Eating Meat?

Two of my friends, Suz and Margie, made a birthday cake for me. And because I'm a vegetarian, they thought it would be funny if I "ate meat"....so this is what they came up with:

I know, they're so talented and creative (and thoughtful), maybe some of that will rub off on me.

July 4th Weekend

Here's some pictures from watching the fireworks over Boldt Castle.
Jamin loved it and got really excited every time one went off.

and here's Levi watching, but falling asleep... the poor kid was so tired by the time they started!

And here they are playing in our friend's backyard during a BBQ

24 things

that you may or may not know about me...
in honor of my 24th birthday (I know, I'm so old)

1. I make my bed (almost) every day
2. my towels have to be folded a certain way and Spencer isn't allowed to do it
3. I finished High School 6 months early
4. we are debt-free, other than my house
5. I've never had my ears pierced
6. I've been to at least half of the states of the US
7. I've driven cross-country (CA-NY or NY-CA) 4 times
8. I love old, antique things - like our house!
9. I was the biggest baby out of 6
10. I know more train's names from Thomas than I would admit
11. in 2nd grade, I considered being President when I grew up
12. I love to read... when I can find the time and a good book
13. I haven't turned on my TV for over 3 months
14. I have the two cutest kids in the world!
15. I'm 24 and still can't swim
16. I love photography
17. sometimes I secretly think about how I would re-decorate other people's rooms
18. Spencer and I re-built our entire house ourselves
19. I started my own business (and now Spencer thinks he never has to work again!)
20. I have a wonderful husband who loves me
21. I can't stand bananas, but I like banana bread
22. I faint at the sight of a needle...even after two kids
23. I've never had the chickenpox, and I'm immune!
24. I secretly eat bacon every night before I go to bed (Just Kidding!)

this was just a quick list, so I'm sure I'm missing lots of things. Maybe I'll update it later... or maybe Spencer will add some embarrassing tid-bits in the comments...

Random Pictures from around the bazaar

Hey everyone. Here are a few more pics. These ones are from a bazaar outside of an area I was working. Luckly the area is very calm and the police usually do a good job keeping the peace. Allows for us to take a few moments and actully enjoy the country.

Kind of a surreal moment sitting down in a real resturaunt in full gear.

Can you guys smell that? Lambchops, kabob, raisin pilaf, and Nan and much more..mmmmmmm. Would put a stupid grin on anyones face.

"Bridge over the river 'dry'", also in the lower left corner is a good example of local female garb

Brrraaaaiiiiiinnnnnssssss. Poor Private Smith cuts his finger and learns of the local Zombie problem....No just kidding it was M&Ms. Zombies LOVE M&Ms.

Warning an Airforce Airman of the dangers of the mobs that are Afghan childeren. Most just want some candy, but if the mob you fast you'll find that some have sticky fingers and gear will dissapear out of your pouches.

Enjoying fun morning of shopping!

The Bazaar...just pure shenanigans.

You are in a maze of twisty passages, all alike.

Old Town pics

Hello everyone from Afghanistan. Yup I'm still here and doing my thing. I've got a few pics of what's going on overe here. These ones are from a trip to some ruins outside of an area I was working.

This is me giving some training to a soldier.

There are two of these towers in the area. Locals say they date to about 400 ad. They were spared by the taliban becuase of their uses as Minarets.

Me in front of one of the towers.

This is a view of the old town. It is still in very much use today.

Ok everyone. Ill post more pics later.

Reading Spot

Jamin has been finding some interesting places to read his books.
This is one of his favorites - the bottom step of the stairs.
And I finally got a picture without him catching me!

Airshow

Last Saturday was the Ft Drum Airshow.
Yes, we went.
Yes, I took my camera.
And Yes, I forgot to take pictures!
I'm getting pictures from a friend though, so hopefully those will be up soon.

Drive-In!

On Wednesday night, Jamin, Levi and I went on a date to the Black River Drive-In and saw:but had to leave about twenty minutes into the second movie:

we did pretty good considering the first movie didn't even start until after nine o'clock!

Facebook

So, I did it. I finally joined Facebook about three weeks ago. I think I'm probably the last person on the planet to do so.
So far, so good. I've found lots of my friends and it's amazing what you learn that you wouldn't know otherwise. And none of my worries have come to pass YET. I'm not addicted. I don't "camp-out". And I don't spend all day taking the million quizzes or playing the games.
I like this Facebook. I think I'll keep it. And if I haven't found you on there yet- find me! And if YOU are the last person on the planet that hasn't joined yet- do it!

CPS

So, I got a visit from CPS today and came to the conclusion that I am an absolute SAINT!
From what they said and asked, here is their definition of a WONDERFUL Mother: provides a place for the children to sleep (doesn't have to be a bed) , has enough food for TWO (only two!) meals in the house, and doesn't excessively use alcohol or drugs in the house.
Are you kidding me?!? That's all it takes to be a good mom? I guess I have nothing to worry about!