We've been looking to buy a piece of land to build a house and we took the kids out to look at a 3 acre lot that was wooded with large areas of wildflowers and tall grasses. AJ jumped right in and started pushing though the weeds, until she got to a section that was over her head and then she asked the XO to carry her. CJ on the other hand protested from the beginning. He did NOT want to walk through those plants...
"Momma! These plants are prickly!"
"AHHH! One just poked me!"
"Mooooommmmma, I'm scared of these flowers!"
"Are there any dangerous wild animals out here? I don't want them to eat me!"
(and my favorite) "I'm so sweaty! I can't do it any more! I just can't go on! Someone carry me back to the truck!"
Such drama from a 4 year old.
CO
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Dissension in the Ranks
So, we're preparing for a trip to Oregon. Keep in mind that we leave in 4 days, we're travelling with a 4 year old and a 2 year old, we have to leave the house bright and early the morning we leave, and the CO will be completely useless from the perspective of carrying, lifting, etc. That leads to the question posed to the XO today - why in Heaven's name are we not packed? We haven't even gotten the suitcases down from storage! Or made a packing list! This stresses out the CO immensely. If able, I would have had all of the suitcases out and ready with all of the items and clothing that we would not be using in the next few days already packed, so that all we have to do is add in the last few items and head out the door. And I would have everything checked off on the packing list. How in the world do you know if you've packed everything without a list??? Ahrrrgghhh!
If you haven't guessed, the XO is much more laid back and less AR than the CO in this unit. He figures we'll just toss everything in the suitcases the morning we leave and head to the airport. If we don't pack it, we can always find it at WalMart when we get there right? :-)
I guess opposites really do attract, huh?
If you haven't guessed, the XO is much more laid back and less AR than the CO in this unit. He figures we'll just toss everything in the suitcases the morning we leave and head to the airport. If we don't pack it, we can always find it at WalMart when we get there right? :-)
I guess opposites really do attract, huh?
Monday, June 25, 2007
Braveheart meets Toddler Mischief
Well it was bound to happen at some point during the CO's recovery from her back surgery but SSG "AJ" decided to act out a scene from a movie she has never seen. Our intrepid photographers actually obtained digital evidence of the little insurgents warpaint just prior to her journey to misbehavior. I can only try to describe to you the bath session that occurred just after this little girl was "caught" in the act. Words do not do it justice.
Of course, this was one day after the same SSG decided to use Elmer's Glitter Glue (R) as a kind of "hot wax" hair remover on her legs, arms and hands. Do not be fooled into believing the marketing that these products tout in their glue being "washable", I have personal experience that it is not. Once again please refer to the sentence regarding the bath session for reference.
Oh well, only a couple more weeks of me always being "one step behind" when it comes to the lesser rank's activities and mischief in the unit.
XO
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
"Being a Guardian Angel" or "It Should Be Mandatory Education in Schools"
As the previous post placed by the 1st TIR "CO" alluded to, knowing how to do CPR can mean the difference between life or death for child. I would say that this was divine intervention by God due to the fact that the young heroine in the story "just happened" to be visiting friends in Austin; that she "just happened" to go down on the greenbelt (a seven mile meandering park in SW Austin) near the location of the little boy and that she "just happened" to be a ex-lifeguard who knew CPR. Guardian Angels, in my humble opinion, may come in the form of a ethereal entity helping to nudge or guide a person in one direction or they may come in the form of a mortal human being placed in the right time and right location to make a life-altering change.
My hope for all who read this post is that you will get CPR training ASAP so that when God decides to use you as a Guardian Angel you will be ready to answer His call.
I really believe that CPR, Basic First Aid and AED training should be mandatory classes in Junior High or at least High School. If your public schools do not teach these courses then I would recommend contacting the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association to see where you or your children can sign-up for these courses.
This stuff works and it saves lives, just ask the family in the newspaper article listed below.
XO
My hope for all who read this post is that you will get CPR training ASAP so that when God decides to use you as a Guardian Angel you will be ready to answer His call.
I really believe that CPR, Basic First Aid and AED training should be mandatory classes in Junior High or at least High School. If your public schools do not teach these courses then I would recommend contacting the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association to see where you or your children can sign-up for these courses.
This stuff works and it saves lives, just ask the family in the newspaper article listed below.
XO
Our XO Hard at Work
Bystanders rescue drowning boy -
BYLINE: Patrick George AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF DATE: June 17, 2007 PUBLICATION: Austin American-Statesman (TX) EDITION: Final SECTION: Metro & State PAGE: B01
When Adrianna Kruger saw a man swim into the water Saturday at the Barton Creek greenbelt in Southwest Austin screaming that his son had disappeared, the former lifeguard had a feeling that she might be called upon to perform CPR.Sure enough, when 5-year-old Riley Yarbrough was pulled from the water with a bleeding head wound, Kruger, 21, breathed life back into the unconscious, blue-skinned boy.
Authorities said the boy was playing in the water near Twin Falls with his family about 2 p.m. when he was swept under and injured his head. About a minute after the boy went under, two bystanders, who were not immediately identified, pulled him out. His heart wasn't beating, authorities said. Kruger said she knew immediately what she had to do. "I ran over, told them I knew (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and started chest compressions and breathing," said Kruger, a University of Oklahoma student who is visiting her boyfriend in Austin. Another man started pressing on Riley's chest while Kruger continued to breathe into his mouth. The efforts paid off about a minute later, when he began to cough up water and cry. "Once I heard him cry, I knew he would be OK," she said. "It was the best feeling ever." The boy was transported to Children's Hospital of Austin, where he was listed in good condition. His family declined to comment Saturday. Kruger said that the rescue was a team effort and that the men who pulled Riley out of the water and the man who assisted her with the CPR deserve equal credit for saving the boy.
Because the pool area is about 10 minutes from the nearest road, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services District Commander "EJ" (your faithful 1stTIR "XO"). said, the boy could have died if Kruger and the other bystanders had not acted so quickly. "Kids crash quickly without oxygen," J. said. "If they hadn't done CPR, there could have been serious problems for this boy." J. said that knowing simple skills such as CPR goes a long way toward saving lives. He also warned that Barton Creek is more dangerous than many people think. "When it rains, Barton Creek isn't the dry little creek we all love," J. said.
EMS spokesman Warren Hassinger said bystander aid, like the kind Kruger and the others gave Riley, can mean the difference between life and death. "They changed his life today," Hassinger said. "All the hospitals in the world won't do you any good if you're dead before you get there."
BYLINE: Patrick George AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF DATE: June 17, 2007 PUBLICATION: Austin American-Statesman (TX) EDITION: Final SECTION: Metro & State PAGE: B01
When Adrianna Kruger saw a man swim into the water Saturday at the Barton Creek greenbelt in Southwest Austin screaming that his son had disappeared, the former lifeguard had a feeling that she might be called upon to perform CPR.Sure enough, when 5-year-old Riley Yarbrough was pulled from the water with a bleeding head wound, Kruger, 21, breathed life back into the unconscious, blue-skinned boy.
Authorities said the boy was playing in the water near Twin Falls with his family about 2 p.m. when he was swept under and injured his head. About a minute after the boy went under, two bystanders, who were not immediately identified, pulled him out. His heart wasn't beating, authorities said. Kruger said she knew immediately what she had to do. "I ran over, told them I knew (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and started chest compressions and breathing," said Kruger, a University of Oklahoma student who is visiting her boyfriend in Austin. Another man started pressing on Riley's chest while Kruger continued to breathe into his mouth. The efforts paid off about a minute later, when he began to cough up water and cry. "Once I heard him cry, I knew he would be OK," she said. "It was the best feeling ever." The boy was transported to Children's Hospital of Austin, where he was listed in good condition. His family declined to comment Saturday. Kruger said that the rescue was a team effort and that the men who pulled Riley out of the water and the man who assisted her with the CPR deserve equal credit for saving the boy.
Because the pool area is about 10 minutes from the nearest road, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services District Commander "EJ" (your faithful 1stTIR "XO"). said, the boy could have died if Kruger and the other bystanders had not acted so quickly. "Kids crash quickly without oxygen," J. said. "If they hadn't done CPR, there could have been serious problems for this boy." J. said that knowing simple skills such as CPR goes a long way toward saving lives. He also warned that Barton Creek is more dangerous than many people think. "When it rains, Barton Creek isn't the dry little creek we all love," J. said.
EMS spokesman Warren Hassinger said bystander aid, like the kind Kruger and the others gave Riley, can mean the difference between life and death. "They changed his life today," Hassinger said. "All the hospitals in the world won't do you any good if you're dead before you get there."
Friday, June 15, 2007
Old Warhorse In for a Tune-Up
Well, Monday morning the 1st TIR's CO will be heading into a local hospital for "transmission" service. We had thought that the last tune-up would have taken her beyond the 100,000 mile mark but alas that is not the case. The lower ranks will be staying with some close friends while yours truly takes her in. We pray that it will be uneventful and are both confident in the doctor's skills.
Please pray for our beloved leader while she is lying horizontal for the next 7 to 10 days trying to figure out what message that the Dear Lord is sending her with all of her maladies.
For those of you on the secure telegraph system we will be tapping out a message later in the day with an update on her condition.
Please pray for our beloved leader while she is lying horizontal for the next 7 to 10 days trying to figure out what message that the Dear Lord is sending her with all of her maladies.
For those of you on the secure telegraph system we will be tapping out a message later in the day with an update on her condition.
Number Two
"Let's Hope His Medical Kit is More Advanced Than This"
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Sigh....
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
I’ve been having an enormous emotional struggle over the last several weeks as I try to deal with “why” God has allowed my body to fail me. I KNOW that He has a reason and that his plan is to build me up and help me grow, but I am struggling to understand what the reason might be. I have faced trials before when I have wondered what God was up to, and He’s never failed to show me and teach me before so I know he will this time too but I’m not being very patient about waiting for his answer.
I think the hardest thing about the last couple of weeks is knowing that I’ve been a less than effective CO for the 1st TIR as I try to deal with my physical issues. But, I know that God will be faithful in that also. I can already see CJ and AJ becoming closer friends as they play with each other in these days when we’re stuck in the house rather than spending our time at the park or the pool or doing the errands involved in running a household.
I’ll keep these verses in my heart and mind as we wait through the next week until we find out what the final outcome will be for me. I’ll keep you all posted…
In the meantime, I'm going to focus on the things that I am thankful for: the rest of the family is healthy and happy; the Yankees are winning; we have a wonderful home and church; the Spurs are winning; we are blessed with wonderful friends and family; and many, many more!
Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
I’ve been having an enormous emotional struggle over the last several weeks as I try to deal with “why” God has allowed my body to fail me. I KNOW that He has a reason and that his plan is to build me up and help me grow, but I am struggling to understand what the reason might be. I have faced trials before when I have wondered what God was up to, and He’s never failed to show me and teach me before so I know he will this time too but I’m not being very patient about waiting for his answer.
I think the hardest thing about the last couple of weeks is knowing that I’ve been a less than effective CO for the 1st TIR as I try to deal with my physical issues. But, I know that God will be faithful in that also. I can already see CJ and AJ becoming closer friends as they play with each other in these days when we’re stuck in the house rather than spending our time at the park or the pool or doing the errands involved in running a household.
I’ll keep these verses in my heart and mind as we wait through the next week until we find out what the final outcome will be for me. I’ll keep you all posted…
In the meantime, I'm going to focus on the things that I am thankful for: the rest of the family is healthy and happy; the Yankees are winning; we have a wonderful home and church; the Spurs are winning; we are blessed with wonderful friends and family; and many, many more!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Spring Lion Hunting Expedition
A family portrait from our recent "safari" to the San Antonio Zoo. CJ is in the striped shirt and AJ in the fuschia - they both loved the zoo, but 3 hours in the 90 degree South Texas heat had them at their limit. We were lucky to get this pic at all. I should give credit to the photographer - "Unka' Ry" - nice job!
Friday, June 8, 2007
Who's in Charge Here Anyway?
You've noticed that you will have the XO and the CO posting here from time to time, but we've neglected to mention the "heart and soul" of any military operation - the junior ranking officers and the enlisted troops that actually run the place! In our case that would be 2Lt CJ (age 4 1/2)and SSG AJ (age 2, she'll get a commission when she gets potty trained!), and we'll soon be adding an A1C to the mix when we welcome a new member to our family right around Christmas 2007!
We joke around our house that the kids are really the ones in charge, but in reality the only one in charge in this house is God. We just do our best to listen to what He is telling us and live our lives the way He asks us to. Not a bad set of SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures) if you ask me...
We joke around our house that the kids are really the ones in charge, but in reality the only one in charge in this house is God. We just do our best to listen to what He is telling us and live our lives the way He asks us to. Not a bad set of SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures) if you ask me...
Welcome All to the Mustering of the 1st TIR
Dear Reader,
You may ask, how does being a Christian, a NY Yankees baseball fan and a Civil War History Buff morph into a "Blog" so to speak? Well that is an excellent question, one that I, your Company XO (or Executive Officer in military lingo) hope to shed some light on. Myself and the Company CO (or Commanding Officer), Major "J" will be your escorts through the maze of thoughts, ideas and images that will come from our little outfit.
Read on, post often and Pray frequently.
XO
You may ask, how does being a Christian, a NY Yankees baseball fan and a Civil War History Buff morph into a "Blog" so to speak? Well that is an excellent question, one that I, your Company XO (or Executive Officer in military lingo) hope to shed some light on. Myself and the Company CO (or Commanding Officer), Major "J" will be your escorts through the maze of thoughts, ideas and images that will come from our little outfit.
Read on, post often and Pray frequently.
XO
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