2012 Wrap-Up

I feel really guilty as 2012 is coming to a close. I am so excited about the start of 2013 and I am not taking the time to properly say goodbye to 2012. Sigh...

2012 has been a crazy year for our family - probably the most intense.

The Highs:

• Blake being born - he has serious been the best blessing in our lives.
• Moving back to NC (even if it is a process)

The Lows:

• Our family being apart for 6 months. This has seriously been the most challenging thing.

"There are some years in our lives that we would not want to live again. But even these years will pass away, and the lessons learned will be a future blessing"

A Few Of My Favorite Things

 

Christmas for Ryan, Blake, and I will take place in January when Ryan officially moves to NC...but Blake has already received a few of his favorite things from other family members. I am pretty sure that he will have every toy made for his age group by the time it's all over. Where are we supposed to put all of these things?!?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course with all of these toys, it is only natural to be totally exhausted from playing...

 

 



 

 

We will see what else he gets in January! :) 

All I want For Christmas Is You

Of course Christmas Eve is known for it's family tradition, celebration of Christ's brith, and much more... but for our family, it is also known for another special occasion!

Two years ago, on a cold Chistmas Eve, Ryan proposed to me at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have had lots of changes in the past 2 years, and it all started with this moment. Such a magical moment that we are so thankful for!

Christmas Stroll

Blake has had his first round of extended family Christmas and he shocked us all!

He started to walk with his little walkers!!! He still can't walk on his own, but man you should have seen him take off with the help of these toys. We all busted out laughing because it was like he had prepared for that one moment. He just jumped behind the walker and plowed past everyone and down the hall. He surprises us ever second. Luckily we were able to catch him on video so that Ryan could see him.

Home for Christmas or Not

I am going to try very hard to not let my frustration show too much. This year has been a very wonderful year, but also a very difficult year for our family. We have been a long distance family for the past 5-6 months as Ryan is finishing up his job in Louisiana. We have thrived off of our short visits that we have gotten in these months.

Today we learned that Ryan will not be able to come home for Christmas. He is not allowed to take vacation because he is in the "clearing process" of leaving Ft. Polk. We knew that. However, we were told that he would probably be able to come up for a few days anyway. Well, now his officers (trust me, I have other names for them right now, too) have decided that they need him to work on several extra duties while the other guys are on leave. Yep, that means he will be working IN Louisiana over the Holidays.

In a nutshell - we are not in our home yet and we will not be together as a family over Christmas. Joy to the world!?

Ok, so because of recent events, I am starting my New Year's Resolution a few weeks early - I am trying to work on being positive. So here it goes... my ever-so-silver lining.

• There is a reason for everything...perhaps there is some blessing in Ryan not being able to come home yet that we just can't see.
• Ryan moves to NC in 3 weeks and we will have the best first Christmas for our little family then.
• Our family will for sure come out stronger because of our challenges. We are tough!
• Blake is young enough that this Christmas will not be too difficult for him without Ryan.
• Ryan only has 25ish days left and then the Army can't do this to us anymore! Yes..Amen...and everything else! 
• We realize that there are far more families that don't even get this, so we are extra thankful that we simply just have each other.

Well...glad that is over. More than ever we are counting down the days until Ryan starts driving to NC for good. And this just makes me want to work on our house even more so that it will be ready for our January Christmas. Like I always say... we've got this!

Christmas Magic

Since having Blake, we are learning how magical Christmas really is. Even at 10 months old, I can see it in his little eyes. There is something about watching him sit so still and look up at the tree. Or when he knows the present that is his under the tree...and he points to it every day. I love it!

I am so excited about starting these Christmas traditions with out little family. Being a parent during times like this are seriously the best thing ever. Just wonderful!

Unpacking Phase

 

 

Well, we are in the unpacking phase of moving. This is all of our stuff from the kitchen. It's so hard finding time to unpack - especially since I can't take Blake over there just yet. So, I basically just try to go over there every now and then when the grandparents can watch Blake for me. I also try to drag any extra hands over there with me to help. Luckily, tonight I had Taylor! We unpacked some boxes and then got rid of all the paper and stuff. Ok...and we may have had a little fun doing it. HAHA!

 



I'm sure it will all get unpacked eventually...right?!!?  :)

Blake: 10 Months

Blake is 10 months old!!! And I am in denial! I can't believe that my little boy is growing up so fast. This is the age where he starts to be a little more independent, but that also means that he gets into EVERYTHING. Catch 22!

Here is what he has been up to...

• We learned that he is scared of the vacuum cleaner...like really scared of it. He peeps into the closet every now and then just to make sure that it's still there. Haha.
• He has started to self feed
• He is really sassy (like his mom). He will let us know if he does not approve of something.
• Notice picture. He can crawl up stairs now! Ah!
• He still loves to read. We get board books from the library now!
• He has been officially sick for the first time - baby bronchitis.
• He loves to scoot toy cars and trucks around.
• Stacking cups are his favorite. Oh the simple things in life.
• He will take little walking steps if we are holding him, but still no official steps on his own. Soon!
• He is not a fan of the way the Christmas tree feels. He is so funny about textures! Haha!
• He loves cabinets. The pic below is of him in a cabinet when my mom (Granny) had her counter tops replaced. Blake The Builder! :)
• He can wave "bye-bye"

 

 

He is growing and learning so much at this point. I can't wait to see what all he will discover this month!