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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Happy Birthday Aunt T

 

This year we actually got to celebrate Taylor's birthday. With our family all spread out over the US, it is always exciting when we actually get to spend a birthday with one of them! This year, Taylor turned 17! We went to the dinner of her choice - Kanki - and we of course goofed off. :) Then we came back and ate cake and opened gifts. We love Taylor...and more than anything, Blake loves his Aunt T!

 

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Today in church they talked about parenting and family.  Normally I don't say much when it comes to parenting. I am very aware that there are many different opinions and each family has their own style. To be honest, I am almost scared to say anything about parenting methods because I don't know how Blake will be. I am sure at any given point he will kick and scream in the middle of Target or repeat something embarrassing to his kindergarten teacher. However, this poem that was shared struck me in a special way. No matter what, I hope to be encouraging to my children and not put them down or focus on their flaws. Bottom line, children learn by example and I really really hope that Ryan and I can be a good example to our children.


Parenting Poems
Which Parent Will I Be?

~Author Unknown~

"I got two A's," the small boy cried.
His voice was filled with glee.
His father very bluntly asked,
"Why didn't you get three?"

"Mom, I've got the dishes done,"
The girl called from the door.
Her mother very calmly said,
"Did you sweep the floor?"

"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said,
"And put the mower away."
His father asked him, with a shrug,
"Did you clean off the clay?"

The children in the house next door
seem happy and content.
The same thing happened over there,
And this is how it went:

"I got two A's,"
the small boy cried,
His voice was filled with glee.
His father very proudly said,
"That's great, I'm glad you belong to me."

"Mom, I've got the dishes done,"
The girl called from the door.
Her mother smiled and softly said,
"Each day I love you more."

"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said,
"And put the mower away."
His father answered with much joy,
"You've made my day happy."

Children deserve a little praise
For tasks they're asked to do.
If they're to lead a happy life,
So much depends on you.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

100% Boy

What else would a little boy be doing on a Sunday afternoon?!?! Playing with legos and watching football!!!! 100% Boy :)

Friday, September 7, 2012

Always Able






We received some bad news yesterday. Mark Fitzgibbons, one of the guys Ryan deployed with from the 173rd, passed away. He has always been described as someone who could make people smile and laugh with his jokes and sarcasm. Ryan could probably go into much more detail about the type of person that he was and the things that they liked to do, such as playing football. All I know is that the year that they spent together, protecting each other and fighting for their country, is something that can never be described. They all had a special bond that can never be broken.



Mark had been out of the Army for a while and living in Austin, Texas. Ryan is lucky enough to be able to drive there (6 hour drive) and attend the funeral services with some of the other guys from the 173rd. Many things can be said about guys in the Army, but I think that it speaks volumes when they drop everything to travel from all parts of the US to pay respects to a fallen brother.

Sometimes there are things in life we can't explain. Things in life that may seem unfair. However, there is no doubt that people are placed in our lives for specific reasons. I know that Mark "Fitz" had a very special place and purpose in Ryan's life. That is something that will never be forgotten. Always Able and MJ4L!!!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

7 Months and Skyping


Our little Blake is 7 months old today!! Seriously can't believe that he is growing so quickly!!! We relaxed most of the day today because Blake is still getting over a little stuffy nose that he has. So, we decided to Skype daddy and show him all of our new tricks. First of all, Blake LOVES skyping Ryan. He gets so still and just watches him. Occasionally he will try to talk too. He always tries to reach for the computer and press buttons. Blake got to show Ryan his 2 new teeth that are coming in. Ouch! He also showed off his little Army crawl that he has going on. He tends to reach and then pull himself. Lots of times he will get on all fours and rock, but he is still getting up the courage to place one leg in front of the other. After much encouragement Blake also said a little "Da-Da" for Ryan!!! Yes, he has said his first word. :) Now we are just waiting for him to understand what that word means and say it on demand. Here are some other 7 month updates...

  • He loves to eat apples, carrots, squash, and pears
  • He is not a fan of peas or peaches
  • He HATES having his faced wiped after dinner
  • He still bounces his little heart out
  • Sometimes he is a chatter box...now saying "da-da"
  • He still loves to smile
  • Sleeping is getting a little better - now only waking up once or twice
  • He loves going to Ms. Dawn's during the day
  • He loves riding in his stroller and shopping carts
  • His favorite TV shows are Backyardigans and The Fresh Beat Band :)
  • He can Army crawl and twist all the way around.
  • He has fought off his first head cold
  • He has 2 teeth coming in

Saturday, August 25, 2012

I'll Go Where You Go

Blake has become very mobile recently...
 
He is SO close to crawling. He can get his hands and legs underneath him, but he usually collapses before he goes anywhere. Sometimes he starts rocking on all fours. And he has mastered the backwards push!! He will get the forward motion soon!
 
 
He can now sit up pretty securely on his own. So, we figured that it is time to retire the old car seat in the store carts. Now we have this super cute cart cover that he can sit in!
 

 
He is also still small enough to fit in a box, so he is shippable too! Haha. If only we could send him to see Ryan in Louisiana. He is ready...toys and all! :) 




Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Our Big Day



This week was a big week for Blake and I. It was my first week back at Wake Forest Rolesville High School and Blake's first week at Ms. Dawn's house. Here is a picture taken on the first morning. :)