Update Y'All

Wow!  It's been years since I've written.
I started this blog to journey life as a mommie.  I guess we let "busy" happen, and then years pass.

My babies are all grown up now.  Well, two of them.

Caleb graduated from Marine Boot Camp a little over three years ago.  I flew out to San Diego to help celebrate his accomplishment.  His dad wept like a baby the entire time.  (It's okay, he'd tell you that too.)  He couldn't understand what was wrong with me.  Why didn't I just cry like a baby for our baby?  Well, this IS what's supposed to happen, right?  We raise them as best we can, teach them right from wrong, help them make wise choices, guide them, even spank their little butts when necessary.  Then... they are supposed to grow wings, discover their world, make it their world.  It seems that's not what happens today, but I digress.
The boys have known for years when they turn 18 and graduate, they had best have a plan.  Our plan for them was not to live at home, and for them to have goals to become self-sufficient.  Caleb started making plans a year before he graduated high school, much like the others in his graduating class.  He called me and told me his thoughts.  Long story short, he wanted to go into the Army, I thought he would find more of what he was looking for in the Marine Corps.  He took my advice and enlisted.  He said, "Mom, it was the hardest thing I ever did in my life,... and I loved it!"
And, the point that finally brought tears?  When I looked through my camera lens and saw this handsome young Marine standing before me, in the exact spot this picture was taken after the graduation ceremony.  However, I was fine when I took this picture of my smiling boy.  Then I asked him to stand at attention....

His heels snapped together, his shoulders went back, arms at his sides, his head straight, and a firm, confident stare replaced his smile.  TEARS!  Although I didn't get the picture on film, I did get a hug from the man in the lens.  And that picture will forever be in my heart.

He had become a man right before my eyes.  

I'm not sure when I became old enough to have given birth to a man.  But, here he is.  He has since traveled the globe.  Stationed in Okinawa, he journeyed to Australia, Bali, Malaysia, and Mainland Japan.  He's now back stateside working as a MP at Camp Pendleton.  He's coming up for reenlistment, and is contemplating serving 20+ years, or some version of service to and for others.
  

Friends have asked me how I can let one of my children go into the service.  LET?  I'm confused.  He's over 18, I don't have to let him do anything.  He did respect my opinion enough to ask for it.
And, here's what I know... It has given me a much more active prayer life.  :)
I couldn't be prouder of him!

Then there's Daniel, my favorite brown-eyed boy, he has also grown up.  Like I stated before, his story will be much different from his brothers.  However, he has also decided to serve our great nation in the U.S. Navy.

He was in JROTC in high school.  It seemed like a natural transition.  He just finished his boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois... in the winter!

I had waited with great anticipation to see the growth, changes, maturity, and strength in him.  His graduation date was Friday, January 13th.

So, just a few days ago, I stood in a crowd with his oldest brother, his father and his girlfriend (sweet, beautiful Gray. Who knows what their future will look like.) looking out over a sea of blue during "Pass-in-Review" trying to spot our Sailor.

(photo from Navy site)

And... there he is standing tall, right
at the front.  I loved being there for him!  I don't remember a lot about the ceremony.  I do remember watching Daniel and wondering how long it was going to be until I could wrap my arms around him.  :)

I wasn't the only one.  It makes my heart smile seeing my sons embrace and support each other in their goals and dreams for the future.
We got to spend about nine hours together before he had to report back to his "ship".  His voice was rough (he was AROC all during boot, often losing his voice from singing cadence), his stance was proud and accomplished, and his smile warm.  When I asked him what his biggest challenge was, I was only slightly surprised to hear him say it was uplifting others.  He said he was always trying to help others understand their worth.  (The Navy didn't change who he is.  He's always been my heart child.)  When others in his division wanted to put him above, he would tell them they all had the ability to be all they needed to be to be part of the team.

As far as his next steps?  He is in Florida for some advanced training.  After his schooling is complete, he'll get his Petty Officer Third Class pinned on.  And then orders for his first duty station... maybe Hawaii??

Birth Announcement

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0EatW7hu3bM3FQ


So, the link above was to announce our precious surprise, Reece.  He's 18 months old now and starting to talk.  It seems like just yesterday, but don't we all say that?


This means that my one and only daughter, Gabriella,  is 3... Yep!  Three!  Just had her birthday last Monday (4/9).

I have been blessed to experience all of the joys, trials, "trys" and "firsts" of both of these little blessings.  I have experienced unexplainable love, unbelievable pride, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them!


You know, it's funny.  I love all four of my children with a mother's love.  I remember when I got to be mommie to Caleb  and Daniel.  I loved them and enjoyed watching them as they grew, changed and discovered new things.  But, that's all I knew.  I knew how to love them.


With Gabriella and Reece, it's so different.  From the moment I held her three years ago, I looked at her with such wonder.  I knew I was going to love her and enjoy watching her grow, change and discover... but there was more this time.  I had a sense of wonder.  I had, and continue to have expectation for her.  Not to be or become any one thing in particular.  Just the most amazing her she can be.  It was the same with Reece.  I was in awe of how precious, and wonderful, and perfect (I am their mommie) they were, and in that same instant I was wondering who and what they may grow up to become.

Perhaps it was my own personal journey that got me to this place.  I am in such a great place in my life right now.  I have an amazing husband who has allowed me to come home to raise our "babies."  And, who is a blessing to me every day (whether I tell him or not... Thanks honey!).  I have four beautiful, healthy children that I pray for every day.  And, well... did you ever see the movie "As Good as it Gets?"  This is my favorite part of the movie...

Melvin Udall (played by Jack Nicholson): I've got a really great compliment for you, and it's true.
Carol Connelly (played by Helen Hunt): I'm so afraid you're about to say something awful.
Melvin Udall: Don't be pessimistic, it's not your style. Okay, here I go: Clearly, a mistake. I've got this, what - ailment? My doctor, a shrink that I used to go to all the time, he says that in fifty or sixty percent of the cases, a pill really helps. I *hate* pills, very dangerous things, pills. Hate. I'm using the word "hate" here, about pills. Hate. My compliment is, that night when you came over and told me that you would never... well, you were there, you know what you said. Well, my compliment to you is, the next morning, I started taking the pills.
Carol Connelly: I don't quite get how that's a compliment for me.
Melvin Udall: You make me want to be a better man.

You might be wondering what in the world that has to do with anything I was saying.  What I am trying to say is that my family makes me want to be a better me.  The best me I can be.  A blessing to them each and every day.

So... here's to MY family!  
Jeremy, you are an amazing example of a man to your family (and your friends), someone I am proud to share my life with, and a daddy that your children are completely in love with!  Oh... and me too! 
Caleb, my first born, the one who melted my heart the first time I held you.  I am so excited to hear of all your wonderful plans.  I pray that you become and remain a strong and confident man.  Set your goals higher than you think you can reach... it will bring God into your life in an amazing way, and even if you have to re-set them, you will accomplish great things in your life!  I can't wait to cheer you on!
Daniel, it is a privilege to watch you "become."  Your eyes are open.  You are a beautiful, caring and compassionate soul.  I pray for your strength and confidence as well... but you will have a much different story than your brother.  We've spoke at length about some of your dreams for the future... and I have no doubt you will give your very best to all who come into your life.  You will go far.  
Gabriella, my beautiful princess... God made you.  I'm so happy you learned this early.  I learn from you every day.  I can already see your independence, and strength growing.  You are smart, sweet, kind, loving girly-girl, and... a world-changer!  Your daddy and I love you "toooo much!"
And, my dear Reece, my blessing from heaven.  God knew we wanted you before we did.  It's because of this, I know you have great things ahead of you.  I watch you in awe.  You love life and are always "singing", your kisses are filled with so much love, it's like you are trying to plant them on our souls.  Your sister, your daddy and I love you more than you know.