Boots in the House

This means different things to different branches of the Military.  For some a picture of empty boots is meant to represent those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  I completely respect that and breaks my heart for those families who have paid that price.


We often hear the phrase "Boots on the Ground."  I don't think I need to explain that.  We hear it on the news, radio and in everyday conversation with our friends.  As a military Mom, it makes my stomach turn.  Yes, my baby signed up for this and I know what it means.  However, I don't have to like it.

For the Navy and more specifically Navy Moms, "Boots in the House"  means our babies are home for a short while.

So while I am so happy to post a picture and say "Boots in the House" this Christmas, I am forever mindful of those whose sailors will not be home and for those who never will come home.

So for this Christmas we had 
   

BOOTS IN THE HOUSE 

Then it was Over

Just like that the Christmas season is over.

I will post some pictures in the next day or two.  I am figuring out my new Iphone.

Here is a quickie.  I am also learning SnapChat. 

Needs No Words

Real Love

There are days that I am reminded of what real love means.  Yesterday, it was cold and snowy.  The sun wasn't even up yet and I was still warm in bed.  He did this for me.

It doesn't look like much now because of the winds.  I can't tell you how great it feels that he took the time to do this for me.  He also made sure I could get to my car without slipping on the ice.

I don't need fancy diamonds or expensive trips.  I have this.

I love you too!!!

Welcome

I thought this dog was appropriate since I am basically starting this blog over. 

Yes that is snow he is sitting in and we are waiting for the next big storm to hit.  We currently have about 6 inches on the ground and expecting another 3-6 in the next 24 hours.  I don't mind as long as the roads are good Saturday and Sunday.

Steve is making his way over to the big city to pick up our baby girl.  When I say baby girl, I am talking about my 19 year old Navy Sailor.  She is coming home for Christmas and I couldn't be more excited.  Anthony will be here to.  It's been a year since all my babies are under one roof.

I have been getting excited to start up this blog again.  I have a lot of ideas that I want to do.  Jason is even going to be involved.  Yeahhhhh!!!!!!   So much has changed in this family since I posted Megan's graduation pictures. 

Have a good Wednesday.

Holy Cow!!!!!

Has it really been that long since I have posted. 

Well, I am back.

Lots of things have happened and lots of changes.

I will be updating more often and making changes to this blog. 

Graduation

 It is official.  Megan is no longer a high school student.  We couldn't be prouder of her. 

She stepped it up this year and finished with a 4.0. 

The ceremony was different.  Megan spent 3 years of her high school career in an online school.  Steve and I were extremely happy with Connections Academy.  So much so that Jason will be doing his freshman year there.   Because these kids come from all over the state, the ceremony just didn't seem as personal as Anthony's did.  There was no real emotional connection with the teachers or students. 

Steve's Mom and Sisters family traveled to Portland for the ceremony.  My Dad hurt his ribs and couldn't make the trip.  We are looking forward to there visit in a couple of weeks.  Sorry Kelli, you got cut off in this picture.

Megan and Lady Grandma.

The girls

My three babies.  I can't believe that Anthony is 21 and Jason is a freshman in high school.  I blinked and they grew up.

The boys messing around.

The only time I got emotional is when she was walking toward us in her cap and gown.  I am saving all the tears for when she leaves this August.  I can't even talk about it with out crying.  She opened her own checking account yesterday and was telling the clerk about her plans.  I started to tear up, the clerk saw me and she started to cry to. 

Proud Daddy.

 Godparents.

Lining up and getting ready.

Only the  kids from our town decorated their hats. There was 6 of them.

 

Never go on Pintrest when planning a party.

The laptop is running the slide show I put together. 

Graduation was on Saturday and we all got up early Sunday morning to be back in town in time for the party.

Loving the Navy support.

What a ham.

It was a great party.  We had friends wandering through well into the night.

Thanks Hayden.  Anthony's best friend since the 6th grade.  I have hundreds of pictures of the side of his head.  He finally realized that if he would just look and me and take a picture I will leave him alone.  However, we haven't taught Angela the same thing.  :)

Dinner, then s'mores by the campfire later that night.
 

We are going to miss this kid.