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Roots and Wings
We have an interesting phenomena going on in my house. We have an 18-month old and an 18 year old (and two other brothers in between). My husband and I often laugh with each other over the fact that we are the “young parents” with *J* (at sporting events, parent-teacher conferences etc etc) and we are going to be the “old wiser-parents” with *L*. There are times when I just want my 18-month old to grow up. I want him to communicate (although this can be hard even for an 18 year old); tell me his favorite things; share his deepest wishes; form an opinion that doesn’t involve whining; meet friends;…
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Happy Birthday, Kiddo
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11Dad and Josh: Makes me smile 18 years ago a boy was born. He would forever change my life, influencing the mother that I am today, yesterday and tomorrow. He’s a brother! (and he will be again and again)Joshua, Josh, Kiddo. What an amazing young-man he has come to be. A stellar student, a strong athlete, a friend to many, a rock in a sea of turmoil. To say I am a proud mom would be an understatement. I…
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Thankful Thursday: Happy 1st Birthday, *L*
Happy Birthday, Baby Boy *L*! You have reminded me about sleepless nights;fussy days;messy faces, hands, and hair;baby gurgles and baby talk;baby fingers and toes;the joys of milestones;how easily my heart wraps around someone so small. With you I have relaxed.I have been given the gift of breastfeedingI made my own baby food,I have given you baths in the kitchen sink,I love watching you play with your brothers, they are heroes in your little eyes. I have treasured this past year,Enjoyed the moments,Look so very forward to your future. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope…
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The Vietnam Wall and future generations
Memorial Day is approaching and this year my eight-year old will have a very tangible memory of what the day is about. The Vietnam Wall.*C*, 6 years old, Hubs moving at *C*’s pace, and my dad pushing the stroller with Baby *L* were ahead of us. The area was crowded. It was full of school trips and tourists. But there was a lull from the usual noise of a ‘touristy place’. *E*, 8 years old, picked up on it right away and our pace slowed.This, I think, is the purpose of the Wall.To teach. To learn. To think. and of course to Remember.*E* and I walked hand in hand; (he has promised me he would never be…
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Mentorship in Marriage
39 years ago today, I wasn’t but a sparkle in my mom’s eye as she walked down the aisle in her beautiful white dress on her dad’s arm. Her focus, my dad, her future! My future. My children’s future. I have been blessed. Since that wedding day the Lt. and Mrs. became Mom and Dad to three children, me and my two younger brothers. They took their family where the military sent them, far from their own families. They relied on each other, friends around them and the grace of God. Their three children grew up, got married and had children. Dad has retired from the Air Force after thirty-years…
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Happy 10 Year Anniversary!
Hubs and I celebrated 10 years of marriage this past week. Ten years! That seems huge to me, in this age of short term relationships, marriages falling apart, rampant-divorce. I can’t wait till we hit our 20 year anniversary and then our 30th, 40th, 50th but for now I can’t help but look back at the past ten and smile. 10 Random Facts: Hubs and I danced to Susan Ashton’s Spinning Like A Wheel “This is good, and this is strong. So hold to me and I’ll belong to you.” Great lyrics to an unknown love song. Hubs and I met at our mutual friends’ wedding in October of 1996. We didn’t…
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Week in Review: Week of January 23 – 29, 2011 (Military News) #MilitaryMon
Popular Articles for the week of January 23rd through 29th on MilitaryAvenue.com: MilitaryAvenue.com Resources: Are you having a baby? Whether this is your first child or another addition to your growing family, a new baby changes lives! Here are some resources from MilitaryAvenue.com as you prepare for the arrival of the newest “Military Brat” … USAA’s iPad Application – Be informed! When we are informed we make better decisions. That is what USAA’s iPad application is all about! I have had the privilege of previewing their banking app for the iPad and I have to say I am mighty impressed. It just suits me. It is clean. It is organized.…
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Menu Monday: Italian Meatballs
Ah Family! We had a wonderful time visiting my brothers, parents, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews this weekend. We are quite a crew. From the humble beginnings of ‘The Lt and Mrs’ to Grandma, Grandpa, three adult children & spouses, and nine-grandkids. When we get together we rock the house! This weekend’s visit was to meet my brand new nephew and niece. Twins!; born on January 3rd to my youngest brother, his wife and their two older sons. I was excited to meet them but couldn’t dream of putting work on the new family so I planned a big meal of Spaggetti and Meatballs. My brother, James, invited my folks over…
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A Breastfeeding Journey
WE did it! By “We” I mean BabyBoy *L* and me! In just a few weeks he will be six-months old and aside from a few sips of formula (promptly spit out on his part) he has been exclusively breastfed. Can I tell you how much I have enjoyed this journey?! (Thanks, then I will.) I tried with my other two. *E* my first born was a colicky-mess… or maybe it was just me that was a mess? But he would cry for hours and at about six-weeks old consistently had blood in his diaper. I /tried/ to cut out all cow’s milk from my diet at the recommendation of…
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Definition of Family
Family … it can have a lot of meanings. Moms, Dads, Children, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins. All are family… and over the past couple weeks I have seen them. Hugged them. Cherished them. We spent time at my folks’ house, over the river and through the woods. (It is not a road trip of epic miles … but with a family of six it can be a few hours, a bit of “Are we there yet?”, and quite a few “MOM, I have to go to the bathroom!”s. While we were at Mom and Dad’s the grandchildren put on their own nativity scene, we ate /too/ much (always…
