Hello from the Navy Schulmires!

I have been lazy lately and haven't posted to our blog but thought I would post on the family blog and let you know how we all are. Gary is still working very hard at Arlington doing ceremonies. Wintertime is sort of a slow period for funerals (don't people die in the winter??) so it has been nice to have him home sooner. He they have switched to their winter blue uniforms so as soon as he lets me sneek a picture, I will post it.

Cadence is doing great as well. It is hard to believe that she will be 3 months old next week! She is growing like a weed and has slowly been outgrowing her newborn clothes (YAY for shopping!). She had her baby blessing at church this last Sunday and looked absolutely adorable in her dress Grandma Sandy made. She was also such a good girl! I was nervous that she would cry since her cries are really loud for such a little girl! She is now smiling and laughing and talking all the time. I love those little gummy grins. She is also slowly working on grabbing things. I would give it a couple more days!

I am doing great too. Still just enjoying being a mom and slowly becoming accustomed to military life. It's still a work in progress but everyday it gets better and better.

Anyway, we love everyone!!

UPDATE!!!

Hey everyone, we are now homeowners!!!!!! WOOHOO...everything at closing went well and now we are just waiting for funding to come through but it will come through on Tuesday because Monday is a holiday. I am going over today to the house to do some more cleaning and I am going to take pictures to post on here, I will do before and after pictures, so once I get them I will post them. Thanks for all of your prayers for us during this crazy time. We love all of you!!!

YAY.....WE OWN A HOME!!!!!!!

PJ & DOUG

Our first home

Hey everyone...I just wanted to let you all know that Doug and I are finally going to close on our house today at 3 p.m. After months and months of searching for one and then when we finally found the one a few more months dealing with problems. Then we were supposed to close on the day that Hurricane Ike hit and since then it has been pushed back week after week. I was beginning to think it was never going to happen, but it has! WooHoo!!!!!! In case you can't tell I'm very excited. Once we get it cleaned up a bit and the inside painted and everything I will post pictures for you guys out of state! Love you guys.

PJ & Doug

What is everyone wearing for Halloween?

We have no idea what to do this year. The kids haven't been on my case, so I haven't really thought about it.

I know Halloween was a big deal to ya'll. Just wondering if you have anything in the works.

:)

A really funny story about Russ

I participate once a week with a group that writes stories about their lives. The compiler is using them in a book (I'll finally be published!) called "Slice of Life Sunday".

I went searching in my journal for a story from my twenties to share because I couldn't think of any I hadn't already shared on the blog - at least none that were positive, and I didn't want to write doom and gloom. I ran across this entry about Russ in court and laughed. I thought maybe ya'll might like to read a little anecdote about him:

Vindication is Sweet

If not, that's cool. Just thought I'd share. I should write some more about some of the adventures I've had with him and cops...

Christmas Already?!

Ok, this is just a thought I am throwing out there. Since we have an ever expanding family there have already been a few conversations about Christmas and how to approach it. Here is my idea, I have ran it by a couple of people and they all seemed to like it. Here is the idea: Everyone gives to mom and dad (aka Jim and Sandy), and in turn they give to everyone. Then their kids and their spouses draw names and you are responsible for the name you are given. No cheating and giving a gift to everyone because that will make those that stuck to the name exchange feel bad. Then only if you want to or have the means to, you can do whatever you want for nieces and nephews. Sound ok? Let me know. I did the name draw already so tell me if it is ok, if you would rather not participate just let me know. Thanks!

Name - Person they are buying for

Russ - Gary
Aine - Rachael (Danny's) :)
Deonna - Aine
Josh - James
Rachel - Erin
James - Russ
Gary - Danny
Erin - PJ
Doug - Josh
PJ - Rachel
Danny - Doug
Rachael - Deonna

I hope this works, I know it would make it a little lighter on all our pocket books this Christmas, so let me know if it will work for you! By the way it was a totally random draw we picked names from a bowl! :)

Remembering Ike

Rachel and I were talking just the other day that it seems Ike got all this hype before slamming into us and now there is not much mentioned about it. So much is going on here now, lives have been lost, destruction has occurred and cities lost. However, it has brought people to revisit basic human emotions. It is truly bringing out the best in people, seeing the community reach out and help each other, neighbors actually taking time to meet and help each other. Many people outside of this area however don't get a full grasp of what has happened down here and the extent of the devastation. I was just relaxing after working outside today and felt like I wanted to do something to share w/people a little bit about what has happened down here. Nothing big or good, but just to give a taste of what is going on here now. I hope you enjoy.
Make sure your sound is on.
-Josh