Rex, Kira & Asher

Is it good?

2011-02-13T20:07:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post something... haven't in forever! Asher is super cute- ok, I take that back, he just pulled out the bag of salad I just threw away out of the garbage & dumped it all over the floor. Time to go clean up!

Enjoy the photo!

another day... another deployment.. in the life as an army wife

2010-05-30T02:25:00.000-07:00

After a yo-yo'ing past few months, I am still unsure of what the future holds for our little family! But a quircky thing happened recently that I thought I would share for a little bit of enlightenment into our unique little lives.

My fellow army-wife-friend was 'randomly selected' to partake in a survey for military spouses. One of the question asked was: "Do deployments get harder or easier to cope with?" After some contemplation she answered :"Harder". Simple answer to a hard question, but that was not enough for the surveyors. The survey then prompted the following: "Please explain why coping with deployment has become more difficult. "

This was her answer.

"Because it becomes tiring. I got married to be with my husband, not to have him gone all the time. As a couple we realize that this is a part of the army way of life but that doesn't make it easier. It is very hard and becomes harder every deployment to have to explain to your young children way daddy has to leave again. As a mother watching your child cry everyday wanting daddy, trying to get out the door to find daddy, breaks a mothers heart. You not only have to deal with your own grief but the grief of your child. And then to top it all off with the thought in the back of your head that you may never see him again, never smell him again, never hear him again. You pray every day that it won't happen and you have to know that, no news is good news. But when they are gone and someone comes to the door and you weren't expecting anyone, the first thought that goes through you mind is, "This might be it. This is the moment I have to tell my children they will never see their dad again.” even though you have promised everything will be okay. This is just what happens during the deployment. This doesn't include the stress that comes before or after a deployment. The fighting and bickering about everything and nothing. Before the deployment you are so stressed and worried about him leaving that everything becomes stressful. You fight over money, the kids, the fact that he is never home to spend time with you, and he is at work too much when that is time that he needs to be spending at home. When he leaves you go through about a week that you don't have the energy to do anything. The house doesn't get cleaned, you don't call anyone and the home is filled with pizza boxes, frozen foods, and every wrapper from fast food restaurants all around. Some days you don't even have energy to take a simple shower. After that, if you are smart, you get into a routine, a schedule that will keep you as busy as possible. You volunteer everywhere you can, you have play dates left and right, doctors appointments and your house because so clean that you can't find a speck of dirt in the house anywhere. Even the baseboards get a wipe down every couple of weeks. You make every meal and the dishes are always clean and put away. During all of this what is really going on? Well, you are trying not to think about anything that reminds you of him. You don't look at that side of the bed or his closet. You avoid looking at any pictures of him or any family pictures. Mean while you begin to forget him. You know that you have tried to block him out of you head so much that if something did happen to him, you wouldn't be able to picture him in your head. You begin to forget what he looks like, smells like, sounds like, and feels like. And it scares you, but you can't stop yourself because it is too hard to think about it. If you think about it you can't function. You can't take care of your kids or yourself. And if anything you have to be able to take care of you children. When they return home it seems to be the hardest. The two week of training they go through does help however it is not enough. You have a two week honeymoon phase were you are so happy to just have him home. After that come the extremes. He has been gone for 9, 12, or 15 months. He has had to do everything on someone else's time. He just wants to come home and relax, watch TV and not have someone telling him what he needs to do all the time. Meanwhile, what they fail to tell him when he comes home is that you are tired too. You have had many sleepless nights too. You just want to relax too. Instead, it is like picking up after another child. And I know from talking to many a wife that this is not just me complaining. He doesn't understand how hard it really has been, because while he is gone you have been playing "the good wife" on the phone. "No, honey, everything is fine, the kids are doing good." because you know that if you told him how really hard things were it could distract him and cost him his life. So, while the kids are coloring on all the walls, peeing on the floor, telling you, “no" every time you tell them to do something, screaming at you, throwing a temper-tantrum in the middle of the commissary because you won't let them get that sugary box of cereal and anything else you can think of that children can do, he assumes you are living a calm life. So, when he comes home he assumes that he is the only one that has had it ruff. I am not trying to compare war to a stay at home mom, but I am trying to tell you know the reality of how hard it really it. That maybe some of the training that they go through when they come home is giving them a reality check that moms need a brake too. Just help them to understand that, because, sometimes the stress of it all can sometimes become unbearable. We also have the reactions that our children have. The regressions and explosions of rage and sadness, sometimes for what you would think would be no reason at all. Remember the temper -tantrum in the commissary turns out it was because, “I hate you, I want my Daddy. Why can't my daddy come home?" One thing I have found is that the children and the moms get tired of each other and there are things that daddy give, that mommy can't. Sure we have the pre and post deployment briefings to help us know how our children are going to react to all of this but that is all we get. It kind of feels like, “Here you go, this is going to be your life, good luck with that.” Programs need to be set up for children to help them cope. We all know there is counseling available when it gets out of control, but why do we have to wait for it to get out of control before we can get help. To help reduce the stress of our children and the parent at home with them, there could be playgroups set up with a counselor there to monitor the children behavior and give tips on what to do. Or a Rent-a-dad, A program that could offer men, not in uniform, to just play with the children while the moms have a mom's area to sit, talk and drink a soda. Sometime kids just need to be thrown around, wrestle with and have someone that has the energy to play with them and chase them, or play catch. It is simple help to fix some if the aggression that these kids feel during a deployment. Deployments are hard. It is not just the time that they are gone but the whole cycle and as much as they are getting deployed right now we only have about 3 months of normal before it all starts over again. And through all of this each member of your family changes and when he returns you have to start that relationship from scratch again and learn who everyone is and how to communicate with them and as for parents how to parent again. Parenting skills change as the child changes and as a spouse you have to teach your solider how you now parent and how to manage the children. There is nothing easy about it and the more he leaves the more you feel like you're not even married to begin with, that he was just a roommate that helped you get pregnant and pays for the house, food and occasional shopping spree you go on (that you will later get reamed for) to release stress and get your mind off of things. Is saying goodbye easier? Sometimes, sure. Is talking to him on the phone easier? Sometimes, sure. Do you get used to living on your own? Sometimes, sure. But to say that sending your husband and the father to your children off to war gets easier, you are simply out of your mind.

Lucky for her, there was no limit on space for her answer!

our little cruiser

2010-05-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

Asher has developed a new talent. After Rex accidently put him in the cruiser backwards, he learned that he could move so much better. When he gets excited he goes round and round. I thought I would try to capture the moment and luckly I did.

He is starting to get more and more mobile everyday. Any day now I expect him to start crawling, yikes!! I better get the house baby proofed soon!

2010-04-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

Wow time flies!

Asher is getting bigger & stronger everyday. He has finally mastered sitting. He does such a good job. Now we are working on crawling, which ought to be a blast. He reaches for EVERYTHING now, wait till he is mobile... that will be a fun day!

He is just such an awesome addition to our family! We are having so much fun with him.

(Cristi-my sister-in-law took this picture & our new family one... you can check out her blog @ cristinelsonphotography@blogpot.com)

I decided to run a half-marathon....WHAT was I thinking!! As many of you know, I have been suffering from some hip/butt & back pain for about 3 years now, so needless to say training for it has been a bit of a challenge.

Rex & Candice (sister) have also decided to be crazy & do it too! I hope I can continue to train & not injure myself (any further) and FINISH the race! So June 26th is the big day... I am sure I will post stuff when the time comes.

What else has been going on... one word that can sum it up is

WORK!

Rex has been busy as ever, doing what, I don't know. He has been in charge of coordinating some training stuff for the brigade that he works at. All I know is that they have got him busy almost every day & I am sure he is doing a great job. And on a lighter note, we just found out that his trip for work was cancelled, so he will be here for my first mother's day ever!

As for me, well I have been getting back into the swing of things at the new job.

I just finished all my hospital orientation and have a few more shifts on the unit orienting. This weekend I also renewed my ACLS certification, which was a great refresher, for having taken the last 6 months off. So far I like the job and am excited to interact with grown ups & use my brain lots more.

Other than that, things are the same old, same old! We are all healthy & doing good. Hope everyone is able to enjoy the beauty of spring. My next project is planting my garden, I am super excited and I hope I can grow some yummy treats.

Happy Spring!! Go out & be active!

$>The Brodericks

another month goes by...

2010-03-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been a month since I blogged last. So what has happened. For starters, I got a job!! I started today in fact. I am working at St. Peter's hospital in Olympia, WA (which is only a few miles from home). I will be working in their Critical care unit & working nights. I am excited to get back to work!!

What else... I learned that I have a boy that LOVES his food... no big suprise there, if you know his father (he loves food too!)

Asher loves just about everything that I put in his mouth and I hope it continues. The only thing he hasn't liked so far is Banana's (wierd!). He even likes prunes!!

We also got our growing boy a little play gym, so he can start learning how to move & entertain himself. He is having some fun!

And also, Grandma & Grandpa Goodrich came to visit. Asher got to get all dressed up & go on a brunch cruise to celebrate their visit. Super cute !!!

And Mr. Spoiled also got a snazzy new hat, to keep the sun out of his eyes.

It is so cute! He wears it and his sunglasses all the time, and he totally doesn't care!

Anyways, I better get going! Hope you all enjoy the pictures & little update!

Later!~

Posting Craziness!!

2010-02-27T19:53:00.001-08:00

I thought I would post some pictures of Asher's recent adventure... eating Rice Cereal. The first is first time we tried it... as you can see, it went well.

But I think he is getting the hang of it. After our recent visit to the Doctor for his 4 month check-up, we realized his spitting up (reflux) is getting in the way of him growing :(. He is now 4 months, 26 inches long & 13 lbs 1 oz, which puts him about 90th % for height, but only 15th % for his weight. So we are now doing rice cereal more reguarly & have added Zantac. The Zantac seems to have started helping already. So we are excited to start our fun adventures of eating!

I guess it took me too long to get the next spoonful ready, he started to eat the table!

"this table taste good"

"why are you taking a picture of me eating??"

And Finally... a video. He just figured out today how to use the spoon.

I think he is picking it up pretty well, hopefully he will remember tomorrow, when we try again!

Washington

2010-02-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share some photo's of our new home... WASHINGTON. When Megan & Candice drove up in early January, we went to the space needle. It was pretty fun & we got to take some pretty cool pics and watch the sun set.
The other day during a break from the rain, I drove down to the Puget Sound, which is just a few minutes from the house and snapped some pictures. It is so awesome when it stops raining because you really appreciate the sunny days that much more. Anyways, this is what we have to look at every day... (well when the rain clouds clear that is!)

From House to HomE!

2010-02-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

I thought I would finally take some pictures of the house.. This is just the main living area. I finally remembered to take pictures of it, while it is clean. So enjoy. Now I will just have to do the rest of the house!! HA HA

My plumbing fun

2010-02-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

So today I learned that I have mad skills- mad plumbing skills that is.

I decided to tackle the powder room downstairs as one of my first projects.

I plan on doing things one step at a time.

So my first step was to change out the sink faucet.

As you can see we had such a fancy one to start with, how could I ever improve upon that.

Well I found a way... TADAH!!!It's hard to tell in the photo, it's a rubbed bronze. It is much nicer than the last one. Everyone complained that the original faucet was too close to the sink, so you couldn't fit your hands under it. So as for now, this is how the bathroom looks.

I plan on changing out the towel rack (you can't see it in this photo). Changing the mirror and painting the walls some fabulous color.
But for now I am proud of my new plumbing skills....
(which I had no help from Rex)

So- Happy Valentines days to everyone!! & Happy Anniversary mom & dad!

Football fun

2010-01-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

So Asher just has so much fun watching football.

Everyone tries to tell me that he really doesn't... but he gets so chatty & happy when we put football on, that i am sure he is destined to be a quarterback.

Really, I think he just loves the colors & audience noises.

So I thought I would post a video of him enjoying some football and him 'chatting' about it.

ENJOY!!!

Photos for fun!

2009-12-18T15:34:00.000-08:00

Family, Friends & Blog Followers-

I wish I had house pictures to show, but it's just not to that point yet. Rex had to return to work on monday and I have made a huge mess with my Christmas gift projects (homemade goods!). One day soon we will get back to getting the house finished. But with Christmas less than a week away, the shopping has taken over & gift preparation takes priority!

Some things I know for sure....

1.) Moving is exhausting!

2.) Christmas shopping is exhausting!

So, here are some pictures of my freakin' cute kid.

I know how good looking he is, but everyone else is missing out, so I thought I would share some photos with everyone!

Smile!

This look is gonna be a hit with the ladies!

Nap time!

His new favorite way to sleep... on his belly.

(Don't worry he has really good head control now- so he can lift it & move it from side to side).

Suprise!!!
"MORE SHOPPING... I am so ExCiteD!!!"

with Love,

Kira Michelle

The Big MOVE 2009 & Backyard Landscaping

2009-12-13T21:55:00.001-08:00

PICTURES & SUCH

2009-11-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

Asher's halloween costume! He didn't go out & about, because he is still too young to be out trick or treating. But he had fun staying home with mom & dad passing out candy. thanks Grandma G for the snazzy costume!

I have been taking some photos for our birth announcement. These are a few of my favorites.

Rex & I are super excited to be moving! I still can't believe we own a house!

It's hard to believe that we are leaving here in 12 days, there is a lot of work to do... I guess we should start packing soon!

I am super excited for the holidays too! I know Halloween was just last week, but I feel the urge to start being festive for Christmas... I think watching ELF is in my near future... I am sure Asher will enjoy it too!

Welcome to the world Asher Jackson!

2009-10-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

Wait... WHAT????

2009-10-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

Holy cow I can't believe this day has come... we are now officially HOME OWNERS...ok well in 30years we will be!

I can't believe we now have a place that is officially ours! I am so excited to get there & start doing home things & decorations just as I have always wanted to.

And that round orange thing you are wondering.. what could that be- Well that my friends is the most delicious desert I have ever made. It is a PUMPKIN ROLL. Many people have heard of this, I first tasted this about 2 years ago and just recently found a recipe. So me & my mom whipped it up and wa-la it was perfect. Perfect shape, perfect flavor!!!

Rex, myself & my mom have decided it is the new official desert of Thanksgiving... and Christmas... and Vetrans day and Presidents day... ok I think I have made my point of just how delicious it is!!! YUMMMY!

The day has finally arrived!

2009-10-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

It is our pleasure to announce the arrival of Asher Jackson Broderick. Born October 20th at 3:11p.m. . He is a healthy 9lbs 1 oz and 21 3/4 inches long.

Asher admiring dad... or the other way around!

Mommy & baby boy!

Trying to get the sucking routine down. He is getting the hang of it. He has been a bit sleepy, but perked up this afternoon... so we snapped some good photos!

I will have plenty more to share, but for now, I am focusing on figuring out this mom buisness.

Thanks for all the love & support!

Rex, Kira & Asher

staying busy

2009-10-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

Funny days.. or lack there of...

I thought I would post something, well because I haven't in so long. I haven't posted because I feel as if nothing is happening. I have been so pre-occupied with waiting around for our little guy to join us. About 3 weeks ago, I wanted this baby out ASAP and spent most days looking online to find ways to induce labor or waiting patiently between contractions, hoping they were only 5 minutes apart... NO LUCK! Then I awoke one day and a new fear had taken over... what was i getting myself into?? and a new realization that my life was about to change. But am I ready for this... no one really knows

So Rex & I went to an all day Birthing Class a few weeks ago.. And it was good to hear what the hospitals standards & rules were. I guess I had a pretty good idea about the birthing process, seeing as how I did get my degree in nursing... But it was good for Rex to hear everything too.

MY FAVORITE part was when Rex tried on the sympathy pregnancy belt!

My favorite line was after I asked him how it felt, He said "I just kept thinking, it can't be this uncomforable, can it?"
UH... YES Rex it can & IT IS!!!!!

I love that he tried & maybe gained some appreciation. He was a great partner that day and look forward to the big day, where he will be the best partner I could ever have... i hope!

So I have decided to keep myself busy, on the days I feel up to it. I have been sewing, cooking & cleaning like never before. I put together 15 doggie diapers (for boy dogs with a little spraying problem), and they are so cute!! I forgot to take a picture before I shipped them off... oops! (I sent them to my mom's carpet store, where she has had a few request for them). And I made a baby quilt... for Baby Girl Wick... but again, forgot to take a picture (so Tiffany, when you get it, send me a pic!) But I did take a picture of my baking trial. I found this cute recipe book, at the checkout stand for 'fall recipes'. I was intrigued and decided to try one.

The first I tried was the PUMPKIN ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH GINGER-CREAM FILLING

This was the picture in the recipe book.
This is how it ended up looking.

I was pretty stocked, I have never baked an angel food cake and I just bought an angel food cake pan... so I was stoked that it all turned out ok. And Rex said it was the best cake he has had in a long time... I suppose it was a compliment... even though he nor I could remember the last time I had made a cake.

Anyways, some more baking, cooking, cleaning, & sewing are in my future.. atleast for now!

I will let everyone know when the baby comes... hopefully soon!

Got some pictures of our house

2009-09-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share the pictures our realitor sent us. Most of the pictures were taken just a few days ago. Where the house is just framed, is from when I went & visited.

we put in an offer

2009-08-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

After discovering we are relocating to Ft. Lewis Washington, I jumped at the opportunity to go & visit the area & house hunt after my recent trip to Utah.

So Candice & I drove up there (Candice mainly.. I did a good job laying down & taking it easy) for a quick weekend of house hunting. This was a first time experience for me, I have had my share of looking at places to live, but it is usally rental &short term situation. It's a whole different ballgame when you are looking for something that you are going to buy & that you can call yours!

So we searched & searched, found some I liked, then found those were under contract... so I could not have them. But after much phone & internet conversation, Rex & I decided on

'the one'!

So last week we put in an offer, recieved a counter offer & then came to an aggreement and now we are working on picking final upgrades to our new home.

The picture below is of our house... set to be completed the end of september, first of October. Just in time for the baby boy!

It is a 4 bed 2.5bath, just minutes from the freeway... and minutes from SHOPPING!!! .

The market remarks read: "The "aster" features a vaulter ceiling in the entry and spacious great room with cozy gasfireplace. Kitchen is designed for family meals & easy entertaining. Master bedroom has a 5pc bath with large walk in closet. This home backs up to Nisqually Wildlife Refuge!"

And about 10 minutes away from our bestest friends!!! (who also put an offer in on a house the same week). It should be a quick commute to work for Rex & a quiet area to start rasing our family. Anyways- right now we are working out all the little kinks & dotting all the i's on ALL the paperwork. But we are very excited to have a place to call home... and be settled for the next few years.

baby

2009-08-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

I went to the other half of an ultrasound that I went to a month ago... since the baby wasn't copperative I was able to go back. I got some cool photos!

He is breech & had his feet in front of his face, below his feet you can see his nose!

This one he was giving a little wink... he is a bit of a tease!

Chubby checks!

Is he picking his nose? or in deep thought?

This is how he spends his days, legs resting on his head!

Enjoy!!!

baby swing

2009-08-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

So we got the swing I ordered in the mail... a few weeks ago & I had to capture the moment of Rex's putting together his first baby item.

I think he did a pretty good job. He was proud of himself after it was all said & done.

I think this swing rocks!!! The seat comes off & you can use it as a seat/bouncer.

This swing/seat ROCKS!!

Fun times in Missouri

2009-07-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

I thought I would update everyone. So we have finally found out where we are moving next.... drum roll please....

FORT LEWIS WASHINGTON!!!

We are so excited! We were hoping for somewhere closer to Utah. It looks like about a 13.5hour drive... which is much better!

& It gets better we just found out some of our best friends (fellow military family) is moving there this fall also!! We are so excited to be neighbors again! Yeah!!!

We will probably living south of Ft. Lewis in Lacey or Olympia area, and we are set to leave sometime in November.

The next photos... this is what happens when you live in Missouri & get super bored.

As many of you know Rex LOVES tacos!!! Well we had some the other night & had left over shells. So we were sitting down eating desert & dared Rex to try his CHOCOLATE MOLTEN CAKE in a TaCO shell... with TAPATIO HOT SAUCE!!

prepping the delicious treat!

And the final event...all for 35 cents too!!!

Enjoy the Laugh!!

I am the official Fit Pregnancy/"Win Big, Baby!" winner.. I made a slideshow of my winnings!!‏

2009-07-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

what do you think???

2009-07-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

So this is the crib set I have picked out... I like it because it has some of my favorite colors..

green... red/orange..blue... and brown.

Plus I really like animals!!! Especially Monkeys!

Megan- start thinking of ideas for the room decoration!!!

Anybody that finds anything cute that matches... let me know!!

Well what do you think???

aches & pains

2009-06-29T18:51:00.001-07:00

I wanted to put in a few pictures of the last few weeks. I don't take many pictures. But Lloyd was being super cute. He has calmed down a bit finally, but has a bit of a digging problem. I just don't know how to stop him, I think Rex has given up on this problem too! But they still find time to cuddle....as you can see

My Doctor sent me for a medical ultrasound to get some measurements of the baby & check out his anatomy. We had to drive 2 hours to St. Louis to get it done. They gave us some fancy pictures. I thought I would share. The first are of his feet.. looks like all 10 toes are accounted for!

The next is a pretty cool portrait of his face. Still no name! We just can't seem to find a name that fits. When we like a name, we use it a bit & see how we like it. But nothing seems to fit so far. Maybe something will jump out at us and we will just know that it is the right name for this handsome boy!

Overall I am still having the same pain, I have been suffering now for about 2 months. It is frustrating because it is every day. I have to lay down, take pain medicine & use a heating pad to alleviate the pain. Getting through the days at work are tough, there is no laying down when you are a nurse. I am adjusting to the ER out here (where I work), and am getting the hang of it.

Overall time is passing since being out here, I can't believe it is July. I am glad, I am not very fond of Missouri, well maybe just this part of Missouri, no shopping & dining out... how is a girl to spend her time???

shy

2009-06-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

Another update:

Today, after much heartache & beaurocracy of health care... we finally made it to our new OB/GYN. What a relief, fewww!

The Dr. got called away to check on a pt in the co-joined hospital, so the nurse came in & played with the Ultrasound machine, and tried to master her skills on 3-d images. Our little boy was SHY! He was blocking the view of his face.. and giving everyone a little wave!

I already mentioned how I am feeling a post or so ago. I am still having the back pains...grr. The tests I had taken were a little inconclusive. So now I am going to see a nephrologist (kidney Dr) to continue to monitor me & see what's going on. So maybe we will have a reason for all the suffering soon.

I honestly must say, it still doesn't feel very real being pregnant. I know my body is going through tons of changes, but it hasn't sunk in that I am going to have a little dude hanging around in just 20weeks. AGGHH!! And I think it's because I have been a bit down recently. I haven't been too happy being out here in Missouri. I miss my family & girlfriends... I even miss my job! I love being around Rex, but I wish I had the best of both worlds... husband & my family (friends & great Job!). Hopefully the time here will pass by quick, it has been so far.

Anyways, I will include another photo- since they are so cute

Our little guy... we have a few names that we like, but are still not set on any particular one.

The 3-d ones have lots of shadowing if you don't get a good view from above, so overall it's a good picture, but it has some shadows on it.

Ticks....ewww!

2009-05-31T15:03:00.000-07:00

Rex decided to give the dogs a little scrub down today! They looked great and shiny!
After getting them dry Rex applied the flea & tick killer. He told me that he was suprised, when he bathed them there wasn't any ticks. oh Good, what a relief. Then he proceeds to tell me that he thought there was one, but it's just one of LLoyd's nipples. So I grabbed Lloyd to have him show me.

During the inspection, I found that it was in fact a TICK! EWWW!!!

After giving both dogs the one over... we ended up finding 5 TICKS!

Roofus has 1 and Lloyd had 4! Man alive.

Now I have the hebby-geeby's feeling like there are ticks & creepy crawling things everywhere!

This is just one reason why I don't really like the south.

Photo

2009-05-29T19:40:00.001-07:00

Oh yeah, I am sexy!!!! Look at that six pack! Ouch! Don't you wish you could pull this look off?

So this is the official 20 week photo. Today is officially week 20. Things have been going well. Getting situated into the (military-healthcare) system has been very challenging. One thing after another has gone wrong/bad. We finally got things sorted out... atleast we hope. I have been approved to see an off-post provider for the pregnancy, although I don't know what that means for the delivery or acute issues between now & then.

I have been having lots of back pain, and no one has yet to tell me what the cause is. It's on one side of my back (right side) right under my ribs, and is tender. It reminds me of kidney problems that I have had before. The Dr I saw ran some tests, and everything looks ok so far, I will see him this week and get more information then. Other than that can I just say LEG CRAMPS...ouch! I keep waking up in the middle of the night with horrible cramps... they are in the wierdest places too. I got one in my knee a few nights ago... oouch! Last night was the worst one so far, my calf was hard as a rock!

Anybody have suggestions on how to make them go away... or never come at all???

Well that's all I have for now.... later!

Introducing Baby Boy Broderick

2009-05-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please.....

2009-05-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

It's a BOY!!!!

I wanted to share the news with all family & friends. Rex & I went and got an ultrasound last weekend and found out the exciting news.

We are super excited. Next we just have to pick a name... that should be hard! Any suggestions??

Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

Since Rex & I are away for yet another Mother's day, we wanted to let our mothers & all the others that are out there that have influenced our lives to know how much we love and appreciate them.

Here are the 2 greatest mom's in the world!!

(Laurie Goodrich)

We are so lucky to have had so many wonderful women in our lives to help raise us and teach us.

(Ranae Broderick)

Although Thank you doesn't seem like enough... THANK YOU!!!

You Ladies ROCK!!!

Also- Happy Mother's day to all the sisters, aunts, cousins & friends out there! You too are awesome!!

Ok, ok...

2009-05-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

Ok- everyone has been asking- so here it is... My growing belly!

I am now 16 weeks, so this is the official 16 week photo!

Hope everyone is happy!

P.s. It is fuzzy, cause Rex took it, he has some work to do on improving his camera skills!

The official announcement!!

2009-04-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

It's official, the news is out: I am PREGNANT!

I am currently 15 weeks & am DUE on October 16th!

The ultrasound is from week 8... so it's not so new.. but it's cute!

I just wanted to make it official! We just moved.. and I am switching Dr's so as soon as I get in & get an Ultrasound... I will let everyone know what we are expecting to have...

any guesses.. Boy or Girl???

a few updates

2009-04-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Ok- So i haven't posted in a long time. I blaim the move! For some reason it takes up so much time & energy.

so i have posted a few pictures from Hawaii- since I just stumbled upon them myself.

The first is of us at a the Polynesian Cultural Center..

This one is of me, walking around near the hotel we stayed at!

We had a bunch of fun relaxing & enjoying the time together!

forgot

2009-03-21T14:40:00.001-07:00

So a funny thing happened. While we were in Springfield, we were driving around, trying to get back on the freeway, we passed a sign, that said Circus parking, well we kept going & decided to take the next right. This is where we stumbled upon a BIG suprise

Elephants!!

Little update

2009-03-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well after 15 long months. Rex returned safely last sunday. I left salt lake to go & pick him up in Kansas (Fort Riley). I arrived in Kansas mid afternoon Monday, and Rex was done for the day. We drove around a bit & got settled into the hotel. We went out to dinner and then crashed. Tuesday and Wednesday Rex had stuff early morning to Mid-afternoon. We met up with his friends Tuesday night for one last hoorah, before everyone parted ways. We left kansas wednesday afternoon & headed for Fort Leonard Wood (FLW), Missouri.
Once we got here, it was late. So we started our morning fresh Thursday. We wanted to spend the time here looking for housing & me getting a job.
So first stop Thursday was at housing on post- oh my. What can I say... well not much. The housing was definately some old... unremodeled duplexs. They didn't have a garage, and were a big let down overall. Too bad we couldn't get into some of the new housing :(
So we started the journey of finding a place to stay off post. Little did we know the rental market is CRAZy out here. We went into multiple rental companies, who only had 2-4 rentals availble. And usually only 1 or 2 would fit our needs. We checked out a few different houses, and weren't falling in love with any. Overall Thursday was really frustrating for both of us.
Friday rolled around, and I had a meeting with the Nurse Recruiter at a near by hosptial (about 25 minute drive). Things went really well there, but the two departments I wanted to interview in where out of thier office. So they asked if I could stick around & maybe interview monday. So we decided to do that. We also looked at a few more places and again, weren't very excited. That afternoon, we had to take a long drive to Springfield, so I could do fingerprinting for my Missouri nurses license. That took all afternoon & we made no more head way with the rental search.
Saturday rolled around, and the only prospect we have is to meet up with a Property manager, we spoke with the day earlier. We drove by the property that he has availble. And really liked where it was, and what we saw from the outside. He told us that he would meet us today and show us the property. But as of right now, he hasn't returned our calls. :( (I think he was out of town yesterday and returning today).
So we are just sitting around waiting & taking it easy. Maybe we can find a redbox for some entertainment tonight.??
Other than that, we will be sticking around till Monday. I have 2 interviews set up & really hope that 1 position pulls through. And if we can get this housing figured out, we will take off monday afternoon. We plan on stopping back in Fort Riley, to meet up with some of Rex's friends that are still there. And then should be on our way back Tuesday.
I hope that keeps everyone up to date!! Wish us luck on the housing hunt!

WAHOO!

2009-03-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Rex just called and it's official he is in the USA!!!

He arrived in maine this evening

and will be hoping on a flight to get him to Kansas!

He is so excited & so am I!!

One more safe deployment done! phewww!

Set aside the date!!

2009-03-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

Family & Friends-

As you all know Rex will be returning shortly from his year-long deployment!

So we are throwing a party for him!!!

Set aside time on Monday March 30th (evening) to come & welcome him home!

More details to come!!!

The cruise

2009-03-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

So me & 3 friends from work, decided we all needed a vacation. So we went on one! Last week we set sail for a quick 4 day Mexican cruise. We flew into SanDiego, took off that night and were off for some fun!
Our first stop was Catalina Island, CA. Here we started the day off with some parasailing! Kate had never been, so it was fun to watch her squirm! After that we spent time on the Island driving around in a Golf cart. We also went and saw some botanical gardens with this cool building built to honor someone.
After catalina, we headed for Ensenada. And they had golf carts too! Amazing- but what a different situation. Here we were driving in the middle of regular streets and cars all around us. Jessie took control & owned the road. We also went to the beach and spent some time looking for sea shells. I found tons of sand-dollars!
While we were there, there was a parade as part of some sort of carnival. It was fun to be a part of and quite different than any parade i have been to. We also wondered around and bought some cool stuff.
After that we had a 'fun-day-at-see' day. We spent most of the day relaxing & trying to catch some sun... not a lot of luck though.
All in all we had a blast! Look forward to next time!

Girls Cruise

2009-03-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

Cruising Fun

2009-02-03T17:45:00.000-08:00

Snow fun

2009-01-26T18:19:00.000-08:00

Rex came home for some R&R (2week vacation) from Iraq.

We had a blast spending time together!

Our first adventure was snowmobiling at Daniels Summit up near Heber.

It was so much fun.

The weather was beautiful and the snow was everywhere.

It was the first time for me and it had been a while for Rex. Rex fell off the back once and bruised his ego a little bit.

As for me, once a got more adventurous I decided to go off the path... and went for a bit of a bumpy road. It was fun until I hit a creek... and snow flew ontop of me... I jolted me around a bit.

We had tons of fun !

awesome little neice

2009-01-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

So Joci & I are such good buds... I taught her a little trick! She wanted everyone to see just how talented she is... I think she gets it from ME!!! he he he

Roofus

2008-12-30T15:41:00.000-08:00

Santa sent Roofus this snazy top... and he wanted to show it off!

Rex Photos

2008-12-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

I know everyone has been awaiting these! There are tons of pictures from the batch I received from Rex. There is pictures from there Humanitarian projects, hanging around the FOB, and just little bits of whatever else I could find that he is in them.
I want to say a quick Thanks for everyone who has put together service projects.. hopefully I have captured pictures from them. Lucky enough Rex has received so much that it is hard for him to be out on every delivery and making sure that he gets everything on film.
Hopefully the next pictures I post from him… will be of the two of us (his leave is going to be here before we know it!)
Happy Christmas shopping…remember nobody likes a Grinch out shopping!!!

A true patriot. A truly great American. He won’t be forgotten.

2008-12-02T14:38:00.000-08:00

Rex & I wanted to share this story to tribute a fallen hero. Please remember our military in your thoughts and prayers, especially the family of Master Sgt. Davis and all others who are grieving over the loss of a loved one.

“He believed in our effort over there in Iraq. It wasn’t just a job. It wasn’t just a benefit.”
By Michelle Malkin • November 30, 2008 09:52 PM
As Thanksgiving weekend draws to an end, please say a prayer for the family of Master Sgt. Anthony Davis and find a way to show lasting gratitude to him — and all those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Davis was killed while delivering humanitarian supplies in Biaj, Iraq. He had served in the Army for 26 years. He loved his job and he believed in his mission. If this doesn’t put life in perspective for you, I don’t know what will. A true patriot. A truly great American. He won’t be forgotten.

Include is the article written in the Baltimore Sun:
An Army master sergeant who grew up in Baltimore and graduated from St. Frances Academy was killed Tuesday while distributing food on a humanitarian mission in Biaj, Iraq, the Department of Defense said.
Master Sgt. Anthony Davis, 43, had served in the Army for 26 years and was planning to retire when his tour ended, said his brothers and sisters, who gathered yesterday in Baltimore’s Harwood neighborhood to remember the man who loved the Army so much they called him ” G.I. Joe.”
Sergeant Davis was married and had five children and one grandchild. Living in the town of Triangle in Northern Virginia, his life was intertwined with the military. His wife, Anna Davis, is an Army major based at the Pentagon. And his 26-year-old daughter, Keona Rowe, also has served.
“He died doing what he loved to do,” said Adrienne Kelly, Sergeant Davis’ sister. She said her brother, one of 17 children, didn’t talk about the dangers he faced in Iraq. He didn’t want the family to worry.
On this tour, which began in May, Sergeant Davis trained and mentored Iraqi army members and delivered food and relief supplies to poor villages. He was part of a team that assessed schools and then planned renovations and organized supplies. His daughter Diana, 18, collected soccer balls to ship to her father, who distributed them to children on his missions.
This month, the News & Messenger newspaper in Northern Virginia published an article about the father-daughter effort.
In an e-mail to the paper, Sergeant Davis wrote, “We must remain vigilant and pray that we a[re] getting through to the younger generation, who will one day inherit this nation, so that they remember us as peaceful and encouraging, not intruders and invaders.”
On Tuesday, Sergeant Davis was distributing water and food in Biaj, about 250 miles north of Baghdad, when he was shot and killed by an Iraqi security force soldier, the Defense Department said. Some news reports have indicated that a U.S. Marine was also killed and that several Iraqi civilians in line for relief supplies were injured, but an Army spokesman could not confirm that yesterday.
“He was Army in every sense of the word,” said Jorge Tardi, Sergeant Davis’ brother-in-law. “He believed in our effort over there in Iraq. It wasn’t just a job. It wasn’t just a benefit. It wasn’t just hardship pay. He was a patriot.”

Thanksgiving-

2008-11-26T14:06:00.000-08:00

As the holiday falls upon us, I was struken by the sadness that must be felt to many families around the globe. I have seen and heard of quite a few different situations taking place right now. I am personally so grateful for the safety of my husband and the many other military members out there. But I am also vividely reminded of the fragility of life all around us. My heart goes out to those this holiday who will not be spending the holidays with family and that are facing much more challenging times ahead. Life is fragile and can change at any given moment. My hope is to let us all hold our love ones close this holiday & forget all the little things that stop us from loving one another and be grateful for what little life we have to share with one another.
"It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live."
-Marcus Aurelius

Kira

Christmas Delievery-

2008-11-14T14:04:00.001-08:00

FYI-
For those interested in sending gifts/treats to Rex or other soldiers deployed right now. The post office has published dates that packages must be mailed by.
For Rex's address the dates are as follows:
First-Class Mail® Letters and Cards: Dec 4
Priority Mail® : Dec 4
Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL)2: Dec- 1
Space Available Mail (SAM)3- Nov 21
Parcel Post® Nov 13 (oops too late!)

Again- I will not be posting his address on the blog. But if anyone needs it, email me or call & I can give it to you.
Thanks!
Kira

2008-11-02T15:07:00.000-08:00

CAPTAIN BRODERICK

I just wanted everyone to know that on November 1st Rex got promoted to Captain (o-3). His friends initiated him pretty bad, so he said he will be sending photos soon.

CONGRATS to the new Captain!

New furniture... do you like???

2008-10-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

The other day I found this AWESOME ottoman. I have been looking for something for a while to spruce up my living room... and finding the "right" item has taken some time but I feel that the pieces are all starting to come together now. Really- I just needed a place to show Rex his new furniture and brag about how totally awesome my design skills are!

FYI- Rex told me that he is working on another newsletter and hopefully more pictures. If you are not on his email... just send me a message & I can let him know to add you.

Thanks to all who are making all the service projects come together!

Seven... months that is!

2008-10-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

Can anyone believe it has been 7 months since this picture was taken! It has been 217 days since this beautiful couple were last seen together! I don't know about anyone else, but I am certainly glad we are on the down hill side of this deployment. I can hardly believe that I have been seperated from the love of my life for over 7 months now and yet I still have 3 more to go until I see him. I am super grateful that he is safe and we are still surviving this rollercoaster ride. Thanks to all that is supporting him from afar & me up close! All I can say is I am glad we are finally making some progress towards the end!

oh...my butt-ous!

2008-10-17T23:53:00.000-07:00

Ok- some may know, some not! I have been having pains in my leg/butt for over a year now, and have tried various forms of treatment. This week I was able to go to a Orthopedic specialist... who has finally helped me to some relief. I have been diagnosed with Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction & moderate Sciatica.. I have included pictures to illistrate!

SI= SacroIliac Joint.. Where your spine & hip meets! The sacroiliac (SI) joint sits between the sacrum and the iliac bone (thus the name “sacroiliac” joint). Symptoms of injury to this area include: (most common symptoms) are low back and buttock pain. The pain may affect one side or both SI joints. The pain can radiate down the leg all the way to the foot and may be confused with a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. The pain may radiate into the groin area. People often feel muscle spasm in one or both of their buttocks muscles. Problems with the SI joint may make sitting difficult. Pain in one SI joint may cause aperson to sit with that buttock tilted up. It is usually uncomfortable to sit flat in a chair. All of these I have had a problem with over the past few years. YIKES!
After physical therapy, taking it easy & anti-inflammatories a new treatment has been pursued. This week after my speaking with my DR. injections where the treatment of choice.
Injections are used primarily to confirm that the pain is coming from the SI joint. And a series of cortisone injections may be recommended to try to reduce the inflammation in and around the SI joint. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that is commonly used to control pain from arthritis and inflammation.

Anyways to make a long story short, originally the area got worse... usuall, but it might actually be starting to feel better!!! Let's hope we have finally found a reason & the healing process can begin... so i can kick EVERYONE's butt up the Grand Canyon next year!!!!!

Puppies for Sale

2008-10-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest photo of the puppies for sale.
Aren't they cute!

Thoughts… frustrations… humm

2008-09-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today I worked… oh yes by the way people work on holidays & weekends in the hospital… NEWS FLASH to all… sick people are NOT just sick Monday thru Friday 9-5…. It’s kind of a constant around the clock kind of thing. BUT why is it people are so ignorant to the fact that working weekends, holidays, days that end in y’s is such a hard concept to gather??? Most people have common sense, oh wait… that hasn’t been proven yet… I take it back. So I have realized my frustrations with people.
This will be my rant of the day….
Nurses have a freaking hard-ass job. We deal with the defective, sick, weak, pitifull and dying. Most of the situations I deal with on a daily basis, as well as my co-workers (who rock!) deal with people in a major crisis. Let me help put this in the best… CRISIS as defined on dictionary.com reads:
1. a condition of instability or danger, as in social, economic, political, or international affairs, leading to a decisive change.
2. a dramatic emotional or circumstantial upheaval in a person's life.
3. Medicine/Medical.
a. the point in the course of a serious disease at which a decisive change occurs, leading either to recovery or to death.
b. the change itself.

Anyways- My point is that my job is hard (and rewarding)… But it is IMPORTANT. To me and to the people that I get to help that are in a crisis. …. SO stop acting like I am bothering/interrupting everyone elses ‘busy’ 9-5… or mommy-only schedule because I work 40+hours a week (nights/days/weekends and holidays) MY question is… “Is it my job to fit into your schedule… or your’s to attempt to facilitate mine???“ AND really- if you wanted me to be involved/at things… shouldn’t you ATTEMPT to check my schedule PRIOR to planning????????????????
In life I believe that actions speak louder than words, and if you do something that speaks for itself… then it takes a significant amount of words(&time) to take back your actions that were louder & clearer than your words.
What a bunch of words to digest. Perhaps you have all caught me on a bad moment. Perhaps you caught me on an HONEST moment.
THOUGHTS… by kira

deep thoughts.... or lack there of

2008-09-14T03:04:00.000-07:00

So today I thought that I would enligthen the blog-o-sphere with my 4am night shift thoughts.
They are simple and true...
if you like to be blue.
so many of you know of my place of employment,
where i get so much enjoyment.
Although it may be hard
most of my coworkers think I am a 'tard'
I deal with stress and death
and also deal with Meth.
But overall... i would say I am not so stressed
it seems lately i have been doing my best.
I miss my man oh so much
oops, I think i might have missed my lunch.
So when you read this nifty poem
realize at 4am, i was not alone.

HA HA HA... i am trying to be more keen
so all you bloggin' ladies will relax your lean!

kira

Rex sent this email just the other day

2008-08-25T09:56:00.001-07:00

22 August 2008

Iraqi Service Project Updates

A few months ago I put out a call for people back home to support the Iraqi people and our mission here in Iraq by starting some service projects. For the past few months our team has been receiving a ton of packages from many of you back home. A newsletter showing some of the good things that have come from all the love and support you’ve sent is long overdue. Within the past six weeks my team and I have been able to make a difference in people’s lives across the desert of Iraq’s Ninevah Province, and we want to let you see some of the results that have come from your donations.
The first small project we were able to complete occurred in mid July when we were able to hand out thirty personal hygiene kits that friends and family members helped put together back home. The soldiers of the Iraqi Battalion we advise were very grateful and excited to receive the American products. We had jundis (the Arabic word for soldiers) coming up to us asking for more for the next couple of weeks afterwards. Many of them were surprised to know that people in America cared enough about what the Iraqi soldiers are doing out here to gather the resources needed to put together and send out the packages. It made them feel good about what they are doing and the project was a big success.
Since we arrived in Iraq, we’ve been receiving a ton of candy from back home. Once our team stockpile got big enough, we began giving the Iraqi Soldiers candy to hand out when they are on missions. The pictures you see here are of our battalion commander handing out some of the candy to kids in a village after the Battalion had just completed a cordon and search operation. When Iraqi Soldiers do these kinds of things, big steps are made towards getting the people of Iraq to support and trust the Iraqi Government. Meanwhile, because the Iraqi Army is still in its infancy, simple things – like getting together some candy to hand out – are difficult to make happen, so the effort to help from people back in the U.S. is not only appreciated, but it helps fill a gap that would otherwise be overlooked. Besides, our American candy is “the best” to the kids out here, so even if they could get some candy, it wouldn’t be as good as the stuff you’re sending. It’s surprising to realize how much of a difference these simple acts of service and kindness from people thousands of miles away are making over here. So please keep the candies coming, these guys go out on patrols all the time and they can use every last bit we give them.
The last good news story I have about our battalion is about a Medical Assistance Visit (MEDAV) we recently conducted in a small Iraqi village. The village has no clinc, and the people there often find themselves in a difficult political situation because the people come from some smaller, less powerful tribes. These types of villages are targeted by insurgents because it’s easy for them to throw some money and/or threats around to gain passive support from the people living there. This MEDAV was a large scale operation that involved the use of a lot of Coalition and Iraqi Army resources. Medical personnel were able to see some 250 people, and we handed out about $10,000 worth of medications to those in need. During the operation, some of the goods that our team has received were handed out to the people of the village, including some school supplies that were given to the headmaster of the small school which the operation took place in.
The best part of all of this is that there will be much more to come. In addition to the many small projects that have been and will continue to be done, we have several large-scale projects that have been set in motion. Soccer is huge in Iraq, and our Iraqi Army counterparts have agreed to help build some soccer fields in towns where the kids don’t really have a place to play. Where they need our help is to come up with soccer balls and money to have some goals built. Our other larger-scale operations that we have planned are dependent on us receiving monetary donations from back home. We plan to purchase needed goods such as clothing, blankets, heaters, etc. off the local economy and give them to the Iraqi Army to hand out in villages that could use the help. These projects act as a double edged sword because they not only heighten the Iraqi Government’s reputation and provide needed goods to distressed people, but they also provide a needed boost to the local economy. Steps have been taken to set up a charitable bank account to collect donations for these projects. The account has been set up at America First Credit Union, and donations can be made a couple of different ways:

1. Online banking - The account number is 903452-1, and the America First routing number is 324377516.

2. Make a check out payable to America First Credit Union.

Be sure to note on the check the account name: US Army MITT 0331
Charitable, and account number 903452-1. Checks can be mailed to:

America First Credit Union
P.O. Box 9199
Ogden, UT 84409

As always, any and all support anyone can give is greatly appreciated. If you have any ideas, questions, or would like to be put on the e-mail list, you can contact Rex Broderick at bubba.broderick@us.army.mil. If you know anyone who can get a hold of a ton of soccer balls, please contact Kira Broderick at kira2rex@msn.com. If you have any questions about making donations to the account you can contact Ernie Broderick at edbroderick@graniteschools.org or edb84093@msn.com.

what you've all been waiting for

2008-08-02T19:10:00.001-07:00

our troops rock!

2008-07-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post this video of some AWESOME soldiers. They are working so hard to build up the Iraqi forces. We all need to show support any way we know how. GOOD JOB GUYS... KEEP IT UP!!!

If you need help thinking of things to support the troops & the Iraqi counterparts they work with... contact me! kira2rex@msn.com

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

A message from Rex

2008-07-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

Today I received three packages full of candy and a bunch of cards from your neighborhood kids. Thank you so much! My team enjoyed the cards from the kids. Once we're done with them, I'll take the cards up to our base morale and welfare center so other soldiers will be able to enjoy them as well. The candy will be put to good use and be given to Iraqi children in our area. Our team does "drive-bys" when we're out on patrols, throwing the candy out from our gunners' hatches. We're trying to get the Iraqi battalion we advise to do the same thing. The kids here love it.

I've attached a few pictures that you may like to share with the kids who made the cards. Even though it happens all the time, it's proven difficult for me to get a video of some of these kids as they're sprinting up to the road, waving, and jumping all around in hopes of getting some candy from us. Once I get something that will work, I'll send a copy your way
Thanks for all the support!
1Lt. Rex Broderick
US ARMY MITT-0331

R.I.P

2008-06-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

Chonch
July 15 2000- June 8 2008
This morning after a long struggle with liver disease, chonch was laid to rest. Chonch was an professional snuggler , expert trick-do’er and loved to play with the ball. He was by my side for many moves, deployments and other separations from Rex and He will be missed!

trip to fort campbell

2008-06-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

So many of you know, I went to Fort Campbell last week to visit a friend. I had fun & it was good to go back! My friend had heard of this new thing the army is doing, it's called "post-tour". It is a new program the army put together to try & show families & the public what it is the soldiers do & how they train for it. So our day started with a briefing... a what/how/when about the history of Fort campbell. Then we went off & were able to do the helicopter flight simulator. That was fun... i crashed! (Kim is on the left-flying! The red with cracks in the backround means I just crashed!)
kim & some friends from FRG (Family Readiness Group)
After that we had some lunch, then headed off to the mock- urban training center. The place i hear is a pretty good representation of what Iraq is like... if that is true- I really feel for our guys who have to live there, for months & a year!!! After that we got to go to the Engagement skills training Facility. Here we got to use M-16 simulator guns. We got to target practice first- shooting Turkeys (on an interactive screen). After that we got to run through some different training skills. It was really hard to be able to shoot well & then re-load in a timely manner and regain your shooting skills! It really mad me appreciate how awesome our military men & women are. They have to be so trained & prepared. I really just want everyone to know how awesome our men & women are & let Rex as well as all the other soldiers out there know how proud of them I am!! GOOD JOB & STAY SAFE!!!

This is me & kim... guns... we have no idea what we are doing!!!
HA HA HA!!!

Snazy photo

2008-06-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

Rex is working on finishing up his memory card & sending it back to me. It may take some time. His internet and phones have not been working reguarly... so he can't communicate much these days. He was able to send me this one photo of him all geared-up!

Please try & get the projects he mentioned before going... time is flying by... let's not slack anymore!

email from Rex...

2008-05-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Family (& friends),
It’s been too long since I wrote everyone last time. I’d say sorry if I felt really bad, but I’ve been getting worked like crazy since I got here so I just feel a little bad. During previous deployments I’ve had a tough time falling asleep because I tried to get to bed early. I figured the deployment would go by quicker if I slept through more of it. This time around, I have no problem falling asleep because I’m so tired by the time I have a chance to go to bed. Other than working so much, I really love my job this time. It’s a lot of fun getting out there and interacting with the people here. I’m having fun learning and adapting to being around a different culture. My living conditions are good when I’m around my CHU, (containerized housing unit) but I’ve been moving around to different places a lot recently, so I’ve been living out of a rucksack a lot too. I really don’t even mind doing that too much either. It’s not as big of a deal when you know you’ve got a nice “home” to return to, but this country does suck. I don’t have a clue how/why the people hang around here. I guess it has something to do with not knowing anything better, traditions, family, or something. At any rate, I’ll never understand it. This place straight-up blows.
I want to tell all of you thanks for all your love, support, and prayers. Most importantly, I want to thank you for all the packages you’ve been sending. Within a couple of days, I received six packages. You guys have quickly established yourselves as the best family. You’re all very popular among my team. You’ve all set a pretty high standard early on, and I’m sure you’ll keep the goodies coming. Also along the same lines, I’ve sent Kira and a few of you some ideas for service project type things you guys can do back home. I’m in a pretty unique situation in that I have regular opportunities to interact with the people, so it’s really easy for me to hook them up with stuff. The kids here love soccer balls, candy, and small toys. And the Iraqi soldiers love any kind of pocket knives, leathermen, gerbers, etc. If any of you have ever wanted to find a way to impact how things are going over here, now’s your chance. It’s the little things that are making a difference in us winning this thing, and you guys would be surprised to see how much of a difference small things like that make. I’ve got access to interpreters if you want to send little notes or whatever to the people here, and I’d be happy to send pictures or other things your way. Please join the fun and start doing some of these things. I know all of you are thinking it’s a good idea, so you might as well get up and start doing something about it. Before you know it, I’ll be a couple of months away from coming home, and it’ll be too late to get something going. You’ve all got ten months, so let’s see how much good you can do. Contact me for more information when you want it. Anyways, thanks again for all your love and support. I miss you guys and think about you all the time. Keep on taking care of Kira and the dogs for me while I’m away and enjoy your lives in the land of the free.
Love, -Rex
P.S. I'm working on getting some more pictures out. I'll send another e-mail with a couple, and within the next week or two I plan on getting Kira a bunch of them.

something some one emailed me...

2008-05-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

Link: http://gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php
I tried to post a video, it wouldn't work. Check out the link!!!!
But this is a message from the creator of The Gratitude Campaign:

"For the past several years as I've been traveling around the country, I've been approaching Soldiers in airports and thanking them for serving for us. On several occasions I have noticed that it felt a little awkward for both of us. There are several reasons, some of which I am even just now learning as I produce this film and talk to more Service Men & Women and Veterans. But they have always appreciated being thanked, and I have always felt better having expressed my gratitude.
I started to think that it would be nice if civilians had a gesture or sign that they could use to say "thank you" quickly and easily without even having to approach. I did some research and found the sign that we are now using.
Is this limited to the military? Not at all. If you look around you I'm sure that you'll find lots of people who are serving their communities, from local to global. If you appreciate their service, give them a sign. Say "thank you from the bottom of my heart."
-Scott Truitt, FOUNDER, The Gratitude Campaign

conversation...

2008-04-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

Rex & I had a conversation the other day (online). I thought i would share some of it... I think he makes some valid points.

Kira- "people always ask me what you think about the war, when they find out you are over there... can you tell me... so i can make sure i am getting it straight?"
Rex- "Tell them I don't think people at home care enough about it."
Kira- "anything else?"
Rex- " people back home only care enough to pay attention to the news from over here that catches the headlines. if they cared enough to see what was really going on, all these bull crap of "when do we get out of iraq" debates would quit getting so much attention."

Well what can I add. We need to be more informed of what is really going on & really support our troops. Rex is in a unique situation to help the Iraqi forces help the Iraqi people.... which is VERY important. My ward here will be doing a service project for the children out in Iraq. If anyone wants to help out, any help will be appreciated. I will post more specifics later
love... Kira

pictures... i know everyone has wanted some

2008-04-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Real Camels!! Wow
Below is a picture of Rex with one of his fellow MITT member.
They are out and about doing what they do!

You thought your place was too small????
This is Rex's living space. He says it's the best
out of all previous tours. FANCY huh!!!

kitchen

2008-04-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

So the kitchen is coming along... still working on the handles! Here are some pics~!

cutest pugs ever

2008-04-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Thought i would share a picture of my babies.. Chonch& LLoyd! They were playing... and i thought it was cute. Chonch has been feeling better this week! Let's hope he keeps it up. He had a bad week last week... here is a picture of the snuggle king! Enjoy!

small update

2008-04-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

From Rex...
"I'm really busy now. It seems like there's always something I need to be doing. That's all right though, it makes the time fly. A month of deployment time is already up, and 4-1/2 months of the 15 total months are gone. So at least we've got that going for us. The place I'm at is nice, definitely the best living arrangements I've ever had on a deployment. The job is also nice too. Working on a small team is much better than being stuck in a big army unit. We really have a lot of freedom to do our job how we see fit, and I've got a lot of say over what happens. I've been doing bad at taking pictures. I carry my camera around with me all the time, but I never remember, or I'm too lazy to take any pictures. I'll start doing better and get some sent out to you. Once again, you'll probably have to wait for those until we get our internet to ourselves."
Rex
(posted by Kira)

kind of funny... well if you have that kind of sense of humor... be warned!

2008-04-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

FROM the MAN himself..... "So your husband was incredibly hilarious tonight. Get this, we (Cliff, Josh, me, and MSG Tucker) were heading back from the MUF (Multi Use Facility) and we decide to stop off at the latrine trailer to take a leak. Well, we're in PTs -- and you know what that means for me... super tight shorts -- and we each step up to one of the four urinals to take care of business. As I'm walking up there, I realize that there is no way I'll be able to go about business as usual, my shorts are just way to tight. So I went ahead and shimmied the PT shorts half way down my buttocks. It would have been a great Kodak moment... me and my buds all standing at the urinals taking a leak with me standing there with my glutes hanging half way out... Magnificent. I know you all wish you could've been there!"
from Rex's email!!!.. posted by me

house keeping...

2008-04-08T21:41:00.000-07:00

So I finally got around to doing some house keeping. I know that i have some friends that asked for pictures of the house once i got settled... I am still settling. But i have gotten a few rooms where I want them. I don't have people over much, so i thoguht I would share some pictures with y'all~!!!

This is a picture of my living room... I love the new sofas!!! Except they are a little too slippery for chonch!

This is the entertainment center that Rex & I worked on last year... and finally finished!

Next is the fireplace.. i love the little decor!

Then there is a picture from the living room looking into the dining/office area. I just back painted the wall. I really like the new color.

Anyways... i will work on the Kitchen and clean up my bedroom so i can post some more pictures. I better go. Hope everyone is doing well.

Rex is hanging in and has a mailing address... i won't be posting it on the blog. But if you want to send him something. PLEASE email me!!!

love ya!

in iraq... words from the man himself...

2008-04-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

In an email from Rex he wrote the following:
"I thought you'd like to know that I'm now in country. It'll still be a while before I get settled into the job I'll be doing; we've still got some more training to go through. Things here are good. I'm more and more amazed everyday at all the ammenities that are here. It's a huge improvement to what I've been used to, even compared to 3 years ago.
Coming back on deployment this time reminds me of how I felt when I got to the MTC. Literally, as I got off the plane in Kuwait I felt the spirit... Wierd huh? "
More to come... Hopefully he will get settled in soon!!
from,
Rex..... written by kira

Hello from Kuwait

2008-03-29T20:34:00.001-07:00

Hey there. Rex sent this picture and i tought i would share it with everyone else. These are 2 of his good friends... next to him is Josh & next to Josh is Clint. They are great guys... who said they will take care of Rex!!!!

Update for Me- I am busy working... I work 3 12hour shifts at the New hospital here in Salt Lake... Intermountain Medical Center... in the Shock/Trauma ICU. It is a very challenging job and I am learning tons everyday!
Keep you posted.... Kira

update

2008-03-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

Family & Friends-

I thought I would get this blog jump started. As many of you know Rex has set of for another deployment for Iraq. Last week he arrived safely in Kuwait, he will be training there for a period, then move into his final destination in Iraq. He said that things are much different from the beginning of the war... there's a Taco Bell in Kuwait now- So I am sure he will be happy!

As for information- I will not be very specific on where he is, what he's working on without his clearance. With information so free flowing these days it takes an extra effort to be dilligent in keeping our troops safe! ! ! I will do my best. Hope everyone is good & don't forget the many other men & women that are supporting our nations freedoms... Pray for them often!!

Included is the "Bone Crushers"... the team Rex is assigned to!!! Enjoy!!!