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??
Friday, December 30, 2011
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?
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Canada, Eh?
After eating and sleeping lots upon his return from Ranger school, I quickly learned what my husband really really wanted: a cruise sans baby. We have missed every anniversary since being married, and have been apart almost as much as together this past year. With a baby added into the mix, we have sorely missed some husband wife lovin time. And so that is what we did. Within days of planning, we had booked a cruise, dropped the munchkin off in Philadelphia, and boarded a pretty big ship to head north.
It was a truly amazing time. I don't think we knew just how much we had missed one another. I have been blessed with truly one of the best guys out there, and this past week was such a reminder to me. My joy and love for Eric has grown more and more since we've been married, and this cruise has only served to deepen my relationship with him. Forgive the deluge of pictures, but here are a few favorites. I'm sure more will be on facebook soon.
We were excited to say goodbye to noisy New York City...
And hello to breakfast with a view.
There were lots of fun times on board- playing pingpong, sleeping late, listening to comedians late into the night, having your choice of musicians in various rooms, dancing at 1 am, eating every hour on the hour, going down the (freezing cold!) waterslide, watching for dolphins and whales, on and on. We even played bingo and won! Thanks to my lucky hubby :)
We explored two cities in Canada, and greatly enjoyed them. We walked all around the towns exploring the architecture, history, food and beer of the place. We left each place quite satisfied :)
It really was an amazing time on and off the ship. It was much needed for Eric and I, and a memory that won't soon be forgotten. And of course we're already wishing we could do another one, like, tomorrow!
Oh, and in case you were wondering, we didn't have ALL fun times on our vacation. There were some serious thinking moments :)
Aidan seemed to have a good time too. He even learned how to write and leave us a message upon our return! Thankfully, he came home sooner than his Poppi's original plans.
It was a truly amazing time. I don't think we knew just how much we had missed one another. I have been blessed with truly one of the best guys out there, and this past week was such a reminder to me. My joy and love for Eric has grown more and more since we've been married, and this cruise has only served to deepen my relationship with him. Forgive the deluge of pictures, but here are a few favorites. I'm sure more will be on facebook soon.
We were excited to say goodbye to noisy New York City...
And hello to breakfast with a view.
There were lots of fun times on board- playing pingpong, sleeping late, listening to comedians late into the night, having your choice of musicians in various rooms, dancing at 1 am, eating every hour on the hour, going down the (freezing cold!) waterslide, watching for dolphins and whales, on and on. We even played bingo and won! Thanks to my lucky hubby :)
We explored two cities in Canada, and greatly enjoyed them. We walked all around the towns exploring the architecture, history, food and beer of the place. We left each place quite satisfied :)
It really was an amazing time on and off the ship. It was much needed for Eric and I, and a memory that won't soon be forgotten. And of course we're already wishing we could do another one, like, tomorrow!
Oh, and in case you were wondering, we didn't have ALL fun times on our vacation. There were some serious thinking moments :)
Aidan seemed to have a good time too. He even learned how to write and leave us a message upon our return! Thankfully, he came home sooner than his Poppi's original plans.
Friday, August 12, 2011
A True Classic
Nifty Fifties. A place that will always be near and dear to our hearts, and make us always walk out regretting whatever we just ate. And yet, Eric and I continually go back every chance we get.
Once Eric finished Ranger School and knew we would be heading up to Philly, he knew we needed another Fifties vist, baby in tow. I mean, come on, why not introduce Aidan to one of the greatest, nosiest, greasiest places in the world? No, he did not have a milkshake. He can have one when he's older. A lot older.
Aidan was a bit unsure of all the hype this restaraut was bringing, but he soon found out just how great this place is.
A very happy and full family of fatties.
Once Eric finished Ranger School and knew we would be heading up to Philly, he knew we needed another Fifties vist, baby in tow. I mean, come on, why not introduce Aidan to one of the greatest, nosiest, greasiest places in the world? No, he did not have a milkshake. He can have one when he's older. A lot older.
Aidan was a bit unsure of all the hype this restaraut was bringing, but he soon found out just how great this place is.
A very happy and full family of fatties.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Isn't he the Cutest??
Then vote for him!!!
I was bored one night, and was reading through some old emails and saw an advertisement for a cute baby picture contest. Aidan is a cutie, and so I entered him. He is in the running!
The voting is for this week only- it ends the 7th. I have included the link to vote at the bottom of the page. You can vote once a day, every day this week. Will you help us win this?
http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/photo/1000925
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