Cruisin'

I think it will happen by his first birthday. For sure.

Pride, Remembrance, and Honor

My mom is making her first trip to Clarksville this weekend so I wanted to post this now since we will have a busy weekend ahead of us.

 To be an Army wife (or any military spouse) is a great honor, a huge responsibility (especially during deployments), and a sisterhood.  My family is extremely lucky to have the current military life that we do now.  With Jeremy's job as an Orthopedic Tech, it has allowed us to live a somewhat "normal" lifestyle.  We do not take it for granted, particularly with the boys.  As we know, this will not last forever.

The reality is, Jeremy is a soldier.  Soldiers go to war.  War changes lives and unfortunately, sometimes takes lives.  He has lost friends, comrades, and brothers.  They all serve for one thing, our freedom.  I have lived with these realities and consequences of war, I've attended tree dedication ceremonies for our fallen and a funeral for a remarkable 1SG (First Sergeant).  I have seen the faces of wives, children, families affected by war. So I will never forget.
Our soldiers risk everything and put life on hold. They are our heroes.  We owe them so much, yet they are humble and oftentimes a simple "Thank You" is enough to fill their hearts.  For those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, a day of remembrance is the least we can do for them...for they gave their all for us and for our country.

Please remember our fallen heroes, from wars past and present, this Memorial Day.

What a Waterful Sunday

Growing up, every Sunday morning my mom made a big breakfast.  I thought perhaps I would start the tradition with my own family.  That was until I actually did it.  Man, it's just too much work.  And I don't even enjoy cooking.  So mornings like this will be far and few between, but special ones at that.

We had no intentions of doing so, but Sunday turned out to be a day full of water for Connor.  It started out with setting up the whale pool on the deck.

Then Mommy thought it would be a great idea to go to the playground on Ft Campbell.  Only the play equipment was too hot to play on because it's in direct sunlight.  Luckily, there is a splash park there too.  So off went the shirt and shoes.

Bray watched Connor play while he hung out with Daddy in the shade.

He's perfectly content to miss out on the water games, as long as he has something to gnaw on















The day ended with bathtime fun

Caution: High Volume of Green

Saturday Jeremy volunteered to help move one of the clinics to a new area of the hospital.  So instead of having a usual day at home, like we have during the week, I decided to venture out and about in Clarksville.  Thank heavens for GPS, that's all I gotta say!  I had heard of this place called The Greenway.  I was told was a great place to go walking.  It definitely lived up to it's name.  I foresee many more walking trips here.  Next time I'll be sure we wear our walking shoes though. 

On the way home, I stopped by the store and bought a few things to make my first homemade apple pie. It turned out good but I ended up throwing it away by Monday.  Jeremy doesn't quite care for baked goods and I didn't want to end up eating the whole thing, so I saved myself from it.

A is for apple pie

Les Fleurs

Prettiness.  It makes me happy.

I was left inspired to freshen up the front of our home.  Although my luck with the green thumb often disappoints me, I will never give up!

Connor-ism #503

So, while we were away, much to my dismay, Jeremy got a tattoo.  It's hideous and tacky.  I can't stand to look at it.  And of all places, it's located on his forearm.  But I have to constantly remind myself that it's his body, not mine, and just let it go.  Ever since I found out, I kept thinking of what we are going to tell our children.  I don't want my boys to grow up wanting tattoos (particularly in places that cannot be covered up all year round).  It would just break my heart.  (I do have 2 myself but they are small and in places that cant be seen while clothed...and yes, I do regret them). 

Tonight while playing with his Daddy...

Connor: "That's garbage."  (pointing to Jeremy's arm)  "Take it off."
Jeremy: "Buddy, I can't take it off."
Connor: "Can't you wipe it off or something?"

I just stood in the kitchen resisting the urge to laugh out loud.  Somebody seems to be on Mommy's side. 

Jacksonville

While in Illinois, on the weekends we went to Jacksonville to stay with Neena (aka my mom).  And we were able to spend Mother's Day together for the first time in I don't know how many years!  Connor adores his Neena.  I'm always amazed at their special bond, especially since we didn't get to see her much while living in Hawai'i.  He has lots of fun at their house even though there isn't any toys to play with (which is a great thing). 

He helped with yard work...Neena gave him a special task of putting worms in the cool whip tub. 

He explored the old tractors and combines in the property behind theirs.

Then of course, there is the train track that is adjacent to their house.  Every time Connor hears the hum of an oncoming train he has to find a spot to watch it pass by.

Eli and Ellie are great companions

Even I have fun with my "brother" and "sister"

There's always a home cooked meal of something Mommy doesn't make at home.  And Neena's house is the only place C eats everything on his plate.

Even Bray is catching on

And last but not least, there is Neena.  The greatest grandma a boy could ask for...full of fun, laughter, adventures, stories, and love.