A True American Hero

Today my not so little brother deploys to the United Arab Emirates. I am just a small piece of this puzzle as I process the emotions running through my mind. I cannot even imagine but Char, his wife, and my parents are feeling, and none can truly feel how Caleb does. He has been in the Air Force for over 5 years now and received his orders for deployment one week after marrying Char in September. They have been through a lot this year as they lived apart for 9 months and when they were finally reunited, Caleb was called for duty. These men and women who enter the military knowing there is a possibility of deployment truly are heros, and that word does not fully express how brave and selfless they are. My thoughts are with all of us who love and support Caleb, but more than anything this will be a true time of prayer and diligent conversation with God. If you are reading this, please pray for Caleb, Char, our families, and anyone else in the midst of this same situation. My love, admiration, support, and prayers to my little big brother who is truly my hero. Love you Ssgt. Miyauchi USAF deployed to the UAE 11/4/11.

Help Mommy!

Today Justin wanted to give potty training with Hudson a try. He got out the "bribery" toy and brought Hudson into the bathroom, well, he carried Hudson in while he screamed, "Help Mommy!" I love that kid.

What do you say?

As stated earlier, my main goal in this blog is to be certain I document funny things the kids say and do, so there will probably be many short ones as I remember and observe funny things. My current favorite of Hudson: I am trying to teach him please, he does thank you quite well. If he wants something I naturally say, "What do you say?" His reply?? "Say" :)

Trying to conquer potty training-attempt 1,245!

I have been trying off and on for months to at least get Hudson to even sit on the potty! 99% of the time he screams, "Potty no!" I feel like I have really tried everything in the book of potty:) Books, bribery, candy, cool underwear etc. Justin wanted to buy Hudson a toy that we could basically flash in front of his eyes to entice him to try. At first Hudson ran to the toilet trying very hard to get something out, sound effects were included--mainly grunting. I found some very cheap Transformers stickers for Hudson's chart. For now, he has only gotten stickers for sitting on the potty, which lasts about 2 seconds. I know there is no rush and he is not 3 until December, but it is very hard when kids his age and even younger are trained! Justin and I often joke that Avea will be potty trained before Hudson. :)

Pictures of the kids at Avonlea's birthday party.

My Puddle Jumping Intentions

Well, it has only been a few short months since I decided to start a blog, but I finally took a few minutes to choose a background I like and figure out the direction I want to take this "so called" blog. My kids are everything, so I am sure that 99% of my posts will be about them. If I can be consistent enough, then I will blog about the funny, cute things they do and the milestones they reach that I love, but perhaps others may not. Then someday if there are enough entries, I plan to print it into a book to give to my kids. I am hoping that by blogging, the stories will remain just as vivid as when they happened, so my kids can one day relive it.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Well I have resorted to being cliche but it is so true! Moving out of our home of over four years and back in with my parents has been an experience. On one hand I am so thankful that my parents are willing to welcome us into their home after they thought they had raised me and gotten me out! On the other hand, we left our home with so many memories including bringing both Hudson and Avonlea home to! "House shopping" is proving to be quite the roller coaster. We have found many homes we thought we could see ourselves in, make an offer, wait very impatiently on the offer and for one reason or another we still do not have a house on our radar, or at least not one that fits into our seemingly small budget. We dream to raise our family out in the country where they can learn the value or hard work, but where we can also enjoy the amazing Idaho countryside that God has blessed us with. It's a good thing the kids are so used to being at "Mema and Poppy's" as we do not actually have a physical home, but are blessed to have an amazing house to live in while we look for the "perfect" home to raise our family.

My First Puddle

I finally took the blog plunge! I will warn you in advance that I fully intend to have fun with words focused on my last name! I hope to share about my joys, difficulties, and whatever else is woven in between my stories of motherhood, married life, faith, and my endeavors. Grab your umbrella and rain boots and join me in my ''Raney'' day journeys!