Choo Choo!

Gracie and I had a lunch date this week. We went to Fritz's on 18th street for lunch on Friday. Now I know this sounds mundane but let me tell you about Fritz's. It is a train themed hamburger joint. You go in and seat yourself. Even at 12:30 we had to wait about 10 minutes for a table to open up. Each table has a phone by it. You look at the menu and use the phone to call in your order. A waitress brings your drinks but a train brings your food.

That's right, a train! There is a track that runs around the entire restraunt with stops at each table. Back in the kitchen they program the train to stop at your table and the crossing arm drops and your food is there. Viola!

Gracie loved it! Everytime the train would pass by she'd ask if it was bringing her food. (Even after she had her hamburger!) Needless to say she didn't eat her lunch~~ we took it to-go and she had it later.

So next time you're in KC we'll go check out Fritz's.

Princess Underpants

I give you Gracie, Princess Underpants. In Rosner tradition, Gracie recieved underpants in her stocking this morning. As you can see she was delighted with her Little Mermaid panties, so much so that she put them on her head and danced around the room. Yes, someday she will be mortified that I posted pictures of her and her chones on our blog but when you're that stinking cute you have got to expect it.

Merry Christmas all!

Blessings,

heather

YIKES

I got the cutest gift from one of my students. It was a gingerbread shaped jar full of gingerbread cookie mix. You know, one of those fun mixes that you add a few ingredients to and viola!! homemade cookies.

Well Gracie saw it and took the cookie cutter off the jar and brought it too me with the request to make gingerbread cookies. So we got everything together in the kitchen. Set the camera up to record our adventure and pulled up a chair so the princess could help.

I read the directions... grease a 9x13 pan. Later it said to drop the cookies onto a cookies sheet. huh?? What pan am I supposed to use--ummmm.... I'll go with cookie sheet. Ok, pour the mix into the bowl. OK, I opened the jar, turned it upside down and nothing came out. So with the handy dandy use of a skewer and a knife, a lot of digging and whacking the mix tumbled out into the bowl. I added the butter, the flour, the eggs it needed and finally got to the cloves. 1 1/2 teaspoons. Wow! That seems like a lot but that's what the recipie says.

Can I tell you the cookies were vile. They burned my mouth. Gracie took one bite and said, "Mommy, I don't like these cookies!" And into the trash they all went.

All is not lost, however. Gracie and I had a great time baking today. We made a ginormous mess but giggled and talked. It was a good day. And tonight we mixed up a batch of Grandma Mary's no fail sugar cookie dough so we can cut them out tomorrow. :) We've got to have something ready for Santa!

My Apologies

Yikes!! I've turned into one of "those" people who start up a blog, post with enthusiasm for a few months and then abandon it. So here is my post to update on what's going on in Kansas.

Gracie and I went out to Manhattan for the weekend for a craft fair. She ended up spiking a fever while we were out there so I stayed home on Monday to take her to the doctor. Of course she didn't run a fever all Monday so I looked like a big fat liar. Then when we came to school on Tuesday she proceeds to toss her cookies all over the room--- luckily Michelle, my friend was able to take her home and keep her today.

Monday we got a Christmas card from the Lakatoes with a cool picture of a Michigan snowman! Thanks! I also got the most beautiful, heartfelt card from my dear husband. It was the kind that makes you go sniff sniff a little. I'm a lucky girl.

So we're pretty boring right now. Maybe something funny will happen tonight!

Baby it's Cold Outside!

As I was laying in bed this morning our friendly weatherman said that it was 5 below zero windchill. Brrrrr!! On a related note, it should be 50 degrees on Saturday.

This was sent to my by Karen. It's kind of hard to read what it says underneath but the jist of it is, this soldier is the only one who can comfort this Iraqi little girl being treated at an American hospital. Her family was killed by insurgents and she was shot in the head herself. This wonderful soldier has been sleeping in a chair holding her so she can feel better.

Snow Day Part Deux

As predicted the Kansas City area got a snow storm yesterday afternoon. On Strawberry Hill we got about 2-3 inches. Enough to make it pretty, and to cancel school again. For those of you keeping score here's a rundown of our week:
A 6 day Thanksgiving weekend.
Work on Tuesday when temps were in the 70s!
Work on Wednesday where the ice storm hit and most kids were picked up early.
Snow day Thursday complete with a fresh snow storm.
Snow day on Friday.
And now the weekend!!
Gracie and I spent the day decorating for Christmas. We got the tree up, the 4 Nativity scenes, stockings and other assorted decor scattered around the house and we feel festive if not a little crowded. Maybe we'll make cookies this afternoon. yumm!

SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woo hoo!! I got the call late last night from our kindergarten teacher that we had a snow day today. I promptly rolled over and turned off the alarm clock.

In the morning I realized something. I hadn't been to the grocery store since looooooonnnnnggggg before Thanksgiving. Minor problem as I have an adorable minor who will eventually want to eat. hmmm....

So I flipped on the news, roads getting cleared, storm coming this afternoon. Yes, Gracie and I went out this morning to go to Price Chopper. Now before you all get worked up over my taking my little tyke out on icy roads let me tell you about some of my blessings.....

1. I am blessed to live on a primary route for the fire department therefore my street gets plowed and sanded first.
2. I am blessed that my street connects to an on-ramp for the highway and is also plowed and sanded early/first.

So the roads were clear and our travels were easy to the grocery store and we're home now safe and sound ready for round two.

Bring it on!

You Gotta Love It!!

So it was almost 70 degrees yesterday. But this is Kansas and if you don't like the weather wait 10 minutes. It was in the 30s when I left for school and by lunch time it was sleeting.

That's right folks, I get to drive home in the sleet! WOO HOO!

The good part is, most parents pick up early so by 2:30 I only had 6 kids and at almost 4:00 we only have a handful of daycare kids. Let's pray that they all get picked up quick!

Never Will Again NWA

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. I will blog later this week about all of our adventures in North Carolina but I have to take some time today to tell you about our travels.

About 6 weeks ago I made our travel arrangements on line with Northwest Airlines (NWA). I was a little nervous to make them so close to the holidays but I lucked out and was able to assign Grace and I seats next to each other. Well about a week before we left I realized I never received a confirmation email so I called customer service to make sure we had tickets.

The only way she could look my reservation was with the confirmation number.... argh! I didn't have one. Eventually I got her to admit that she could do it with my name and yes, we had tickets - YEAH!! But not before I was scolded by a customer no-service agent. I think this is where my troubles began.

Flash forward to the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. We check in at KCI like a breeze and get on the airplane. Only then do I realize that Grace and I are not sitting next to each other on the next leg of our journey. Don't know how that happened as I had reserved adjacent seats but this happens often to us.

I made sure I was at the gate in Minnisota early so she could reassign us before too many people checked in. I was told that she couldn't do anything about it. So I tactfully *wink* sat by the podium and called my mom and told her about our exchange. About five minutes later I had new seats presented to me. Yes, Heather was evil but she got her seats. *insert evil laugh here*

We made it to Raleigh on time if not early but had to wait awhile to find someone to drive the jetway to our plane but all in all it was a nice flight out.

Monday--- hmmmm... there must be a full moon or something. It was weird weird weird.
We got to the airport a little behind schedule but no biggie. The oddities began when we hit the ticket counter.

I used the kiosk to check in and it only printed boarding passes for the first leg of our journey and didn't give us seat assignments. When I joined the line to hand over my bags I of course chose the wrong line. Karen ushered us into the right line and we finally got to the front. They were not helpful and kept talking to me like I was stupid, asking if I had printed bag tags --- ummm no?? I printed boarding passes. Had they asked my name, well you know.

So we say our good byes and get into security --- behind parents with two babies who of course get stopped to search their bags. Well we cut and then I had the brilliant idea to check my phone to see what time it was. 8:05--- the flight was at 8:30 and we have to be on board 15 minutes prior and we still have to check in to get seats. Gracie got on my shoulders and I ran through RDU with my backpack, package and girl. I'm sure we looked funny.

As I ran up to the counter they handed me boarding passes for Minnesota, but not to KC like they said they would at the ticket counter. AND we were 5 rows apart on opposite sides of the plane. When I commented that my 2 year old was not seated next to me I was told that I was too late so they just assigned us and that they didn't know she was two. I didn't want to get into it but I *maybe* made a comment about how ghetto the airline was. Then I had to humbly turn around and ask for my second set of boarding passes... they said they couldn't do that. Well they had given me MY boarding passes but not Grace's so I went back and demanded it. I won *insert evil laugh*.

When we got to Minnesota I went to the new gate to get our seats switched. I promise, I was nice. I was polite. I also had to wait until 20 minutes before we were scheduled to take off to talk to someone! ARGH and her solution was to move us to one behind the other rows. :P Keep in mind they were rearranging everyone since there was a change in aircraft. When we finally boarded and my pass was invalid I asked again and I was told to take care of it myself on the plane--- which I was planning on doing--- and I was told in a snotty voice.

So the story does end well. When we finally got to KC I was expecting my bags to be late or nonexistant. They were there, waiting. They had come in on an earlier flight-- weird. Never again will I fly NWA.

Some Things Money Can't Buy

If I worked in nearby Johnson County for the Shawnee Mission school district I would make $11,000 more a year. No, that's not a typo, that is really the difference in pay. I'd be able to drive a new car and have really nice clothes. Grace would wear more Gymboree and I'd probably have season tickets for K-State football. I'd have more things.

But today at school I was reminded why I love where I teach. Ana, who is 4 was sitting at the table coloring with me. She looked at me and asked, "Mrs. Wahab, do you have a Jesus is my friend coloring paper?" So we looked through some books and picked out a paper that fit her description. She got to take it to the office and have copies made - proud as a peacock.

Where else would I have my kids asking for pictures of Jesus?
Where else would it be important to them?

So I have less stuff - makes it easier to move right? We wear clothes from Target rather than Gymboree and Ann Taylor-- I don't have to worry about expensive clothes being ruined by preschoolers. My car is 8 years old with 100,000+ miles on it-- and I know it's noises and shakes.

My students know and love Jesus --- and that's what it's all about.

I think I'll stay right where I am.

Uggg

It is the bane of elementary school teacher's existence---- head lice.
And I have two cases of it in my classroom, a classroom full of dolls, blankets and soft fuzzy items. It's going to be a loooooooooooonnnnnngggggg weekend.

Blah

Nerd Shots

As promised here are some of the "unique" people we saw on Saturday. The first one is a checker at the grocery store--- that's a wig she has on folks. The next one is California boy who was wearing shorts and flip flops! I don't remember the temp that day but I had to scrape my windows on my car so sufice to say it was COLD! The third one was a bird jacket. 'nuf said. The last one is some goofy chick who had a booth there. :)

Just a Little Over a Week

Neilson reported to me that he received his first box from home today! The exciting part is, it took just over a week to get there! Not bad in my book. Drop me an email if you want his address as I'm not going to post it for security reasons. :)

This Blog is Being Brought to You by the Number 2

Yeah, it's gross but I have to brag. Gracie used the pooped on the potty twice today at her on initiative! We have been pretty successful with the potty training but this was our "Little Big Horn." The more I pushed, bribed and praised the more resistent she was. Then today, she decided today that she was going to use the potty. Stubborn little toot. Wonder where she gets that. (hahahahahaha)

Buttons and Bows

Way back last spring I got this crazy idea..... I should have a booth at a craft fair. Now in March, November seemed like eons away, plenty of time to get enough cards and albums ready for the show. Easy peasy squeezy cheesy..... yeah right. As you can probably guess, life happened and suddenly it was October and I realized, "Oh crap! Buttons and bows is 6 weeks away and I only have about 50 cards! I better get busy."

So Gracie got used to mommy scrapbooking everynight afterschool and on weekends being drug to such glamorous locals as Michaels, Hobby Lobby and JoAnns for supplies. In the end we made it with about 350 cards, 5 mini-albums, 5 paperbag albums and 5 altered clipboards. It all fit in one rubbermaid box and I started to panic.

What am I going to do with a 9 by 5 booth for 8 hours when all my stuff fits in one box????? Mom came to the rescue and made some of her adorable candy arrangements, wreaths and cute as a button snowman bricks and the booth was full.

We were lucky enough to be in the main gym right behind Mom's friend Gayla and we had a great day. I sold a fair amount and it was a fun girls' day. Later this week I'll upload the nerd pictures we took of some of our patrons.... believe me, I wasn't fast enough with the camera and you all are going to miss out on dead teddybear scarf lady, poodle head and nun with a babybag however I did get some doozies. :)

The find of the day was the little rocking chair you see pictured. Gracie loves it! Thank you Papa!! I also added in a picture of our booth and a close up of Mom's candy arrangement -- too cute!

To top the day off the Wildcat men's basketball team won against William and Mary and as we speak the football team is taking on the Longhorns. GO STATE!!

Attention Grandma Jo

Here is the dress Gracie is going to wear in Stephanie's wedding this March. Do you think you could alter it? :)
love
heather

I Have A New Friend

Being a teacher is a strange thing. It is my job to take care of my students. As a building we have adopted the BIST philosophy for discipline. We are committed to helping our kids make good choices. Part of this model means that all teachers get to know all the kids and build relationships with them - especially the challenging ones.
So though I am the lowly preschool teacher I know the junior high kids too. As one of the aftercare providers I get a chance to interact with the bigger kids on a daily basis. Well, and let's face it, since I'm the only certified teacher who does aftercare I get to take care of any "challenges" that come up.
Really I'm getting to my friend but I'm taking the long windy route so bear with me. Back up to last week. The junior high boys were giving my co-aftercare provider some heck. Mainly it was her two own children so I went down and brought them up to my room. I can't even tell you how mad they were with me - especially the older one. He wouldn't talk to me the rest of the evening nor for an hour the next morning--- but then he opened up.
Now the kid is my new best friend. Today alone he stopped by my classroom 3 times to see if I needed anything. And though he moans and complains that I checked with his teachers to get his missing assignments, he is anxious to get to work afterschool since he knows I will help him. The deal is he wants to come teach preschool one day and I won't let him until he is all caught up. And to top it all off the love of his life just happens to be the oldest daughter of one of my friends.
So I, the teacher who is afraid of the junior high kids, has been befriended by an eighth grader--- how did that happen??

Houston, We Have a Color

Mom, Grace and I met in Topeka, KS this Saturday and we bought out their stash of holiday decorations. We're going to use them for "part 2" in 2007. I hope I shrunk the picture enough so the fruit aren't the size of cantelopes! We're going to cut the tacky velvet leaves out and add in some Carolina pine cones and hopfully put in a nice purple ribbon.

Pumpkin Carving

Here are some pictures from last weekend's pumpkin carving. We made a daddy, mommy, Gracie pumpkin. Gracie drew them and mommy carved them. Great fun and we won 2nd prize for most detailed. Our pumpkin had 3 faces.

Burn Baby Burn

So here is a picture - all be it a bad one of my neck. Actually, I'm not even sure you can see said burn but it's down in my collarbone area.
:)
My lesson is learned and I'm going to wear protective gear to make hash--- oh, and I'm not going to let the pan get so hot before I put the potatos in either!

Good Grief!

As if it wasn't a crazy enough day allready, today ended up with a trip to urgent care at our doctor's office. I was making dinner tonight - hash - and when I put the potatoes in the grease it splattered up hitting me on the neck and face. YIKES so I called mom.

"Um, hey mom, I just burned my neck what do I do?" Dear mom reminded me to ice it and keep it cool which I did for the better part of an hour after which it still stung so I decided to head to our urgent care.

The kind doc took a look at me and declared first degree burns which were *almost* second degree burns. Thankfully they are small and should heal on their own but she did prescribe silvadene (sp) just in case.

So we are home, everyone is healthy and feeling well. I'm just finishing my report cards and wondering how many times I'll have to explain my spotty neck to parents tomorrow at conferences. Yep, I burned my neck the night before parent teacher conferences--- what a klutz :)

John Kerry

If you haven't been watching the news you may have missed this tidbit. In speaking to students at Pasadena City College he encouraged them to study hard and get smart so they didn't end up in Iraq. I don't know about you but I don't care for anyone insulting Neilson's intelligence.

I looked online and you can send Kerry an email through his government website. http://kerry.senate.gov/ If you are so inclined, I'd appreciate it if you'd help fill his inbox with nasty-grams :insert evil laugh here:

Iraq T-Shirts

T-Shirts

I just checked the frg website and they batallion is selling t-shirts. I can't post a picture because I can't figure how to do it. Anyway, it is a gray t-shirt with black letters that says, "Property of 3BSTB 3BCT Diyala, Iraq". It has the first cav insignia on it as well. They are $10 each and it's $3 per shirt to ship. There is an order form on the website. If you have any problems I'll try to get one that I can email to you.

Circus Circus and Trick or Treat

Gracie has a mind of her own. Since July we had been planning on her being a butterfly for Halloween. We got the wings in OKC at the botanical gardens and she loves them-- and is darn cute in them. However, a week before the big day she announces, "I don't want to be a butterfly, I want to be a mermaid!"

You see Little Mermaid fever has infected the Wahab house. She watched the movie with Grandma and got the toys from McDonald's and now it is all mermaid all the time. Off to Target we went where we managed to snag a costume. The toddler sizes were so skimpy and expensive. They weren't going to fit over a sweat suit and in Kansas you must count on sweats being a part of your costume for Halloween. So in the girl's dept. we found one that was sized to fit 8-10 years - YIKES but it was cheap and with two safety pins fit lovely. And happiness once again reigned in the house.

Friday night we went to school for "Trunk or Treat". For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, I'll explain. Everyone comes and parks their cars in the parking lot, decorates their trunks and the kids go trick or treating from car to car. It is safe and fun and we had a blast. As you can see from the pictures Gracie is the little mermaid and that is Daddy's car all decked out for Halloween. There is also a shot of her in action and a couple of her eating hotdogs with her friends Ariana and Andrew. She made out like a bandit and the 10 count them 10 bags of candy and 250 spider rings we brought were gone in 30 minutes- I kid you not.

At trunk or treat Ariana's mom offered us circus tickets for Saturday morning. We went and Grace thought the animals were great. She wasn't too keen on the lights going off between acts but I enjoyed it. We ended up leaving at intermission and the last picture I posted should let you know why--- such a busy social life for a girl leads to a tired chica.

I have to wrap this up as I am at school posting with the high speed internet. We are off to dinner and pumpkin carving party. Look for pictures from that soon.

Blessings and Boos!
Heather

Help a Girl Out!

I'll admit I've feigned understanding what a "pig pickin' " is one too many times. Could someone kindly explain what goes on a this BBQ type event? (I'm presuming it's a BBQ type event.)

Thank you for your continued southern education of this born and bred mid-westerner. :)

heather

Gobble Gobble!

I got our tickets yesterday for Thanksgiving weekend. Grace and I are heading east via Minnesota to visit Belhaven and all the Wahabs for the weekend. I sent flight particulars to Neilson, Karen and mom but in general we are leaving Wednesday and coming back on Monday.
Can't wait to go! :)

Gracie's Day

Here are some pictures from Gracie at school. The first is of her love interest Jesse. The second is her eating lunch in the cafeteria. Third is Gracie and her afterschool friend Charlie and then the last two are of her at workshop. As you can see she is a big girl! Oh, she is also wearing the dress that Grandma Jo made for her.

Check Your Email--Again

The frg website has an address again for our favorite soldier. It's the same one I sent out earlier but I'll assume most everyone deleted it so I'll send it again. If for some reason you don't get the email, post a comment and I'll try again.

:)

heather

The Great Pumpkin

Saturday Gracie and I headed east to Liberty, Mo to Carolyn's Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch. As you can tell from the pictures we had a great time. We rode the tractor and wagon into the fields to find our pumpkin. Gracie ran around the pumpkin patch like a mad-woman looking for the best one. Actually I think she just liked running around.

This pumpkin patch is awesome. I've taken several classes out there. Grace and I went last year. Of course last year she cried when she touched the pumkins and wouldn't even look at them.

They also have a farm playground and a petting zoo. Grace loved it all. When we left she was covered in dust, hay, oggie boogies and sticky--- so you know it was a great day.

Happy Saturday!!

This morning I heard from Neilson. He is doing well. I should pass along that he can really only check his army email and he can't access the blog from his computer at work. Unfortunately the lines for the other computers are very long so I'll just pass along what he said to me.

He said it's very dusty but they are in a river valley so there are trees and bushes-- just no grass. And all that dust equals sand oogie boogies. Yuck! He will be switching rooms as soon the rest of his unit gets there. They are busy working every day. He goes in around 0800 and gets off about 12 hours later. No complaints about the dining facility. It's set up like a food court so if you don't like what they're serving you can get a salad, or sandwhich or something else. They also have every drink known to man available. Still no word on when he'll have a valid address. :P But don't worry I'll pass it out when I get one.

On a very positive note a 300 minute phone card was a 50 minute call home! So Grace and I are off to Target to snap up some more of those 600 minute cards that are on sale through today.

I got a lovely card from Uncle Herb yesterday. He had flowers at his church for Vera, Neilson and I. He even sent the church bulletin so I could see it noted. Thank you so much Herb for your kindness and prayers.

Well we are off to Target and maybe even the Pumpkin Patch today! Take care!

Blessings,

Heather

Check your Email--- Again!
The address I have is going to change and the zip code isn't right. poo

Check Your Email

I have an address!!! I sent it out to my address book this afternoon (10/12). Let me know if you need it!

A Humble Request

I just received an email from my darling husband--- really he is darling. He is still waiting for his other two bags to catch up with him. In the meantime he has made a few requests. First, he is in need of AAA batteries. I don't know what for--- probably some army toy of his :) Additionally, the previous residents of his room were aromatically challenged and some non plug in type room fresheners would be nice. I don't know what scent-- so make sure it's really fruity and feminine --- hee hee hee just kidding, I'd stick with something plain like rain or seabreeze.

Now I realize that these requests are nice and helpful and we're all chomping at the bit to send a care package however, I still don't have an address. I'm off to check with Cpt. Ontko.

Blessings,

Heather

Jingle Bells (Edited 10/11 pm)

Yep, it's October 11 and time to think about Christmas. I heard on the news today that our friendly post office has reminded us that if we want our soldiers overseas to have packages in time for Christmas they must be sent out no later than a week from Monday---- October 23. Hopefully we'll have an address for Neilson by then!

Also on the mail front I have a few tips given to me at the family readiness briefing.
Packages can't be any larger than 102 inches total dimensions and no more than 70 pounds. Customs forms must be filled out for any package weighing more than 16 oz. The post office has a flat rate box that you can pick up for free. You can put as much weight as you want in it and ship it for $8 regardless. They also ask that you not send any fire arms, combustibles, alcohol, or non-Islamic religious items in bulk or pork products.

Karen has told me that she makes sure to seal every seam on the box so Neilson knows if it's been opened. She also inventories what's in the box and sends an email when she's sends the box so he is expecting it.

Neilson has told me he'd love anything! Chocolate is too melty right now - wait till after November. Pull-top micro meals, beef jerky, anything to read, pictures, pictures, pictures, letters, snacks but please no raisens. Of course phone cards are wonderful so he can call his loved ones. :)

I'll post more when I know.

And I know more! :) My darling hubby gave me a wonderful usps info sheet that directed me to www.usps.com/supportingourtroops It has all the restrictions, guidelines, dates etc. that you need. It also has the phone number to order the "Mili-kit" which is free packing supplies to send care packages.

Blessings,
Heather

Heck ya!

Those bags are too heavy! Glad he doesn't have to lug them around anymore--- now the $100,000 question is did the other two bags catch up with him??

Wahab back in Iraq,

I've arrived back in Iraq, for my second year-long tour. I've reached my final destination, and won't have to drag those d*mn bags around anymore (they're quite heavy aren't they Heather!). I'm currently living in a small trailer with another captain from my unit. I actually have a bed frame and mattress (with sleeping bag of course). Not much else going on. More later.

Love

Neilson

What A Deal!!!

Mom, Mandi and I were at our favorite store Target today and we got a bargain that I had to share. We found 600 minute ATT phone cards on sale for $18 down from $30. They are on sale through this Saturday.

There is an ATT call center where Neilson is landing so this is a great gift idea.... Not to boss you around or anything. I just wanted to let everyone about the great deal.

As far as how long they'll last.... when he called from Kuwait 300 minutes lasted 30 minutes. I'm not sure the ratio will be the same for Iraq but that's at least a guideline. :)

Bradley!

You were at the top of a tree????!!!!

MANY THANKS

I was driving home from Topeka, Kansas last night and I got to thinking about how fortunate I am. Seeing the beautiful full moon rise over the horizon made me pause and thank God for all his blessings that he has bestowed on me. The looooooonnnnngggg drive home from Topeka (about an hour) made me realize that I have many people to thank for helping me this past week.

Thank you Mom, Karen, Bradley, Jennifer, Diane, Joyce, Laura, Audrey and Neilson for talking to me as I drove back from Texas. The drive seemed so short because I had such good company. I realized this as the drive from Topeka seemed so long last night. I couldn't have done it without you keeping me going.

Thank you to Kathy, Joyce, Laura, Diane, Michelle and Angelina for making it possible for me to be gone that week. From what I hear it was a wild ride in preschool but everyone survived without lasting scars (I hope!).

Big thanks to everyone who called, wrote and stopped me to check on how I was doing this week. I feel very loved and blessed to have so much kindess in my life. I'm serious when I say I couldn't have done it without any of you..

God Bless

Hi to all from Kuwait!

I'm in Kuwait same and sound. Lots of changes, all the sand dunes have moved! But, i've navigated my way through the desert to find a single computer with internet access, and a small line for that matter. The fall weather here is nice with sunny skies and a cool 100 degrees or more everyday! I'm now waiting on another long meeting to start here at the Greywolf brigade headquarters. Looks to be another fun one.

All of my love

Neilson

Woo Hoo!!!!

I'm sure most of you know by now (it's evening here) but I got a call from Neilson this morning at 6:15am central time!! He is doing well and is safe in Kuwait. He's very busy of course running around to meetings, filling out paperwork and zeroing his weapon. But he's there and he's safe and he sounded much better.

He said he's not quite caught up on sleep but he is eating well. They fed them too much on the plane and he had a Bratwurst in Germany. (I'm guessing it's a good place to have one!)

Fun fact about the phone call--- He was using a 300 minute phone card and that equated to 30 minutes of talk time from Kuwait. I don't know if it will be the same ratio from Iraq.

I floated into work today and nothing got me crabby! In fact I still have a stupid grin on my face. I just thought I'd pass this little nugget of good news!

No News is Good News Right??

No, I haven't heard anything from Neilson. I'm figuring he is in Kuwait by now and knowing his luck, is looking for his lost baggage. I can't imagine after all the work it took to get him gone that his bags would have followed suit.... but I hope I'm wrong.

Gracie and I had a good day at school. She made some projects to send to daddy and she wore her camo pants "just like daddy" and her t-shirt that says, "I love my Baghdaddy!" Very cute to say the least.

When we got home I had a wonderful note from Marjie Stark in the mail. Thank you so much! I really feel loved.

I will post information as soon as I receive it either from Neilson or the FRG website. Which if I may plug it again. CPT Ontko is on top of accepting registrations multiple times per day. If you want to register with the site and keep tabs on him I can send you instructions as well as the necessary information (ss#, unit, etc.) .

Many blessings to all of you for keeping Neilson in your prayers.

You Know You're In the Army When......

you find yourself saying, "Gracie honey, be careful so you don't step on Daddy's weapon." Yes, those words came out of my mouth in that order Saturday. And after that I shortly disolved into giggles.

Now I know the Wahab's are all thinking, "What's the big deal??" Let me explain. I was never allowed nor did I ever want toy guns growing up. We didn't even have squirt guns. We had squirting animals or spray bottles but guns were not our thing. As an adult I have a super healthy respect for weaponry and here I was in a room with a couple hundred soldiers and their weapons and just as comfortable as can be told our 2 year old to mind Daddy's weapon.

Now that you have some back story you can understand why I found that line so funny. :) I'm still laughing about it. Neilson looked at me like I was a loon and well, I am.

With all the dismal doom and gloom posts I thought I would let you all know about something funny from this weekend.

Of course I'll give you an update... I'm not going to keep you wondering. :) I got a call this morning from Maine and all was well. I got a text message mid morning (central time zone) and I'm guessing that meant he was leaving Maine. Most importantly Neilson sounded great so that made me happy.

I'll post more when I know. Love to all.

Heather

Good News! (Well I Guess)

I got a text message at 12.30AM central time that Neilson does in fact have a plane and is on it and is going. Finally.

Just a recap in case you were out of the loop the last few days. The plan was for a Saturday morning departure which got delayed. Then it was supposed to be a Sunday 4:30AM departure and that was cancelled. But he's airborn and on his way so we can hurry up and get this fun over with :P

I know God only gives me as much as I can handle.
I just wish he didn't trust me so much.

- Mother Theresa

I've Got A Skeleton Dying to Come Out

Of my closet that is. I am computer illiterate. In fiddling with this blog I made it so I had to look at all comments before they could be published and only just now have figured that out. I think I took that feature back off so now I'll stay out of the comments.

*sheepish look on my face*

I'm sorry for making you all think that the computer ate your comments.

:)
heather who cannot work computers.

Went to My First Briefing Last Night

and it was not brief! However, 3 hours later, I am now prepared for my beloved's deployment! I'll share mre details later--- after I can think :) But for now I want to tell you about the Family Readiness Group's website.

It's not just for families but for anyone with a soldier who they are concerned about. Just go to www.armyfrg.org and you too can log on to keep track of Neilson. You have to register with them and Cpt. Ontko says he checks for registrations 3-4 times a day. You do need Neilson's name, unit and last 4 digits of his ss# which i will be happy to email you but I do not want to post for security reasons.

They will be posting updates about the unit, photos, calendars of events and really whatever else we request. :) They encouraged everyone, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles etc. to join so you can be up to date.

Let me know if you need help registering!

My Apologies to Jamie....

for what I am about to say regarding his employer. I hate Bank of America. There, it's out there, I've said it and I'm standing by my word!

So why, mild mannered Heather, would you be filled with ire at the institution in charge of all your financial needs? Simply stated--- their customer no-service stinks! But let me take you back a few days and explain....... (cue background music)

A simple request from my darling hubby really. Could I please cash a check for him? Easy, I saw a handy dandy local branch of my friendly BOA right down the street from our humble abode. "I'll be happy to do that for you my love!" I replied, "Could you simply endorse the back so I can complete the task?" Sure enough he did oblige and Grace and I were on our way.....

(Cue dark menecing music) We pull into the drive through endorsed check in hand, my id and bank card. "I'm sorry we can not cash third party checks."

"But it's written on a BOA account!"

"Your hubby will have to come in during lobby hours."

"He's at work during lobby hours."

*brightly* "We are open on Saturdays."

"He's deploying this Saturday and won't be back for a year."

You can see where this is going I'm sure so I"ll recap the rest. I was told that she couldn't help me and to come in to see the manager tomorrow. So that's what I did today armed with passports, social security cards, driver's licenses, marriage certificates- everything to prove that I was simply trying to cash a check for my hubby.

"We can't do it without him. Try the UPS store across the parking lot."

Come to find out that's not true.

So now I'm fuming, having assured them that I will be closing all 5 of my accounts with them, and I have to swallow my pride and step back into the lobby and ask if I am allowed to change the name on MY account or do I have to have my hubby there for that too? And while we're at it can't I add anyone I please to my checking account???

I'll skip now to where I was assured that if I brought my dashing man in during his lunch break we would be ushered to the front of the line for a simple signature to add him to my account and we could cash that puppy and be out the door. And the perky customer no-service manager would see to everything personally herself.

And we rolled in right on time and no manager. And we waited for our turn, no manager. And we putzed through adding my beloved to my checking account with still no manager. I can proudly say that despite the tribulations and FOUR trips to the bank he is now a joint account holder at BOA. We were giddy as we took his check to the counter.

"I'm sorry, does Neilson have an account here? I can't cash a third party check."

ARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH I give up.

<--------------- Did You See???

We figured out how to post a picture! Also we love comments! (hint hint) :)

Welcome to the Army Ma'am

It wasn't quite that formal but it is official. Grace and I are a part of the army now. NO, we don't have to take PT tests (thank goodness) nor do we have to wear a uniform but I do have my ID card and Grace is listed as a dependent. We are enrolled in tricare and have even purchased at the PX. (Can't tell you what we got, though, it's a surprise mom!)

It all started at the butt crack of dawn. One thing I've learned in my very new life in the army is that everything happens too early. I'd be much happier if things could get rolling around say 10 o'clock. But no, the ID card place opens at 0730 (see I can even do army time!) and we wanted to be in line right then. Well two pokey girls kept daddy from getting there quite that early but we were in line by 0745 and were out of the office, card in hand by 0900.

After the ID we mosied over to the tricare office. It was a humbleing experience as health insurance always is and to top it off when I left I didn't know how to use my new insurance. Turns out that same handy dandy ID is also my insurance card and a quick call to the regional office had that straightened out for me!

To round out our day we decided to head over to Temple to get my new social security card. The wait wasn't too bad there either and my new card will be mailed in 2-3 weeks- Yipee. So now I get to go about telling the bank, the utilities, school etc. that my name has changed :) It was a day filled with "Oh Wow we're really married" moments (all good all good don't worry).

And if you read this far I'll let you know how we finished out our day--- registering at Bed Bath and Beyond. We had started registries at JCPenney and Home Depot but hadn't gotten very far. We saw a BBB in Temple and decided to have at it. All in all a very productive day that has left the newest Wahab clan pooped. As a write, one is in the shower, one is in bed and one searching for her jammies.

3 Wahabs, a 10 ft truck and a dolly

That list right there sums up our morning. The three of us made haste to the local U-haul center to pick up our truck so we could move the furniture out of Neilson's apartment and into his storage unit. Let me emphasize that two of the movers in this little scenario are girls one of whom is 2. Do you feel sorry for Neilson yet?

I need to highlight some of his furniture at this point. He has a very comfortable couch that is a hide-a-bed which weighs approximately the same as a full grown elephant. He also has a queen size bed and a small yet heavy entertainment center with glass doors. Did I mention that the entry way into his apartment features a lovely rock pillar that requires you to make an S turn into the apartment?

Well my hubby being the patient soul that he is galantly moved that sofa while yours truely acted as the "holder" or encourager and occasional lifter. Gracie led the way each and every time to the truck and assisted in carrying the legs to said elephant-like sofa.

I'll spare you the details but two trips with the U-haul and about 3 hours later we were tucked into our table at Logan's Roadhouse for lunch. We are now sleeping on blankets and blow up beds but rest assured the remainder of his household goods will fit into the family car and will make their way over to the storage unit. Throughout this whole episode only one of us shed a tear and I'm not telling who!

We Made It!

Gracie and I left at Oh my gosh it's early to come down to Ft. Hood for the week. We are going to join the army (I think I've mentioned that before) and see Neilson/Daddy off.

Our flights were uneventful if not bumpy (lots of clouds) and Neilson was there bright eyed and bushy tailed to pick us up. My loving hubby picked us up and suprised us with lunch at BUENO!!! Yes, Virginia, there is a Bueno in Waco.

We will be sure to check in with all this week several times as we take care of business and get ready for the next year. Have a great weekend!

Heading back to the War,

Hello to all. I'm now about a week out from returning the quite popular Middle East. I must admit this whole thing is getting a bit old. I'm now entering my third deployment since 9/11. It'll be the third time in Kuwait and my second year-long tour in Iraq. I'm determined now to do my part to help finish this thing and get back to my beautiful wife and daughter (and part 2). Speaking of which, they'll be arriving on Saturday to pump Daddy up and put him on the plane next week. The last month or two here at Fort Hood has been the usual pre-deployment horrendous-ness. Too much "work", which i think is busy, to many hoops, red tape, and last minute this and that. Professionally I can't wait to get on the plane, then all the hoop-la and busy work will be over. The good news is that we'll be away from Baghdad this time. The bad news is that my unit has a strange mission, which is really none at all. So i think maybe we'll create work for ourselves. Oh well. I thank GOD that this time I have Heather and Gracie and all those McKinleys to add to my support group. All of my Love to my two silly girls! :)

Love

Neilson

Off We Go!!

So this weekend was exciting in Kansas City. The airshow was in town including the Navy's Blue Angels. (Sorry honey they were really cool even if they are Navy!) So Grace and I spent Saturday at the park at the end of the street. This park overlooks the bottoms where the downtown airport is located. So we were able to enjoy the airshow and not fight traffic or crowds. It was great. They flew right over us!! Grace especially liked when they all flew up together and peeled off with contrails going --- it looked like a flower to her.

The airshow was a great diversion this weekend. Next weekend we will be back down in Texas. We have to work a taco dinner Friday night for school but the next morning we will be taking off for Waco. (No Austin airport for us!!) We are going to get to spend the week down in Killeen with Daddy Neilson. It will be great to have some time before he leaves for the big sandbox. Grace and I will also be spending the weekend joining the army (as dependents). We will also be clearing out Neilson's apartment and getting everything put into storage.

I also talked to Jennifer this weekend. Thanks for calling and sorry I had to let you go too quick. I also made Karen's beef tenderloin. YUM and of course we had another Wildcat victory -GO STATE!

I Just Gotta Brag on My Hubby!

So I don't know if all of you know this but I am now doing after school care at my school. This means Gracie and I don't get home until almost 6 and we are pretty tired at that. So As I pulled up to my house Thursday after school I was excited to see a big envelope in my mailbox. Yes it was big enough to be seen from the street!

My awesome hubby had sent me an envelope of goodies that were very sweet. When he went to the post office he even selected a gerber daisy envelope so it would be extra special. In it I found a photo cd from our last three visits :) so now I have lots of material to scrapbook. A Border's reward card that Neilson had signed up for and sent me the key tag so I can use it too. And a blue star banner and sticker for my car. Now I have to tell you I mentioned wanting one once several months ago and he remembered and sent me a banner for my door and a sticker for my car. Both are proudly displayed for all to see.

I'm so lucky to have such a thoughtful, kind husband.

I Can't Believe it Took an Hour and a Half!

So Mom came up to KC today for a shower given by friends from the first school I worked at. We were given many nice gift cards to Target, JCPenneys and K-Mart and...... PHONE CARDS!!
They wanted to do this for us so Neilson could call home lots when he is over in the big sandbox. And no the shower wasn't an hour and a half. I got side tracked. Let me start over....

So Mom came up to KC today. Before the shower we decided to stop into David's Bridal and start looking for a wedding dress. I had looked in some magazines and even e-bay but I really had no ideas about what I wanted. All the dresses I really liked were to spring/summery in my opinion so I wanted to get in the stores to look around and get ideas.

We searched through the racks and I came up with 7 possibilities and even tried them all on. It was dress number one that was the perfect one. It's gorgeous! Mom and I were excited to find it so easily as I am not easy to shop for --- too picky and too hard to fit. I was able to get it off the rack even! And believe it or not it will not require any alterations.

No, I'm not going to be posting a picture you all will have to wait until October '07 to see it--- especially you my hubby! But let me assure you it is awesome.

Probably the cutest part of the day was Gracie finding a flower girl dress that is made to match mine! She was excited to have a dress "just like Mommy!." She even got to try it on and stand on the platform in front of the mirrors just like the big girls.

So with much relief we bought the dresses and were on our way. I really thought it would take months to find a dress that would fit, wasn't too froo froo or too plain, and would look good for an October wedding in Kansas. God was really helping me out.

Thank you Josh and Jordan!!

I love my jammies. I wear my Nemos and I wear my Princesses. I go asleep in my big girl bed. I love you!

Gracie (Cici)

The Honeymooners (with the in-laws)

So if you're reading this blog I can make the assumption that you either know Neilson or myself fairly well. And if you know us fairly well you know that it is impossible for us to do anything normal. Our honeymoon was no exception.

Directly after the ceremony at the courthouse we all went to the President for lunch. The food was great (thanks Chris!) and it was nice to all get to chat. Well at least I was told the chatting was nice. Neilson and I were asleep in our plates and quite oblivious to the happenings around us. By the time dessert was served we were begging for a bed --- to sleep in! What did you think I was going to say?? Our moms read this!

So Jana and Greg left KC for Manhappiness, Thomas and Karen retired to their room and the newest Wahab family left to collapse in their humble abode. Yes, the coveted 45 minute nap before we had to get up and get going to check in at the B&B, drop Gracie off with Joyce and travel out to Topeka for my cousin's wedding. Yes folks we went to TWO weddings that day.

Karen was so cute at the receiving line. She introduced herself to the mother of the bride as Karen who has crashed your wedding. :) We stayed for about an hour and a half, had my family meet my hubby and his parents then we left for home (KC).

Now we did forget to eat dinner and at this point our options were limited. We resigned ourself to eating at the rest stop on the turnpike right outside of Topeka. Sounds grim doesn't it. Can I tell you it was the wedding dinner of my dreams--- Taco Bueno! I'll have to blog more about that which is Bueno and I'll include the details of how I inadvertently hit on a trucker while filling my cup. I was delirious with joy over eating Bueno the night I got married.

After we dropped Karen and Thomas off at the hotel we hastily made our way to the Southmoreland Bed and Breakfast. We had the carriage house to ourselves and the room was heavenly. We had a gorgeous bouquet of flowers courtesy of Jamie, Jennifer, Josh and Jordan and champagne and nibbles thanks to Bradley, Holley, Ethan and Katie. Wade and Mandi made sure our night was wonderful by making us a wedding in a box complete with Mandi-made-cake, candles, champagne and flutes. And if you think I'm going into any more details about our evening I'll kindly reference you to paragraph two where I remind you that our mothers read this blog too!

Saturday had us picking everyone up and touring the city. We enjoyed looking at the homes along Ward Parkway, Loose Park and shopping at the Legends. We had a wonderful dinner at the Italian place around the corner from my house. Interesting enough it is run by Cubans in a Bosnian/Croation neighborhood- go figure.

Sunday Greg and Jana had us out to their new house in Riley, Kansas for a cookout. Wade and Mandi were there as well as Daddy Dee and Joanie who drove from Branson, MO to meet the Wahabs. It was very cool traveling through the Flint Hills of Kansas with new eyes. What was routine and mundane to me was beautiful and breath-taking to new travelers to the area.

Monday had Neilson on the road by 7 & Karen and Thomas to the airport by 8:30. Gracie was so upset to see everyone leave. She loved the attention from all of her people.

It was great having everyone to Kansas City. At dinner Sunday night I commented that I started my summer with the Wahabs (Memorial Day in Belhaven) and ended my summer with them (Labor Day in KC) and I couldn't be happier. I'm excited to be a part of the clan and I know Neilson's glad to be a McKinley. I'm glad we all had the chance to chat and get to know each other. Here's to many more great weekends!

The One That Actually Talks About the Ceremony

Gee I realized we'd talked alot about getting to the courthouse and have yet to mention that Neilson and I were married at the Wyandotte County courthouse in Kansas on September 1, 2006.

Judge Mikesic performed the ceremony in his chambers a little after noon with Gracie, Jana, Greg, Karen and Thomas witnessing. The groom gazed lovingly into the bride's eyes, held her hand and pledged his love and commitment. The bride rocked like a hobby horse, watched her groom and promised to love and cherish her groom.

Wow! We're married! Cpt. and Mrs. Neilson W. Wahab --- but don't tell Gracie, she says that she married daddy.

The One Where Heather Answers the Phone......

So picture Grace and I scurrying home from school, eating dinner from the Golden Arches and tuning into "My Name is Earl" on Thursday night. We were both so excited to get Grandy, Daddad and Daddy Neilson from the airport. Joyce was coming by at 8 to get us to rent the van and our part one wedding weekend would begin and cue phone ringing....

"Hello?"
"Hey Heather, I missed my plane so I've gassed up the Maxima and I'm driving to Kansas."

Gone was nervous, sick to her stomach bride replaced in one swoop by super organizer worried out of her mind crazy lady.

So I called Joyce quick to tell her her shuttle services were no longer needed followed by a quick request for prayers for my beloved who was making his way north as we spoke. Then Grace and I hopped in the Saturn to get Karen and Thomas ourselves.

Gracie was so excited to see Grandy and Daddad come out of the gate and gave hugs and kisses to everyone. Then darling daughter-in-law-to-be announces that she had "big news" to share. I can only imagine what you were thinking Karen. :) I shared that my groom was driving to Kansas to marry me and that we were free to collect their bags and go to the hotel.

Wow, reading this I sound like I was way calm and cool as a cucumber--- ha ha! Our route to the airport included a tour of the downtown loop in Kansas City - TWICE. But my weary passengers were gracious and patient and were soon delivered safely to thier suite at the President.

Let me tell you cell phones are a wonderful inventions. As helpless as I felt with Neilson so far away I could talk to him and feel somewhat useful as his cheerleader and alarm clock. Can I tell you what a stud my husband is??? He drove from Austin to KC in about 13 hours stopping twice to nap. I am so blessed to have a hubby who will move mountains to keep me smiling.

Neilson, thank you for pushing yourself and meeting me at the courthouse so we could start the rest of our lives together. I love you

(hey moms you can cry now)

NEILSON MAKES IT TO THE COURTHOUSE ON TIME!! I had a very tough week at work again. The Army was keeping me busy in preparation for our coming deployment to Kuwait. I had been working until 730 or 800 pm every night, including a whole day playing army in the 'field'. My flight to Kansas City was on thursday night; the last on the schedule (720pm) so i had enough time to make it. Work on thursday was very busy yet again. At 520 pm i gave up and left all those work-a-holics behind. I just walked out of the headquarters of our unit, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion to my car. I raced home to get my bags. It would take me an hour to get to the airport in Austin. That thursday evening was some of the worst traffic I had ever seen in Killeen and on the road to Austin. The schedule was tight and I was road raging in full force. I finally arrived airport at 700pm. I raced to the counter. The lady told me the counter was closed and she could not check my bag. But she gave me my ticket and said maybe they would let me carry it on to the plane. I raced again to security, but they stopped to inspect my bag because i had liquid (in my checked bag). At this time I heard over the loud speaker "Passenger Wahab, last boarding call" all over the airport. Security had just started on my bag. There was nothing to do. I got my bags with liquids and reversed back to the counter. There were no more flights into Kansas City before Noon, my appointment with the Judge to get married. I dejectedly moved back to my car. I was upset to say the least. But I decided that I only get married once and it was only a 12 hour drive to Kansas City. Well within time to get to the Judge (800pm to 800am vs Noon). I gased up the car and on I went. Despite a long week, no sleep, construction all over Interstate 35, and even a warning from the Texas State Highway Patrol, I made it the Kansas City. Big kisses go to heather who stayed up the night to cheer me on, and wake me up from power naps at rest stops. Everything in Kansas City went perfectly. The judge married us and we had a great time. Captain and Mrs. Neilson Wahab would like to thank everyone for their prayers, we sure needed them. We've been going on happily ever after, the end.

So It's Official!

Well it is official. August 10th Neilson asked me to marry him and I of course said yes. We were in Dallas at the time. Grace and I had just flown in and Neilson and I were talking. I had just given him some cards that had been sent back and he said he had something for me. Then he laid the box on my lap and asked! I was very excited and surprised! Gracie was very excited to find out that Mommy is marrying "Daddy Neilson"and she wants "A sparkly just like Mommy's".

Neilson and all the parents are coming to Kansas City September 1st so we can go to the courthouse before he leaves for "someplace sandy" in October. Anyway we are excited for Labor Day weekend to get here. When Neilson gets back we are going to have a nice church wedding so our siblings and other family can come.