We have had the most wonderful birthday week. L is one year old. We are so thankful that she has been healthy for one whole year! We are grateful that she is developing normally and we are so blessed to have so many people in our lives who love her too!
I am excited to share photos on our web page soon. Hopefully in the morning I can get them up. Until I share new photos, I wanted to share some of the cool things L is up to:
She will hold out one pointer finger when asked how old she is.
She will usually answer...
"What does a dog say?" "UUU UUU" which is Woof, woof
"What does daddy say?" She tries to answer with an Ooh rah.
"What does a cow say?" "Oooooo"
She roars for a lion and sometimes answers for a cat.
The cutest is when she is told "Let me hear your war cry" she will growl at you.
She is eating strawberry foods, cereal bars, tried watermelon, dried fruits, and she loves being the center of attention.
She is able to mostly walk across a room.
She enjoyed her Birthday and and loved being around family and friends.
Look for pics soon.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Weekend with M
Ok, I have to share one of the most touching things I have seen lately. On Friday night we got to Quantico to visit M. M was not quite ready and still had some things to take care of. So L and I pottied, diapered, and played around in the barracks while M finished up. L has a new habit of holding one of my fingers and walking along. So we walked through the hallway to burn off some of her energy from sitting in a car seat for 8 hours. The barracks looks just like a dorm -- a crappy dorm - but a dorm. So all the guys M is in school with live together on the one floor of the barracks. Most of these guys have been in the Marine Corps. many years, are extablished people with families. So as L and I are walking through the hall, the guys are changing over to the civilian clothes and heading out to get dinner. As many of the guys stepped into the hall, they would stop and look at L. This where I get teary eyeed... The guys would look at her and say something along the lines of she's cute, but then this look would pass over their faces. This look of sadness, joy and longing all in one look. You could see on their faces they were thinking of their kids. Then most of them would tell me about the kids they have at home. They would light up talking about the ages of thier children and the names. Whether the kids are older or one guy has 6 month old twin girls. When they saw L, they all thought of their kids and you could see they wanted to be with their children. I was so touched by these grown men who are trained to kill longing for thier children. So if you see an Acitive Duty military person, thank them for what they do and the time they spend away from their families. Let them know you think of the times they are sparated from their children and you appreciate what they do.
Onto the the rest of the weekend:
What a blessed weekend! We went to stay with the Leonards in DC while visiting M over the weekend. So you know what they did for us?!?!? Brad and Vanessa kept L upstairs with them Friday and Saturday nights. In case she woke up, they wanted to let us have time together. Then they kept her Saturday evening so M and I could have a date. We got to go to a movie and dinner baby-free and just spend time together! It was such a blessing to have that time! So thank you Leonards for the weekend! Getting to see M once per month is not fun so thank you for the gift of time together.
We are so blessed to have such amazing people in our lives.
Please say a little prayer for all the people who are spearated from their children.
Onto the the rest of the weekend:
What a blessed weekend! We went to stay with the Leonards in DC while visiting M over the weekend. So you know what they did for us?!?!? Brad and Vanessa kept L upstairs with them Friday and Saturday nights. In case she woke up, they wanted to let us have time together. Then they kept her Saturday evening so M and I could have a date. We got to go to a movie and dinner baby-free and just spend time together! It was such a blessing to have that time! So thank you Leonards for the weekend! Getting to see M once per month is not fun so thank you for the gift of time together.
We are so blessed to have such amazing people in our lives.
Please say a little prayer for all the people who are spearated from their children.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Loosing the baby weight
So now that L is turning 1 in just 6 more days, I am no longer going to look like a fat dumpy mom with an infant. That time in my life has passed so we are moving on.
I have been working to loose wight and have pulled off 13 pounds. I have 13 more to go and we are getting strict now! M's sister is getting married in just over 2 months, so this frumpy mom will not be dumpy for the wedding. Thank you to God who has helped me curb my cravings and thank you to Wii Fit who has motivated me in dropping those pounds.
I went shopping! You see, when I call to tell my husband that I bought new clothes, he responds with "Where did you go?" And he is not referring to me going to a too expensive store. He is referring to when I used to buy all my clothes off of the Sears clearance rack. (I LOVE to save $$$.) I had this addiction to looking like a frumpy mom even way before I was a mom. So when I say "Express, New York and Co. or Ann Taylor" he is a happy man. What would you give for a man like that? I do admit that I am still addicted to looking frumpy (that is naturally me and naturally comfortable) but we are making progress.
I got a new doo. I know that I look best with short hair, but when I had a newborn, the last thing I wanted to do was my hair. So I grew it out and put it in a pony tail or sloppy bun every single day. That is easy to do when a baby is crying. Well, now L is about to be one, so since she can crawl around at my feet or play with toys in the tub while I do my hair (my new SC friend had this suggestion, tried it today and it was fabulous) I have found time to actually do my hair. So it is chopped short with highlights and it is cute! Oh, when I told M that I got my hair done, his response was "You didn't go to Super Cuts did you? You went to a real place right?" And yes, I have been known to go to Super Cuts to save some bucks.
Eyebrows waxed. I feel so much better when my eye brows are done. But it is soo painful to tweese and I don't like to spend $$$. So I mostly do nothing. But yesterday I thought "What would Matthew do?" He would tell me to get my eye brows done if I wanted to...so I did!
So thank you God for providing $$$ to help me fix myself up and thank you God for providing a husband who says "Do whatever makes you happy." Thanks to R.S. and R.C. for helping with fashion.
I really wish that What not to Wear would come and help me, but maybe I will get this figured out. So here is to moving on and enjoying being and active, fit and hot mom!
I have been working to loose wight and have pulled off 13 pounds. I have 13 more to go and we are getting strict now! M's sister is getting married in just over 2 months, so this frumpy mom will not be dumpy for the wedding. Thank you to God who has helped me curb my cravings and thank you to Wii Fit who has motivated me in dropping those pounds.
I went shopping! You see, when I call to tell my husband that I bought new clothes, he responds with "Where did you go?" And he is not referring to me going to a too expensive store. He is referring to when I used to buy all my clothes off of the Sears clearance rack. (I LOVE to save $$$.) I had this addiction to looking like a frumpy mom even way before I was a mom. So when I say "Express, New York and Co. or Ann Taylor" he is a happy man. What would you give for a man like that? I do admit that I am still addicted to looking frumpy (that is naturally me and naturally comfortable) but we are making progress.
I got a new doo. I know that I look best with short hair, but when I had a newborn, the last thing I wanted to do was my hair. So I grew it out and put it in a pony tail or sloppy bun every single day. That is easy to do when a baby is crying. Well, now L is about to be one, so since she can crawl around at my feet or play with toys in the tub while I do my hair (my new SC friend had this suggestion, tried it today and it was fabulous) I have found time to actually do my hair. So it is chopped short with highlights and it is cute! Oh, when I told M that I got my hair done, his response was "You didn't go to Super Cuts did you? You went to a real place right?" And yes, I have been known to go to Super Cuts to save some bucks.
Eyebrows waxed. I feel so much better when my eye brows are done. But it is soo painful to tweese and I don't like to spend $$$. So I mostly do nothing. But yesterday I thought "What would Matthew do?" He would tell me to get my eye brows done if I wanted to...so I did!
So thank you God for providing $$$ to help me fix myself up and thank you God for providing a husband who says "Do whatever makes you happy." Thanks to R.S. and R.C. for helping with fashion.
I really wish that What not to Wear would come and help me, but maybe I will get this figured out. So here is to moving on and enjoying being and active, fit and hot mom!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Independent
So are your kids hugely independent? Does your child look you in the eye and then continue to do what he/she wants to anyway? Did your child start at 10 months testing you? Mine did.
One night I was giving L and bath and she tried to stand up in the tub. I sat her down and said "We're sitting." She looked up at me with the most precious expression, and then stood up again. My thought was, "Holy crap, here we go." She proceeded to stand up about 20 more times, all the while looking at me daring me to stop her. Each time I sat her down and said something along the lines of sit down, we are sitting, time to sit, etc. How does a 10 month old start testing!?!?!
The next night I could tell my method was working because she only tried to stand up about 6 times. Since then all I have to do is say "sit down" once and she stays.
Then came her testing int he high chair. She started a new thing of swiping the food on her high chair tray all over. She thinks its hilarious to send the food flying. The first time I said "No" in a firm voice. She looked me straight in the eye, yelled at me in baby Chinese and swiped again. Over and over we went through this. Does anyone know where this strong will comes from??? Couldn't be from me!
She swiped once with daddy and he told her no...oh you would have thought he just beat her. Her little lip came out and she sobbed for about 2 minutes. Then swiped again. Apparently daddy saying no has much more of an impact than when I say it. She just yells at me and does it again. So these are our new things! Is it normal for a 10 month old to do this?
I have spent many years working with people who have disabilities. People from age 11 months all the way to almost 70 years old. I was used to not being defiant until about 3 years old because my kids at school/work were so delayed. So this surprised me that L would test me so early. But I think this is a typical development at this age, so we are grateful for neurons connecting the way they are supposed to.
I am continuing to let her know when she is not supposed to do something, but also replacing the behavior. For example, when she goes to swipe, she can't swipe food, but can swipe with a wipe at the end of the meal to "help" me clean up. Hope all these strategies I've been passing out to parents for several years work with my little rascal.
Other new and cool things L is doing...
1. Following one-step commands "sit down and come here"
2. Walking 10 steps fairly well
3. eating big girl food -- bread, cheese, yogurt, apples, pears, grapes, blueberries, baby puffs, rice, chicken, beef, bananas, refried beans, tortillas, and some others I probably forgot.
4. Signing milk and more
5. Has imitated moooo, meow, and neigh
6. Laughs so much more -- she used to laugh at something only once. Now she laughs frequently
7. She tries to follow the big kids from room to room to play with them
8. This afternoon she may or may not have swallowed a penny. Guess we will find out tomorrow.
9. Looks like our little girl has an under bite, so at about age 6 or 7 she will probably have to wear a hockey mask to fix the jaw.
Have a wonderfully wonderful day! In just over a week our baby girl turns 1!!!!!
One night I was giving L and bath and she tried to stand up in the tub. I sat her down and said "We're sitting." She looked up at me with the most precious expression, and then stood up again. My thought was, "Holy crap, here we go." She proceeded to stand up about 20 more times, all the while looking at me daring me to stop her. Each time I sat her down and said something along the lines of sit down, we are sitting, time to sit, etc. How does a 10 month old start testing!?!?!
The next night I could tell my method was working because she only tried to stand up about 6 times. Since then all I have to do is say "sit down" once and she stays.
Then came her testing int he high chair. She started a new thing of swiping the food on her high chair tray all over. She thinks its hilarious to send the food flying. The first time I said "No" in a firm voice. She looked me straight in the eye, yelled at me in baby Chinese and swiped again. Over and over we went through this. Does anyone know where this strong will comes from??? Couldn't be from me!
She swiped once with daddy and he told her no...oh you would have thought he just beat her. Her little lip came out and she sobbed for about 2 minutes. Then swiped again. Apparently daddy saying no has much more of an impact than when I say it. She just yells at me and does it again. So these are our new things! Is it normal for a 10 month old to do this?
I have spent many years working with people who have disabilities. People from age 11 months all the way to almost 70 years old. I was used to not being defiant until about 3 years old because my kids at school/work were so delayed. So this surprised me that L would test me so early. But I think this is a typical development at this age, so we are grateful for neurons connecting the way they are supposed to.
I am continuing to let her know when she is not supposed to do something, but also replacing the behavior. For example, when she goes to swipe, she can't swipe food, but can swipe with a wipe at the end of the meal to "help" me clean up. Hope all these strategies I've been passing out to parents for several years work with my little rascal.
Other new and cool things L is doing...
1. Following one-step commands "sit down and come here"
2. Walking 10 steps fairly well
3. eating big girl food -- bread, cheese, yogurt, apples, pears, grapes, blueberries, baby puffs, rice, chicken, beef, bananas, refried beans, tortillas, and some others I probably forgot.
4. Signing milk and more
5. Has imitated moooo, meow, and neigh
6. Laughs so much more -- she used to laugh at something only once. Now she laughs frequently
7. She tries to follow the big kids from room to room to play with them
8. This afternoon she may or may not have swallowed a penny. Guess we will find out tomorrow.
9. Looks like our little girl has an under bite, so at about age 6 or 7 she will probably have to wear a hockey mask to fix the jaw.
Have a wonderfully wonderful day! In just over a week our baby girl turns 1!!!!!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Birhtday Wishes
L's Bday is only 2 weeks away, any Birthday wishes you would like me to write in her baby book for her? I will include in her baby book all of the birthday wishes that have already been written.
More Friends
A follow up to my friends post.
Writing today to tell you about some more friends I have made since being a military wife. Please know that this does not include all friends nor the friends I've been able to keep since before I was a military wife. These are a few of my friends who have made an impact in my life and I want to bless them a little.
Carla D. -- You took to our family like white on rice. You found another extrovert who loved to meet up and hang out and you did that with us. One of my favorite memories was when you came to our pool, all 8 months pregnant of you and G was swimming and splashing and smiling. She was so joyful!
Sandee M. -- I enjoy how much you care about other people. You are truly looking for ways to help support people. Whether that is leading a small group, youth group, nursery or whatever. You look for ways to bless people.
Ivana M. -- You took us in right after joining recruiting. You knew what kind of life we were about to get into and you looked to support us as much as you could. You came with me to bible class, we met for lunch! You were a great support as we transitioned to the awful life of recruiting.
Whitney M. -- I love that we can be such good phone friends. You and Tyler have been an example of a strong Godly marriage that was somewhat lacking in our lives. We both appreciate your joyfulness and servant heart.
Lauren S. -- We've been through some rough times. Thank you for supporting me when we had major concerns about L. You answered questions and let me talk. It was a very rough pregnancy and you were there!
Gina S. -- I love that you share your true deep thoughts. In fact, I don't even always respond to your emails because they have touched me so much. You share what is truly on your heart and provide guidance through wisdom.
Kelly S. -- I love your exuberance. You are honest and sincere. You look to support people who may have known any love or support before. I love that about you!
Jo-Ann R. -- You are a servant with a wide-open life example of how God works in peoples' lives.
Christina M. -- When we got to Pitman, right away you looked to help our family. You helped to organize the shower for L, you organized meals for our family after L was born...is organizing your gift? Thank you taking to us as we figured living in a new area!
I hope that you have people in you life who have blessed you! If you can think of someone please let us know about them!
Writing today to tell you about some more friends I have made since being a military wife. Please know that this does not include all friends nor the friends I've been able to keep since before I was a military wife. These are a few of my friends who have made an impact in my life and I want to bless them a little.
Carla D. -- You took to our family like white on rice. You found another extrovert who loved to meet up and hang out and you did that with us. One of my favorite memories was when you came to our pool, all 8 months pregnant of you and G was swimming and splashing and smiling. She was so joyful!
Sandee M. -- I enjoy how much you care about other people. You are truly looking for ways to help support people. Whether that is leading a small group, youth group, nursery or whatever. You look for ways to bless people.
Ivana M. -- You took us in right after joining recruiting. You knew what kind of life we were about to get into and you looked to support us as much as you could. You came with me to bible class, we met for lunch! You were a great support as we transitioned to the awful life of recruiting.
Whitney M. -- I love that we can be such good phone friends. You and Tyler have been an example of a strong Godly marriage that was somewhat lacking in our lives. We both appreciate your joyfulness and servant heart.
Lauren S. -- We've been through some rough times. Thank you for supporting me when we had major concerns about L. You answered questions and let me talk. It was a very rough pregnancy and you were there!
Gina S. -- I love that you share your true deep thoughts. In fact, I don't even always respond to your emails because they have touched me so much. You share what is truly on your heart and provide guidance through wisdom.
Kelly S. -- I love your exuberance. You are honest and sincere. You look to support people who may have known any love or support before. I love that about you!
Jo-Ann R. -- You are a servant with a wide-open life example of how God works in peoples' lives.
Christina M. -- When we got to Pitman, right away you looked to help our family. You helped to organize the shower for L, you organized meals for our family after L was born...is organizing your gift? Thank you taking to us as we figured living in a new area!
I hope that you have people in you life who have blessed you! If you can think of someone please let us know about them!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Happy Birthday
L's Birthday is just a few weeks away. These are a few birthday wishes to her...
I wish you many smiles and laughs.
I wish you one-minute moments. You know the ones where we belly laugh, we dance naked after your bath, we welcome daddy home the moment he walks in the door, the first bite of your favorite food. These are the moments to treasure in life.
I wish you another healthy year.
I wish you joy.
I wish for you to dance when your favorite song comes on.
I wish that you never for a moment feel far away from God.
I wish you know and choose God's love.
I wish for you peace.
I wish for to never wonder where your food will come from.
I wish for you to live in this moment.
I wish for you to know challenges and to know you can overcome those challenges.
Do you have any birthday wishes for L?
I wish you many smiles and laughs.
I wish you one-minute moments. You know the ones where we belly laugh, we dance naked after your bath, we welcome daddy home the moment he walks in the door, the first bite of your favorite food. These are the moments to treasure in life.
I wish you another healthy year.
I wish you joy.
I wish for you to dance when your favorite song comes on.
I wish that you never for a moment feel far away from God.
I wish you know and choose God's love.
I wish for you peace.
I wish for to never wonder where your food will come from.
I wish for you to live in this moment.
I wish for you to know challenges and to know you can overcome those challenges.
Do you have any birthday wishes for L?
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Life
L has been asleep for 3 1/2 hours! So I thought I would write a post rather than just waiting for her to wake up.
Life is very interesting as a military family. I have to say that one of the most unexpected issues I have learned about since marrying Matthew has been the issue of making friends. My family moved some as I was growing up and it was always easy to make friends. Then I went to college and made friends. Moved to Hawaii where I began to understand a little about discrimination and learn that making friends as an adult was not the easiest. In Hawaii I had one friend (a mom with twin 1 1/2 year old boys) who became my friend RIGHT away. But other people were slow to reach out. I think in part because I was not a Local and I think also that people assumed I would just leave. I did leave, but when I moved there I wanted to stay in HI. I had not planned on meeting a Marine. However, I made friends still fairly quickly; and then I married a military man.
You see, when most people meet us and find out M is a Marine, they are kind, friendly and make some of the following comments:
"Oh, you must move a lot."
"That can be a hard life."
"That must be hard."
"How long are you here for?"
and a few times, "Thank you."
At first I thought the "How long are you going to be here" question was a regular question of curiosity. I have now figured out what that question really means -- "Are you going to be here long enough to make it worth it to become friends." Most people move along and then greet us if they see us again. So, since becoming a Marine Corps. wife; I have learned, in the eyes of some, that most of the time I am not worth getting to know because I will be moving in a matter of time.
There is a second group of friends who will be our friends up until the day we move and then act as though we have disappeared. They never talk, reach out or communicate again.
Then there are the few who wade into our military lifestyle. These are a rare and special breed of people who take the time to get to know my family and myself. These are people who I have realized have a deeper faith and a great appreciation for living in the moment and taking advantage of friends when God provides them.
These are friends who model Jesus' true calling for his people. Spiritually these people, I think recognize that we are forever connected by God.
I am not this amazingly special person who all people need to know...but I do need, crave and desire close friends who will love me and who I can love back. Learning how rare friendships are, I have come to treasure them!
To those of you who have become our friends in spite of us moving away, Thank you!
So a small and insignificant tribute to a few of my friends...
Christie S...You were my first military move friend --- I think about you almost every day and pray for you too. I do love you so much!
Rebecca S...Your frequent phone calls and support are outstanding! You have guided me through several difficult times and I love you.
Katy M...You are a friend who stands the test of time! You become forever friends and we love you!
Pitman -- how do I narrow down the friends we made. The whole church understood our military situation (thank you Patti for opening some insight) --
Patti S. -- You and Dr. Sikes (I still can't say Mr. Steve) welcomed us and opened Pitman doors for us. It was so good to have a Yorkie connection all the way over in NJ.
Brenda P. -- You have the heart of a servant for new moms. You are dedicated and so loving
Mandy -- You have grown so much and you stretched your heart wide open for us
Melva T. -- You are an amazing model for us who are trying to figure out this Christian mom thing
Linda K -- You have been there and done that and share with those of us who are there now. We know we can make it because you are the example
Katherine C. -- Your joy is incredible and contagious. You keep your joy through trials which would knock many people down permanently
Marlene -- You love the Lord! You are learning to rely on the Lord! I love when you share how prayer works immediately in your life!
We are now in a new place and making new friends. There are already a few who stand out and I am excited to tell you about more friends to come.
There are more to write about but the baby is crying -- so pausing for now. Off to catch the tears...
Would you post about special friend/s you have had in your life.
Life is very interesting as a military family. I have to say that one of the most unexpected issues I have learned about since marrying Matthew has been the issue of making friends. My family moved some as I was growing up and it was always easy to make friends. Then I went to college and made friends. Moved to Hawaii where I began to understand a little about discrimination and learn that making friends as an adult was not the easiest. In Hawaii I had one friend (a mom with twin 1 1/2 year old boys) who became my friend RIGHT away. But other people were slow to reach out. I think in part because I was not a Local and I think also that people assumed I would just leave. I did leave, but when I moved there I wanted to stay in HI. I had not planned on meeting a Marine. However, I made friends still fairly quickly; and then I married a military man.
You see, when most people meet us and find out M is a Marine, they are kind, friendly and make some of the following comments:
"Oh, you must move a lot."
"That can be a hard life."
"That must be hard."
"How long are you here for?"
and a few times, "Thank you."
At first I thought the "How long are you going to be here" question was a regular question of curiosity. I have now figured out what that question really means -- "Are you going to be here long enough to make it worth it to become friends." Most people move along and then greet us if they see us again. So, since becoming a Marine Corps. wife; I have learned, in the eyes of some, that most of the time I am not worth getting to know because I will be moving in a matter of time.
There is a second group of friends who will be our friends up until the day we move and then act as though we have disappeared. They never talk, reach out or communicate again.
Then there are the few who wade into our military lifestyle. These are a rare and special breed of people who take the time to get to know my family and myself. These are people who I have realized have a deeper faith and a great appreciation for living in the moment and taking advantage of friends when God provides them.
These are friends who model Jesus' true calling for his people. Spiritually these people, I think recognize that we are forever connected by God.
I am not this amazingly special person who all people need to know...but I do need, crave and desire close friends who will love me and who I can love back. Learning how rare friendships are, I have come to treasure them!
To those of you who have become our friends in spite of us moving away, Thank you!
So a small and insignificant tribute to a few of my friends...
Christie S...You were my first military move friend --- I think about you almost every day and pray for you too. I do love you so much!
Rebecca S...Your frequent phone calls and support are outstanding! You have guided me through several difficult times and I love you.
Katy M...You are a friend who stands the test of time! You become forever friends and we love you!
Pitman -- how do I narrow down the friends we made. The whole church understood our military situation (thank you Patti for opening some insight) --
Patti S. -- You and Dr. Sikes (I still can't say Mr. Steve) welcomed us and opened Pitman doors for us. It was so good to have a Yorkie connection all the way over in NJ.
Brenda P. -- You have the heart of a servant for new moms. You are dedicated and so loving
Mandy -- You have grown so much and you stretched your heart wide open for us
Melva T. -- You are an amazing model for us who are trying to figure out this Christian mom thing
Linda K -- You have been there and done that and share with those of us who are there now. We know we can make it because you are the example
Katherine C. -- Your joy is incredible and contagious. You keep your joy through trials which would knock many people down permanently
Marlene -- You love the Lord! You are learning to rely on the Lord! I love when you share how prayer works immediately in your life!
We are now in a new place and making new friends. There are already a few who stand out and I am excited to tell you about more friends to come.
There are more to write about but the baby is crying -- so pausing for now. Off to catch the tears...
Would you post about special friend/s you have had in your life.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
http://www.bornagainamerican.org/
I love this website! It is about being American and getting back to what our country was built on. I especially LOVED the part of the website where you can directly send an email to your represenatives, Congressmen, and the President. You type your message and zip. The site sends your message to the people who represent you! I love it and will continue to send messages!
href="http://www.bornagainamerican.org/ ">
As a wife to a Marine, sister to a Marine and sister to an Army National Guardsman who is in Iraq; this website was meaningful.
Hope you click and let your voice be heard!
href="http://www.bornagainamerican.org/ ">
As a wife to a Marine, sister to a Marine and sister to an Army National Guardsman who is in Iraq; this website was meaningful.
Hope you click and let your voice be heard!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
SC
We are living in SC now. After a very crazy month and 1/2, we are here and getting settled. You would be amazed at how well things have gone and how supportive people have been. Lets start with our trip to KS in Dec.
My mom was amazing. She had everything we could need for a baby. She was doting on her baby grandaughter and I even got to go out with my friends Pam and Annie (bestest friends from college). And I got to go to a movie by myself. Mom was such a joy to be with and we had a great visit. While in KS, we visited our Missouri family. They were incredible too. My step-grandparents made our lives easy. They drove us around and hung out with the kids. L got to meet Aunt Brenda and her crew. L got to meet great-grandma and other relatives. L got to meet adopted Aunt Pam and Aunt Annie. So we were thrilled with our trip and so blessed!
Then we went home for a day and flew to Bermuda. A wonderful friend of my in-laws had a place for us to stay. My MIL had toys, car seat, pack & play and a few more extras all set up for us. She made that trip easy as well. Matthew and I got some time alone and some time with other grown ups! We rode horses on the beach, had some rum swizzles, and spent lots of time with the whole Bermuda family.
Then we came home to finish packing our house. Matthew left on the 22nd and I was alone with the infant who pooped on the only sheet for my bed, threw up on the only sheet for her bed and was all around crying and fussing. That experience affirmed that we made the right decision to move to SC to get help!
L and I drove to Quantico on Friday Jan. 30 after checking out of the apartment...pause. The friends we had from Piutman Church of Christ were amazing beyond words. They helped clean up, straighten up and babysit while I closed out the apartment. Then several of us went to lunch right before L and I hit the road. It was hard to say goodbye.
Pitman. Our family and our marriage are stronger because of your support during the last year. You have met every need we had while experiencing life on recruiting duty with a newborn. Though this time has been the hardest in our marriage, we never waivered because God was with us. God was with us through you. Thank you and I don't know if you truly know how grateful we are for you. I will leave my thanks at this since I am not a writer. Know we love you and God blessed us because of you. We hope that we can pass the blessings onto the people we meet from here on out.
The mom with the twins...you know who you are...I will miss you so much! You have been a literal God-send since we were living in NJ. You and your husband took me in during all the time Matthew was away. You loved on me and have guidied me in having a better Christian life. Thank you! I love you and will see you soon. This is a practise good bye since we haven't had a real one, that might be too hard. July will be when my heart breaks for leaving you.
We saw Matthew become a Warrant Officer on Monday. Tears poured down my face...not so much for the promotion as that we were off of recruiting. I do not wish that job on anyone! So Matthew is in training for his dream job and we give God glory every day for the change in our lives from recruiting.
We pulled into SC last night and I felt a wave of relief and exhaustion set in. I am so happy to be here with my little brother and sister. I am so glad to be here where I have support in the house from my dad and R. And I get lots of time with them and get to help out with my brother and sister! I praise God for the blessings we have and the travel and experiences of the last month!
Oh...we have official word we go to Japan next! So we open a new chapter to the book we are writing and look forward with excitement. We will be stationed on the same base as my brother so the blessing of having family around will continue!
Off to unpack. If you are reading this, you have become a friend and I thank you for you love and prayers. We are joyful to close the door on this past year (can you tell recruiting was hard and we are glad to be out) yet mourn the changes in the relationships of the friends and family we have become close to while living in NJ.
By the way...NJ family (twins' family included)...I refuse to really say good bye since we will be back several times before we leave the country.
Here we go!
Check pictures of our travels on our pic website. The link is on the side. L on the beach are the best pictures. Maybe a future model?
My mom was amazing. She had everything we could need for a baby. She was doting on her baby grandaughter and I even got to go out with my friends Pam and Annie (bestest friends from college). And I got to go to a movie by myself. Mom was such a joy to be with and we had a great visit. While in KS, we visited our Missouri family. They were incredible too. My step-grandparents made our lives easy. They drove us around and hung out with the kids. L got to meet Aunt Brenda and her crew. L got to meet great-grandma and other relatives. L got to meet adopted Aunt Pam and Aunt Annie. So we were thrilled with our trip and so blessed!
Then we went home for a day and flew to Bermuda. A wonderful friend of my in-laws had a place for us to stay. My MIL had toys, car seat, pack & play and a few more extras all set up for us. She made that trip easy as well. Matthew and I got some time alone and some time with other grown ups! We rode horses on the beach, had some rum swizzles, and spent lots of time with the whole Bermuda family.
Then we came home to finish packing our house. Matthew left on the 22nd and I was alone with the infant who pooped on the only sheet for my bed, threw up on the only sheet for her bed and was all around crying and fussing. That experience affirmed that we made the right decision to move to SC to get help!
L and I drove to Quantico on Friday Jan. 30 after checking out of the apartment...pause. The friends we had from Piutman Church of Christ were amazing beyond words. They helped clean up, straighten up and babysit while I closed out the apartment. Then several of us went to lunch right before L and I hit the road. It was hard to say goodbye.
Pitman. Our family and our marriage are stronger because of your support during the last year. You have met every need we had while experiencing life on recruiting duty with a newborn. Though this time has been the hardest in our marriage, we never waivered because God was with us. God was with us through you. Thank you and I don't know if you truly know how grateful we are for you. I will leave my thanks at this since I am not a writer. Know we love you and God blessed us because of you. We hope that we can pass the blessings onto the people we meet from here on out.
The mom with the twins...you know who you are...I will miss you so much! You have been a literal God-send since we were living in NJ. You and your husband took me in during all the time Matthew was away. You loved on me and have guidied me in having a better Christian life. Thank you! I love you and will see you soon. This is a practise good bye since we haven't had a real one, that might be too hard. July will be when my heart breaks for leaving you.
We saw Matthew become a Warrant Officer on Monday. Tears poured down my face...not so much for the promotion as that we were off of recruiting. I do not wish that job on anyone! So Matthew is in training for his dream job and we give God glory every day for the change in our lives from recruiting.
We pulled into SC last night and I felt a wave of relief and exhaustion set in. I am so happy to be here with my little brother and sister. I am so glad to be here where I have support in the house from my dad and R. And I get lots of time with them and get to help out with my brother and sister! I praise God for the blessings we have and the travel and experiences of the last month!
Oh...we have official word we go to Japan next! So we open a new chapter to the book we are writing and look forward with excitement. We will be stationed on the same base as my brother so the blessing of having family around will continue!
Off to unpack. If you are reading this, you have become a friend and I thank you for you love and prayers. We are joyful to close the door on this past year (can you tell recruiting was hard and we are glad to be out) yet mourn the changes in the relationships of the friends and family we have become close to while living in NJ.
By the way...NJ family (twins' family included)...I refuse to really say good bye since we will be back several times before we leave the country.
Here we go!
Check pictures of our travels on our pic website. The link is on the side. L on the beach are the best pictures. Maybe a future model?
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