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Sorry I haven't posted recently. I returned home from moving Naomi to Oregon on Friday, Sept 24th. I rode the Greyhound bus. It's a good thing I had already decided on the bus instead of driving, as on the way to Oregon the Suburban was totaled when I hit a cow at night on an open range. Nobody (except the cow and truck!) was injured. But it was an adventure dealing with the police/accident report and getting a UHaul truck to get our stuff the next 175 miles to the family farm.

I spent 2 weeks with Mom, helping to get paperwork and stuff done. This included getting Naomi registered for classes at the local community college. So I now have 3 kids in college (counting Gordon in Kenya). Denise is getting close to finishing the classes she needs to be able to apply to the dental hygiene program- all with a straight "A" grade point average.

Jon Paul in now in Alabama, starting on his EOD training. Shortly after arriving there, he lost his wisdom teeth and his girlfriend. It seems the long separation was too much for Olivia. It can be a tough thing to handle, I don't blame her for the decision.

Now that I am home, I've been enjoying a short visit from Jim & JoJene (mother & father in-law). I've also been busy unpacking and organizing. I finally have curtains up!! (Don't worry, we had privacy through mini-blinds, but curtains add a lot more warmth to the home atmosphere.)

I also completed the Army Family Team Building (AFTB) instructor training course this week. This is a program that teaches about military life. I used to teach it at Ft Bragg (NC) about 8 1/2 years ago and loved it. I had to retake the class though so that I could catch up with the changes made to the program over the last few years. I will also go though the actual classes again before I start teaching. (again, to catch up on the changes).

Jonathan leaves on Wednesday for the annual CEC chaplain's conference. I've decided to stay home this time. I've had quite enough travel for awhile and I want to be able to clean out the garage and have a sale next Saturday. Here on post, there are only certain Saturdays each month that you can have a garage sale.

I will hopefully take pictures soon of the home improvements and post them later. Still have quite a few boxes to unpack. Right now I'm tackling the office and books.

Thank you for all of your prayers and cards during these last few months. It has meant a lot to the family. Please forgive me if you haven't heard that personally- there are just so many people who have shown us love. God bless you all.