Yay! Dr. Choice!

We don't usually keep soda in the house, but Jason picked up a leftover 3-liter from drill for me. FREE soda! Isn't he thoughtful?!

Friday

Jason got home a little bit early from his office's holiday party. They exchanged gag gifts, but he got a surprisingly fitting one. He is a spreadsheet wizard and loves his coffee. Kudos to the person who picked it out!





For dinner, I was craving some homecooked goodness, so I whipped up some potato casserole and meatloaf. Then Jason and I settled in to watch The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

Sigh. My mom's meatloaf recipe is the best. Check it out:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 c. rolled oats
• 2 tsp. minced onion flakes
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 c. tomato juice/sauce

Preheat oven to 350. Mix well and place in loaf pan. Mix 1/4 c. ketchup and 1/4 c. brown sugar to form topping. Cover top of meatloaf with topping and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing.

Mmm...definitely my go-to for comfort food. What's your favorite comfort food?

An eveing with the Maurers and friends

New Year's Eve was super-fun this year, thanks to Brian and Kathleen. They helped host a party, along with Brian's dad and brother Brandon, in Blue Springs. I'm glad it was close because we've had a bit of snow, and I wasn't looking forward to a long drive anywhere.

Jason and I arrived fashionably late to find the party in full-swing. Video games on the TV, board games at the kitchen table and a cut-throat game of Jenga on the counter with easy access to the food. The monkey bread and meatballs I had made were well-received, as were the hot pizzas Brian kept bringing fresh from the upstairs kitchen.

Jason mingled with the gamers around the TV, and I filled in for Brian at Jenga while he performed host duties. Then I got in on a little Mario action. Upon realizing I was a complete and total video-gaming failure, I broke out the afghan (I'm such a nerd, I know), which I had brought to hopefully make a little more progress. I crocheted on the couch and listened to critiques of movie directors. The critiques turned to a trivia game with which I had moderate success.

At about 11:55, the gaming TV was turned to the ball drop in New York. Of course we counted down to midnight, and all the couples kissed. Then Jason and I were introduced to the strange New Year's tradition of bare-chested chopping. Apparently, Brian, Brandon & Friends used to wrestle at this party years ago. After they grew too large, and the house and its exquisite decorations became vulnerable to destruction by such violence, they abbreviated the tradition to taking hits to the chest. We elected not to participate.

Before we left, Kathleen and I played a couple rounds of Dr. Mario. She showed me a trick, but she still beat my pants off. I bow to your greatness, Kathleen.

Happy New Year, everyone! Cheers!

A good husband shovels snow...

...without being asked!

Last night was the first accumulation of any kind, so on our random Wal-Mart run for groceries, we picked up a couple bags of ice melt for the driveway. When we got home, Jason helped get the bags inside and immediately got to work shoveling the walk while I put away groceries and did some inside chores.

This morning, he cleared the way again and cleaned off my car! What a wonderful husband!

Surprise!!!

While Jason was gone to class Monday night, I baked him a birthday cake, wrapped presents and decorated the house with balloons and streamers. After I sang "Happy Birthday" and he blew out his candles, he started opening presents: Dove chocolate, a pumpkin dessert and a calendar.



His favorite present was the calendar. Fist pump for Goats in Trees!

It's the small things that make up a life together

The other day Jason came home with flowers for no particular reason. Another time, he stayed late at the office to finish a bracelet he made to surprise me. And every morning I wake up with kisses. I love being told "I love you" in these ways.

311th HHD Family Day

The 311th had its first family event since Jason had been named commander - a lunch in the park followed by swimming at the pool. As the commander's wife, I wasn't really sure what was expected of me. I knew families were supposed to bring food. So, I put together a fruit tray, bought a small vegetable tray, made some Rice Crispie Treats and iced tea, and rounded up a cooler full of popcicles. Plus I brought some non-pool toys for the kids.

The final formation was at the picnic in the park. Half the guys were in uniform and half had already changed for the pool. Some awards were handed out before food. Strangely, not a lot of people brought food to add to the hot dogs supplied by the Family Readiness Group. The kids also enjoyed playing with the toys I brought.

Then we headed to the pool. Jason and I had fun. He took a few turns on the diving board and we went down the water slides together. Unfortunately, I found out that Jason is not a good sunscreen applier; my back and shoulders took on an oddly shaped burn.

Atten-hut!

Captain Jason Stapp is now the commander of the 311th HHD out of Lexington, Mo.

They had the ceremony last Friday when they got back from annual training. Jason assured me it was going to be a small ceremony and that I didn't need to come, but I thought as his wife, it was somehow my right to show up. So, I got to see Jason assume the command from McConnaha, who is going to be deployed soon.

Now I'm the commander's wife, and I "get" to do things, such as help run the family readiness group. It might be a lot of work, but I'm kind of looking forward to meeting the families behind the soldiers I've met.