Sgt. Marshall

On September 16, 2012 Aaron recieved another title to add to his ever growing list...He was promoted in the Idaho National Guard 25th Army Band to a Sergeant.

 

Chief Durfee, Spc. Marshall, First Sgt. Cleavenger

Notice the step back :).  

 The entire family was invited to his promotion ceremony and because it was in Boise, my mom, my sister, and my brother were also able to attend.

I had the wonderful honor of pinning on his new rank, the instructions I was given were to make the old rank fly and to make sure the new rank stuck (which I guess 'required' a little help) so I obliged and in the process hit my sleeping Elliott with the old rank (it defiently flew!), and knocked Aaron off balance with his new rank (I know he was expecting it, but I guess he just wasn't ready).

The General that was present for his promotion and his unit Chief both had some comments about Aaron and Military service.  The general focused more about military service, but Chief was more personal and it was good to hear how much Aaron is appreciated and loved in his unit.


We are so proud of Aaron, his musical talents, and his leadership ability.  He is a blessing in both of his occupations and in our home. 

 

We love you Sergeant!

 

Happy Birthday Alexis!

Alexis came home last week and informed me that she wanted to be a COWGIRL when she grew up, which wasn't necessarily new, but after weeks of worry about what to get her for her birthday, it finally clicked and this has become her new favorite accessory.

September 3, 2005--The day my life changed FOREVER and changes I would NEVER trade. 

I will never forget the amazing three night stay in the Moscow B&B (aka-Gritman Medical Center), and leaving with THE cutest and most perfect little baby girl in the world.  Fast forward SEVEN unforgettable YEARS and we have September 3, 2012.  That's right, my oldest daughter turned seven yesterday and we did our best to make it unforgettable. 

It started early (she went to bed the night before telling us that she was going to be the first one up, and she was--at 6:30AM on a holiday!)  and ended with enough time for a good night's rest on a school night. 

 

First things first, we celebrated by going BOWLING (because the roller skating rink was closed for cleaning) Followed by a traditional Wingers lunch. Alexis opted to go out for dessert this year instead of having cake and ice cream at home, so we left Wingers, forgoing the asphalt pie, and headed to the Pocatello Cold Stone Creamery. Alexis decided that the ONLY way to celebrate is by getting to choose your own gourmet ice cream flavor and having toppings of your choice mixed in by hand in front of you. Opening presents came as soon as we got home...Hold on to your hats, 'cause this was a moment to remember...SHE LOVED IT!  and insists on wearing her new had as much as possible. 


 Alexis is AMAZING!  She is a strong leader, she is kind to others, and always knows just what to say.  She is always there to lend a helping hand with whatever we might need, and strives to anticipate where she can help others before being asked.  She is an amazing pianist and works hard at developing this talent.  She loves being outside more than anything else and has recently started making up her own gymnastic tricks which she performs on our swing set (her 'bars') and trampoline (her 'floor'), not to mention her wonderful circus acts.  She loves her bike and would ride it all the time if we would only let her...Our lives would never be the same with out her.  She lights up the day with her smile and humor.  She enlightens our minds with all that she is learning.  She amazes us every single day, and we am so happy to have her in our life. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXIS!

Back To School!

WOW, what an amazingly quick summer!  I can't believe that it is gone and school is back in session.  Aaron finished his schooling, completed all of his 'homework' and...PASSED!  He now has his Masters Degree and we are all so very proud of him.  He is already VERY busy with football season, marching band, and a new percussion class. 

Alexis is in the first grade this year and for the first time goes to school all four days. All summer long she was counting down the days when school would start again.  She loves being in school "just like Daddy".  She LOVES reading and learning EVERYTHING she can.  I can't believe that she is already in the first grade!  There are two first grade classes and NO ONE that she 'hung' out with last year were in her class...NO ONE from Arimo was in her class either.  As a mom, I was so worried for her, but on Back to School Night, she explained so maturely that this way she could make new friend.  I can't believe how blessed we are with this amazing spirit that adjusts to anything at the drop of a hat, takes new situations and soars through not willing to let anything get her down or hold her back. 





McKenzie started preschool today, she too was very excited and could hardly wait.  Every time we drove by her school last month she would yell, "There's my school!" Today was her first day, and I had no idea what to expect, so I prepared for the worst.  I planned on taking her and staying as long as she wanted me to.  I got her signed in and all of her supplies sorted.  She had her picture taken and was just settling into a puzzle when Elliott had to go potty, so I said I was going to take him, but I would be right back, she still asked if I was going to come back, so I asked if she wanted me to, and she said, "No, I'm fine, you can go."  VERY different from my shy-in-new-situations girl, but I was overjoyed with this reaction.  She was so happy to be there that any fear that she might have had were blown away from her excitement.






Elliott is about 97% potty trained...night times aren't our problem area, its PLAYTIME!  Sometimes he still gets so caught up in the moment that it is hard for him to gage his physical abilities and make it on time, BUT 97% is enough to say that we are a DIAPER FREE family! And he LOVES his big boy underwear and lately, he even insists on his daddy taking him in the stores to the boy potty.  In church on Sunday he REFUSED to go potty for me in the Women's restroom because "it was a girl potty".  I'm not sure about this new phase, but ready or not, here it comes!  Today was our first day alone together, and I'm not sure he knows what to think about it yet.  I am planning on making this time his nap time so there won't be alot of time to miss his favorite playmate when she is at school. 




I was asked earlier this year to teach a mini-class (if I can call it that) on quilting.  The only people that signed up for the class were five young women in my ward, so as soon as Aaron got back from Ashland, I jumped on the opportunity to get the classes going before summer was through.  We started with a course on fabric content, compilation, and care.  With a section on cutting with a rotary wheel and safety.  They move quickly and three short weeks later, we have blocks pieced ready to start lessons in hand quilting this week.  It has been fun being able to do this and have the focus be for young girls.  It takes me back being in Moscow Jr. High doing observation hours, plus the many courses on curriculum development and general FCS coursework. 


So we are off and running!  In our house this season naturally brings about new beginnings and we have already set wonderful goals for our family for this year...I can't wait to see the new directions we are heading...it's going to be great!