Kenzie Gets a Haircut

Today Kenzie went to get a much needed haircut. Her daddy thought she deserved a treat bigger than her! A $17 dollar treat! Man I wonder what our actual daughter is going to "deserve"? Can't wait for that!

Yes she got a bow....the one and only time....

Exactly 2 Weeks

Living Room

Kitchen

The Patio

In exactly 2 weeks, hopefully we'll have just finished moving and we'll be relaxing in our new place in Virginia. I have mixed emotions, happy to finally be back in Virginia and close to family, nervous that the move won't go as planned, sad that our active year in the military is done, disappointed that we're only moving into an apartment instead of a house and excited to start a new chapter in our lives, most importantly, together. I've attached a couple pictures of the new place empty, but I'll make sure to post pictures of the move and of the house decorated! Wish us luck!

Our "Kids"....because I haven't posted in awhile

Cassius and Sergio



Kenzie opening our bedroom door

If you could, say a little prayer for Serg

Things have been pretty hectic here the past couple of days in preparation of the move and then yesterday there were some problems at his work. They were never resolved and now as I type this he is on his way TDY to CA (He got about 12 hours notice he was going). We were supposed to be preparing the house for the Realtor who is coming on Wednesday. He won't say anything but I think he's a little stressed and worried about me having to handle everything at home alone. If you have a chance, could you just pray that his working environment improves and that his boss can gain some understanding before he leaves. I know he only has a few weeks left, I just wish it wasn't on bad terms. He is such a reliable, hardworking man, and it hurts him a lot for his character to be questioned....

Everything Happens for a Reason: Moving Update

Well Serg and I submitted our loan application a few weeks ago. We were denied. Apparently the minimum credit score for a VA loan was raised 13 days before we submitted our application. We missed the cutoff by 6 measly points. I was pretty upset when we got the news but Serg reminded me that everything happens for a reason.
We had started talking about buying a home about 30 minutes South of where we used to live. We've never lived there before and we would have bought without knowing whether we like the location or not. So instead of being upset, we're looking at it as a sign from God that we should rent for 6 months in this new town. See if we like living there before we buy, save as much money as we possibly can and try and raise our credit score. God works in mysterious ways. We're trusting God that he is putting us right where we need to be and that he has a plan for us.

"For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11)

Trip to Rochester

We stopped at an overlook on the way up....Doesn't it look like a face...haha!

Serg and Kenz in front of Lake Ontario...I've never seen water so calm before

Some firefighters were doing rescue training and we decided to watch for a few mintues and take a few pictures. It seemed like they were having a great time! We did hear one guy yell..Eww the water stinks! :)

More training. The ice was REALLY thick!

Serg and Kenz again.

The mile long pier!

It was neat that you could barely see the horizon line!

us!

On the way home we drove by the little league world series field in Williamsport, PA. It was really neat for Serg to see!

The field kids come from all over the world to play on...

Early Saturday morning Serg and I packed up the car and Kenzie and headed up to Rochester, NY. A friend of his from CO lives there and when he moved from CO to NY he brought boxes of Serg's stuff that he had been storing since Serg left CO. So we finally made the trip to retrieve his stuff. There was a ton of great things packed away in the boxes....lots of pictures and momentos from Iraq. Even though it was only one night we had such a great time! I love long car rides with him...we laugh so much and get to talk about a lot.

Brag on my Husband! Army Commendation Medal Recipient (his 2nd one)

His supervisor giving a short speech about his hard work

The General pinning on his medal

His supervisor Raina, CSM Dean, Serg, Me and Major General Bednarek

His award!

This afternoon First Army (Serg's Unit) held a Hail and Farewell ceremony for new arrivals to the unit and people that will be leaving the unit. Serg was on the farewell list and also received the Army Commendation Medal. I am so proud of him! When the General was pinning on the medal, he told Serg he was proud of him too! Serg was recommended for the award by a Major in the unit. The Major sited these achievements for justification of the award:

(1) SGT Rangel conducted over 200 hours of PAO training, 40 hours of instruction and mentored over 25 soldiers to conduct PAO missions in support of OIF.

(2) SGT Rangel has served as the Division's PAO NCOIC (Non-Commission Officer in Charge) since December 2008

(3) SGT Rangel was the SME (Subject Matter Expert) for Advanced Video editing system, all operations of video and still photography, and 3-D animation and graphic design. SGT Rangel personally developed the Division's "Command" Video for the annual AUSA conference

(4) SGT Rangel is highly motivated and extremely physically fit, scoring a 297 (out of 300) on his most recent Army PFT.

**Side note...This Major did say that Sergio was sought out from the command for his calm demeanor and absolute dependability. While I totally agree with the dependability part...I'd like to know where the calm demeanor comes from! I wish I could meet that Sergio...I might like it! :)

The certificate states:
For exceptionally meritorious service while assigned as the Division's Public Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer. Sergeant Rangel's dedication to duty, motivation, ingenuity, and outstanding initiative contributed to the success of the Division's Public Affairs mission. Sergeant Rangel's commendable achievements reflect great credit upon him, First Army Division East and the United States Army.

I couldn't be more proud of him! He has worked so hard to get where he is today. He is doing so much work outside his MOS without complaint. He definitely deserves recognition and I'm glad he got it, even though he says "I shouldn't get a medal for doing my job."!

SGT Dykstra....

Just wanted to let you know that I'll be sending some treats with Serg on Tuesday! ;)

Batting Cages and Mini Golf

Tiger shot

Serg has baseball starting up in a few weeks and wanted to get a few cuts in at the batting cages. At the batting cages they also had a mini golf course. We ended up playing a game and had a really good time. Serg 55 - Kate 52. WOOT WOOT :) yay!

Saturday Hike

Kenzie loves the wind in her face!

On Saturday, Mom and Dad came up to our house and we went hiking. We had a really great time!! Kenzie got to go on a swim and when we got home she passed right out!!

Oh Serg.....

Serg and I went out to eat on Friday and then stopped by Michael's to pick up gifts for our nephews for getting straight A's. Serg got a little....well Sergish...haha!

Old School

Sergio and his brother Simon circa 1988
Simon had this picture in his wallet and just posted it to his Myspace. Thought you would enjoy seeing Sergio as a kid. Looks just like a regular Eddie Haskell....

Snow Day!!

The snow gets clumped in her fur and ends up like this.

Once we finally get inside I have to blow dry them off her!

Serg has the day off today and Kenzie has been crying to both of us to take her back outside. These were taken this morning when we went out to shovel. She was shaking she was so cold....and we still ended up dragging her inside to warm up.
Happy Snow Day to all our East Coast family! Sorry Texas! :)

Headed Home; Pitstop in Richmond

Cam and Brit at dinner

Sorry Brillz I had to put it up here! Love you! :)

Downtown Richmond

Almost home....

Cameron has off for a few days, so when Serg and I were headed home he decided he was going to drive to Richmond to visit his girlfriend. Since we were both headed the same way, I rode with Cam, and we got a chance to really talk. We had such a good time together. Once we got to Richmond we stopped by Brittani's house and then took them both to dinner. After dinner we headed home...in a snow storm. Only took 6 hours to get home! YIKES!

Fort Bragg: Part 2

Trying to climb upside down is REALLY hard!

Since it rained the ENTIRE time we were down there, I'm glad that I planned only indoor activities. I found this great indoor rock wall online before we left. Serg loves to rock climb and hasn't been since he left Colorado. It was nice to see him happy doing something he loves. Him and my brother had a great time!!

Thank you SGT. Dykstra! (Serg said Lenny)

I know you check the blog...just wanted to let you know I received the card you sent. Thank you so much! It really means a lot. Thank you for serving!

Katelyn Rangel