The Journey

The Cowboy Family!

2010-11-03T18:05:00.001-06:00

It's been a long time since we have posted. We might not even have any followers, but here is a recent picture!

Bowman's Hospital Stay in February - our trooper!

2010-03-23T12:55:00.005-06:00

The kids were not allowed to come in the hospital, so they visited Bowman through the window! Elmo was Bowman's best friend in the hospital.........

The Prayer of a Child

2010-02-16T19:37:00.004-07:00

This past week has been a journey for our family, one I look back on and realized I had one choice and it was to surrender the situation to God because I could not do it alone. Last Tuesday, I took Bowman into the doctor for a cough he had. He had no other symptoms, but I wanted to make sure his ears were clear and things were looking ok. The diagnosis was one I did not expect, but we found out he had pneumonia. Sent home on antibiotics, we kept pushing forward. To make the story short, he continued to get considerably worse which landed us back to the doctors on Friday morning. His oxygen level was extremely low and his lung continued to be infected. They sent us to the hospital immediately and it was there he was admitted. By Sunday morning, all three of us wanted out of the hospital. The doctors reports continued to be grim, showing very little progress. He was still requiring a lot of oxygen, needed nose suctions and his lung was still very bad. We were discouraged, but knew we needed to do what was best for Bowman - stay in the hospital. Herbie and Allie had called me on the phone earlier crying they missed me and wanted to come home. My parents brought them to the hospital (they were not allowed inside) so they got to stand outside of Bowman's window and wave. I went to sit in the lobby with Herbie and Allie and it was there that Allie started to cry and said, "I miss my Bowman - I want him to come home." Her tears ended with her and I hugging and crying together. My parents sat with Bowman while Dave and I took Herbie and Allie on a dinner date. When we returned, I sat in the car with the kids while Dave ran in to kiss Bowman goodnight. I turned to the kids and said, can you please say a prayer for your brother and for God to help bring him home. The first time, I have ever heard, they both said a complete and sincere prayer to God to heal their brother. With tears in my eyes, I went back into the hospital to spend the night with Bowman. Within the next hour it was time for his "normal" check up. The nurse came in and in shock, to me and her, she said his chest sounds clear and so does his left lung. This is the same individual who told us that morning, along with the doctor, he still sounded terrible! In somewhat disbelief I said great! I asked her to lower his oxygen (he was still at a very high level). She lowered it a whole liter and we got ready for bed. If you know, our oxygen tends to go low when we sleep anyway so to see her lower it so much before bed was amazing. That night he did amazing and even passed both of his "room air" tests. The oxygen therapist, his nurse and the doctor all were amazed at how fast his "lung cleared" and his ability to handle little to no oxygen intake. I write this because I truly believe in God's ability to heal and only within an hour of our children's prayers our son was healed. Thank you Lord for listening to the prayer of a child. We rejoice that our son's lung continues to be clear and he came home oxygen free!

2010-01-30T07:05:00.002-07:00

Herbie Built Frosty the Snowman and Bowman our Pirate

2009-12-23T14:05:00.001-07:00

2009-12-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

Rachel Baby Shower and Allie Dance Recital

2009-12-19T16:45:00.004-07:00

Happy Birthday Joia!

2009-12-19T06:32:00.003-07:00

Sledding

2009-12-07T15:44:00.001-07:00

Military Christmas Party

2009-12-06T14:05:00.004-07:00

My adorable family!

2009-11-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

Herbie's Thanksgiving presentation for parents at school

2009-11-25T08:22:00.003-07:00

Decorating for Christmas!

2009-11-19T10:32:00.004-07:00

Fun Fall Times

2009-11-10T15:31:00.001-07:00

Fun Times

2009-11-01T12:43:00.005-07:00

I love you Dave

2009-10-26T09:00:00.002-06:00

Dave, thank you for being the amazing husband, dad, and Godly man of our home. We are so blessed to have you! Thank you for all your hard work on behalf of our family - we are truly blessed. We love you, Christina, Herbie, Allie & Bowman!

Family

2009-10-21T07:04:00.002-06:00

Estes Park

2009-10-11T13:00:00.002-06:00

I love my family

2009-09-24T21:01:00.002-06:00

Rest in Peace.....

2009-09-23T14:08:00.002-06:00

Anne Carson, this post is for you. We finally got rid of our "death-mobile" van......rest in peace in your new home!

Vail

2009-09-20T17:04:00.002-06:00

Wyoming Vs. CU

2009-09-20T17:00:00.001-06:00

Fun Family Times

2009-09-17T14:47:00.004-06:00

Summer fun

2009-08-28T14:12:00.001-06:00

Rockies Game and MercyMe concert

2009-08-23T20:21:00.002-06:00

A fun day

2009-08-23T07:42:00.003-06:00

Local Family Fair, Military Chaplain Bar B Que, Fundraiser for an Ethopian orphanage where our dear friends baby is currently living.....what a busy day!

Homework, Swim lessons, visit from Aunt Judy

2009-08-18T07:27:00.004-06:00

Visit with Aunt Judy!

Allie's first swimming lessons

Assisting with our kids homework has already started....in pre-kindergarten?

Planting our three new trees in the backyard! Great job daddy & Herbie.

Allie waiting for daddy at the airport - Marilyn Monroe?

WOW - do I feel blessed!

2009-08-10T19:31:00.003-06:00

Congratulations CH (CPT) David Nagel

2009-08-08T13:39:00.002-06:00

Dave was awarded his Captain bars today at drill. Congratulations honey!

And they are friends......

2009-08-06T15:05:00.001-06:00

Herbie's "Meet and Greet" his preschool teachers

2009-08-06T14:58:00.002-06:00

Herbie is SO excited to start preschool! We met his teachers today. They kind of just looked at me with a cute smile and glaze over their eyes as Herbie ran in through the classroom and right out the back door to the playground. All I can say is.....good luck teachers! :)

Herbie & Daddy at Bronco Training Camp

2009-08-06T14:53:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to an amazing Dad & Papa

2009-07-30T07:15:00.003-06:00

The Siblings and the Cousins

2009-07-27T20:13:00.001-06:00

missing Joia....

Spouse Ride on the Black Hawk

2009-07-25T14:57:00.006-06:00

Every year at Family Day for the battalion, they allow spouses to fly on the Black Hawk. I received a personal invitation from the commanders wife and the executive officers wife to join them. Terrified and confident I did not want to do this - I smiled and realized, I am going. I had a blast and got to see the most amazing views and be with some really neat ladies! Here are a few pictures! I am so proud of my husband and the ministry he is doing with these soldiers!
Yes, this is a soldier hanging out of the helicopter while we are landing.

My seat was so windy!

Coors Field

Herbie at VBS

2009-07-23T16:15:00.003-06:00

Allie was too young to attend, but we would go early to pick up Herbie each day so she could dance in the background. The last day, she went to be up front with her brother!

We are proud parents, but this was a sweet point of the week. On the last day, we were walking to the car and the "teenager" helper/teacher of Herbie's class came running out. Here Herbie, as she slipped him a litte hand written note. And here is what it said:

"Dear Herbie, I had loads of fun with you over VBS week. You are such a cutie. Thanks for being the leader of the rope for me. I hope we can see each other again soon. Stay close to Jesus, Blythe (crew leader)

Herbie, you are one special boy who is going to do amazing things for God. We are so proud of you as you grow in your walk with our awesome and amazing God!

Being in ministry with Dave for many years and putting on a VBS each year, you really don't fully understand the impact until it is your own child coming home and singing the songs, reciting the verses, and telling the stories from the Bible. And to hear him say to his little sister - "don't be afraid Allie - Jesus is with us and will protect us. If you get hurt, he will even help heal you." Thank you to every VBS teacher out there - you are making a difference one child at a time......this time, it is our son Herbie!

Our other giggle monster

2009-07-17T15:10:00.002-06:00

Fun at the Park

2009-07-14T13:22:00.002-06:00

The Great Smile!

2009-07-12T15:43:00.003-06:00

Allie's New Big Girl Car Seat - she LOVES it being pink!

2009-07-09T07:05:00.001-06:00

Family Donut Date

2009-07-06T14:20:00.004-06:00

Camping in Steamboat Springs

2009-07-06T07:08:00.004-06:00

Family time

2009-07-01T06:48:00.001-06:00

Military Retreat in Vail

2009-07-01T06:41:00.003-06:00

Hi Family and Friends,

What a great trip we had to Vail! The conference was focused on Family Programs and Christina and I learned a lot. Christina has stepped forward to become the family readiness group leader for the battalion. (FRGL) This is a big job, as she will be the key point of contact for the 400 families in our battalion when we deploy to war. I'm really proud of her!

I got to preach for chapel and the State Chaplain led worship and the rest of the service. The Lord was really present...there was a sweet spirit in the place...we even had to get more chairs for all who showed up to worship. The 2 Star General and his wife and a 1 Star General and his wife came to worship. I'm really thankful Colorado has Godly men in leadership...it is amazing!

Herbie & Herbie at the Herbie Hot Dog Stand

2009-06-26T06:32:00.002-06:00

Happy Father's Day Dave!

2009-06-21T16:11:00.001-06:00

Dave,

You are an amazing father - thank you for all you do for our family and especially for all you do for our kids. You are amazing at your love, patience, hard work and all you do to make sure they are taken care of and having fun doing it!!! You are the best, I could not have asked for a better man to raise a family with. I LOVE YOU!!! - Christina, Herbie, Allie & Bowman

Dave teaching the kids to drum!

Allie's Fun Birthday Week.......

2009-06-21T06:59:00.006-06:00

Happy Father's Day Dad!

2009-06-21T06:48:00.003-06:00

Dad,

You are an amazing man, dad and now grandpa to our kids! I love you so much and appreciate all you have done for me, mom and Steve, Chris & Mike! You made the choice so many years ago to marry my mom and become the "brady bunch family"! You are the best and I am so thankful for you! Happy Father's Day dad!

Happy 3rd Birthday Allie!

2009-06-19T06:46:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to our three year old princess! You are a kind, sweet, gentle little girl who knows what you want! We love that you will pick out your own clothes and shoes and be completely dressed before you walk out of your room in the morning - picking out your favorite dress for the day. You are our princess who brings us a smile everyday! The Lord has great things for your life and we are so grateful He trusted us to care for you on this earth! We will never forget the scary moment in the hospital the evening after your birth and the nurse came to check you out only to find you not breathing. I was stuck in bed still unable to feel my legs, but your daddy ran behind the nurse and you to the nursery to get you breathing again. The Lord healed you and has great things for your life! We are on this journey together baby girl! We are so proud you and love you so much!

Happy Birthday Dillan!

2009-06-18T07:24:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Dillan! We love you! Uncle Dave, Aunt Christina, Herbie, Allie & Bowman! Come see us soon!

Allie's Red Robin birthday lunch & Herbie's new slip n slide

2009-06-16T14:01:00.001-06:00

The wedding!

2009-06-15T14:28:00.003-06:00

South Dakota Part 1

2009-06-12T14:59:00.003-06:00

Military Ball

2009-06-06T22:41:00.003-06:00

Zoo

2009-06-04T12:55:00.003-06:00

Fun week

2009-06-04T06:33:00.004-06:00

We have had a fun week....our nephew Caleb stayed with us for two nights and now our nephew Smith has stayed with us for two days! Smith learned how to mow his first lawn and earned some cash! Great job Smith! Thanks Aunt Comfort for Allie's new ballet outfit - she LOVES it and even wore it to Target last night.

Fun time with cousins!

2009-06-02T12:33:00.001-06:00

Fun Family Weekend with Siblings and Cousins

2009-06-01T19:00:00.006-06:00

Hi Family and Friends,

We had a great weekend visiting with family. My brother and his family have returned from Mexico as they prepare for their next chapter of mission work and it was fun to catch up and hear about their adventures. On Sunday morning I took my dad and brother with me as our church served a community in need by doing a neighborhood makeover. That was one of the best church services I've been a part of in a long time as we painted a house for a man in need. On Sunday afternoon I spent some time with my younger sister's boyfriend working on our van. He is such a nice young man. Today we had a fun day spending some time with my older sister and her family in Colorado Springs. We have been blessed by great family!

We even were able to kidnap our nephew Caleb for a few days and as I type the boys are laughing over popsicles before bed...lots of fun!

2009-05-30T07:23:00.000-06:00

Bolder Boulder

2009-05-25T11:01:00.005-06:00

Hi Family and Friends,

I just returned from running my second "Bolder Boulder" 10K. It was a great experience and I'm glad I gave it another shot. I shaved 9 minutes off of my time from last year and felt great crossing the finish line inside the stadium at CU Boulder. 54,000 people participated this year and the atmosphere was great. There were a lot of live bands along the course. The "Blues Brothers" and "Elvis" were there...the belly dancers were there(sadly, most looked a little like me with my shirt off and probably shouldn't have been dancing :) There were people handing out beer and donuts, bacon and tater tots. There were people shooting us with their hose in the front yard. There were marching bands and cheerleaders and old ladies in Tutus. Fun morning!

I ran this race in memory of my Uncle Joe Bowman who was killed during WW2 as a teenager. Bowman David is named in his honor.

Happy Memorial Day!

Camping in Grand Junction

2009-05-25T06:24:00.008-06:00

Dry Tent
The start of rain, the first night.
Herbie learning to be a farmer with Great Grandpa.
On the farm, going on a 4 wheeler trip.
Watering the farm
Feeding Uncle Chris & Aunt Maura's animals.

Right before we got in the car to head home, the kids were ready!

Happy Birthday Caleb

2009-05-17T07:13:00.002-06:00

We love you buddy! Love, Uncle Dave, Aunt Christina, Herbie, Allie & Bowman

Congratulations Dave

2009-05-16T13:13:00.003-06:00

Today, Dave received a very honorable award at the Denver Seminary graduation. Dave was awarded the Chaplain, Major General, Lorraine K. Potter Chaplaincy Award.

"The recipient is chosen by the chaplaincy committee and is awarded for excellence and potential in the field of chaplaincy. The award is named in honor of Lorraine Potter, the first woman selected as the chief of chaplains for any branch of the United States military."

We are so proud of you Dave!

Fun Summer Times

2009-05-15T16:06:00.003-06:00

The pool is out, the swimsuits are on and the play has started!

Happy Birthday Zaisy!

2009-05-15T09:46:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Zaisy, we love you!

My kitchen caught fire......

2009-05-13T05:59:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, I decided to cook some ramen noodles for lunch. I had one pot for the kids and one for myself. I put the pots on the stove and turned them on. I noticed one of the pots starting to smoke. I thought, oh there must be a little run over under the burner so I opened the kitchen window and turned on the fan. Within a few seconds, the smoke became thick and I realized the stove was on FIRE! I quickly took the pots off the burners and turned them off. The flame was growing and the total nerd I am tried to "blow out" the flame with my own air. That was far from successful. I started to think back to all my fire safety training, but I couldn't remember what you DON'T throw on the fire vs. what to throw on the fire. I quickly remembered my fire extinguisher in the washer/dryer room so I ran to grab that. I knew you had a "pin" to pull and I just scrambled till something started working. The spray went EVERYWHERE and the fire was successfully put out. (The kids were outside). I quickly called Dave and begged him to come home. Looking at my kitchen and the mess, I started to wonder if I was fumigating myself and how in the world do I clean up this powder mess. I called the local fire department for some advice. After two wrong calls, 3 transfers, they told me I HAD to call 911 because the fire could still be spreading in my stove and I needed to evacuate my house. So I grabbed my kids and headed to the front of the house. Quickly, Dave drove in and so did two large fire trucks and a fire dept surburban. Wow, I knew I was a bad cook, but didn't realize that it would be such an event. After declaring our house safe and providing our kids fire stickers, everyone left. It took me over 2 hours to clean up the powder mess up; it traveled into every cabinet. My advice: EVERYONE get a fire extinguisher for your kitchen. I always said I would never be a fire in the kitchen family - was I ever wrong! Shortly after everyone left, Herbie walked in and said,"MOM, you forgot to make my lunch!"

Herbie update in regards to pillow - had a little rough patch for nap yesterday, but for bed last night - went to bed and slept great!

His first time to grieve.....

2009-05-12T07:07:00.002-06:00

Herbie went to bed last night with Skybear.....pretty soon he came down the stairs and asked his daddy to take off the Spiderman costume. Daddy fulfilled the request and Herbie went back to bed. Pretty soon, he came back downstairs and asked us, with a sweet and tender voice, to "break open bears back". We asked why he wanted us to break bears back, he said because he wanted his pillows back. When we explained we could not do that, he began to cry. Dave went and laid with him in his bed as he slowly cried himself to sleep. Herbie asked we put his bear back in his box and put him on the floor of his room. He didn't want bear unless we could "break his back". It was Herbie's first time to truly grieve something in his life. His mommy & daddy grieved with him and shed our own tears once our little boy was asleep. He woke a few times in the night and requested for me to lay with him and rub his head till he feel asleep again. We found him in our bed this morning. Herbie is learning what it feels like to grieve, as parents, we wish we could take this pain away and all the pain in the future in his life. This we know we can't do, but we are dedicated to walk through life with him and we will continue to pray the Lord provides the grace and peace he will need for every challenge he encounters. I cannot even imagine what God felt when he saw his only son suffer on this earth. Thank you Lord for your sacrifice and for your never ending love and grace to us. (and mommy is crying as I type this - even though Herbie is GREAT this morning). We love you Herbie!

The "pillow" is now "Skybear" the black spiderman bear!

2009-05-11T19:19:00.006-06:00

Before Herbie was born, his Great Grandma Niehues made him a little pillow out of fleece. The new parent I was said "Does she not know it is not safe for babies to have pillows?" Little did I know this would become Herbie's favorite pillow and his comfort blanket for years to come. Herbie would carry this pillow around, suck his thumb and rub the corner of the pillow. Eventually the pillow slowly fell apart - unable to lose it, we called Grandma and requested a new one. She sent a new pillow and we fixed this one many times until eventually the fabric slowly fell apart. One day we lost the "little piece of fabric"...this was a dark day. Smart daddy, cut up a pillowcase and gave it to Herbie. He "adjusted" and accepted the new piece of fabric he called pillow.

Today was a BIG day for our 4 year old Herbie. We gathered ALL of the little pieces of fabric known as pillow, put them in our little blue bag and headed to the store. Herbie took his pillows to Build a Bear Workshop. He was able to pick out his own animal (he chose a black bear), he then took all the pillows to the lady and stuffed it in the bear to forever be safe. We put in a heart and sewed up the bear. Herbie is officially the big boy with no more security pillows. Herbie gave his new bear a bath and quickly picked out his new clothes. Our black bear is now the spiderman black bear. Herbie gave him the name......Skybear. He took a nap today and did not suck his thumb, but just clung to his new buddy - Skybear! Proud of you Herbie! (I think this day has been harder on Daddy than Herbie!)

Happy Mother's day to our moms

2009-05-10T07:02:00.002-06:00

We have AMAZING mom's!!! We love you both - Happy Mother's Day!
Love, Dave, Christina, Herbie, Allie & Bowman

Bowman's 1st Haircut

2009-05-07T16:13:00.002-06:00

Photography assistance from big brother Herbie!

Enjoying Spring....

2009-05-06T14:23:00.002-06:00

Our first time bowling....

2009-05-01T12:01:00.005-06:00

Fun times........the first time for the kids to go bowling. They loved it and Herbie got a strike on his very first try!

The Birthday Party

2009-04-30T19:00:00.004-06:00

A fun evening with the family on our porch eating dinner then off to the ice cream shop, fun times! Love you Bowman! Happy 1st Birthday!

Happy 1st Birthday Bowman!

2009-04-30T06:34:00.003-06:00

One year ago, my sister-in-law, Joia, was rushing me to the hospital while we texted Dave to get out of his seminary class (finals week) and meet us at the hospital. Called the parents and they all made it just in time for the arrival of our sweet little, Bowman David Nagel. We are truly blessed. He is such a sweet, kind, gentle spirited little boy. He is content to just sit and give you the encouraging smile and the nice wave when you are getting up to leave. We love you buddy! We could not imagine life without you. You make our family complete! :) - Daddy, Mommy, Herbie, & Allie

Easter and Family time

2009-04-15T07:47:00.003-06:00

Dave's Graduating Class - Columbia, SC

2009-04-14T10:48:00.005-06:00

The New Army Chaplains - please be in prayer for their ministry to the soldiers and to the families who support them in the military life.

Last Day in Hilton Head, SC and trip home

2009-04-10T09:03:00.005-06:00

Allie in Denver airport after long trip home, she slept on the floor by baggage claim.

Only 1/2 of our stuff coming home. My parents drove three more suitcases, two large bags and three boxes of stuff home.

Herb bought me these LARGE pink sunglasses on the beach at Hilton Head. Goofey but fun, they are special though because they came from him. Love you Papa!

Close dolphins

2009-04-09T07:11:00.002-06:00

This is how close the dolphins came to us at the beach in Hilton Head Island, SC.

Happy Birthday Comfort!

2009-04-07T05:48:00.002-06:00

We love you - hope your day is extra special!

Home Sweet Home

2009-04-06T06:50:00.003-06:00

We are home and love our beds! We got in late last night and are ready to get settled back at home......could do without the snow - where are all the palm trees and warm weather? Will post pics soon.

Few pics...computer dying will post more when we return home...

2009-04-04T12:42:00.005-06:00

SO SO HONORED TO BE HIS WIFE!

2009-04-01T19:45:00.007-06:00

I love you Dave with all my heart and I am truly honored to be your wife and to walk this journey with you! You are an incredible military Chaplain - we love you!

Scotty, Seung, Dave & Bob

My beautiful moms!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-04-01T04:03:00.003-06:00

Mom,

The evidence of your great work in life is found in large part in the hearts and lives of the children and grandchildren who hold you in great esteem. We honor you today as we celebrate your special milestone! Thanks for giving so much of yourself over the last 35 years to teach us how to live, love, give, and grow. Thanks for teaching us about Jesus' great love and grace. Thanks for praying for us as we pursue God's call.

You are greatly loved!

Happy Birthday from Your kids, grandkids...

Ice Cream Party with Friends

2009-04-01T03:56:00.001-06:00

Fun being green....

2009-03-30T11:03:00.002-06:00

Fun times with Grandpa and Grandma

2009-03-29T11:10:00.003-06:00

My parents drove into SC today! We saw them for a quick lunch and a little playtime before they headed out on more adventures. They will be back with us on Wednesday.

2009-03-28T18:22:00.003-06:00

Ice cream night! Safe in our room from the rain.

The rain comes down very fast and hard here, we were soaked going from the store to the car.
Sweet brother & sister.
Our daddy! We miss you Dave!

2009-03-25T11:18:00.007-06:00

Dave's good buddies!

The good big brother feeding his younger brother a bottle.

Ooops....

2009-03-23T09:52:00.005-06:00

We got home from the park today to find the cleaning lady in our room. She walked around the corner when we came in the room white as a ghost. She said, oh, I am so glad you are here (tripping over her words). A sn....snak.....snake is in the room. So embarrased, I said, oh, yes that would be my son's FAKE snake. Herbie had thrown it in the trash this morning (not sure why, but it was not trash). The cleaning lady was TERRIFIED and had actually called back up that showed up shortly after we arrived. After many apologies from me and Herbie, she still left extremely shook up and not amused. I am a mom that SWORE I would never buy my children animals that looked real such as a snake. Hope she doesn't find Allie's fake rat. Ooops!

The Adventure Continues...

2009-03-22T17:24:00.004-06:00

Hi Family and Friends,

It has been quite a first full week down here for Phase 3 of Chaplain Basic training. (CH-BOLC) We had "Capstone" this week which is a culminating field event where we get time to practice some of the things we've been trained to do in previous phases. We left early Tuesday morning and "rucked" (marched) out to our field camp to begin training. (4.1 miles) We had time to preach, practice ramp ceremonies with fake flag draped coffins, brief the commander on soldier issues, use Blue Force Tracker (a computer based communication tool) to coordinate getting UMT(chaplain: unit ministry team support) to a hurting unit, create memorial services, and go through MASCAL (mass casualty) events. We low crawled through mud, over rope ladders, and under barbed wire and got to spend some time with young enlisted soldiers during a live fire exercise. The tougher part of the week was being awoken in the middle of the night with simulated mortar attacks, rolling out of bed to put on our boots, gas masks, body armor and helmet in order to stumble in the dark to a cement shelter. Those who didn't make it on time were declared KIA (killed in action). It was a strange experience, prepared to get us ready for the day we go down range. Early Friday morning we were again awoken with the mortars going off outside our tent and when we got to our shelter were told that we were being overrun by the enemy and had ten minutes to get our gear and get on the road...

We were exhausted (and very stinky!) after marching home early Friday morning but looking back, we will likely have fond memories of our time. I had several great friends from years past to share this week with and will treasure some of the conversations we shared over MREs (meals ready to eat). These meals are tough on the gut but keep you going! (Try the osmotic raisins and veal patty sometime :)

Coming home to Christina and the kids was extra nice! We got to relax this weekend with some time at the beach on Saturday. We had a good time at our Southern Full Gospel Church here in Columbia and then spent time at local park by the University of South Carolina campus on a beautiful spring afternoon. The kids are doing great and seem to be adjusting to their home away from home.

During worship this morning Herbie asked me to hold him. As we worshipped Herbie kept singing one word over and over: "Cowabunga." That's my boy! Made me smile...I'm sure Jesus received that.

Two more weeks...

Blessings,

Dave

Happy 50th Birthday Mom!

2009-03-22T04:57:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday Mom! You are an amazing mom and grandma and we feel so blessed to have you in our lives! We love you and are so proud of you. We hope your day is extra special!

Dinner with Friends & A fun day at the beach

2009-03-21T18:13:00.004-06:00

Went to dinner with Dave's buddies...forgot to take a picture at dinner though :(

A fun day at the beach. Cold in the morning, but it warmed up in the afternoon.

Bowmans first time in the ocean water.

Our address

2009-03-20T07:48:00.003-06:00

We have had some requests for our mailing address. Here it is:

Whitney Hotel
David & Christina Nagel - 311
700 Woodrow Street
Columbia, SC 29205

Thanks Grandpa and Grandma for the two seperate gift boxes for the kids. They are walking around saying "awesome, this is so cool!" Thanks! :)

He is here....and then gone again

2009-03-20T06:24:00.003-06:00

I got an early morning wake up call with Dave's sweet voice saying he is back and for me to come and pick him up. The bombs went off in the middle of the night and they were instructed to grab all their stuff and march out immediately to avoid "being killed". My husband was successful in getting in the march and out safely. We (all dressed in our pj's) loaded the car and drove to the military post to pick him up. His cute smile, and stinky body, rolled into the car. We drove home enough for him to shave, eat, and leave again (no time for shower and all his military clothes are dirty), so same clothes and boots he ran out the door again. Not sure when he will get off today, but Thank You Lord for bringing him home safely to us! Here is the quick picture we got of him :) We love you Dave!

Our day

2009-03-19T14:22:00.002-06:00

Keep praying for Dave, he comes home tomorrow! One more sleepless night for him.

Our daddy....

2009-03-18T18:53:00.006-06:00

Prayer request - talked with Dave and the soliders are exhausted out in the field. They are getting very little sleep, lots of blisters on their feet and are sunburned. They still have two more nights and two more days on the field. Please pray for them to have successful training, strength and perserverence to make it through. Please also pray for their health.
The kids in the bath tonight - I will wash your back if you wash mine. They took turns with the soap washing each others back! So cute!

Our home away from home

2009-03-18T11:39:00.003-06:00

The top of the palm tree is our balcony.

Prayer for the Chaplain

2009-03-17T11:48:00.005-06:00

The Chaplain training team left early this morning on their 5 mile hike into the field for the three day in-field training. Please be praying for all of them (class of about 100) including our Dave! They will be sleeping very little, training a lot and "camping it out" the next three days and three nights. Pray for safety, health, strength and ability to grasp all they are learning.

The kids and I are flying solo....what should we do with all our time? How about shopping?!?!?!

Going to help.....Nope, too heavy for me! I will stay home :)

Here is part of what he will be carrying, along with his full military uniform, boots, etc. A TON of weight to hike 5 miles in.

Still raining

2009-03-16T14:00:00.007-06:00

We are on day #4 of cold weather and rain. We are hoping to see some sun tomorrow :)

Herbie LOVES puddle jumping!

A day at the beach....

2009-03-14T16:31:00.005-06:00