New Addition

We are so excited to report - of course, the only people who reads this are my kids, and they already know about this but it's fun to write - that our daughter Jessica, wife of Derek, mother of Caleb, is pregnant, due April 14th (or thereabouts) will be having a BOY! How did we get all these boys. He will be grandson #4 in 3 years I might add. Unbelievable. We feel so blessed to watch our daughters become mothers. I know how my mother feels now when she said how proud she was when Brian and I had our first baby. You just can't describe the feeling of deepest joy. Now look at pure joy on Caleb's face! I don't have to describe it - I can just show you. Caleb is 2 1/2!

Greg and Lindsey's son, Cole, is ll months old in three days. Where did this past year go. He is walking holding onto your hands. By the time we see him at Christmas, he will probably be walking on his own. We cannot wait to see him. We are also very proud of Lindsey. Lindsey just ran a 1/2 marathon in 2 hr. 10 min and 44 sec. I don't know how she does it, but here is her picture at the end of the race (that is, if I can find it!) This is Greg and Cole - so happy to see Lindsey with her medal!

And now we have our grandson #3 (Jackson) living with us with his mother, Amanda, while her husband Matt, is in Afghanistan. Jackson is 4 1/2 mos. now and is cooing, and laughing. He just smiles all the time now. Very laid back and easy going. I can't imagine how she is feeling right now with her husband gone, but we are praying for him daily for his safe return. Matt, if you are reading this, we love you! Come home safe Daddy!

As I finish on the eve of Thanksgiving Day, I think of the many blessings that Brian and I have had this year and realize that our blessings are in the pictures above, not to mention each other.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Time to Catch Up!

Well, folks - it's time to catch you all up in the Tischendorf household. Lots to tell but since I'm a woman with few words, it won't take too long. Here's a synopsis!

Oct. 21 - Left for CA to be with Amanda and Matt during Jackson's surgery. He had a cleft lip like Lindsey's and Greg's Cole. Jackson did great. A pretty rough week after surgery, but we all knew that going in. He is doing fine now - loves to eat, sleep and ...... In that order! Amanda will be posting before and after pictures of Jack soon so some time in the next week or so you can look for pictures on her blog!

I spent 10 days in sunny San Diego. The weather was really really nice. Much better than Chicago weather. I also helped them pack up their apartment as Matt was leaving for Afghanistan and Amanda was moving back here with us.

October 30 - Said goodbye to Matthew - he was leaving for Afghanistan Nov. 4. Such a hard goodbye but proud of our marine.

November 3 - Brian left to say goodbye to Matt and to drive Amanda back here to leave while he is gone. He will be back in June from his deployment.

November 4- Matt left. Convoy to another base, flew to Maine, flew to Ireland, then to Krykstan

(sp?), arrived yesterday in Afghanistan. Amanda heard from the commander in chief (or whoever is in charge of the battalion) letting families know that they had arrived safe and sound and they will be over there for about 200 something days, which brings him back in June. Hopefully, there will be no extensions as sometimes there are.

November 5 - Brian, Amanda and Jackson started driving home from San Diego. Beautiful weather the whole way and now Brian wants to rent an RV to do the trip again to see the sights along the way.

November 8 - They arrived safely home. What a relief, however, November 6 I went to our cottage for a little R & R and came home Monday morning well rested and ready to face the next 7 months with a daughter and grandchild home. I must say, Jackson is a very good happy baby. Just keep him fed, enough sleep and changed diapers and he is a happy camper. Mom is doing well too considering the circumstances. Can't imagine how she feels right now but we all will stand behind her during this time.