Kayla is coming home on Thursday, and WE ARE READY for her!!! I have this feeling that she is ready to come home as well. Lots has changed in the last 18 days. For instance, our house has a contract on it!
Yes, in just 1.5 weeks, our house has a contract on it. We pretty much got what we wanted; she pretty much got what she wanted; life is good for all involved. The settlement date is September 8th, which means I'll have to give Jen Power of Attorney, which means that she will be doing LOTS of signing on that day!!!
I just ran 1.5 miles in 15 minutes, which is much closer to my target of 1.5 miles in 12 minutes, so I'm pretty happy about that! Of course, it's supposed to be blazing hot this week, so hopefully I can hold up, because COT (Officer's Training) is only 4 weeks away!
We are planning to take the first two weeks of August and do stuff with the girls we haven't had time to do lately, like go to D.C., or King's Dominion (amusement park), or paint the ceiling in my bedroom, or start packing some stuff, or . . . . . . We're going to try to have some quality family time before I split, because I'm going to be a busy beaver in just four weeks!
Here's the new and improved updates Smith schedule:
1. I go to COT on August 13 or 14. I do not intend to return to So. MD.
2. The AF picks up our stuff either the last week of August or the 1st week of September.
3. Jen settles the house on September 8th.
4. She and the girls, at some point in time after 09/08, will make their merry way down to AL for my graduation.
5. From there, the four of us will journey to WY!
6. I'm supposed to report to F.E. Warren AFB by September 23.
We are planning to rent until such a time as our finances have settled down, and we kind of think we might know what we are doing!
I also had the chance again today to preach at Southpoint. I really enjoyed the opportunity this week and last to preach, and I appreciate their willingness to allow me to do it.
Okay--questions? Comments? Old war stories? Shoot us an e-mail!!!
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Update on us!!!
Kayla comes back on Thursday. We all miss her terribly, and can't wait for her to come back! She'll come back to moving preparations, and a house that will soon no longer belong to us!
That's right--our house sold in 1.5 weeks. Thank you, God! The settlement date is September 8th, which means I have to give Jen "Power of Attorney" to sign the papers on my behalf, which means she'll have TONS and TONS of writing to do on that day. We mostly got what we asked for, and the buyer mostly got what she asked for, so everybody's happy.
I managed to run 1.5 miles in 15 minutes tonight, which is close to my target of 1.5 miles in 12 minutes, so I'm pretty proud of myself. It's supposed to be blazing hot this week, so here's hoping I can keep it up!!!
Jen and I have decided to take the first two weeks of August and live it up!!! Well, okay--actually, we just want to get some things done (D.C., King's Dominion, etc.) that we've not gotten done or haven't done in a while with the girls before we split from So. MD.
Here's the updated schedule--
1. I go to COT in Alabama the 13th or 14th of August.
2. AF picks up our stuff either the last week of Aug. or the first week of September.
3. House settles on the 8th of September.
4. Girls and Jen go somewhere?
5. Girls and Jen come to AL on the 12th or 13th of September.
6. I graduate from COT on the 15th of September.
7. We drive out to WY from there, to begin our new lives.
I did get to preach again at Soutpoint today. It was a great time, and I am very grateful that they allowed me to preach.
Questions? Comments? Old war stories? Shoot us an e-mail!!!
That's right--our house sold in 1.5 weeks. Thank you, God! The settlement date is September 8th, which means I have to give Jen "Power of Attorney" to sign the papers on my behalf, which means she'll have TONS and TONS of writing to do on that day. We mostly got what we asked for, and the buyer mostly got what she asked for, so everybody's happy.
I managed to run 1.5 miles in 15 minutes tonight, which is close to my target of 1.5 miles in 12 minutes, so I'm pretty proud of myself. It's supposed to be blazing hot this week, so here's hoping I can keep it up!!!
Jen and I have decided to take the first two weeks of August and live it up!!! Well, okay--actually, we just want to get some things done (D.C., King's Dominion, etc.) that we've not gotten done or haven't done in a while with the girls before we split from So. MD.
Here's the updated schedule--
1. I go to COT in Alabama the 13th or 14th of August.
2. AF picks up our stuff either the last week of Aug. or the first week of September.
3. House settles on the 8th of September.
4. Girls and Jen go somewhere?
5. Girls and Jen come to AL on the 12th or 13th of September.
6. I graduate from COT on the 15th of September.
7. We drive out to WY from there, to begin our new lives.
I did get to preach again at Soutpoint today. It was a great time, and I am very grateful that they allowed me to preach.
Questions? Comments? Old war stories? Shoot us an e-mail!!!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
One Step Closer (July 9, 2006)
On Thursday, I made it one step closer to actual active duty. I turned in all of my final paperwork (via fax and the USPS) and was commissioned as a 1st Lt. in the Air Force Reserves. So, assuming all is going right, here's the schedule.
1. Ordination to the USAF Chaplain Corps at Southpoint Church, July 30, 11 o'clock.
2. Commissioned Officer's Training, Maxwell AFB, Alabama, begins August 14.
3. Graduate from COT on September 15.
4. Return to So. Md., take 10 days leave + travel time, and drive my family out to F.E. Warren AFB, Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Our house is on the market, and 5 or 6 people looked at it yesterday, and 2 did today. In fact, our realtor (A.J. Dobson and his partner, Jan Barnes) said received a contract has already been received, but he hasn't seen it yet. If you want to see the listing and the "virtual tour," visit http://www.c21nm.com/findahome/virtual_tours.asp and put in Garrison in California.
Kayla is still out in CO with my sister, Melanie, and having a blast, she says. Mom has been out there, and said Kayla's been working hard and comes in at night and flops on the bed with a book! Sierra is being spoiled as the only child at home. She's enjoying it, but it's hard to get anything constructive done sometimes. I have a weak spot for 6 year olds, and she knows how to exploit that!
Had the awesome opportunity to preach today at Southpoint. It was a blast. I also get to preach next week. If you want to hear, go to www.southpoint4u.com, and look under "Resources" where you will find "Download messages."
Alright, more later!
Kraig, Jen, Kayla, and Sierra
1. Ordination to the USAF Chaplain Corps at Southpoint Church, July 30, 11 o'clock.
2. Commissioned Officer's Training, Maxwell AFB, Alabama, begins August 14.
3. Graduate from COT on September 15.
4. Return to So. Md., take 10 days leave + travel time, and drive my family out to F.E. Warren AFB, Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Our house is on the market, and 5 or 6 people looked at it yesterday, and 2 did today. In fact, our realtor (A.J. Dobson and his partner, Jan Barnes) said received a contract has already been received, but he hasn't seen it yet. If you want to see the listing and the "virtual tour," visit http://www.c21nm.com/findahome/virtual_tours.asp and put in Garrison in California.
Kayla is still out in CO with my sister, Melanie, and having a blast, she says. Mom has been out there, and said Kayla's been working hard and comes in at night and flops on the bed with a book! Sierra is being spoiled as the only child at home. She's enjoying it, but it's hard to get anything constructive done sometimes. I have a weak spot for 6 year olds, and she knows how to exploit that!
Had the awesome opportunity to preach today at Southpoint. It was a blast. I also get to preach next week. If you want to hear, go to www.southpoint4u.com, and look under "Resources" where you will find "Download messages."
Alright, more later!
Kraig, Jen, Kayla, and Sierra
Thursday, June 29, 2006
The Smiths
The Smiths
1. Received a call from Chaplain Hutson at Randolph AFB tonight.
2. Asked me if I would consider (as if I had a choice) F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, WY.
3. Told me that the next Commissioned Officer's Training (COT) is August (the 14th, to be exact).
4. So, there you go! I'm off into the wild blue yonder!!!
1. Received a call from Chaplain Hutson at Randolph AFB tonight.
2. Asked me if I would consider (as if I had a choice) F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, WY.
3. Told me that the next Commissioned Officer's Training (COT) is August (the 14th, to be exact).
4. So, there you go! I'm off into the wild blue yonder!!!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
A long-needed update!
I have been in Oklahoma for the last month taking care of my ailing grandfather. It's been a long month. My grandfather passed away last Tuesday (06/20), and was buried on Friday (06/23). It was a really nice service and was very respectful and joyful. Granddad was a believer, and that came across in the service.
Jen and the girls held the fort down here in Maryland, and with all of the rain we've been having here, that's been quite the task!!! I returned from drought-stricken Oklahoma to flood-stricken Maryland. It was quite the contrast. :p The girls had painted a huge sign for me and hung it outside for me to see when I returned at 2 a.m. on Monday. It was really nice of them. If I get a chance, I'll post a picture of it.
As has been the case since last November, we continue to await a call from the Air Force. It's great being an official Chaplain, but so far, it hasn't paid much!!
Not much else to say. Kayla leaves on Sunday for CO. She'll be spending two weeks out there with my sister, my mother, my brother, my nephew, and lots of horses. She and my nephew are attending a horse camp my sister is leading. Kayla, naturally, is very excited about going, although I'm a little trepidatious about sending her alone on an airplane.
I have the opportunity of preaching at Southpoint--the church we've been attending--on July 9 and 30, and I'm REALLY excited about that.
Jen and the girls held the fort down here in Maryland, and with all of the rain we've been having here, that's been quite the task!!! I returned from drought-stricken Oklahoma to flood-stricken Maryland. It was quite the contrast. :p The girls had painted a huge sign for me and hung it outside for me to see when I returned at 2 a.m. on Monday. It was really nice of them. If I get a chance, I'll post a picture of it.
As has been the case since last November, we continue to await a call from the Air Force. It's great being an official Chaplain, but so far, it hasn't paid much!!
Not much else to say. Kayla leaves on Sunday for CO. She'll be spending two weeks out there with my sister, my mother, my brother, my nephew, and lots of horses. She and my nephew are attending a horse camp my sister is leading. Kayla, naturally, is very excited about going, although I'm a little trepidatious about sending her alone on an airplane.
I have the opportunity of preaching at Southpoint--the church we've been attending--on July 9 and 30, and I'm REALLY excited about that.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Off We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder..........
Well, it's official...Kraig has been selected for active duty as an USAF Chaplain!!!! Now we are just waiting to get our orders. We are hoping he will go to Commissioned Officer Training (COT) in July. Supposedly, we will know more details in a few weeks. We are VERY EXCITED!
Let's see, now for the rest of the "goings-on" this week. Kraig is still in Oklahoma. His mom was actually speechless when she saw him walk in the door instead of me. She said she didn't know wether to spank him or hug him. It was a cool suprise...and we are ALL impressed that Kraig didn't tell her beforehand. His grandparents are doing as well as could be expected and are enjoying teasing him about not being me (Jen).
The girls are ready for school to be out. But, they are enjoying their last few days as much as possible. Sierra fell on her bike last week and skinned her knee, which wasn't too bad. However, the next day she did it again. It was a pretty good mess. A good sized "road rash". We ended up wrapping it in an ace bandage for 3 days so she could walk and sleep without screaming and crying. I've reminded her that we no longer have insurance so she better be careful. But, I'm not sure it will hinder our little "dare-devil".
Kayla on the other hand has been elated all week long. First, some very generous family members have given her $240 for her plane ticket to Colorado, for horse camp. Now we just have to figure out where we are sending her from. Now, if that wasn't enough to make her week, something else very special happened as well. On Friday, she went to an Awards Assembly. Little did she know, I was there. As if that wasn't suprise enough, she almost cried when they awarded her the top reader in the 5th grade. She got coupons (for local businesses), a bowling trip (during school), and a plaque with her name engraved on the front. It has been an awesome week for her!
As for me, I am trying to get used to this 40 hour, work-week thing. I must say I don't get board there. I'm lucky to get time to breath and use the bathroom. The girls have adjusted to the schedule rather well, and are helping me greatly. I am certainly thankfull to have such awesome children.
Let's see, now for the rest of the "goings-on" this week. Kraig is still in Oklahoma. His mom was actually speechless when she saw him walk in the door instead of me. She said she didn't know wether to spank him or hug him. It was a cool suprise...and we are ALL impressed that Kraig didn't tell her beforehand. His grandparents are doing as well as could be expected and are enjoying teasing him about not being me (Jen).
The girls are ready for school to be out. But, they are enjoying their last few days as much as possible. Sierra fell on her bike last week and skinned her knee, which wasn't too bad. However, the next day she did it again. It was a pretty good mess. A good sized "road rash". We ended up wrapping it in an ace bandage for 3 days so she could walk and sleep without screaming and crying. I've reminded her that we no longer have insurance so she better be careful. But, I'm not sure it will hinder our little "dare-devil".
Kayla on the other hand has been elated all week long. First, some very generous family members have given her $240 for her plane ticket to Colorado, for horse camp. Now we just have to figure out where we are sending her from. Now, if that wasn't enough to make her week, something else very special happened as well. On Friday, she went to an Awards Assembly. Little did she know, I was there. As if that wasn't suprise enough, she almost cried when they awarded her the top reader in the 5th grade. She got coupons (for local businesses), a bowling trip (during school), and a plaque with her name engraved on the front. It has been an awesome week for her!
As for me, I am trying to get used to this 40 hour, work-week thing. I must say I don't get board there. I'm lucky to get time to breath and use the bathroom. The girls have adjusted to the schedule rather well, and are helping me greatly. I am certainly thankfull to have such awesome children.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
We had a secret!!!!
Well, have you wondered why we didn't update this last week? Here is the answer...we were very busy, we were waiting on good news from USAF, and we had a secret that we couldn't share until today.
As some of you know were were supposed to get the final signature on our papers for the USAF this last Monday. But, as we expected, the General was out of the office this last week. We think the USAF might be in need of some Exlax as they are very slow at getting things done. So, supposedly, we will get the final signature on Tuesday. We shall see.
Now for that secret...you all know (if you have been reading this blog all along) that Kraig's grandfather has been needing full time care. So far, most people have done their share, but the "care givers" were in desperate need of relief. So, it was decided that I (Jennifer) would go to Oklahoma for a month or so to help out. However, as we were preparing to buy the tickets, things changed once again. I was offered a job overnight and we decided that Kraig would go instead. Kraig just hated to quit Staples! But here is where the secret comes in...Kraig's mom thinks she is arranging to have ME picked up at the airport today.....little does she know I am still in MD! We are all amazed that he didn't tell her. He is horrible at keeping secrets, especially from Frieda. And, we din't want to post it here until today, just incase she read it. She will be sooooooo excited to have her "baby boy" for almost a month!
As for the job, I am working for a good friend of ours...Dr. Rob VanFosson (a "foot doctor"). It is pretty interesting, I get time to breathe and sometimes to use the bathroom, otherwise I am always busy.
Hmmm. What else? Well, Kayla spoke to Aunt Mel, who said Kayla's camp cost was covered. And, she is singing the praises of 2 family members who have given her money to go towards her flight. She is very, very excited.
Other than that, we are just busy trying to figure out who is where each day. It seems our day to day schedule is never consistant.
As some of you know were were supposed to get the final signature on our papers for the USAF this last Monday. But, as we expected, the General was out of the office this last week. We think the USAF might be in need of some Exlax as they are very slow at getting things done. So, supposedly, we will get the final signature on Tuesday. We shall see.
Now for that secret...you all know (if you have been reading this blog all along) that Kraig's grandfather has been needing full time care. So far, most people have done their share, but the "care givers" were in desperate need of relief. So, it was decided that I (Jennifer) would go to Oklahoma for a month or so to help out. However, as we were preparing to buy the tickets, things changed once again. I was offered a job overnight and we decided that Kraig would go instead. Kraig just hated to quit Staples! But here is where the secret comes in...Kraig's mom thinks she is arranging to have ME picked up at the airport today.....little does she know I am still in MD! We are all amazed that he didn't tell her. He is horrible at keeping secrets, especially from Frieda. And, we din't want to post it here until today, just incase she read it. She will be sooooooo excited to have her "baby boy" for almost a month!
As for the job, I am working for a good friend of ours...Dr. Rob VanFosson (a "foot doctor"). It is pretty interesting, I get time to breathe and sometimes to use the bathroom, otherwise I am always busy.
Hmmm. What else? Well, Kayla spoke to Aunt Mel, who said Kayla's camp cost was covered. And, she is singing the praises of 2 family members who have given her money to go towards her flight. She is very, very excited.
Other than that, we are just busy trying to figure out who is where each day. It seems our day to day schedule is never consistant.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
The Smiths
Happy Mother's Day!!!!
I recieved some pretty cool things this morning. So, I figured I'd share. First was a 2 page letter from Kayla in which she said that "no one escapes my love". It was very sweet. I will have to blow it up and frame it for when she is a teenager and needs a reminder. She also gave me a coupon for her to make supper for the family one night...she valued it at $100.00. I didn't realize she was that good a chef yet!
Anyway, Sierra wrote me a poem...
My Mom
Pretty as an angel.
Smells like roses.
Feels like a warm blanket.
Kisses me all the time.
Loves sandwiches and me.
Now wasn't that cute??? Who knew that Sierra ranks right up there with sandwiches? And just for the record, I prefer ice cream.
Oh, and before I go...someone wanted to know how much Kayla needed to go to Aunt Mel's camp. Well, Aunt Mel updated her site with the prices ($250.00 for the class). However that doesn't include transportation. All those intrested in contributing, contact Kayla.
Well, I'd better go.
Jen
I recieved some pretty cool things this morning. So, I figured I'd share. First was a 2 page letter from Kayla in which she said that "no one escapes my love". It was very sweet. I will have to blow it up and frame it for when she is a teenager and needs a reminder. She also gave me a coupon for her to make supper for the family one night...she valued it at $100.00. I didn't realize she was that good a chef yet!
Anyway, Sierra wrote me a poem...
My Mom
Pretty as an angel.
Smells like roses.
Feels like a warm blanket.
Kisses me all the time.
Loves sandwiches and me.
Now wasn't that cute??? Who knew that Sierra ranks right up there with sandwiches? And just for the record, I prefer ice cream.
Oh, and before I go...someone wanted to know how much Kayla needed to go to Aunt Mel's camp. Well, Aunt Mel updated her site with the prices ($250.00 for the class). However that doesn't include transportation. All those intrested in contributing, contact Kayla.
Well, I'd better go.
Jen
Saturday, May 13, 2006
May 13, 2006
Hi! It's Kayla's turn to do the blog today, but she is tongue-tied, which is unusual for her, so I (Kraig) am filling in until she tells me what to write!
I spent the last Thursday through this Tuesday in Oklahoma with my Granddad. He has congestive heart failure, and was barely able to get out of bed when I arrived, but was able to go for a wheelchair ride around his farm by the time I left! I guess I just have that kind of curative effect on people. The next day, he was bad again!!! I was supposed to return home late Tuesday night, but my flight out of Oklahoma City was delayed, and I was unable to catch my connection out of Detroit. So, . . . . . . . . my wonderful in-laws came to the rescue. It went something like this--
Hank: "Hello?"
Kraig: "Hi, Hank. This is Kraig."
Click------buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Okay, not really. Hank was happy and overjoyed to pick me up from the airport, take me to his house, serve me some really good leftover roast, potatoes, and carrots, all washed down with Motown's famous Vernor's Ginger Ale! I really enjoyed my time with them, and thank them for their hospitality.
Okay, Kayla has decided to speak now, so pay attention!
This week has been a tiring week. I'm tired from homework, allergy season, and housework. At the same time, it's been a really interesting week as well.
Daddy showed me the first paragraph of Aunt Melanie's blog (see the link on the side of our blog for Armada Bay). In it was an advertisement for her horse camp this summer. I was really excited. I want to go, but Mom and Dad say I have to get sponsors. They think they're funny (Insert by Kraig-it's that, or get a job!). I still haven't called Aunt Melanie yet to get further information. Aunt Mel-PLEASE CALL ME WITH FURTHER INFORMATION!
This week is Mother's Day, and we have lots of cool surprises for Mom. Actually, maybe not that many. However, we are taking her on a picnic today, if it doesn't rain.
We are getting our house painted, and Mom decided to paint the mailbox as well to match the house. Of course, now the mail carrier has no place to put the mail because Mom hasn't replaced it yet!!! Kind of awkward. While painting the mailbox, Mom painted Sierra's nose as well!
Mom and Dad went on a date yesterday, and we were babysat by a friend--Tessa! We had lots of fun, especially because we watched Narnia!
Sierra and Daddy went to the zoo in D.C. yesterday with her class. They had a lot of fun, and Sierra was really glad that Daddy went. Her favorite animal was the porcupine with a prehensile tail.
Talk to you next week!!!
Kayla G. Smith
I spent the last Thursday through this Tuesday in Oklahoma with my Granddad. He has congestive heart failure, and was barely able to get out of bed when I arrived, but was able to go for a wheelchair ride around his farm by the time I left! I guess I just have that kind of curative effect on people. The next day, he was bad again!!! I was supposed to return home late Tuesday night, but my flight out of Oklahoma City was delayed, and I was unable to catch my connection out of Detroit. So, . . . . . . . . my wonderful in-laws came to the rescue. It went something like this--
Hank: "Hello?"
Kraig: "Hi, Hank. This is Kraig."
Click------buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Okay, not really. Hank was happy and overjoyed to pick me up from the airport, take me to his house, serve me some really good leftover roast, potatoes, and carrots, all washed down with Motown's famous Vernor's Ginger Ale! I really enjoyed my time with them, and thank them for their hospitality.
Okay, Kayla has decided to speak now, so pay attention!
This week has been a tiring week. I'm tired from homework, allergy season, and housework. At the same time, it's been a really interesting week as well.
Daddy showed me the first paragraph of Aunt Melanie's blog (see the link on the side of our blog for Armada Bay). In it was an advertisement for her horse camp this summer. I was really excited. I want to go, but Mom and Dad say I have to get sponsors. They think they're funny (Insert by Kraig-it's that, or get a job!). I still haven't called Aunt Melanie yet to get further information. Aunt Mel-PLEASE CALL ME WITH FURTHER INFORMATION!
This week is Mother's Day, and we have lots of cool surprises for Mom. Actually, maybe not that many. However, we are taking her on a picnic today, if it doesn't rain.
We are getting our house painted, and Mom decided to paint the mailbox as well to match the house. Of course, now the mail carrier has no place to put the mail because Mom hasn't replaced it yet!!! Kind of awkward. While painting the mailbox, Mom painted Sierra's nose as well!
Mom and Dad went on a date yesterday, and we were babysat by a friend--Tessa! We had lots of fun, especially because we watched Narnia!
Sierra and Daddy went to the zoo in D.C. yesterday with her class. They had a lot of fun, and Sierra was really glad that Daddy went. Her favorite animal was the porcupine with a prehensile tail.
Talk to you next week!!!
Kayla G. Smith
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
My, My, My....
It has been very busy here while Kraig has been away in Oklahoma. (He went to visit his grandfather.) I don't feel like I have stopped since he left. Although, allergy season tends to put me in a fog. Anyway, he was supposed to come home last night, but instead spent the night at my parents house in Michigan due to a delayed flight. I felt bad for the girls because they woke themselves up earlier this morning to peek in our room to see him. Instead all they got was me, and orders to get ready for school. But, he should be home in time to get them from the bus stop.
As for the USAF, all our paperwork is in and now we are waiting for word that it has the final stamp of approval. Then, we must wait again to find out when and where.
Anyway, in the mean time we are having the house painted (to get ready to sell it). It looks sooooooo much nicer! It's a bummer we have to move now. "Pete the Painter" is a very nice man and seems to enjoy laughing at the silly things my girls do and say. He says they remind him of his grandchildren. He was quite impressed with Kayla because she would not allow him to come into the house to use the bathroom when I was out running an errand. She told him he would have to wait an hour! He kindly understood. She is such an obedient child...to bad she is gonna be a teenager soon.
Speaking of Kayla and teens...it has begun. She now seems to have the phone attached to her ear regularly.
And Sierra, well....she told me that she has a "boyfriend" and she "loves" him. Hmmmmmm, don't tell her dad - I don't think he's gonna take it too well.
Well, I will go back to impatiently waiting for the USAF and my husband to return.
Jennifer
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