A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes...

When you are fast asleep.
So after a year of doing laundry alone, eating dinner alone, laying in bed alone, running kids all over kingdom come alone, going to church alone and so much more I have finally woken up to a wonderful morning. Chris arrived home October 30 at 11:45ish pm. We missed trick-or-treating with him but the kids could have cared less.
One week later Chris was able to baptize Abbie. She was so excited that she literally came out of the water giggling. It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen or heard. She made everyone in the room laugh. What a sweet spirit she is. Thanks to all the family who participated and helped make her day. Thank you, Oma for coming down just for the occasion. I know it was a quick trip but I am so glad you came. Amy, thank you for the gift. I know you wanted to be there and you were in spirit. Thank you D. and Mom for participating in her program.
The next morning we left for our family vacation. What a fun trip it has been. Pictures are to come but we brought the wrong cables and unfortunately are unable to download any right now. We left Sunday trying to miss the snow storm Utah was to recieve and I am glad we did leave when we did. Monday we went to Disneyland and what a time we had. First thing we did was see Tinkerbell. For a year all Abbie could talk about was how we missed her and she never got to see her. For once, she didn't know what to say. It was the best. We could have ended the trip there for her and she wouldn't have minded. We then went to the Jedi training where again all 4 kids were picked. More to come on that. Tuesday we went to California Adventure. All I have to say is fun and again no crowds; although there are a couple of rides where the lines were long due to popularity. We still had a wonderful time. Wednesday we did a mix of both parks and what a time we had. Crowds were thicker in Disney that day but for the most part we still didn't have to wait too long. Luke was even able to see Mickey for the 3rd time and not wait long. He was lovin' life.
Today was the most exhausting. After 3 days of Disney we went to legoland. It was crazy. The park was packed. Lines for some rides were 2 hours long. (We skipped those rides.) The kids had a great time but waiting in line was hard, especially after not having to earlier in the week. Apparently California celebrates Veterans Day. No school=Legoland for those kids. The kids had a good time. They have been troopers and it has been great. Tomorrow Sea World. Can't wait to see Shamu. It is a fun place.
We have had a great time and are enjoying our time with Chris and just being able to get reacquainted with him.
And for all those who have or will serve this great country of ours THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!

Happy Birthday Wacky Luke

Today is Luke's 6th Birthday. He has been counting down for days. He may not know the date but he knows today is important. He is so excited.


Luke looks at life through imaginery glasses. He is always on an adventure. Finding something new to experience.

Luke always has the biggest grin on his face.

Luke loves to play. He will always find something to entertain him. His goal is to make everyone around him laugh and feel loved. He is happy, excited, kind, loving, caring, and anything else positive. He has been my bud and a great trooper through life. If it's not fun he is not interested. Just ask him what he does at school. His reply, "we sat, we just sat, we just sat some more." He makes life interesting and fun.

Today was "wacky hat" day at school. He was so excited because he could wear the "Birthday" hat.

Happy Birthday Luke! We love you.

Coming Soon...

It's October and you know what that means. Less than a month for my wonderful husband to be home. Can't wait and can't last much longer without him. It has been a wonderfully long year of highs, lows and many-in-betweens. Life has been good. We have accomplished a lot this year. I would not have been able to do it without the help of Heavenly Father and awesome family and friends. THANK YOU! You know who you are. Love you all.

I never thought...

I never thought that I would have four kids. I never thought I would not be a nurse by now. I never thought that life could get any busier. I never thought that I would cherish my Saturdays so much. And I certainly never thought I would be a soccer mom, let alone coach two teams. That's right not only have we dived into soccer this fall, but I am coaching Luke and Abigail's teams. It has been a crazy whirlwind of running around, driving all over, and running some more. I have no clue as to what I am doing. Things are crazy. Not only are Luke and Abigail playing, but Madison watched their first game and decided she wanted to play. All three play at three different fields on different sides of town. I would not be able to do it without the help of my family. Mike who lives, and breathes soccer is the true coach. When Luke found out I was coaching he called Mike and asked him if he would help. It has been great to spend Saturdays with the Coil Fam.

As you can see the Tyler kids with the Great Coach.

Mike showing the girls what to do and how to play. Me trying to look like I know what I am doing.

Abigail looking hot in Lemon.

She had to leave the middle of the game and run over to give Grandma a big hug.

I love this shot. It reminds me of Lala and her soccer days. I always had fun going and watching her play, whether it was in Logan or south of Salt Lake. Thanks for the memories.

Abigail hustling for the ball.

Listening to the expert.

She was not afraid.

She has a great leg on her. She had some wonderful kicks. I have not seen her more excited to participate in anything else. It has been so much fun.

Thanks for the shot Erin. Next time crop out the wanna be coach. Love ya!

Luke was all about bunch ball and running with boys.

He was taking it all in.

Those boys were so much fun. They are a great joy to watch.

There I am again trying to look like I know what I am doing. Thank goodness Mike is there to save my hide.

Overall, it has been a blast. My family has been there from the beginning. Mike has been great to help with practices, and games. Erin and the girls have sacrificed their precious saturday time with Mike so he can help his big sis. Lauren has been awesome to help with games when Mike can't, and my parents who thought their days of driving kids to and from games were over have just begun again. Thank you all of you for your love, support and cheering. I never thought I would love being a SOCCER MOM!

GO BLUE LIGHTNING!

GO LEMONATORS!

What a blast!

So, the other day Lieutenant Danek and I went to the otherside of the airfield to check on the progress of our new mail processing facility, the Regional Mail Distribution Center (RMDC), and also to check on the guys sorting mail at the temporary RMDC. This is nothing new, we go out there nearly every day. This particular day there had been a number of what are called "controlled detonations". This is when the demolition guys blow stuff up in a controlled situation. On our way back there was an announcement of a "controlled detonation (det) in one minute." Okay, no big deal they'd been doing them all day long. We had just gone over a speed bump (there's a speed bump every 50 yards or so, but that's a different story all together) and were approaching the rifle and pistol range, where we practice shooting our weapons, when the controlled det went off. BOOM! Apparently, and we did not know this before, the detonation area is right next to the range. We were less than fifty meters away from the explosion. HOLY CRAP! Next thing I know there are rocks raining down around us and our hearts our pounding in our chests. That was a little too close for comfort. Fortunately, the detonation area is surrounded by 20 foot walls so the blast concussion is channelled upward instead of out. Now we know where not to be when they announce controlled dets in the future.

When Uncle Caleb is bored...

Chris and I went to the temple one night while he was visiting. The kids went to my parents house. Caleb was there and he was bored and decided to do a little art project. And this is what we came home to...

Luke loved it. He was Ang the Last Airbender. It was a hit. Thanks Caleb for making great memories with the kids. We love and cherish you very much.

The Back and Forth of it all...

In early August I was assigned to travel to another FOB to fix the problems they were having. I was anticipating only staying on ground for two or three weeks, but was later directed to stay longer. No problem, however, I have been back and forth to Bagram because of issues there that had to be resolved as well.

I am pleased to say that for the most part the problems that needed fixing are mostly fixed. I can't take too much of the credit, even though I had a hand in it, it wasn't really all that hard to fix. It simply took a little effort to go out and talk to the right people. Amazing what a little communication, friendly communication, can do to fix things. My thanks and appreciation go out to the soldiers who work for me that were able to take what we were given and make it successful. We came up with a plan and they put it into play and everything is running so much smoother than before. The Lord has blessed to be successful.

Soon I will be heading home, not just back to Bagram, but home to Utah to be with my wonderful family who have loved and supported me. They give me hope and joy and Aubrey is truly an inspiration. She has rarely complained and has shown tremendous strength during this challenging time. I am blessed to have her as my eternal companion.

The Hardest Part Is...

... waking up in the morning knowing that I am alone in my room and my eternal companion is not there with me.

... not being able to stand in the doorways to my kids' rooms and watch them sleeping.

... knowing that my kids have all started school, except Luke as he starts next week, and I couldn't be there to give them a father's blessing.

... missing out on all the little things and sometimes the big things my family has done while I've been away.

... not being able to hold Aubrey, Preston, Madison, Abigail, and Luke in my arms and just hug them.

... that time doesn't seem to be going as fast as I would like.

... my wardrobe is pretty much the same day in and day out (just kidding, I mean it is but it's not really a big deal).

Everything else doesn't really matter. I mean if you don't have family, a solid, strong family, you don't really have anything.

Seriously...

...it has been a while. So here I go. So much has happened in fact too much has happened lately that I just have not been myself. I am in a funk, and it stunk. So now I have to pick myself back up and get on with life. Time has flown and I just haven't had the heart or energy to do anything about blogging. Life is funny sometimes. When I am with everyone things are good, especially when we aren't home, and then when the silence falls and I begin to think of all that is going on it gets hard. I don't know how to express my feelings. I don't know what to say. It has been a struggle. Life has been good and I have had a lot of great family who have been here for me. I know they are doing all they can to help me and the kids. No matter what it sucks to think Chris isn't here and I feel truly empty. I know Heavenly Father is with me and my loved ones have been here but still it is not the same unless Chris is here. I think the hardest part of it all is that I can't just call and say, "Hey Guess What?" I think I have talked to my Dad more in the last few months than ever before. Thanks for lending your ear, helping with advice and just taking a lunch break to help in the yard. Love Ya!

Since my last post school has ended, we spent the first week with Andy, Shay and their kids. It was great. The whole family went to Heber Valley Girls Camp and it was one of the funnest camping trips I have experienced. Chris celebrated Father's Day and our anniversary on the same Sunday and then his birthday a few days later. We have dragged Lala all over Lagoon. Chris came home for two splendid weeks. Preston turned 12 and was ordained by him. My parents kidnapped me and the kids and we finally floated the Madison River. (Madison's name sake.) Preston left for scout camp. That is right he was gone one whole week and I think I was the one who got homesick for him. It stunk, (I don't know what I'll do when he is on his mission.)but I was very excited, happy, and ready to see him go be off on his own. Even if it was for a week. My birthday was good. Dani took me and the kids to lunch. It was great to just hang out with her and be with the kids. I admire her for the job she is doing as a mother. I love Coil birthdays. We always seem to drag them out for a week or so. August is now here and summer is almost over and my bud will be gone for half a day. I am so happy for him, so sad for me. Mike and Erin have announced they are having another baby. What a miracle this cute family has experienced with each child. I am so happy for them. I have a triathlon in a week and am ready for the race. Praying I remember to unclip my shoes. Yeah it sucks to fall. At least this time the only one that saw me was my biking partner. She got a good laugh. I don't know where the graceful gene went but it seems that us girls just can't seem to do anything without getting some bruises. After the race we are heading to Montana for one last trip. I am so excited. It is exactly what I need before school starts and Chris gets home. If Chris ever had the option of moving north I would do it in a heartbeat. How peaceful it is. I feel so close to my Heavenly Father there. The beauty is too much for words. (Pictures will be posted soon.)Hopefully by Halloween we will all be together again.

That about sums it up. Between Chris being home, then heading back and going to lagoon it has been a very fast summer. Almost too fast. For now all I can do is take it one day at a time and enjoy the children that have been gifted to me. Life is good.

The Wonderful Witches of Oz...

...starring Madison Joy and Abigail Brooklynn.
For the last 9 months I have been faitfully running the girls to play practice on Thursdays. Well tonight was the grand payoff for all the running around. I am so proud of the girls and the hard work they have put into this play.


Madison did an awesome job as the crow. She was hilarious. I was so proud of how well she spoke into the mike and how she said her lines so clearly. She was about the only crow that got the crowd to laugh. (That was because everyone could understand her.) Way to caw-caw Madi.

Munchkin Mayor starring Abigail. She did an awesome job. She had a lot of lines and new everyone of them. She was perfect. I am so proud of her. She told me tonight as I was tucking her in bed how proud she was of herself because she got her first trophy. I was proud of her for how cute she was on the stage.



It was so much fun. I loved going there and watching them perform.





I can't wait for next year. What fun it is going to be. I love you Madison, and Abigail. Bravo, Bravo!

Lukee's a graduate

Dad and my Brothers!

So last week was a crazy week. I had my first 5k of the summer. I thought the race was at 9am and my dad said he would be up that morning to take care of the kids. I told him not to worry. Later found out the race was at 8am and I forgot to tell Dad. I didn't he think he would be to my place before the race and I could call him when done and tell him not to worry about coming up. My back started to vibrate right before we started. It was my Dad calling to say he had brought the kids breakfast and they were all eating McDonald's. He spent the day with us. He folded my laundry and cleaned the kitchen. Seriously, I don't think I ever remember him folding laundry let alone kids laundry. My mom was very good about it and had us kids fold it before he got home. It was fun to watch him with the kids.

We were going to fly kites but there was no wind. He said he would come up if there was wind on Sunday and we could fly kites. So Sunday morning on our way to church the wind was going nuts. You had to hold your dress down to keep from flashing everyone in the parking lot. The kids were so excited because that meant that Grandpa would come and fly kites. We called him and he came. Of course, with our luck by the time he got here there was no wind. Nothing, notta, zilch. Seriously, what is up with that? Ever since I have lived this far west we have never had a problem with wind. Usually it doesn't stop. The kids were bummed but Grandpa stayed. As I was getting dinner ready Preston was on one his big brother trips. He would not stop with teasing Madi. He so knows how to push her buttons. (Check out her blog and you will know what I mean.) So I am in the kitchen trying to get dinner done and yelling at Prest to stop. My Dad comes in and yells "Andy, stop..." I start to laugh at him and say "Didn't you mean Preston?" He looks at me and realizes what he said. It was so funny. The days I grew up with brothers was always an interesting adventure. Andy knew how to push my buttons, and Mike was right there. It was great. The three of us were best buds growing up. Thanks for letting me tag a long with you guys. (I was too much of a tomboy and couldn't stand the girl stuff. I always wanted to be out and exploring, not doing hair and make-up like the rest of the girls.)
Since that incident I have thought a lot about Andy and Mike. Through the years we dished it out to each other but we also took care of each other. Any time they had a bully issue the bigger sister would step up and take care of it. Kids learned not to mess with Andy and Mike because that meant Aubrey would come and fix their problem. We had great times staying up late playing games, watching movies or just hanging out. When Chris and I were first married Andy and Mike would show up at our apartment with their friends and play nintendo all night. There were nights I would get home from the ER or fire station and all the boys would be playing games. I would go to bed and the next morning they would all be sacked out. We had many adventures as siblings and I hope that my kids have that also. Growing up I was always the nurse, patient, or bad guy. They never would play barbies with me.
Andy has done everything he has wanted too in life. He is an emergency room doctor, a returned missionary, but most importantly a father and husband. He has always been good with kids and a great example to me in how to be patient and loving to children. Andy thanks for the late night calls letting me know how your night went with patients. Thank you for the chats. I know your time is precious and when you take time to check on me that means a lot.
Mike has had a great life. Through serving a spanish speaking mission he was able to get a job as a police officer. (About 80% arrested are illegals that didn't speak English.) He worked in a horrible environment, but through the academy he was able to revisit his mission field and check up on a gorgeous young woman. He called me the first night he saw her and I told him he was going too marry her. Sure enough he did. He has been amazing. I love the calls and visits. He has taken Preston under his wing. He checks on my regularly and offers his time off to come up and help me out. He doesn't have much time and sometimes I know it is out of his way but he has never complained. Thanks for your love and time.

Dad, this wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for you and Mom. You always taught us that family was first. You taught us to love each other, but I think most importantly you taught us to be friends. I know I wouldn't have the realtionships I do with them if it wasn't for the friendships we developed with each other growing up. Thank You for the love and lessons of life.

Serving in Afghanistan

Greetings one and all. I often think about posting on the blog, but then find myself at a loss of what to say. My days are often the same and so to me it doesn't seem exciting. More often than not I am dealing with people who for whatever reason have decided they want to try and mail home contraband items. Most of the time it's not a big deal, but every once in a while it is because of the nature of the item, or if there was obvious intent to bypass the system of checks and balances we have in place. First, every piece of personal mail is subject to an open parcel inspection, as are most business or military unit related parcels. Unfortunately, some things get by the inspectors for any number of reasons I won't elaborate on. Second, every piece of mail that leaves theater is subject to x-ray examination. If it's in the box or package and shouldn't be we will find it. If we find something on the x-ray then we open the parcel, search for and remove the contraband item, and then reseal the package with a memorandum explaining to the addressee why the box was opened. Sometimes I have to involve law enforcement because of the nature of the items I find. As you can imagine bringing law enforcement into the picture always complicates things.

Thankfully, most days don't involve such instances but all too many do. I hope everyone is well that reads this. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Chris

He's a hero...

(This post is from Aubrey's mom, because she will never take credit for all the good things she does)


He's a hero...


...to me too.




Preston, that is, is a hero to me. He was the one of 800 children in his elementary school chosen to speak at the Freedom Assembly on his hero, his dad, Chris. He spoke of his dad being his hero and that his mom is a hero too. It was a beautiful reminder of what this country is made of...heroes like Chris, Aubrey...and Preston.










...and Preston's grandpa is a hero too, for taking him aside and praying with him that Preston would have courage to stand before a VERY large audience and not be afraid. Preston said it worked, that it made him feel so much better. Thank you Matthew for being Preston's hero today too.

Dualing...

...all the way to St. George and back