October (finally!)

This picture was taken when Jocelyn was sick. We don't normally take photos of the kids when they're sick but she just looked all cuddly and cute so I couldn't resist! What's a mom to do??? :)


Aubrey before her soccer game.


Aubrey running for the ball at her soccer game (she's the one on the left).


Jocelyn playing with my friend's adorable 18 month old while I watched her for the day.


Jocelyn and I at story time at the Quantico base library.


Jocelyn playing with her new walking toy that she got for her birthday. She loves pushing this thing all over the house! As you can see...she's having a blast.


Jocelyn loves her care bear that she got from her Grandma & Grandpa Shields.
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Whew! September has ended. It was quite the month for our family. To go through the month briefly with you, we had to take Jocelyn to the emergency room 3 times in 1 week because she had a really bad case of a stomach virus and she wasn't able to keep any liquids or food down and they had to re-hydrate her. So that took 2 weeks for her to get better---just in time for her 1st birthday. John's going to school full time on top of working full time, so you can imagine he's staying quite busy with that alone along with everything else he does. Aubrey started the second grade and she's got soccer twice a week, sometimes more (only 2 more weeks to go). And to add a side note: it's pretty funny to watch 7 year olds running on the soccer field all huddled together behind the ball. Apparently that's where the term "magna-ball" comes from. :) In all seriousness, I know they're doing their best and the main thing is that they're having fun. Jocelyn had her 1 year check-up and shots (which went better than expected) and her and I have started going once a week to story time on base for ages 2 and under. It has been a lot of fun getting to know other moms while she gets to enjoy an hour of play. And what about me you ask? Well, I've just been busy running the household, helping Aubrey with her homework (which I at times joke that I need to finish my college degree in order to help her sometimes!), took care of my dear friend's 18 month old for the day while my friend was at home very sick (Jocelyn loved having a friend over to play all day with though), and all the mothers who are reading this know that the list could go on and on and on---so I'll spare you the rest of my motherly duties. I have also taken on a new calling at church that has me in charge of emergency prepardness which I'm really excited about doing and I will also start school again part time in a few weeks (had to take a semester off for a break). Keeping busy is good. Keeps us out of trouble most of the time! :) Oh...and another exciting reason that September is over and October has begun---Fall is here!! We are so grateful that we're most of the way past the "hot weather and humidity" season and onto cooler days that remind us of back home. And if you've heard a rumor that we're going back home for Christmas...I can confirm that it's TRUE! :) We can hardly wait to see our family and friends again!