On Sunday, our family had the pleasure of attending the Retirement ceremony for my exceptional husband Rich, after 24 years of unfaltering and dedicated service to the US Navy. It was a beautiful and meaningful ceremony filled with traditions as old as the Navy itself. If you ever have the opportunity to attend one, I highly recommend it...it is a very moving experience.

My friend Leah and I spent the entire month of October and into November preparing every last little detail of the ceremony, and I have to say that it went off without a hitch. We had family from 2 different states make the drive into town to be a part of this monumentous event, and to those of you who could not make the trip, we fully understand and we appreciate your cards and phone calls.

I just want to take a minute to thank my husband for being who he is. He is probably one of the most honorable people I've been blessed to know. He has been a beacon to me and to our family. He is so patriotic and proud of this beautiful country in which we have been blessed to live, and watching him retire and "stand relieved of his watch" was a bitter sweet experience. I know he will miss the commeradery of his shipmates and the honor of wearing his Navy uniform in service of our country. I know closing that chapter of his life was hard, and I just want to thank him for giving us the opportunity to honor him with a ceremony. (no, he did not want one - but I insisted! I think he's kind of glad I did now.) I am so grateful that the Lord saw fit to bring our lives together. He always knows best!!

That said, I hope to have the pictures and videos of the ceremony soon, as I was trying to focus on the event itself and at the same time keep the kids somewhat quiet, I really didn't do much picture taking. But there were at least 4 other cameras going the entire time. So, I should soon have discs of the entire thing to share with you.

Congratulations babe!! It is all so well deserved!! You're the best!

Bowling with 6 year olds!!

Ok - I'm FINALLY getting pictures from Parker's birthday party up...I know, I know. But I've always lived my life better late than never!!
Rich and I, with the help of a couple of my bff's (because heaven knows I couldn't function without them!) took ten, yes I said 10!, 5 & 6 year olds bowling! To be honest, besides the noise, it was a lot of fun! They bowled their little hearts out! I'm sure the bowling alley had some new dents in the floor by the time we were done, but they had a good time making them!

I think that ball weighs more than Parker does!

Johnney's going for the wind up!!

And there's the release!!

Parker's trying to get some tips on form from Dillon.Hailey's turn!waiting....We're still waiting to find out if that ball ever did make it all the way to the pins!

Beautiful Boy...

Today is Parker's 6th birthday! I can't believe 6 years have passed so quickly, I remember the day he came into our lives like it was yesterday. In the short time that he has been in this world, he has blessed our lives so immensely, with his loving hugs, his beautiful smile, his sweet disposition and caring ways. I fell so completely in love with that little boy the first time I held him in my arms, and I have continued to love him more everyday. I am so thankful that he was sent to our family, so thankful that a wiser, higher power knew what was best for me, for all of us.
Happy Birthday Boo! We're so grateful to be your mommy and daddy and we love you with all of our hearts!

Ghosts and Goblins...

Parker and Hailey had a fun night knocking on doors and collecting their "treats". Poor Daddy had to work, so we hit the road, just the 3 of us, with some of our friends. Hailey and her little friend Becca were so adorable in their matching Cinderella dresses, riding in their daddy drawn carriage - (Becca's Daddy that is). And thank goodness Parker, I mean Optimus Prime, was there too keep us all safe from the bad guys! It was a fun, safe, night for all - well, except for Daddy...we missed you!