Rebekah Evelyn Rogers

Rebekah Evelyn Rogers has arrived!

Last night (December 12th), Rebekah Evelyn Rogers arrived @ 8:24 PM (MDT). It was a long day of waiting for Monica, but we were very excited when she arrived. The following are some initial pictures that we have taken. I will try to put together a "slide show" of more pictures in the coming days. I hope these pictures express some of the joy our family experienced. We appreciate all our friends' and family's prayer and support.

Rebekah just after birth











Rebekah with Monica


Rebekah with Susanna and Brigham (Wes was @ school...we'll add some later)

Shower in a Box - What a Surprise!!

Dear Family & Friends,
Where do I begin to say, "Thank You"? Last night, the UPS man delivered one of my biggest surprises to date. He delivered my "Shower in a Box", organized by the best friend in the world, Anita Frederick. When I heard the doorbell and Jon say there was a box for me and to get the camera, I was a bit confused. Then, I saw Anita's card, "Get the camera ready" on the outside of the box and obeyed the order. With Susanna and Brigham's help, we opened to find a "It's a Girl!" Mylar balloon and a big box full of presents and cards. Attached to the balloon was a hand made card from Anita explaining the box.

I could not believe it! I must confess that I had been wondering what to do with the Baby Shower Pages in Rebekah's baby book so that she wouldn't look back and feel slighted. But now, thanks to your generosity and Anita's love and creativity, I have something for those pages!!
I will be writing individual thank-you's soon but wanted to get this public one out there along with some pictures (Hopefully Jon will get a slide show up of all of them this weekend). I caved and let Jon take a picture of me from the side so you could see me and Rebekah via cyberspace. I concurred with Jon that since you were kind enough to send gifts, I would break my rule of no pictures. In fact, the only pictures I have of the other children in my tummy were taken (by force) at baby showers. So, how could I hold out this time?

To all of you who participated in this special gesture of love and celebration of life,

THANK YOU!!

I love and miss you very much.

You have blessed me beyond words!!

Monica

Our Thanksgiving Week

I know I'm a little late in posting some of these pictures from our Thanksgiving Week. However, here are some good pictures that demonstrate what are week was like.

First, we started the week in Denver...shopping and visiting the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. You can see the Museum wasn't just a learning experience...there were plenty moments of playful fun. For example, Monica and the kids riding wooden llamas OR Wes playing the role of prey, while Brigham (the Cheetah) pounces on his "soon to be" food.
As we approached Thanksgiving, Monica came up with some great "craft" projects for the kids...like the GIVE THANKS sign (behind us) they made with things from our yard.










OR the Pilgrims Hats that they made from Toll House Cookies and Marshmellows dipped in chocolate. You can see some how the chocolate missed the Pilgrims Hats and made it on Brigham's face...right around the area of his mouth.
On Thanksgiving day, Monica, the kids, and I celebrated it with a co-worker's family, the Paultons. We had a good time of eating, fellowship, and watching our kids play together. As you can see, we had a great Thanksgiving week. It made me realize how "blessed" we truly are.

We hope your time was full of moments of giving thanks!

Our 1st Snow - Colorado Style

A few weeks ago, we had our first snow of the season. After our first Winter in Colorado Springs (which had the most snowfall in 20 years), this Fall - Winter has been quite warm and beautiful weather. On this Sunday, I (Jon) was flying back in from Washington DC, so I didn't get to see the kids enjoying the snow. Once the temperatures warmed up, it didn't stick around.
However, these are a few pictures that Monica took of Wes, Susanna, and Brigham enjoying the beautiful...BUT brief "Winter Wonderland".

A Wonderful Weekend - Part 2

Air Force Falcolns vs. Army Black Knights - Sat. November 3rd

The Air Force Falcolns played host to the Army Black Knights. This was the 1st Air Force Football game for Wes and I and the place was packed for this Service Academy Gridiron battle. Air Force easily won the Game 30 - 10 behind running of Chad Hall, who set a school record for yards rushed in a Game (275). Also, we witnessed 3 Field Goals by Ryan Harrison (one was 56 yards with plenty of distance).

As you can see, we didn't just watch football. Wes got to check out some Air Force gliders that the AF Cadets train in. At Halftime, the Air Force Falcoln put on a show for the Crowd. I was fortunate to get a shot of the falcoln flying by mid-field. Of course, Wes and I checked out the variety of concessions (hot dogs, nachos, Gatorade, Dip-N-Dots, etc.). When I mean check them out I mean we had to taste them to see if they tasted different at an Air Force Football Game or not.

Also, we saw a lot of Cadets (Air Force and Army) and various

Military equipment at the Game. As you can see by the last picture of Wes with the Official Game Program, you can see we had a great time at the Game.

One of the neat things that we did not stick around for (we wanted to beat the traffic) is the two teams gather together at the end of the Game and listen to each of the School Songs. Wes and I heard it on the radio broadcast. That time of respect and comradre within the Military Academies makes me proud of our Military Men and Women.

In two weeks, Wes, Susanna, and I are going to see the Final Home Game of the Season against San Diego State. Once again, Wes and I will be in our Air Force shirts. While Susanna will get a chance to root for the Home team in her Air Force Cheerleading outfit. With two kids and me at the game, I'd better bring more money for concessions.

A Wonderful Weekend - Part 1

James Taylor Concert in Colorado Springs - World Arena: Friday, November 2nd

This past weekend (Nov. 2nd -4th) was a "wonderful weekend". Friday night, Monica and I started it off by seeing James Taylor in Concert @ the World Arena in Colorado Springs. It was the 1st time ever that James Taylor had performed in Colorado Springs. The audience loved him. The great thing about James is that his voice had stayed the same over all these years.

This was the 2nd time Monica and I had seen James Taylor in Concert. The last time was about 10 years ago in Birmingham, AL. James showed off his incredible musical ability (song writing, guitar, and singing) by performing most of his famous hits like: Sweet Baby James, Carolina, Fire and Rain, Shower the People, You've Got a Friend, Mexico, and so much more.

Monica and I had a great time just sitting back and enjoying the wonderful evening...and even a greater time when we got home and realized the kids were sound asleep in their beds.

Halloween Greeting

Wes, Susanna, and Brigham dressed up for Halloween and did a little "Trick" or "Treat" around our neighborhood. It was very cold...so we didn't stay out that long...but they "racked" up on the candy. I think people were giving out a lot to the "early birds" hoping to get rid of their candy. Overall, the kids had fun...especially when they got back to the house to eat their candy AND warm up by the fire.

Like Father - Like Son

By now, you probably know that we didn't get to go to Game 5 of the World Series...because there wasn't one. I've started the process for getting my refund.

However, Wes and I received (in the mail) our matching Red Sox World Series t-shirts. So, here we are posing with our Red Sox hats, T-Shirts, the "would've been" tickets for Game 5, as well as, a copy of the official World Series Program.

I will let you know that a fellow friend and co-worker, Bill Spencer (Retired Air Force Colonel), knew that Wes would be disappointed about not going to the game...so, he is giving us 2 tickets for this weekend's Air Force - Army Football Game. Wes is excited about this opportunity ...especially the "pre-Game" fly over and the concession stand!

If we take pictures, then we will post them for you.

Sox Sweep...I Weep

Actually, my post's title is not quite true. I am thrilled that my favorite baseball team...the Boston Red Sox won the World Series. All year long, they have been the best team in baseball AND in the World Series they clearly proved it.

Yesterday, I found myself in a little predicament. For the first time in my life, I was rooting for the opposing team against the Red Sox. You see...since I had 2 tickets for the World Series Game 5, I was rooting for the Rockies to pull out a victory and extend the series to Monday night.

I found myself hoping the Rockies would get the big "2 Out" Hit and drive in the "Go Ahead" run. I was wishing that Terry Francona (the Red Sox Manager) would bring in Eric Gagne in relief...because that would've been a great relief for the Rockies. I was hoping that the long fly ball hit by the Rockies Jamie Carrol would have carried about 3 more feet...over the Right Field fence. I wanted to go to Game 5!

Yet, in the end and despite the fact these tickets are now merely two pieces of paper of "what could have been", I am happy for the Boston Red Sox. This World Series sweep of the Rockies, as well as, the '04 World Series sweep of the Cardinals does dull the pain from the '86 Red Sox loss to the Mets in the World Series and the '03 Red Sox loss to the Yankees in Game 7 of the American League Championship. Those heartbreaks are becoming less painful for me to remember...because two World Championships in 4 years are rather soothing.

I guess the consolation prize in all this is "hoping" is...I do get a refund on my World Series tickets and will be able use that money to buy some 2007 Red Sox memorabilia.

Congratulations Red Sox, the 2007 World Series CHAMPS...thanks for a Great Year!

Red Sox-Rockies: Here We Come!

Living here in Colorado, the State has gone "nuts" over the Colorado Rockies. By the way they have been playing, there is good reason for all the excitement. It has been an amazing run for the Rockies (won 21 out of 22 games before last night's beating).

On Monday, I spent about 2 hours on-line trying to order World Series tickets. The Rockies decided to only do "on-line" sales. The problem was that around 8 million other people were also trying to buy some of the limited 60,000 total tickets available for the 3 games in Denver. The webserver crashed and it is believed that a "hacker" had something to do with it.

On Tuesday, the Rockies decided to try again to sale their World Series tickets. I like many many others I tried to gain access...just for the chance to purchase World Series tickets. After a long 1 1/2 hours, I miraculously connected. When I first connected, I was in shock and praying for me not to get "knocked off". I only had 5 minutes to decide on where I wanted seats, register my personal information, input my credit card data, and make the selection. After the long wait, I grew increasingly nervous with each click that was proceeded by a LONG pause. I thought I was going to lose connection.

I envisioned me missing the "once in a lifetime" opportunity to take my son to see our favorite team in a World Series Game. As the clock ran down, I finally clicked purchase and had to wait through a final LONG pause. Once the screen reappeared, I realized I had successfully bought 2 tickets for the World Series Game 5. I would have never imagined that when Wes and I wore our Red Sox hats to see a Rockies-Giants game on Labor Day that the next time we enter Coors Field we'll be wearing those same hats and rooting for our Sox in the World Series Game 5.

I've already warned Wes that we will be in "ENEMY" territory. His response...."SO!".

Now that I have tickets and the chance to attend a World Series game with my eldest son, I'm just praying that the Series is not a sweep. If it is, then the tickets (which would be refunded) will be just a mere example of what "could have been".

So, I say:

"Go Sox...beat the Rox, but Rox please WIN 1!

Our Autumn Excursion

Fall is a very short season in the Rockies. Therefore, we knew we had to take action soon if we were going to experience a favorite family outing. Last weekend, we headed out to Canon City, Colorado for our Rogers' family tradition. Every year since Wes was born, we have taken the children to some type of Pumpkin Patch. Whether we were in Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, or now Colorado, we have found a patch to purchase pumpkins and take pictures. I have always loved this outing over the years.

This year, we experienced a first. We went to a pumpkin farm and were able to cut our own pumpkins right off the vine. The pumpkins were very large and had beautiful color. Adjacent to the pumpkin field was a corn maze. We tried a corn maze once in Florida and last year in Tennessee. Those were fun but, in both cases, the corn had already been picked and the stalks were brown and dry. This year we were able to find our way through a growing corn field with the ears still on the vine. It was very fun for the children to see the ears of corn still growing and be surrounded by green, healthy stalks.

Diana's Pumpkin Patch was a bit of a drive but the family fun that awaited us was worth the trouble.

Wes' 2nd Grade Picture

We just got Wes' 2nd Grade school pictures. This is his picture from his school, Rocky Mountain Classical Academy. It is a fairly new Charter School that has the highest test schools in the District.

Wes enjoys his teacher, Mrs. Bell, and his classmates. He does quite well at Math. Last week, Wes came home excited about making a 100 on both sides of his spelling test. We are very proud of how well he is adjusting to the Charter School environment.

Wes has only a couple Flag Football games left. His team is still undefeated, despite the fact they aren't suppose to keep score. However, the players and their parents keep the score in their heads. This past Saturday, Wes had one carry (a Reverse Handoff) for some yardage. Mainly, he likes playing on the Defensive line. They use him to help "contain" and get his hands up on the pass. Most the time, the other team usually run or pass the ball to the other side...staying away from the Towering 7 year old.

Well, that's all for now. We'll keep you (family and friends) updated with future posts.

Love,
The Rogers

Guest Blogger on a Presidential Candidate Site

Exactly two weeks ago, I was in Columbia, SC for an event hosted by our state associated (with Focus on the Family) Family Policy Council...the Palmetto Family Council. They hosted their first ever Presidential Stump Speech and Straw Poll. For the third time in person, I was able to talk with my favorite Presidential Candidate, Governor Mike Huckabee. Every Republican Presidential Candidate (except Rudy) participated in person, via phone, or by video. At the end of the night, Mike Huckabee won with over 37 % of the vote. You can read more about it HERE.

A few days after this event, I was selected as a Guest Blogger on the Mike Huckabee for President Website and this is my post that they used...just before Newt Gingrich's post.

September 24, 2007 - 03:22 PM
Why Mike? (Guest Blogger)
by Jonathan Rogers, Guest Blogger
Why Mike would make the best GOP Candidate?

First, His executive experience. With his 10 1/2 years as Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee has shown that a great leader can work in a bipartisan environment to get things accomplished. Mike was only the 3rd Republican Governor in Arkansas since the Reconstruction. At a time when our nation is polarized more than ever between "left" and "right", we need a leader that can effectively communicate a hope and vision that the American people and politicians can support.

Second, His economic record. Now I know that a group is trying to distort Governor Huckabee's record, but Mike truly believes in free markets, lower taxes for people and businesses to reinvest in our society, and the Fair Tax. Remember, Mike was the Governor of a Democratic led state (remember a former Democratic President governed here before him) and did cut taxes close to 100 times and created a budget surplus of close to nearly $850 million when he left office. Right now, our nation's economy is strong (the Stock market, low unemployment, and new jobs). One of the biggest economic concerns is spending. In Arkansas, Governor Huckabee was limited in how much he could limit government spending. The three items that took up most of the State's General revenue was education, medicaid, and prisons. Governor Huckabee made bold plans for "streamlining" each of these areas and saving the tax payers money, but was limited by the Democratic-led State legislature and "court ordered" required spending on Education.

Third, His personal character and faith. You know what you get with Mike Huckabee. His faith has guided him all the years of his life. From the ministry to public service, Mike has had a consistent passion to help others in his leadership. His leadership and great working relationship with "faith based" organizations in Arkansas allowed him to effectively respond to the Hurricane Katrina victims, who were relocated to Arkansas. He worked with churches, denominations, faith-based organizations, and many other retired public servants and concerned citizens to help those who had just lost everything. Mike's faith guided him to have compassion for these families. His faith opened up doors and encouraged participation from thousands people from Arkansas to respond. Mike faith is not used for a Campaign slogan. It is real, authentic, and obvious...not something that is leveraged for votes.

Fourth, His vision and communication ability. As a 35 year old, I have followed politics even before I was able to vote. I have met and watched Governor Huckabee give speeches on many different issues (values, faith, taxes, education, health care, terrorism, etc.). I have never been as inspired by another politican as they spoke about these issues. Mike Huckabee has a solid belief system on the issues...and he has the greatest ability to communicate that with the American people.

And lastly, if Hillary is the Democratic nominee (which if she is it is will be mainly because she is Bill Clinton's wife...not what she's done in the US Senate), then Governor Huckabee will have the greatest advantage of any other GOP Candidate to point to the successes he's had in Arkansas...since she and her husband left the state (for Uptown New York).

Jonathan Rogers is a guest blogger today. You can read his blog at http://www.huckabee08.blogspot.com.

Permalink: http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Blogs.View&Blog_id=45

Wes' Slide Show

Since Susanna got her own slideshow for her birthday, I thought it was only fair to create one for Wes. These are some pictures from his day with Dad at the Rockies Game, as well as, his Flag Football Season Opener, which they won BIG!

Red Sox fans enjoy local Rockies Game

It was a beautiful Labor Day in Denver, Colorado. Wesley and I took in our first Colorado Rockies game, against the San Francisco Giants. This is Wes outside Coors Field...anxiously waiting to head into the Stadium. I told him about the newly crowned "Homerun King" (Barry Bonds), who sat this game out. Bonds did make an appearance in the On Deck Circle, but never batted. He was greated with lots of boos and other greetings that I can not post on this "family site".

Even though it was a Rockies - Giants baseball game, Wes and I proudly wore our Boston Red Sox hats. There were a lot of Boston fans like us...wearing Red Sox hats even though they weren't playing in this game. Of course, our Red Sox hats are the only baseball team hats we own, which is by choice. While we enjoyed the Rockies bat around in the 3rd inning and put 7 on the board, we anxiously kept track of the American League scoreboard watching the scores of both the Red Sox and Yankees Games.

With the Air Force Academy and various Army and Air Force bases throughout Colorado, the Rockies do a great job of honoring our Country and our Armed Forces. During the 7th Inning Stretch, they sang "God Bless America". Wes and I were honored to attend the game with my co-worker...a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Bill Spencer. Also, it was great that the Rockies offer a GREAT discount on tickets for military. Maybe just maybe, if the Rockies continue their hot streak and pull out the National League Wild Card, we may try to catch a Playoff Game.

If that's the case, I will root for the home team, but my heart (as well as my son's) is still with the SOX!!!

Go Red Sox...beat the Yankees!

Susanna Celebrates her Birthday

Yesterday, Susanna celebrated her 4th Birthday in a really BIG way!

Wes Starts a New School

Family and Friends,

Here is a short greeting from Wes, Susanna, and Brigham...as well as, Wes sharing about his adventures at a new school.

We hope you enjoy.

Camping in the Rockies

Our camping trip to Estes Park last weekend was a great experience. The children loved being outdoors, even Wes, who at first was wishing for a Motor home so he could watch TV. After his initial misgivings, he dove right in to exploring the campgrounds' rocks and fishing holes. We camped at a private campground not far from Estes Park, Colorado. We were northwest of Denver, not far from the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Our first night was a bit disconcerting. We weathered a big wind storm which at times caved our tent in on us. Jon spent most of the first night re-staking the tent. Miraculously, the children slept right through it. The next day and night, however, were perfect. Wes, Susanna, and Jon went swimming while Brigham napped. That night, we made smores by the campfire while a doe walked right beside us to watch. We were even fortunate enough to see a beautiful rainbow directly over our campground.

Hopefully, this will be the first of many trips to come.

Home Away From Home

Susanna and Brigham got a combined gift this summer, their first playhouse. Wes consents to play with them sometimes. Susanna and Brigham love playing house which includes fixing Jon and I dinner from time to time. Susanna is usually the mommy and Brigham is the baby. She will leave him to get gas and groceries but always returns home to give orders. It is so cute watching them play together. Thank all of you who contributed this year through birthday money and playhouse money to help us save for this backyard treat.

Rebekah Evelyn is on Her Way!

Yesterday we were blessed to learn we are expecting a girl. So far, everything looks ok and she is developing well. She weighed in at 14 oz. and is due to arrive on December 13th. Needless to say, Susanna is thrilled and keeps saying she is going to have a sister. Wes was a bit disappointed only because we now do not have to purchase bunk beds for the boys' room. It is starting to sink in a little bit. Last night after the ultrasound, we all went to BabiesRUs and purchased Rebekah some "girly" caps since we did not have any for her. This will be our first winter baby so, we are having to think about different clothing needs this time around. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Brigham Turns 2

Brigham turned 2 on June 16th. We were blessed to celebrate with Dad's side of the family at Papa and Gampy's house the night before Papa passed away. Brigham loves the movie and characters from the movie "Cars". Therefore, he received many "Cars" themed gifts: camping chair, race track, a new dvd (he had watched our old one so much it was very scratched), a t-shirt, and multiple toy cars from the movie. He had a great time being with all his cousins and Pops and Mia on his birthday. I do think however, that the cake and ice cream were his favorite part of the birthday festivities.

We Are Truly Blessed

We are so priviledged to be able to share with you that we are expecting our fourth gift from God. We learned of this blessing this week. According to the time table we looked at on the web, he or she will arrive in mid December. Jon and I are both very excited and look forward to the coming months. So far, I feel great. I have not had any real symptoms other than headaches. We are grateful that God has blessed us once again with Life!

Our White Easter

As you can see, we awoke to a snowy Easter this year. Compared to last Easter in Florida, our pictures are like night and day. I must say it was very pretty though. I don't know if you can make it out but, the children's Easter basket is at the base of the front door. When the children opened the door to get their Easter basket, Susanna started crying and said it was too cold!! Wes said, "Quick grab it and shut the door". Therefore, we opened our basket this year in front of our fireplace!! Brigham was already into the Skittles as I took their picture. Wes and Susanna had a bit more self-control.

Ready for Easter Service

Despite the snowy weather, we dressed in our Easter finest to celebrate Christ's resurrection at our church. Susanna's Gampy gave her the white sweater and she wore it proudly. Brigham and Wes were not quite sure about their outfits since they were a bit dressier than their normal church clothes. However, they were good sports and posed for the camera.