R&BKing

Growing up I've heard many different theories as to who I look more like. "You are an image of your mother....You look just like your dad." Well I was looking through Grandma Helen's photos and found these 2 pictures near each other (one of me back in the young years and one of my dad in his teen years) and found proof as to who I get my lips, mouth lines and face shape from. The nose is my mother's. Thanks mom and dad! I wonder what features "our kid" will inherit?

Christmas was pretty quiet this year but thanks to mom, dad and grandma it was still a nice few days. We sure did miss having the excitement of kids, wrapping paper diving and Christmas mission! My dad's highlight had to be rigging up our TV so he could watch the Giants beat the Jets. My mom's highlight was not having to cook.We went out to eat. Grandma loved the company. My highlight was having the support of my parents and a new piece of jewelry. Can you see what it is? Ordered all the way from Afghanistan. I got a quick update about Ryan's Christmas and it doesn't sound too fun. He was on guard duty so he missed the food, his packages didn't arrive since he switched companies and he had to go out to the strong point. It just makes me more and more grateful for our soldiers and what they sacrifice so we can celebrate freely. I'm also very thankful for my Savior who is watching over and protecting those we love. Merry Christmas and Happy Ne...

Twas the night before Christmas, and he lived in a crowd, In a 40 man tent, with warriors so loud. I had come into the tent with presents to give, And to see just who in this rack did live. I looked all about, and a strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stockings were hung, just boots close at hand, On the locker hung pictures of far distant lands. He had medals and badges and awards of all kind, And a sobering thought came into my mind. For this place was different, it was so dark and dreary, I had found the home of a Soldier, this I could see clearly. The Soldier lay sleeping, silent and alone, Curled up in his rack, dreaming of home. The face was so gentle, the barracks in such good order, But not how I pictured a United States Soldier. Was this the hero whom I saw on TV? Defending his country so we all could be free? I realized the families that I've seen this night, Owed their lives to these Soldiers who were willing to fight. Soon round the worl...

Ryan just switched Company's from Battle Company to Attack Company. He's now at a new COP (Combat Operating Post ), with new guys and with new responsibitlies.  Here's a newsletter article from his new 1SG (First Sergeant).  In blue are some explanations of the army lingo. Attack Company is going strong. The weather has continued to cool. Nights are officially chilly and it only makes it into the upper 70’s during the day. The military intelligence community, which is responsible for dissemination of weather forecasts, keep threatening us with rains that may be arc worthy. So far it has been very dry though. Nonetheless we have continued to improve and storm proof our living areas both on the COP (Combat Operating Post) and at the strong points (smaller area, away from the COP)  that our Soldiers call home. No need to worry, rain or shine Attack is prepared to continue our fight regardless. November has seen a positive turn in our relation...

It's a very dark, gray upstate NY day. It sure makes me miss this guy even more. Time seems to be crawling by. We have 3 months or 14 1/2 weeks, or 100 days to go. Time please could you speed up? We can skip days, weeks, or maybe just skip a whole month or two.

I have challenges making bread, bread sticks, rolls, basically anything that has yeast. So when I was given the assignment to make the rolls for Thanksgiving I knew I needed practice or they would have to be store bought.  First attempt was a failure, hard small rolls that did not rise at all. Second attempt the rolls were bigger, softer but burned. Third attempt, success! My second success was this baby blanket my mom helped me make. The quilt rack (one I got free off the side of the road) in the baby's room now has something on it. The baby's room is starting to come together. I've been using lots of bright colors since we have to make it gender netural. Any guesses on what we're having?

When you visit the North Carolina King's you never know what you'll be required to wear to the dinner table.