My husband...the bargain shopper!

My husband made it home finally in the wee hours of Wednesday morning (notice the trend of how farewells and homecomings are rarely convenient, lol). Well, we are happy to be a family together in once place again.

Today the two of us ventured out to Wally World to finish up some Christmas shopping. I love shopping with my husband when he decides he has found a good bargain...today he found Super Glue for $.10. He was very happy about this great find that he bought ALL that were left on the clearance shelf..lol. The added bonus to that lucky find was the cool plastic containers they were stored in...yeah the lady threw those in too..woohoo! It was quite humorous because the lady at the checkout was like...uhm...that's a lot of superglue...my response...yeah it is.

My husband is rarely home to go shopping with, and in all honesty he is such a wonderful provider for us that he rarely spends money on himself...so if he wants to buy a bunch of super glue who am I to stop him. If it makes him happy then he can have the glue and little containers and be happy!!!

Inhaling him into my soul...

An image that few probably understand..

I call it...trying to inhale his scent into my soul...

*sigh* I miss my husband....

Thanksgiving

On the eve of Thanksgiving Day, I want to take a few moments to express my gratitude. I have much to be grateful for. I have not been the most charitable person lately. I miss my husband, I'd like him home.

Now that I've got that out of the way I will say that I am thankful for many things in my life. I am thankful for a wonderful husband who supports not only me and the boys but our entire nation. I am thankful for his sacrifice. I am thankful for the three boys I call my children. They spark many emotions that somedays I can't began to explain but my heart does overflow with love for them. I am thankful for my extended family and the perspective of life they bring to me and for their long-distance love and support. I am thankful for my friends. They are the ones who make me laugh and make me cry (not bad tears) but it all evens out. I am thankful for my Church family and how they strengthen me in my testimony. I truly am thankful for my Heavenly Father and His beloved Son, Jesus Christ and what Their love brings to my life. How grateful am I for the Gospel in my life.


I am thankful for my Army family, the extended bond that we all have with one another. The understanding that many others can't even begin to fathom, all it takes is nod of understanding.


There is so much that I am thankful for and I couldn't write this blog without saying how thankful I am for the sacrifice of our Fallen Heroes. I know that for the families they didn't willingly make that sacrifice and so I offer my prayers, my thoughts and my love.


Many, many years ago our nation was founded on great principles...I am thankful for the men and women who continue to defend that foundation. May God Bless You and Keep You wherever you may be and may your families find comfort in your absence. God Bless Our Troops.


Kevin...I love you and miss you.

The Musical Albrecht's

Well as some of you know, Michael is playing the bassoon this year in band. Tonight he wanted us to play together, so we did. We don't sound half bad. I have to say it was hard for me to play because I wanted to smile so proudly when listening to him play. He is doing really well.

Neil and Daniel were our movie men, lol so I hope no one gets motion sick, LOL and ignore their side commentary, LOL
Be sure to stop the music at the bottom of the page to listen.

Mom and Michael Duet

I love my boys...

I truly am madly in love with these sweet boys I call my sons. Their sweet spirits touch my heart so. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the power of emotion they invoke in me. I find myself smiling as I listen to Daniel sing Santa Claus is Coming to Town and I love to watch out of the corner of my eye Neil dance the Soldier boy dance (didn't even know he knew how to do it). Michael makes me laugh with his outrageous questions...this child needs a walking encyclopedia set for real.

They truly do make me happy. Even the times they frustrate me to no end, I love these moments when their innocence truly shines through.

They make me happy.

Learning about the Past is Important for Our Future

Today I had the honor of taking my boys to the PX to meet a World War II Veteran. He was there for a book signing and he was gracious enough to take a pic with the boys. His book is about D-Day and then his time spent as a POW. I look forward to reading his book.
The boys with Bob L. Bearden

After that we headed off to the Central Texas Veteran's Cemetary. I felt it was really important for my boys to truly understand what today was being observed for. They got the hang of living Veterans, they can probably tell you everyone they know who is a Veteran.
At the cemetary they looked at many of the headstones and we talked about the different branches the Veterans served in and what wars they were a part of. It was a wonderful history lesson. I thought it was touching at how reverent they were. They also picked up flowers that had got knocked over. We walked for quite a while, just paying tribute to these valiant warriors.




Neil was proud of finding Bryant's pic.


They did place some flags.


Looking at the names on the Central Texas Fallen Heroes Memorial.




SGT Daniel K. Methvin is who the street we live on is named after.


The boys have decided that they would like to learn more about the wars we have been involved in. So that is our Homeschool project for the next few months. Wish us luck.

Again, I say thank you to all our Veterans, may God Bless you and your families!

Veteran's Day 2007

DEFINITION OF A VETERAN -A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country
who no longer understand it.- Author Unknown

Below is the History of How Veteran's Day came to be:

Veterans' Day (formerly Armistice Day) November 11, is the anniversary of the Armistice which was signed in the Forest of Compiegne by the Allies and the Germans in 1918, ending World War I, after four years of conflict. At 5 A.M. on Monday, November 11, 1918 the Germans signed the Armistice, an order was issued for all firing to cease; so the hostilities of the First World War ended. This day began with the laying down of arms, blowing of whistles, impromptu parades, closing of places of business. All over the globe there were many demonstrations; no doubt the world has never before witnessed such rejoicing. In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued his Armistice Day proclamation. The last paragraph set the tone for future observances: To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nation. In 1927 Congress issued a resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge to issue a proclamation calling upon officials to display the Flag of the United States on all government buildings on November 11, and inviting the people to observe the day in schools and churches...But it was not until 1938 that Congress passed a bill that each November 11 "shall be dedicated to the cause of world peace and ...hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day." That same year President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill making the day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia. For sixteen years the United States formally observed Armistice Day, with impressive ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the Chief Executive or his representative placed a wreath. In many other communities, the American Legion was in charge of the observance, which included parades and religious services. At 11 A.M. all traffic stopped, in tribute to the dead, then volleys were fired and taps sounded. After World War II, there were many new veterans who had little or no association with World War I. The word, "armistice," means simply a truce; therefore as years passed, the significance of the name of this holiday changed. Leaders of Veterans' groups decided to try to correct this and make November 11 the time to honor all who had fought in various American wars, not just in World War I. In Emporia, Kansas, on November 11, 1953, instead of an Armistice Day program, there was a Veterans' Day observance. Ed Rees, of Emporia, was so impressed that he introduced a bill into the House to change the name to Veterans' Day. After this passed, Mr. Rees wrote to all state governors and asked for their approval and cooperation in observing the changed holiday. The name was changed to Veterans' Day by Act of Congress on May 24, 1954. In October of that year, President Eisenhower called on all citizens to observe the day by remembering the sacrifices of all those who fought so gallantly, and through rededication to the task of promoting an enduring peace. The President referred to the change of name to Veterans' Day in honor of the servicemen of all America's wars.

Take a moment to thank a Veteran. There are many out there.

I want to thank my Uncle Manuel; My Father-in-Law Milbert. Both my brothers, Toby and Bobby. LaNita, Dana, Shanna. I know I know more Veterans and I say thank you to all from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you to my husband who is such an example to me.

Thank you to the families of our servicemembers and the sacrifice you all make.

I am proud of my time that I served in the Army. I wouldn't change any of the experiences.

Our Veteran's Wall


Reflecting back


Thank a Veteran!

Take a Veteran to School Day

Today was a pretty cool day. In honor of Veteran's Day which is coming up on Sunday, our school had it's Take a Veteran to School Day picnic. Preceding that picnic, the kids throughout the school had different speakers come into their classrooms. There were Veterans from all different eras, both men and women. WWII, Korean, Vietnam vets, and of course the halls were filled with the regular parents who are currently serving. Our school is a military school so the kids that attend know full well the affect of having loved ones in the service. It was neat to hear the stories of those from our military past but honestly the most impressive thing to me about today was how every single speaker thanked the boys and girls. They acknowledged their sacrifice. I think sometimes the kids of our servicemembers are overlooked. But they too sacrifice so much. I wanted to cry on several occasions when different questions were asked. "How many of your moms and dads have been to Iraq?", the majority of the little hands shot up. "How many of your moms and dads will be gone for Thanksgiving?", even more hands shot up. That is quite a visual at the sacrifice that military families endure when our nation is at war.
The amount of pride on these young children is amazing, the shirts, buttons, dogtags they wear. They are so proud to say, My Mommy or Daddy is a Soldier. Yes, we miss our mom or dad but they have a job to do. So much understanding at such a young age.
Those of us who have served were also honored with a free lunch. The lunch bags were decorated by the kids, they were adorable. We were also given free bracelets and a cute litte duck wearing military gear. The whole event was hosted by Time Warner Cable and the History Channel. Very, very neat, I am so honored that my kids attend a school where they do honor those who serve and have served. Our administration is filled with Veterans of all services. It's nice to have those who understand the lifestyle our kids live. The school is supposed to be in the news tonight, once I see the story, I'll find it online and link to it here.
I have to say I have always been proud to have served in the Army myself, but today I am so proud of my children who truly serve in the Silent Ranks. Often we hear about military spouses as the Silent Ranks (but seriously how many Army Wives have YOU met who are truly silent, lol). I think the Silent Ranks are made up by the children who endure quietly.
Thank you to Our Veterans and Thank you to our children, the littlest veterans who serve and sacrifice greatly!

20 Things

I love doing my 20 Things post...I post it often in the groups I'm in. I think you find out so many interesting things about people. So I'm going to post 20 Facts you may or may not know about me...just 20 random things. If you have your own blog, I challenge you to post 20 facts too and then comment to me to go read and learn more about you!

My 20 Things

1. I have no middle name (most of my records use my maiden name as my middle name)
2. All three of my kids were born in places that start with "K", Kentucky, Korea, Kansas
3. I detest Jello, it's horrid, horrid stuff
4. 18 months ago, I didn't understand NASCAR, now...don't you dare call me on a Sunday or pop in unexpectedly!
5. I teach Sunday School to 12 and 13 year olds
6. I am also a Cub Scout Den Leader
7. There are times when I have put in more volunteer hours in a week then a person works a full time job
8. I own way too many black shirts (12 of the same exact shirt even)
9. I also own way too many pairs of flip-flops
10. I can read a book, no matter how long or big it is in a matter of hours (if it's good)
11. I probably check my email over a dozen times a day
12. I'm addicted to office supplies, Office Max, Office Depot and Staples are dangerous places for me
13. Some of my friends say I'm evil but they like me that way
14. I own over 12 Precious Moments coloring books that have never been colored in
15. There are a lot of foods I'm sure I don't like even though I've never tasted them, they just look like they'd taste awful
16. Mashed potatoes are my comfort food, they can make everything better, even if it's just for a little while.
17. I always thought my calling in life was to be a Soldier, I now realize I had to be a Soldier to meet a Soldier and become an Army wife
18. I love making my kids laugh by asking them crazy questions, they have the best giggles
19. I can't sleep unless I've kissed my kids goodnight and check on them in their beds
20. I love my husband and am grateful for him in my life. I'm a lucky women to be able to call Kevin my husband.

What a week, it ended at the Race Track!

What a week! Starting on Wednesday this week has been insane. I had hardly a minute to myself to relax. It was constantly go, go, go! Wednesday Kevin headed out to the wonderful NTC at a highly unreasonable time. Dear Army, could you please make it so that you could fit deployment train-up into a schedule more pleasing to my sleeping pattern! From then it was just busy! I taught three AFTB classes in two days. I helped decorate my friend's yard for Halloween. Had to go sit in on the kids's "Fall Festival" parties (yeah, overindulgence anyone?) Then the ever wonderful trick-or-treating! I took the kids on post to a "spookfest" which was less traumatic for me (I can't handle all the rude kids that pound on your door, demanding free candy...well I love the little kids with the cute outfits). At least a the spookfest the kids had to kind of work for their treats and they actually got more then just a pile of candy! After that we had to admire Nita's yard. Thursday was another busy day starting off with AFTB, manicures and a very long hair appointment. I also took the boys to get their haircut and then we had to get everything ready for Friday! (I've already posted the pics for the two days of insanity).
Well finally..finally it was...Texas Motor Speedway time!!!!!
I had planned to take the boys to practice and qualifying as a special treat. We drove up to the race track kind of early and spent the entire day wandering around (I should have wore a pedometer, and trust me Evil Ed (not that he reads this but....) Nita got her workout in with the steps alone!). The kids had a blast and so did I. I was so excited for them. We walked around and took pics, we watched two different shows that they air from the track LIVE. We got to stand up close and personal with a real Nascar Driver and got his autograph (hope you like it Erica!). The kids deemed the experience AWESOME and their favorite part of it was EVERYTHING. (I think their fave part was the shopping, we got some GREAT deals, like seriously great!)
Overall the experience was great, the only not so great part of it was an annoying woman whom I was going to blog about but I've decided that she demanded so much attention yesterday at the race track that I will not give her another moment of my time. I will say this though, support our troops and their families, the ones who sacrifice without a price tag!!
Daniel informed me this morning that his favorite driver is Dale Earnhardt, Jr. He wants me to know that he still likes Mark Martin but he would rather have Jr win, lol. He was very serious when he informed me of this news (mom happens to like Mark Martin!)
Click below to enjoy our pics!

RaceDay

The Day After Halloween Pics

*Note, Kevin is MIA in pics due to fine Army training....

The boys...

and then the boys and I

boys and their pumpkins

I'm taking the boys to the Nascar qualifying and practice tomorrow. I had to show my support by doing my nails to support the 01 Army car driven by Mark Martin. The colors are Black, Gold and White with the Army of One star..lol

And I got my hair done...the front view doesn't show the blonde highlights so much so I took a shot from the back

The boys got their hair cut today too!

This is how Daniel went into to Pizza Hut, lol..the workers were cracking up. He also walked around the grocery store like this.

Mom had to try them out.