Remember 9-11-01

It took me a day, but I would like to share some on September 11, 2001. When September 11th happened I was living in Tennessee / Kentucky with Jim being in the military. I worked at a hotel (Holiday Inn) as the sales manager there. The hotel was located right down the highway from the military post that Jim was stationed at. I was running a little bit late that morning and while driving by post I noticed some strange things. When I arrived at work, the TV was on and everybody and I mean everybody was starring at the screen! It was so scary and so shocking. I just kept thinking I was dreaming. Right then I tried to call Jim....no answer....tried to call his work....no answer. So, I then called my parents that were at that time in Las Vegas. They were still asleep and had no idea that this had happened. They immediately turned on the TV to all the news casts.
Needless to say, I did not work that day. I was a basket case (as I know many people were). I stayed at work for a little while to "settle" down then preceded back down the highway to go home. Of course, I had not been around the military life for very long and was "scared" when I drove back by. They had it completely locked down! It was like NOTHING I had ever seen before EVER!!!! All the gates were closed, locked, and all had armored tanks with soldiers at each one. I was crying so hard I could hardly see the road. I then tryed to call Jim again....still no answer. The highway was backed up for miles and miles and miles with cars ( I have pictures). It remained like this for several days! After several hours, I finally received a phone call from Jim informing me they were locked down and nobody and I mean nobody was allowed in or out of post. He did finally arrive home in the middle of the night that night sometime.
This was the beginning of MANY changes that occurred in our lives. Jim informed me that night when he arrived (as he was packing some things up) that he WOULD be going overseas for SURE, but not sure exactly when. He told me to know that if one day he did not come home that is what had happened. So, being in Special Forces they had to do things very secretly, so therefore I would have no idea when it would be the last time I would see my husband until who knew when! This was the hardest thing I had to face in my life.
About 12 days later...Jim did not come home that night. He did not come home that next morning, and he did not come home that day either....he was gone! They had to leave...no warning, no nothing as he had warned me about! Oh my goodness, the tears that fell from my face that day....the prayers that I reached out to God with....the confusion....the frustration.....it was the hardest day of my life!!!
About a week and a half later I received a very short phone call from Jim informing me he was "there". I had no idea where or any other information because he could not relay any of that over the phone, but just to hear his voice for a few minutes was good for a little bit of relief. He was in Afghanistan for approximately 5 months with little contact to the "outside" world. Then, he was sent to Iraq as well about 4 months after his return.
I would like to thank you all for your prayers and support during this time and PLEASE continue to pray for all men and women serving our country for our FREEDOM! GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR LEADERS, AND OUR TROOPS!!!!!!!!!!

Haydn's First Soccer Game

Today was Haydn's very first soccer game. It was soooooo cute to watch! He is the youngest one on his team, but he hangs in there pretty good. My video camera broke, so I was pretty upset that I did not get it on film, but I did take several photographs. Jim, Nani, Papi, Grandad, and of course myself all watched him. He really thought that was neat having an audience and Nani and Mommy as his cheerleaders! :-) Grandmother stopped by for a minute, but went to watch my niece Danielle that was playing at the same time. He will play again on Tuesday evening at 6:30. Hopefully, between now and then Jim or I can work with him some so he can get the hang of the game some more.

There he is...my little soccer player!

Getting some pointers from his coach, Mark.

Running toward the goal.

With a few of his team members. Saying "GO BLUE THUNDER!"

Haydn kicking the ball in.

May birthday present!

This is Haydn on his new four wheeler! We gave it to him for his birthday gift on May 3rd! He is so big. Well, Jim had to put 2X4's for his feet to reach the foot rests, but now he is growing tons! Soon those boards will disappear. To make it even more fun he absolutely LOVES riding through the mud! Little boy all the way!! Since we live in town there is not much choose of places to ride, but he still finds a way and a place to enjoy it!

Look how muddy his face is. Hilarious!

This was Haydn's fourth birthday present from Jim and I. He loves it!

Different Lake Trip

This was, I think, the third time to the lake. Well, summer is pretty much over, but we are going to try and go one more time anyway. I sure hope it works out. Haydn has really warmed up to it and loves going! It was fun for me too. It has been about 8 years since I have been to the lake before this summer. Therefore, when I knee boarded it took a few times for me to get up, but I did succeed. But, the next day (oh my goodness) I could not move at all! It was sad. I had to remind myself that I am not that young girl anymore! :-) We used to go every summer and many many times throughout each summer. Jim really never grew up going to the lake and I think he really enjoyed it as well. I have really missed doing that. So, I hope Haydn will be able to experience the same thing!


Haydn, Danielle, and I on the tube! We really enjoyed this. I am so glad Haydn willingly got on the tube again!

Isn't this hilarious! We "left" Haydn out in the lake all by himself!

Yeah! Haydn got on the tube again on our second trip!

Haydn and my niece Danielle. What a cute pic!

First Day

Well, Haydn's first day of preschool was on Thursday of last week. I started this blog then, but am just now finishing it. Yes, I know ridiculous! I could not get the only two pictures to download that I wanted.

Anyway, the first day went alright, not great, but alright. Jim and I both took him. When it was time to leave he started to get upset. I had to literally run out of his classroom because, well, mommy started crying too. It was pretty hard on me. But, I know it will get better. Haydn is just used to being with Grandparents, very close friends, or mommy or daddy. This is something totally new and different for him. He will be going on Tues. and Thur. from 8:30 till 11:30 then be in the day care there until I can leave work. So that will be until 3:00, 4:00, or 5:00 at the latest. I am so glad he has this good opportunity.

My Haydn ready for his first day of preschool. Oh my goodness I can't believe this day is already here! He looks too big! :-(

Look at my big boy! New haircut, backpack, and all!

Living Outside

Jim and Haydn planted cotton seed during planting season along each side of our sidewalk in front of our house. Thanks to God for the wonderful rain we have received lately some of the plants have really sprung up great! Haydn is so excited and checks on them at least once a day!

These are Haydn's two dogs, Hunter and Gunner. They are brother's. Haydn told us he wanted a "Pointer". They are both very good dogs especially to Haydn. They are so cute to watch play together. The both of them chase him and bark and he just gets so tickled!

Riding his jeep around. He drives this perfect and has since he got it about 2 years ago. It cracks Jim and I up to watch him go forward, backward, and turn around without hitting anything.

Haydn and his cousin Danielle. This is one time he got in the mud "just a little bit". There has been numerous times that either Jim or I have had to strip him down and hose him off before going into the house. He just laughs and laughs!

Haydn and his cousin Danielle playing out in the hot sun in the little pool we bought at wal-mart. Not much of a pool, but hey, they loved it!

Haydn absolutely LOVES being outside. The child would live out there if I would allow! :-) It does not matter what he is doing, he is just happy to be out doors. From playing with his tractors to playing with his dogs he is always busy. Of course, he also LOVES the mud, which is good I guess since he is a little boy. That is what little boys are supposed to love, right?
He will begin PreK 4 on Thursday...yes, this Thursday. So, summer is almost over. I am really having a hard time with this. I know he will only be going two days a week, but mommy is not taking this well. I pray that it will get better. Well, I know it will it will just take a little time. What matters the most, of course, is I pray that Haydn just loves it right off!
Haydn will also be playing soccer this year. The season starts after Labor Day weekend and will run until the end of October. So, this will be something new as well. My little baby is growing up too fast! But, at the same time I am SO thankful that he is able to do all these things and we do have the options that we do!
Above is a variety of pictures from the last few weeks of being outside. Enjoy! :-)
PS. They are out of order.

Haydn's Teacher

Today, Haydn's teacher (Sonya Herring) made a home visit to meet us all. She was great and we all really liked her a lot. Haydn got along with her immediately and really eased my nervousness. He showed her his room, his puppies, his snake (yes his snake), and all his tractors. Thank goodness she surprisingly really likes snakes as well!
Haydn will begin school on August 21st with Pre-K 4 at Levelland Christian School and will attend on Tuesday and Thursdays of each week from 8:30-11:30 am. Then, the rest of the day he will stay in the "child care center" there until 5:00. I am very excited for him because I know this interaction with the other children will be great for him. I am also excited, but also a little nervous and also a little sad. I can't believe my baby boy is starting school. But, I know it is time and thank goodness it is only 2 times a week and only 3 hours a day. This will enable him to get warmed up to it slowly.
New student orientation is Monday, August 18th at 6:00, so we are looking forward to that as well. I will keep you posted!

Yes, I am Here!

OK...many of my close friends are blogging these days. I finally thought if they can do it...surely I can! Well, we will see. :-)

This past week I worked every day from 9:00 till 5:00 by myself. Not used to doing this (usually just part-time). The two other women I work with were on vacation. On top of working, I also contacted a bad cold in the midst of it all. But, the week is over and now the weekend is here! I am now finally beginning to feel somewhat better.

I am a travel agent and absolutely love it! I have wanted to do this job for several years and just never took the first leap. Well, when Haydn was 3 1/2 I decided to give it a shot. I started last October and have loved it ever since.

Fun in the Sun

Haydn and Granddad fishing

Jim and Haydn tubing (this was Haydn's first time)
We were driving the boat too slow...the tube went down in the front and sucked Haydn and Jim under water. Needless to say, poor Haydn! He did not get back on the tube the rest of the time.

Floating in the water

This was our first trip to the lake with our new boat. We went to Lake Alan Henry, which is about 90 miles from Levelland. Haydn is not much for long travels in the car, so this works out very well. It is a very pretty lake, but the only thing is that there is no place to beach on shore at this particular lake. My parents were able to go with Jim, Haydn, and I. We all had a great time!