walking by the cavalry, or whoever they are/were, they got ready to shoot and we stopped to take a picture. It was very loud and my hearing finally fully returned sometime Monday.
The horse riding at Fort Concho
Of course, this made Haley's year! It went very slow. For $3 you got to make three loops inside the corral. Owen didn't want to ride, but then they brought out a miniature pony that came up to my knees and he said he would ride that one. Scott went to put him on and all of a sudden Owen hesitated and while the guy was trying to coax him onto the horse the stupid cannon went off again and it was too much for him to handle and he started screaming and chose not to ride.
Ashlyn rode too.
Ashlyn rode too.
The Petting Zoo
After riding the horses we took to girls into what was being called a "petting zoo". It cost a dollar per person, and I had to pay for myself even though I did not pet any animals. The animals consisted of a sheep, a horse, a llama and a goat. All in all not the best, but better than nothing.
FYI-Scott lent out some of his tents for the petting zoo. That's one there in the background.
FYI-Scott lent out some of his tents for the petting zoo. That's one there in the background. 
He looks tough, but can he play?
Every year before the real Army/Navy football game they have one on base, so Friday we braved the cold wind and watched Army defeat Navy 33-6. It was pretty much a blow-out. Scott played defense (I think). I have to thank Drill Sgt. Furman for this picture...I took my camera and did not take one single shot. 
Happy Birthday Haley!!!
Today is Haley's 6th birthday! Happy Birthday Haley!! We went to WalMart to pick out some cupcakes for her to take to school and as soon as she saw the horse one she was sold.
For her birthday dinner Haley chose spaghetti and corn on the cob. Amber and Arden came over and ate with us. Today is actually Arden's birthday too. For her cake tonight Haley wanted chocolate with chocolate icing and yellow letters. She also wanted me to make it, so this is what we ended up with.
For her birthday dinner Haley chose spaghetti and corn on the cob. Amber and Arden came over and ate with us. Today is actually Arden's birthday too. For her cake tonight Haley wanted chocolate with chocolate icing and yellow letters. She also wanted me to make it, so this is what we ended up with.
30 November 2006
Fess up
"Look at your son."
"I told you you shouldn't have smoked that stuff while you were pregnant."
"I told you you shouldn't have smoked that stuff while you were pregnant."
24 November 2006
22 November 2006
The Rock Climbing Wall
This is just some of the fun we experienced yesterday during Military Appreciation Day. Ashlyn wanted to climb the rock wall and I didn't want her to do it because it was very very high, but she insisted and she was very good at it and everyone cheered when she rang the bell at the top.
Haley was too quick at hugging the dog for me to get a good picture.
Haley shaking the Crime Dog's hand.
The girls shooting basketball.
The girls with Sparky the Fire Dog.
Haley was too quick at hugging the dog for me to get a good picture.
Haley shaking the Crime Dog's hand.
The girls shooting basketball.
The girls with Sparky the Fire Dog.
Military Appreciation Day
Yesterday was Military Appreciation Day and they had a lot of activites planned on post so we all went to check it out. It was a beautiful day, with winds out of the north at 700 mph. This is not a picture of all the soldiers on the base here, but it does include Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. The side closest to us was all Army.
Here is a picture of what was going on at the back of the formation. Scott is actually paying attention to the speech, but LTC Chester is fooling with his blackberry.
Here is a picture of what was going on at the back of the formation. Scott is actually paying attention to the speech, but LTC Chester is fooling with his blackberry.
Ashlyn's Thanksgiving Play
Last week we went to see Ashlyn's class perform a Thanksgiving Play. It was very nicely done. The children all remembered their lines and no one cried. Ashlyn was a pilgrim, that's why she has on that hat. When she came out to say her lines it was quiet and Owen yelled loudly "I see Ashlyn right THERE!" and everyone laughed.
The song they sang was "50 Nifty United States" which is a song I actually learned in 3rd grade, so Ashlyn is no doubt smarter than I am because she learned it in 2nd grade. In this song you sing the names of all the states in alphabetical order. Scott has often mentioned that my ability to do this is not at all impressive, but he thinks that a lot of the stuff I have floating around in my mind is useless knowledge. However I think he is the king of useless knowledge. Who cares about all the countries of the world and the names of all their leaders and what the temperature and climate is like in any given country at any given time? That must be an army thing...
This is a picture of Ashlyn's teacher, Mrs. Williams, helping Ashlyn take off her hat to get ready for the song part of the show.
The song they sang was "50 Nifty United States" which is a song I actually learned in 3rd grade, so Ashlyn is no doubt smarter than I am because she learned it in 2nd grade. In this song you sing the names of all the states in alphabetical order. Scott has often mentioned that my ability to do this is not at all impressive, but he thinks that a lot of the stuff I have floating around in my mind is useless knowledge. However I think he is the king of useless knowledge. Who cares about all the countries of the world and the names of all their leaders and what the temperature and climate is like in any given country at any given time? That must be an army thing...
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