i (heart) my boots

My Winter Work Boots
I slip them on and am immediately transported back…

Back to muddy mornings with arms full of hay
stomping through manure like Godzilla
heedless of where each foot lands
knowing I’m invincible.
Kicking ice out of buckets, kicking open gates,
and kicking memories out of frozen earth molded to a horseshoe.

Back to cold days when my nose felt red as I slide on the bridle.
I use the nearest stool, whether it be a hill, a tree , a trailer, or the hitch off the bumper.
I have to go bareback, my feet won’t fit in the stirrups,
His hide is overgrown - thick and itchy.
Each hoof breaks the thin crust covering the soft under-belly of winter.
My cheeks prick with icy hot glitter floating in the rays of the sun.

I wear them now, on different terrain
excited to show off my country fortitude in the city
almost smelling the earthy pasture scent of muck
almost feeling the scratch of a stray piece of hay in the lining
still feeling invincible as I traverse the parking lot
and stomp heartily into the store to buy some milk and eggs.
by Kristen Inman
December 18, 2008


I posted this on my Inmanclan blog, but wanted to share it with you as well, and I don't know how often you get to my blog:-)

Hello from Konar

Hello from the Konar area of Afghanistan. Normally I don't get to post because I usually only check e-mail on Govt. computers, but today I am using the MWR at FOB Fortress. We're out on a mission right now, doing what you ask. Well you should know better than to ask because I can't say, but it's nice to be out of BAF for a while. Bad timing for this mission though because I think I'll miss Steve when he comes to BAF to go on R&R, that sucks! Anyway I actually thought I was signing into the Inman clan blog so I could comment on the picture of Enoch in the vest. I love it, what a great picture. I love all you guys and wish I could be there to see everyone at Christmas.

change in less than an hour

This is the 'before' pic. Tawny asked me to take her hair back to all brown and cut it, she did her own bangs. Cute!

Update on Steve

About 3 weeks ago Steve and his troop left Terwa and have finally met up with their brothers in arms at Gardez, where they will stay. He is excited to have indoor plumbing and heat! Squadron immediately stole Steve away from 3rd Platoon and he is now the Battle Operations NCO. This is a MUCH safer job, so we can all relax a little. He'll be working a regular schedule of 12 hours/day every day, yep, that's right, not a single day off. He is the go-between for the soldiers out in the field and the higher-ups who make the calls. He will be indoors and be doing a lot of reports and such. He's not thrilled with the job, but he is glad that it will be less stressful for all of us.

The only change in the address is instead of B-Trp, it should be HHT.
So it will look like this:
SSG Marrott, Steven R.
HHT, 1-61 CAV
FOB Gardez
TF Currahee
APO AE 09354

He should be leaving in about a month or maybe less for his R and R. And we are excited that we might be able to spend our 13th anniversary and Christmas together if the timing works out. It is looking like he will come home for good sometime in April.

Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support!
~Sheralan

Happy Birthday Becky!

We'll have to do some new pics next month now that Enoch is so much bigger:-)

Happy B-day Sheralan!!

This was just a fun picture! Miss you!
Love, K

a day at the park

In anticipation for our yearly Christmas Newsletter we started the picture process yesterday. We went to a beautiful park that's about 1/4 mile from our house. After the pictures were taken the kids took Enoch and Danni down to the playground. Bill and I sat on the hill overlooking our children running around and playing with each other. We realized that these times are becoming more sparse as the children grow. Next year David will be on his mission, the year after Tawny starts college (and she's NOT staying here- says she) David will come home, and Harrison will be leaving for college, then the twins...all so quickly. We knew this would happen having those five so close together, but I didn't think it would happen this quickly. Anyway I wanted to share some fun pictures from yesterday with you!

hair horses and a wet dog

Hi everyone!! I'm so darned computer challenged that I can't figure out how to start a new theme, or whatever it's called, on the blog. I wanted to share with all of you that some exciting things have happened lately in my life. I got a job working on a ranch that I just love. It's a beautiful facility, 34 stall barn, indoor and outdoor arena, round pen and Quarter Horses!! (Almost everyone around here has Tennessee Walking horses, which are OK but I much prefer Quarter Horses). I'm sending three pics. One of Koda, my Great Pyrenees, playing in the pond on the property. One taken today of my new haircut. I got 6" cut off and I feel so much more comfortable. And there's one of me on Rosie, one of my bosses horses. She's a QH mare that no one likes to ride because she dumps them but she and I get along great. Yes, once 2 wks ago she bucked me off but that was after she got terrified by a flock of turkeys that flew up in her face and then a stick got under her saddle pad. She was just very uncomfortable. Unfortunately I was very relaxed, feet out of the stirrups, not paying attention to the trail and then I became very uncomfortable ~ got a huge bruise on my right cheek (and I'm not talking about my face). Sue, the owner of the place, has offered to give me Rosie but I don't make enough money to pay for her vet bills and shoeing. I told her when my settlement is final I'll buy her because then I'll know I can afford to care for her too. Sue said to consider her mine anyhow and she'd pay the bills until that time comes. She says I work way harder than she's paying me to. Which is true, I barely make enough for gas back and forth, but I am very picky about how the barn and stalls are kept. So I work really hard. The 3rd day I was working there I got trampled by a horse (I bring all the horses in to be fed and then later take them all out to the pasture). Unfortunately they'd let one mare get away with running in at the same time as another mare. I was foolish enough to believe I could stand in front of a 1200 lb mare and stop her .... I didn't even slow her down. But she knocked me for a loop and I've been having some problems with severe back pain since then. I'm going to the Dr. tomorrow (yes, on Sunday, strange, huh?) to discuss the results of the xrays of my back. But I can still work and ride. I just mount and dismount rather slowly and gingerly. I've done some work with that mare and she now waits her turn to come in. Plus she even likes me and nickers to me when she sees me. I'm training Rosie to run barrels and she's picking that up quickly. She's been badly abused and is scared of EVERYTHING. But she's also an incredibly smart and responsive horse. When I'm not at the ranch (Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon AM) I busy at home. Saturdays are filled with soccer games. When Kayla has an early game and I find out in time I ride on base with Sheralan and watch her play. (I can't get on base w/my car since the license expired last Jan. and my passenger side mirror is gone and the driver's side is taped on. It has 284,+++ miles on it but still runs great). Anyhow, I think this is Kayla's first year but she's doing well. Cori and Conner are in their 3rd yr of soccer (I think) and they are turning into quite the soccer players. Well, I just thought I'd get on here and share about the excitement in my life. Love to all of you!!! Angel

Passing of Kent

Becky just called and informed me that Kent passed away this morning. I use a few of his quotes from time to time in church, and love telling stories about him. He's a great guy. I bet Derek is glad to have his dad by his side. It's going to be harder on the rest of the kids, Melanie was always a daddy's girl! Delaine is in our hearts and prayers as well as the kids, and Kent's parents, we are glad to have known them.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Just wanted to say
to Enoch! I can't believe he'll be one tomorrow. I hope he has a great first birthday. Give him a big zerburt from me. :-)

And of course, Happy Birthday to Stefani on the 21st.

New Address for Steve. . .again

Steve is doing great and loves all the letters and packages! Here is the new address. He is still at the same FOB but they are anticipating a move sometime soon, so this is the address we will use now.


SGT MARROTT, STEVEN
B TROOP, 1-61 CAV
FOB GARDEZ
TF CURRAHEE
APO AE 09354

Katie can give Daddy kisses goodnight!

I am so excited!! I ordered Katie a Daddy Doll and it arrived in the mail today! For those who do not know what a "Daddy Doll" is... I took a picture of Scott before he deployed (specifically for turning him into a doll!) I uploaded the picture of Scott to www.hugahero.com and for a nominal fee they put the picture on fabric with the caption of your choice. We chose "Daddy loves you!" They add a pink camouflage backing, stuff it, and tada... Katie can snuggle with Daddy! I do not know if the picture is big enough, but you can read his name tape and see his 10th Mountain Combat Patch. When I showed Katelyn she was at first puzzled and then said "Daddy??" I just thought this was the coolest thing... now Katie can kiss her Daddy goodnight! I love it!

Little Local

Steve usually doesn't buddy up with the locals but there was something about this kid that stole Steve's heart. The little boy was walking with his father, saw Steve, walked right up to him and started talking to him. He said the kid is tiny, he's 5 and the size of a 3 year old. The little guy is apparently very out going and inquisitive.

For a quick update, Steve is doing well. There is rumor that it should be a 12 month deployment instead of a 15 month deployment, so that is wonderful. We'll hope for the best.

~Sheralan

I need a 'time out'

If you click on the 'time out' logo you'll be taken to a page explaining the TN days and times. I know we were planning for Thanksgiving to come out there, but maybe we could up the visit by a week and do this instead? I love these, I've never been to a two-day 'time out'. It's just a thought, and if it's a no go I understand.

love,K

Yes...I am married

The day has finally come and gone, Rob and I were married on 08-08-08. It was small, yet beautiful and a very happy day!! Tom and Dad were able to make it to the wedding, of course Dad was late (who would think??). I learned a very important trait of Rob's that evening....he is mean :-) He shoved the cake not only in my face but up my nose....don't worry, I got him back (not quite as bad though). Here are a few pictures of the wedding, as I get more I'll send them out. Miss and love you all!! Becky Willi... oops...Toner (now)......

if i had been at grandma's funeral

Kristie’s memories of Grandma~ 7/28/2008
I have wonderful child-hood memories of going to grandma’s house (even though grandpa lived there too, it was always grandma’s house). I loved playing with her dome hair dryer that fit over my head, way easier than holding a blow drier! Her basement was always full of ‘old stuff’ like cameras magazines, telephones, and posters of wards progressing to numbers that this mid western girl was amazed wards could number up to (Currently in Muncie 1st out of 2). I loved grandma’s and grandpa’s paintings hanging in every room of their home. I have a horse head painting she did for me that I still treasure…maybe that’s part of the reason I married an artist.
Grandma always had such witty replies to everything. I was always laughing at her comments. Her attitude was so optimistic; I couldn’t help but be more positive when I was around her.
I remember a time (I’d guess I was around 8 or so) when I was pouring myself a bowl of cereal (I’m sure it was “Fruitloops” –it was always “Fruitloops” at grandmas, that made me so happy!), anyway she was out of milk, but I saw buttermilk in the fridge. I assumed buttermilk had to be even better than normal milk, with all that butter, so I asked if I could use that instead. She said I might not like it; I assured her I would, so she let me pour buttermilk into my cereal. One bite told me that ‘butter’ was a false label and it should have read ‘rotten’ instead. She allowed me to toss the remainder of my cereal away, thank heavens!
Grandma and grandpa were the only family from either side of Bill’s or my family who were at the Denver Temple during our sealing – quite the drive for them. She was my escort when I took out my endowments in the Idaho Falls temple. She was so excited to be with me while I experienced that amazing voyage, and I was so glad to have her beside me throughout it all. I’m looking forward to the time when we’ll be sitting next to each other dressed in white once again!

UPDATE ON GRANDMA WILLIAMS

UPDATE------ My mom does not think she will make it through the night. She has been sleeping non stop, her body is shutting down fast. Heavenly father and grandpa are so excited to be with her again, and grams can't talk, but I know she is excited also.. I am sad because she will not be with us anymore, BUT I know that she will watch over us and protect this family. Mom has tried numerous times to wake her, she will only wake for a couple of minutes, but- I and Chelsea called her, she woke right up, she stayed awake for a good 5 minutes with her eyes open, and listened to our voices, this is what I told her, - grams I love you, you have done the best job taking care of our family, you have been a great mother, a great grandmother, and a great friend, be proud, and don't worry about us. We will make it, and protect our family from above. Heavenly father is finally calling you back home, go- go be with your eternal companion, he is doing the happy dance right now, it will truly be a great reunion. I encourage you all to give grandma a call tonight. She will wake up for you, she needs to know that she can go now. She is holding on to something here, maybe it is to hear our voices one last time, Please call her, call this number 1-208-240-3586.. Call her anytime at night, mom isn't sleeping, so just call and say goodbye and that she can go now. I know you all love her very much as I do, I remember all the fun times we had together, the sleepovers, and the talks.... Don't feel like you have nothing to say, just call to say goodbye... I love you all, sorry if this sounds pushy, but your family. Please let Alan read this whoever gets this. I wish you all could come to the funeral, that would be a great day. but if it's not , that is ok... thanks, ps, I don’t thing that angels new address is right , please send this to her...

Devri

Hello! I just wanted to post one last picture from our time in Colorado. Katie and I had dinner with Grandpa Alan last night. As you can see from the picture, Katie took to Grandpa pretty quickly (even though she hadn't seen him since our visit last summer!) It was nice to have the opportunity to catch up. Tomorrow - Kendra, Kayla, Katie and myself are heading to Fargo, ND to see my Dad and family and meet my 4 day old nephew, Kaden! Love to all! Hugs, Stefani

Grandma Wanda Williams

I was asked by my mom Kathleen to update you all on Grandma's health. She is not doing well and they feel her time is short with us on this earth. Grandma to me means everything. I lived close enough to her to love her so dearly. It is hard to know that my mom Kathleen and your Aunt Linda have to watch her pass away. Let's all pray for her to have comfort as she is in pain and pray that she passes in her sleep so that she meets her Sweetheart Grandpa well rested.

our day at the 'beach'

I just posted our day out on my blog, check it out so I don't have to re-post it all here for you!
http://theinmanclan.blogspot.com/

Pictures of our summer travel

Kendra, Kayla, Katelyn, and I have been doing alot of traveling this summer and have been lucky enough to see many of our family and friends. Our stops have included Fort Leavenworth, KS; Boise, ID; Cheyenne/Hillside, WY, and we are currently in Pueblo, CO. We will make our way north to Fargo, ND and will then head back home to Fort Campbell. We have also been lucky enough to meet Tom's and Becky's significant others - one pictured, one not! :)We are so blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives... I wish we had more time to spend with everyone, but I will take what I can get! I hope everyone is having a great summer! Hugs, Stefani

More pics of our handsome army men:-)

For those who don't know... Scott deployed with the Army this June back to Afghanistan for another year. My brother, Ed, deployed, with the Air National Guard for a 45 day rotation in Afghanistan. Due to different obligations, always military related for both, Scott and my brother had yet to meet... until they both ended up in Bagram, Afghanistan at the same time! So, I threatened them both (with thoughts scarier than the war zone they are in) that they better try their hardest to meet and I better get a picture of them meeting for the first time! Low and behold I received the above picture in an e-mail from Scott! They were able to meet up with one another in Afghanistan. It must have been a bit sunny because Ed looks like he is squinting, but I was so excited to see a picture of them both! They look great and I am so proud of them both!

Anyway - I just wanted to share this picture with everyone! Have a great summer! Hugs, Stefani :)

Mean Machine. . .Turns into mud machine.

Here is Steve's new toy. . .The Mean Machine! It is huge!!! Just keep in mind that Steve is 6'2" and that truck dwarfs him!



Here is Steve breaking in his new truck. Yup, they got it stuck out in the middle of nowhere. There were there for 13 hours waiting for help to travel by convoy from up north.
This is the ONLY time Steve will ever be able to reach the turret while standing on the ground. Compare this to the first picture and you will see how buried this vehicle actually is, how deep it has sunk into the mud pit.

On a different note, notice their shirts? Aren't they neat. Instead of having to wear their shirts and the heavy ACU top, they have these new, lightweight shirts to wear. Helps keep them cool. I guess they got those shirts just in time.


That was a long day for Steve and the rest of the guys on the truck. But there Steve is, looking at the mess they're in and smirking, still finding the humor in it all.

New Music

Alright, I thought I could create two play lists, one for my blog (check it out!) and one for this blog, but I have to fill a play list to start a new playlist. So somebody needs to get on the sight (just push, "Create your own playlist") and make some music for our family blog!
Sheralan, how is Steve? Maybe you could fill everyone in on what he's going through right now, I'm sure Devri, Chelsea, and Kathy would want to know, plus then we can all be on the same page!

Lil' mail problem

If you have recently (within the last 3 weeks) sent Steve any mail, please let me know because I'm trying to keep track of what he'll actually get after they had a bit of a problem with the mail. Four mail trucks were blown up and so he may not get some packages.
~Sheralan

From Tom

Looks like Tom is actually taking his dates out to someplace nice!

Marrott Update

If you look really, really hard, you can see the humvee down at the bottom, just left of the little peak that Steve is sitting by. That's where he started hiking from. Now I can see why he's lost 25 lbs!
This is just one of their many mascots. Polly, I think. Cute, huh?
Here is Steve and another mascot, Lucian, a red wolf cub they saved. This is also the front porch and chair that Steve built outside his connex. He's so handy!

Cori and me at her 5th grade graduation.
Silly girl.
Here she is in her new middle school, learning about lockers. She just looks older now. Middle School. Scary. Oh, isn't her hair cut adorable?!
Conner played in a huge soccer tournament in Nashville, but I forgot to take any pictures. . .so here's this instead. :-D His team lost and there wasn't much to say, but we did have a blast in Nashville. We even went to see Kung-Fu Panda at the Imax. Very fun.

Lastly, Steve said you might want to hold off on sending him packages for a while because they might be relocated and he doesn't want the packages getting lost in the chaotic mail system over there. So unless you have a letter or package ready to mail by about this Thursday, I'd say just hold onto it for a little while and he'll let me know when it is a good idea to send more. He's loved all the packages so far and knows that is an effort and a cost to do all this and he appreciates it so much! He is so thrilled when mail comes for him.

Well, that's about it. I'll try to be better about staying up on this blog.

~Sheralan

Twins Visit. . .It's only a month late!

Ok, here's a bunch of pictures, and of course, I have more. Some are of the twins at the Dunbar Cave area, which is where we were very excited to find a vine to swing on. Kristie, I'll email you the rest of the pics, there are tons. There's also a few of their birthday party, of them at Cori's graduation, and hanging at the pool. We had so much fun. I really enjoyed their visit. Thank you Inmans for sharing them with us!

~Sheralan