Constant Beginnings

Today marks the last day that Chris will put on his "blues", military issued black patent shoes and dawn his cap with the old familiar Captain's bars on it. Such an exciting day for him, for us, for our family. So even though his official retirement isn't until August 1st, it feels that today is somewhat more of an end than that date will be. The military is all he's ever known, joining at the age of 17, heading off to boot camp a month after graduating from High School. Our paths crossed a couple of years later when he was still a lowly A1C. It is hard to believe I've been along side him for almost this entire journey through the military. We've survived countless PT tests, EPR's, promotions through each stripe as an enlisted member, OPR's, ROTC, college graduation, pinning LT bars, pinning Capt. bars, 3 moves across 3 different continents, 2 deployments, completion of graduate school, and countless exercises and training hours dedicated to the p...

I have said on many, many times that having kids is a long term investment. You have to focus on the road that lies before you. I have a number of friends who have one child and are/were thinking of more, but are just not convinced. My comment to them is simply "what do you want your Christmas dinner to look like 15 years from now?" Filled with family? 1 child? 10 children? It is a personal choice. Parenting is a tough, tough gig. It is certainly not for the weak-at least if you are determined to raise strong, generous, obedient, kind, loving, hard working and ambitious children. Chris and I hope our dinner table is filled with family. We want our lives to be busy and chaotic. We desire our house to be noisy, full of laughter, arguing, joy, and play. We want it all. We will have it all, somehow, sometime. The road to baby #3 has been a hard one. A long one. I know good will come of our struggles and when it does, we will rejoice like no other. Until that time comes, I...

Wow, 34. It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating your 21st--or should I say you were celebrating followed by a drunken stop at my dorm room. Who'd have guessed 13 years later, we'd be where we are? We've had quite a ride, moving from a wicked awesome bmx bike to a ride pimped out with spinners that don't spin; living life 4 hours apart as a newly married couple to a life separated by an ocean to finally living together an ocean beyond our comfort; life as a couple to life as a family with 2 beautiful children; life as an associates degree holder to life with an MBA. We are truly blessed. You are an amazing Daddy. The girls love you like no other.  All that you do and all that you are, makes us forever proud. You have come so far and achieved so much, we look forward to continuing the ride along side you. We look forward to pushing you, encouraging you, and cheering for you each and everyday. We love you! Happy "34rd" birthday, Chris and let me conc...

It isn't often that I blog about my husband. Although I think he's pretty great, I have two little ones who captivate me in everyway imaginable. Between them and my randomness, there is little time to brag about Chris. However, yesterday I brought Claire home from school early. Chris came home and looked at the blog and muttered something about all my free time and not having written a new post. So, I'll take his comment with the positivity and support that I am certain was intended and write a little something about HIM! I've loved Chris for so long. It is odd to think we've been together almost 14 years?!! Wow! Married nearly 7! He can make me laugh like no other, make me feel like no other, embarrass the heck out of me like nearly no other and has made me prouder than nearly no other (my kids have a pretty natural knack for this as well). I don't know how he does what he does. The guy is amazing. He works 12 hour days, yet still makes time for his kiddos/...

Wow. I just did the math and although it could be quite worse, the number of days we've been separated as a family is just over 100. Sad. That is basically one third of a year! One third of a year that Chris has not seen his baby. He's missed out on many doctor appointments, many firsts, seeing her little personality develop and of course, the best part---the glorious, everyday experiences that come with having a little darling. Although I have cherished and will miss having every moment of Claire's undivided attention toward me, I am so happy to say that our separation is ending. Hallelujah! Chris is nearly home and we are thrilled. He wasn't sure if he'd make it home tonight or tomorrow, but I've been preparing Claire. We made a "welcome home" sign together complete with balloons, shopped for some little activities that we can do as a family, cleaned a bit (she loves to vacuum and wipe things), and talked excessively about "daddy coming home....