Playing Catch Up

We've had a quite few weeks around here and not much to blog about. After Easter our home showings really seemed to drop off which was both a relief and a worry. I've been relieved because Nick is gone TDY (temporary duty for you non-military folks) for the third time in three weeks. As I mentioned before showing the house is stressful since you get hours notice to get everything clean and get out of there with the circus in tow. But, this past week, things picked up again and we had three showings. For the third time we were on some one's very short list, but again, they picked the other house. We were really bummed, and are starting to get nervous that we won't sell before we move.

Nick is working crazy hours and they still haven't found a replacement for him. The General jokes about keeping Nick around, but luckily he's already signed Nick's leave form and our packers are scheduled for the second week of June. We're hoping that anytime now they will find a replacement so we can get ready to get out of here! Nick usually works from 6am to 8pm, and has worked three of the past four weekends. It's not much fun because frequently he doesn't even see Sophie, and will only see Ben for an hour before he goes to bed. Thankfully, this craziness should be coming to a close. Last weekend however, we did get to enjoy a perk of the job. The USO brought the Lt. Dan Band to Fort Riley for a concert. The Lt. Dan Band is headed by Gary Sinise who is a huge supporter of the Army and the USO. He also happens to be a personal friend of "the General". Nick had to escort the General to the show, and I was invited to come along! It was great fun because we all rode together in the General's Army van and got VIP treatment. Now Nick had to work, but Addie and I tagged behind. First we went to a VIP party, and then we got to go into the Green room and meet the band! I was thrilled because, I am a big Gary Sinise fan. Unfortunately, I didn't get to shake his hand, but Nick stood right with him and the General for quite some time. Nick said he was very down to earth and humble. The Lt. Dan Band put on a great show. Gary doesn't sing at all, but plays the bass. The band is a cover band, and they covered everything! It was a long and loud concert and Miss Adeline slept through the entire thing! (Our other two children were with a wonderful new babysitter. Why is it that we find a great babysitter now that we are leaving?) It was fun to have a night out, even if it involved some work for Nick.

Soldier's who just returned from Iraq had the priority up front seating. Luckily we sat back from the speakers since we had Addie with us. The noise still didn't bother her though.

The next day was Mother's Day. It was great to celebrate being a mother to my three beautiful children! Ben and Sophie brought flowers into the bedroom while I was getting ready for church. They each had their own bouquet for me and were so proud! Some of the flowers are still living and Sophie keeps telling me "Mommy's flowers". Nick tried to teach her to say Happy Mother's Day, but all he got was "Happy Mommy". It still melted my heart. After church we had a big dinner with our friends Jennifer and Christian. Our priest, Father Al even joined us. He has spent lots of time lately with Nick and Christian. They meet with him weekly for a drink at his house while the kids are at CCD. Funny to be friends with a priest!

I'm still working on getting that 'perfect shot' for Adeline's baby announcement. She is turning two months old this week, so I probably should get around to that before the move. I did take these photos of her this morning. She was so alert and smiley that I couldn't resist having a little photo session.

We have a big week this week. It is the last week of school for Ben. On Wednesday we a taking a field trip to a working Dairy farm. That should be interesting with 15 preschoolers. On Thursday night we have Benny's preschool graduation, which he is very excited about. Friday Nick's parents will be joining us and meeting Addie for the first time. We will also have Addie baptised on Sunday. So, I promise lots more blogs soon!