:)
Friday, February 24, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
My Life in a Nutshell
Sleep? I've no idea what that is. Naps are the way to go.
Energy? Again, no clue as to what it is, as any I may have is long gone due to running after an ever energetic baby boy.
I call my son baby boy and instantly tell myself to stop. he's a big boy now. As if he will ever stop being my baby.
Son numbah two is mean. He doesn't believe in resting until Mama is sick. Seriously.
My refrigerator is full of chicken and veggies, my pantry full of beans. Husband's diet is yucky to a pregnant woman. And a toddler too, apparently. We all look forward to cheat day :)
Can someone come clean my house for me? Please? But let me know when you come so I'm not too embarrassed by its disgustingness. Thank you, Lord, for an understanding husband.
I desperately wish we were still having block leave. Why can't block leave be all year round with only two weeks of work? I like that idea a lot :)
That being said, my pity party is over and I give you the joy in my life.
My amazing, loving huzbhand.
My hilarious, sweet little big boy.
My son numbah two that just can't come soon enough for me so I can meet him.
My ever encouraging and fun friends. I never fail to laugh and be uplifted when with them.
My all emcompassing, merciful and faithful God.
Who says life is hard??
Energy? Again, no clue as to what it is, as any I may have is long gone due to running after an ever energetic baby boy.
I call my son baby boy and instantly tell myself to stop. he's a big boy now. As if he will ever stop being my baby.
Son numbah two is mean. He doesn't believe in resting until Mama is sick. Seriously.
My refrigerator is full of chicken and veggies, my pantry full of beans. Husband's diet is yucky to a pregnant woman. And a toddler too, apparently. We all look forward to cheat day :)
Can someone come clean my house for me? Please? But let me know when you come so I'm not too embarrassed by its disgustingness. Thank you, Lord, for an understanding husband.
I desperately wish we were still having block leave. Why can't block leave be all year round with only two weeks of work? I like that idea a lot :)
That being said, my pity party is over and I give you the joy in my life.
My amazing, loving huzbhand.
My hilarious, sweet little big boy.
My son numbah two that just can't come soon enough for me so I can meet him.
My ever encouraging and fun friends. I never fail to laugh and be uplifted when with them.
My all emcompassing, merciful and faithful God.
Who says life is hard??
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Confession Time
As I come up with the title, I don't know if I am necessarily really needing to confess or apologize for my lack of writing. I initially warned anyone reading this (does anyone in fact read this?) that I would not consistently write. However, I do enjoy having this opportunity to put thoughts to paper (blog).
This new year has brought about a new me...or one I'm trying to be. Eric and I spent much of Eric's block leave at home, spending time just relaxing or catching up on things ignored or (in my case, avoided) for months. We traveled with the little man to Brigantine, NJ for a much needed weekend away before getting back into the swing of things. Since then, I have recognized my choice of living has not been one I am most proud of.
My life consists of me, my husband and my son. Doesn't sound too bad, right? My focus, however, has not been as adequately been on my service to them or to God as it should be. I am shamed to admit it, and thankfully shamed enough to do something about it. This life is not mine, and I have selfishly made it all about me. Praise the Lord, times are changing, and so are my thoughts and actions and, well, life.
Getting involved with church has terrified me for years- ever since getting married and having to leave a place that i truly called home. I was finally convinced last fall to join a mothers group, and am now again stepping out and joining a women's Bible study. In the midst of all this, I always knew I would join things, but wouldn't worry so much about the getting involved and known thing. It's now changing, and I find myself excited, joyous, more at peace. I crave your prayers on this, because it is so hard for me to step out and reach rather than allow others to do the work for me. It was so easy for so long, but being in new and different places demands new and different actions. I never took that to heart, but now I am and I truly am seeing God working already.
Lord willing, my heart, my life and actions will still be focused on my family, but with the sole purpose of glorifying God through it all. Will all of you, what, 2,3 readers of mine take a moment and think through your actions of late and see who they were made for? Why they were made?
I am exhausted just writing these words. I also recognize my need for some more alone time without a computer and with my God. May my son continue to sleep :)
Oh, in other news, we're having a baby...but not just any baby, another boy. No, we don't have a name- Aidan wasn't Aidan until the week he was due. We'll be lucky if we can agree on a name sooner than that! Papa and big brother are very happy...Mama is just plain exhausted :) And craving kit kats. Anyone wants to send some love my way, make sure it includes those please!
I send my love to you, but most importantly, my renewed joy.
This new year has brought about a new me...or one I'm trying to be. Eric and I spent much of Eric's block leave at home, spending time just relaxing or catching up on things ignored or (in my case, avoided) for months. We traveled with the little man to Brigantine, NJ for a much needed weekend away before getting back into the swing of things. Since then, I have recognized my choice of living has not been one I am most proud of.
My life consists of me, my husband and my son. Doesn't sound too bad, right? My focus, however, has not been as adequately been on my service to them or to God as it should be. I am shamed to admit it, and thankfully shamed enough to do something about it. This life is not mine, and I have selfishly made it all about me. Praise the Lord, times are changing, and so are my thoughts and actions and, well, life.
Getting involved with church has terrified me for years- ever since getting married and having to leave a place that i truly called home. I was finally convinced last fall to join a mothers group, and am now again stepping out and joining a women's Bible study. In the midst of all this, I always knew I would join things, but wouldn't worry so much about the getting involved and known thing. It's now changing, and I find myself excited, joyous, more at peace. I crave your prayers on this, because it is so hard for me to step out and reach rather than allow others to do the work for me. It was so easy for so long, but being in new and different places demands new and different actions. I never took that to heart, but now I am and I truly am seeing God working already.
Lord willing, my heart, my life and actions will still be focused on my family, but with the sole purpose of glorifying God through it all. Will all of you, what, 2,3 readers of mine take a moment and think through your actions of late and see who they were made for? Why they were made?
I am exhausted just writing these words. I also recognize my need for some more alone time without a computer and with my God. May my son continue to sleep :)
Oh, in other news, we're having a baby...but not just any baby, another boy. No, we don't have a name- Aidan wasn't Aidan until the week he was due. We'll be lucky if we can agree on a name sooner than that! Papa and big brother are very happy...Mama is just plain exhausted :) And craving kit kats. Anyone wants to send some love my way, make sure it includes those please!
I send my love to you, but most importantly, my renewed joy.
Friday, December 30, 2011
2012? Oh, we live there!!
Who knew we would ever reach the year two thousand and twelve? It's hard enough to believe this little family survived 2011...maybe we'll just sleep the entire next year to make up for everything that's happened.
Things like Papa being gone for three freaking months to Ranger School, kicking butt as always.
Things like having a little boy running around trying to taste and tear apart and throw everything not nailed into the ground.
Things like taking command of a troop and FRG with no prior training.
Things like...the list can go on and on.
Seriously, though, this past year has been terrifyingly awesome. (I think I can add the word awesome into that phrase because I am now looking back on all that's happened.) It has been a year that has thrown us for more loops than we could have imagined, given us more hurdles and mountains that seemed way too high, and caused us quite a few opportunities to cry and wish this all on someone else- ok, that may have just been me.
I must say that looking back, I have learned more things I wish I had done differently but do not regret one minute of it. As a family and as individuals we were tested and grew as a result. I praise God that it is over, and (not so) anxiously wait to see what he has in store for us next year.
Eric, Aidan and I have been doing splendidly this past month. Since our change of command (out of leadership) mid December, we have taken the opportunity to relish not fearing a phone call demanding Papa to go into work as well as just relax and rest with one another. That time has been sorely missed these past three months of command. Christmas was wonderful; we've had two already, and a third to celebrate this coming weekend. Gosh do I love December. Birthdays and many Christmas celebrations!! Aidan is our official present unwrapper; he also attempts to be the official wrapping paper dispenser as well. Yuck. I look forward to the day when "no" literally means "no" to him.
Attached is our Christmas letter that we mailed out amidst the chaos of life. It's an extremely brief summary of our year- if I was to tell you all about it, we'd be here till 2013. At least.
2011 was a year that had many ups and downs, highs and lows. I look forward to seeing what more 2012 has to offer.
Happy New Year everyone! Oh, and rather than just looking forward to next year, I recommend looking back on this past year. Have you grown? Did you learn something? Are you thankful for something or better yet someone? What changed? Every year brings about some kind of change or difference. Don't forget where you were so as not to forget who you truly have become.
On a serious note, though, does anyone know how to convince your child not to eat or pull apart or throw anything and everything??
Things like Papa being gone for three freaking months to Ranger School, kicking butt as always.
Things like having a little boy running around trying to taste and tear apart and throw everything not nailed into the ground.
Things like taking command of a troop and FRG with no prior training.
Things like...the list can go on and on.
Seriously, though, this past year has been terrifyingly awesome. (I think I can add the word awesome into that phrase because I am now looking back on all that's happened.) It has been a year that has thrown us for more loops than we could have imagined, given us more hurdles and mountains that seemed way too high, and caused us quite a few opportunities to cry and wish this all on someone else- ok, that may have just been me.
I must say that looking back, I have learned more things I wish I had done differently but do not regret one minute of it. As a family and as individuals we were tested and grew as a result. I praise God that it is over, and (not so) anxiously wait to see what he has in store for us next year.
Eric, Aidan and I have been doing splendidly this past month. Since our change of command (out of leadership) mid December, we have taken the opportunity to relish not fearing a phone call demanding Papa to go into work as well as just relax and rest with one another. That time has been sorely missed these past three months of command. Christmas was wonderful; we've had two already, and a third to celebrate this coming weekend. Gosh do I love December. Birthdays and many Christmas celebrations!! Aidan is our official present unwrapper; he also attempts to be the official wrapping paper dispenser as well. Yuck. I look forward to the day when "no" literally means "no" to him.
Attached is our Christmas letter that we mailed out amidst the chaos of life. It's an extremely brief summary of our year- if I was to tell you all about it, we'd be here till 2013. At least.
2011 was a year that had many ups and downs, highs and lows. I look forward to seeing what more 2012 has to offer.
Happy New Year everyone! Oh, and rather than just looking forward to next year, I recommend looking back on this past year. Have you grown? Did you learn something? Are you thankful for something or better yet someone? What changed? Every year brings about some kind of change or difference. Don't forget where you were so as not to forget who you truly have become.
On a serious note, though, does anyone know how to convince your child not to eat or pull apart or throw anything and everything??
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Grumpypants to Gratefulpants
The past few weeks leading up to the Thanksgiving weekend was quite a trial for me.
I had chosen to be closed minded and place my focus solely on the negative aspects in life. On top of that, I got so down and frustrated with the world's choice to mostly ignore and forget about Thanksgiving and go straight to Christmas. The only positive thing about Thanksgiving seemed to be the extra days off of work, the fantastic food, the great shopping deals. The meaning of the holiday seemed forgotten. Obscure.
Eric and I have followed a tradition begun by his parents; prior to Thanksgiving breakfast, each of us at the table present five items we are thankful for. Normally I spend the days before the meal thinking of what I am thankful for- sure, I was thankful for the children the Lord has blessed us with, an amazing and supportive husband- but what else? Why can't I see what else the Lord has blessed me with?
By the time family arrived and I had begun preparing breakfast for the next day, I finally started to recognize what my heart refused to see. I allowed everything seemingly going wrong in my world- being so sick with this pregnancy, struggling to handle Aidan's sudden surge of energy and stubbornness, depression at Thanksgiving being demoted, wishing for more time with my ever busy husband, etc. Once I recognized and submitted my failure to see God rather than the world, I suddenly saw just how much my family and I have been blessed.
Praise the Lord for his goodness and mercy; praise the Lord for loving someone as misguided and unfocused as me.
To sum everything up, the food was quite yummy, the family time unforgettable, the shopping good, and the time to be reminded of just how good my God is was priceless.
Oh, and of course a few pictures. Of course, I was too busy, sick or exhausted to do much as this growing baby is taking up just about all of my energy and health, so my mom was good enough to take some pictures. Here are just a few:
A tasty view of a Thanksgiving dinner plate at the Southern Ruff house
Our sleepy, full and quite content little family
What woman couldn't be thankful for what she has so clearly been blessed with?
Smileytimes!!
Yep, I've definitely got my thankful pants on.
I had chosen to be closed minded and place my focus solely on the negative aspects in life. On top of that, I got so down and frustrated with the world's choice to mostly ignore and forget about Thanksgiving and go straight to Christmas. The only positive thing about Thanksgiving seemed to be the extra days off of work, the fantastic food, the great shopping deals. The meaning of the holiday seemed forgotten. Obscure.
Eric and I have followed a tradition begun by his parents; prior to Thanksgiving breakfast, each of us at the table present five items we are thankful for. Normally I spend the days before the meal thinking of what I am thankful for- sure, I was thankful for the children the Lord has blessed us with, an amazing and supportive husband- but what else? Why can't I see what else the Lord has blessed me with?
By the time family arrived and I had begun preparing breakfast for the next day, I finally started to recognize what my heart refused to see. I allowed everything seemingly going wrong in my world- being so sick with this pregnancy, struggling to handle Aidan's sudden surge of energy and stubbornness, depression at Thanksgiving being demoted, wishing for more time with my ever busy husband, etc. Once I recognized and submitted my failure to see God rather than the world, I suddenly saw just how much my family and I have been blessed.
Praise the Lord for his goodness and mercy; praise the Lord for loving someone as misguided and unfocused as me.
To sum everything up, the food was quite yummy, the family time unforgettable, the shopping good, and the time to be reminded of just how good my God is was priceless.
Oh, and of course a few pictures. Of course, I was too busy, sick or exhausted to do much as this growing baby is taking up just about all of my energy and health, so my mom was good enough to take some pictures. Here are just a few:
A tasty view of a Thanksgiving dinner plate at the Southern Ruff house
Our sleepy, full and quite content little family
What woman couldn't be thankful for what she has so clearly been blessed with?
Smileytimes!!
Yep, I've definitely got my thankful pants on.
Friday, September 16, 2011
One Year!!
As of 8:24 this morning, my baby turned one year old.
Say WHaaaaaaat????
Where in the world has this past year gone?
It has been ahhhmazing to say the least. This little boy has wedged his way so deep into our hearts. He is so precious to us and a never ending source for laughter and joy. Some frustration and ringing ears too, but of course we dont talk about that :)
Along the way, Eric and I have learned some life lessons that Aidan has so graciously taught us. A few of them are:
It is very possible to have poop the colors of the rainbow.
It doesn't matter what it is, it can (and will) go into "the ole piehole."
A baby can be stronger than you. (Have you seen the preview for that tv show "Up All Night" ? Every time we see previews of it, we say "hey! That is so true!")
Unrolling toilet paper is fun. Rerolling it is not.
Dropping plates on the floor is not cool. And they are always drooped at the quietest time in the restaraunt so they are heard EVERYWHERE.
No matter where you are, there is always time to add a new toy to the collection.
Baby sizes are not actually for the actual age baby is. (For example- Aidan is currently in 24 month clothing. So not 24 months old.)
House cleaning can in fact be done in less than an hour...during nap time.
Electronics are the most fun toys to throw across the room.
Joy and love grows continually, and never fades no matter how frustrating the situation.
Aidan, you truly are one of the best things to ever happen in our life. It is impossible to imagine life without you. You have filled a void we never knew we had, and continually praise God for blessing us with what we did not know we needed.
From birth to a year old to the day I die, I will always be thankful for you.
Say WHaaaaaaat????
Where in the world has this past year gone?
It has been ahhhmazing to say the least. This little boy has wedged his way so deep into our hearts. He is so precious to us and a never ending source for laughter and joy. Some frustration and ringing ears too, but of course we dont talk about that :)
Along the way, Eric and I have learned some life lessons that Aidan has so graciously taught us. A few of them are:
It is very possible to have poop the colors of the rainbow.
It doesn't matter what it is, it can (and will) go into "the ole piehole."
A baby can be stronger than you. (Have you seen the preview for that tv show "Up All Night" ? Every time we see previews of it, we say "hey! That is so true!")
Unrolling toilet paper is fun. Rerolling it is not.
Dropping plates on the floor is not cool. And they are always drooped at the quietest time in the restaraunt so they are heard EVERYWHERE.
No matter where you are, there is always time to add a new toy to the collection.
Baby sizes are not actually for the actual age baby is. (For example- Aidan is currently in 24 month clothing. So not 24 months old.)
House cleaning can in fact be done in less than an hour...during nap time.
Electronics are the most fun toys to throw across the room.
Joy and love grows continually, and never fades no matter how frustrating the situation.
Aidan, you truly are one of the best things to ever happen in our life. It is impossible to imagine life without you. You have filled a void we never knew we had, and continually praise God for blessing us with what we did not know we needed.
From birth to a year old to the day I die, I will always be thankful for you.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Hey Ya'll!
I know, I know, this post has been a long time coming. Upon Eric's return, Aidan and I have been so greedy that we didn't want to share any of our time with anybody. Whenever Daddy had to leave us, we just moped all day long, wishing he would come back soon.
Not really.
Ok, well, maybe a little moping.
Anyway, there have been a ton of changes and surprises since Eric's homecoming, and while I wish I had taken the time to continually blog about it, I kinda just revelled in it all. Sometimes I panicked and stressed, but overall, it was glorious.
Upon return from our cruise, I got pretty serious about getting involved with our particular troop's FRG (family readiness group). Very simply put, its the social aspect of the troop where the families have opportunities to connect. I started to get involved as just a member, but Eric and I found out some verrrrryyyyy interesting news. He was to become COMMANDER of his troop.
This does not happen. Not to a 1st lieutenant. Ok, so it happens extremely rarely.
The troop's current commander was leaving, and until they found a replacement, Eric was next in line to take over. So this is step up for him, but not necessarily permament. He does not get a raise (bummer) or a new rank. Just a whole lot more work and responsibility (boo).
As the commander's wife, I am leader of the FRG. Tada! So after not being involved at all, and just beginning to be involved, I am now steering this thing. Oy vey. Anyway, I have been super busy trying to learn the ins and outs of the troop, the frg, who is who, who does what, and all that fun stuff.It's been tough, it's been stressful, it's been terrifying. Beyond all that, though, I'm excited to get my hands dirty and be so involved with this. I get to plan events- thanks God! :)
Speaking of events, this morning was Eric's change of command ceremony. Even though the command is temporary, they had a whole ceremony and reception shindig which was again, terrifying but a blast. I don't know when I've been prouder - watching my husband step up and take command of over 100 troops is truly incredible. I truly believes he deserves this, can do this job well, and glorify God in this whole thing. As well as glorify the 82nd Airborne. But God first of course :)
Anyway, pictures were taken of the event, but we do not yet have them all. We hosted a small reception afterwards to the guests and troops- I had a blast doing it. Just some fruits and veggies and a cupcake cake (which, by the way, is my new favorite thing) with some drinks. Yum. I will post those pictures soon for you all to enjoy with some explanations. Promise.
Uh, will someone hold me to that promise, please?
I know, I know, this post has been a long time coming. Upon Eric's return, Aidan and I have been so greedy that we didn't want to share any of our time with anybody. Whenever Daddy had to leave us, we just moped all day long, wishing he would come back soon.
Not really.
Ok, well, maybe a little moping.
Anyway, there have been a ton of changes and surprises since Eric's homecoming, and while I wish I had taken the time to continually blog about it, I kinda just revelled in it all. Sometimes I panicked and stressed, but overall, it was glorious.
Upon return from our cruise, I got pretty serious about getting involved with our particular troop's FRG (family readiness group). Very simply put, its the social aspect of the troop where the families have opportunities to connect. I started to get involved as just a member, but Eric and I found out some verrrrryyyyy interesting news. He was to become COMMANDER of his troop.
This does not happen. Not to a 1st lieutenant. Ok, so it happens extremely rarely.
The troop's current commander was leaving, and until they found a replacement, Eric was next in line to take over. So this is step up for him, but not necessarily permament. He does not get a raise (bummer) or a new rank. Just a whole lot more work and responsibility (boo).
As the commander's wife, I am leader of the FRG. Tada! So after not being involved at all, and just beginning to be involved, I am now steering this thing. Oy vey. Anyway, I have been super busy trying to learn the ins and outs of the troop, the frg, who is who, who does what, and all that fun stuff.It's been tough, it's been stressful, it's been terrifying. Beyond all that, though, I'm excited to get my hands dirty and be so involved with this. I get to plan events- thanks God! :)
Speaking of events, this morning was Eric's change of command ceremony. Even though the command is temporary, they had a whole ceremony and reception shindig which was again, terrifying but a blast. I don't know when I've been prouder - watching my husband step up and take command of over 100 troops is truly incredible. I truly believes he deserves this, can do this job well, and glorify God in this whole thing. As well as glorify the 82nd Airborne. But God first of course :)
Anyway, pictures were taken of the event, but we do not yet have them all. We hosted a small reception afterwards to the guests and troops- I had a blast doing it. Just some fruits and veggies and a cupcake cake (which, by the way, is my new favorite thing) with some drinks. Yum. I will post those pictures soon for you all to enjoy with some explanations. Promise.
Uh, will someone hold me to that promise, please?
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