Sunday, July 27, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Evening Parade
It was a very special night for a very important cause. We've all been anticipating this event and the chance to meet the wonderful family behind the cause.
The guest of honor, this evening, was Bob Woodruff, the ABC Nightly news anchor who was tragically injured by an IED blast in Iraq in 2006. In an instant, his life, as well as that of his wife and 4 young children was blown apart. They began to live moment by moment without any promises of what the future may hold. Bob's life was saved by military doctors in the field, in Balad, in Landstuhl, Germany and at Bethesda Naval Hospital. he and his wife were immediately taken into the fold of the close-knit military community. Little did they know at the time the amazing resources they would have access too, some of the best in the world. These committed doctors, nurses, and therapists are on the front lines trying to put the pieces of these shattered lives back together. Bob Woodruff was an exception to the normal and, by the grace of God, has made an amazing recovery. He and his wife tell their story in a must read..........
From the pain and trials of their experience they felt compelled to give back. They formed the Woodruff Foundation for TBI & Wounded Veterans. Their efforts help care for the wounded, and their families, by bringing together military, civilians, professionals, and corporations to provide the best care and reintegration therapy possible. They have created a network for providing care, sharing information and resources, supporting families, and fundraising. Their new initiative was kicked off at the parade...... www.remind.org........."helping our injured reintegrate into a society that recognizes all they have done-and all they still can do."
It's so inspiring to see a family using tragedy, healing, and job connections to make a difference in the lives of so many. The military is a very special family and the Woodruff's had the opportunity to experience that truth first hand. And now they are working hard to form that connection with the civilian and medical community to help serve those who have so selflessly served all of us. It was an honor to be able to thank them in person. They are such gracious and genuine people.
Tonight just happened to be the retirement of ChestyXII and on the left is his successor ChestyXIII.......
The guest of honor, this evening, was Bob Woodruff, the ABC Nightly news anchor who was tragically injured by an IED blast in Iraq in 2006. In an instant, his life, as well as that of his wife and 4 young children was blown apart. They began to live moment by moment without any promises of what the future may hold. Bob's life was saved by military doctors in the field, in Balad, in Landstuhl, Germany and at Bethesda Naval Hospital. he and his wife were immediately taken into the fold of the close-knit military community. Little did they know at the time the amazing resources they would have access too, some of the best in the world. These committed doctors, nurses, and therapists are on the front lines trying to put the pieces of these shattered lives back together. Bob Woodruff was an exception to the normal and, by the grace of God, has made an amazing recovery. He and his wife tell their story in a must read..........
From the pain and trials of their experience they felt compelled to give back. They formed the Woodruff Foundation for TBI & Wounded Veterans. Their efforts help care for the wounded, and their families, by bringing together military, civilians, professionals, and corporations to provide the best care and reintegration therapy possible. They have created a network for providing care, sharing information and resources, supporting families, and fundraising. Their new initiative was kicked off at the parade...... www.remind.org........."helping our injured reintegrate into a society that recognizes all they have done-and all they still can do."
It's so inspiring to see a family using tragedy, healing, and job connections to make a difference in the lives of so many. The military is a very special family and the Woodruff's had the opportunity to experience that truth first hand. And now they are working hard to form that connection with the civilian and medical community to help serve those who have so selflessly served all of us. It was an honor to be able to thank them in person. They are such gracious and genuine people.
Tonight just happened to be the retirement of ChestyXII and on the left is his successor ChestyXIII.......
Preparation
Carter was giving Grandpa some last minute marching pointers. Ever since this morning he's been "in formation with his rifle".......
When he looked out the windows, he said, "There's Marines everywhere!" They had started setting up and were manning all the security entrances. His eyes were like saucers. Then he said, "Did you know Mimi has her own x-ray machine, just like the airport?" Okay, so it's not hers, but it's in her yard. the Marines humored him and let him go thru a few times in his pjs :)
Then he said hi to all of "Grandpa's friends" and was off to bed. Fortunately for us, he didn't know what he was about to miss out on.
When he looked out the windows, he said, "There's Marines everywhere!" They had started setting up and were manning all the security entrances. His eyes were like saucers. Then he said, "Did you know Mimi has her own x-ray machine, just like the airport?" Okay, so it's not hers, but it's in her yard. the Marines humored him and let him go thru a few times in his pjs :)
Then he said hi to all of "Grandpa's friends" and was off to bed. Fortunately for us, he didn't know what he was about to miss out on.
Fun with the Fam
Aunt Beth and JuJu....
Mimi and the kids on the sun porch......
Nicole and Amber- getting our faces ready :)
Out in the garden, soaking up some rays.......
Aunt Renae and Carter singing silly songs.........
Whenever Uncle Jeff's around, there is always fun to be had and the kids can't get enough of him!
Mammy and Carter practicing their putting. (Lookout putt-putt at the beach- here we come! carter has plans to try all 5 courses on the island!)
Julia always has cuddles for her Pappy........
Time to chill......
Mimi and the kids on the sun porch......
Nicole and Amber- getting our faces ready :)
Out in the garden, soaking up some rays.......
Aunt Renae and Carter singing silly songs.........
Whenever Uncle Jeff's around, there is always fun to be had and the kids can't get enough of him!
Mammy and Carter practicing their putting. (Lookout putt-putt at the beach- here we come! carter has plans to try all 5 courses on the island!)
Julia always has cuddles for her Pappy........
Time to chill......
Parade Rehearsal
Every Friday morning, the Marines conduct a rehearsal of the Evening Parade. Since Carter and Julia will (hopefully) be sleeping through it, we wanted to take them out to watch. They were fascinated. Carter especially was hanging on their every move.....
Julia was intrigued by the music, and decided ti get a closer look.......
There is nothing quite like the precision and musicality of the Marine Bands. It touches you at your core, puts a lump in your throat, and the tears just flow. It's patriotism, tradition, and honor at it's finest. And when they lower their horns and sing "Proud to be and American", acapella- their is not a dry eye in the house. These few represent the thousands of American families who sacrifice every day to preserve and defend the freedoms so many in this nation take for granted. They set the standard for honor, loyalty, and courage and make me so proud to be an American. They are the reason my kids and I stand on our front porch and say the pledge of allegiance to the flag and why we pray for the "ooh-rahs" all over the world at night before bed.
By the time they reached their crescendo at the end, Julia wasn't so sure about the volume level....
Julia was intrigued by the music, and decided ti get a closer look.......
There is nothing quite like the precision and musicality of the Marine Bands. It touches you at your core, puts a lump in your throat, and the tears just flow. It's patriotism, tradition, and honor at it's finest. And when they lower their horns and sing "Proud to be and American", acapella- their is not a dry eye in the house. These few represent the thousands of American families who sacrifice every day to preserve and defend the freedoms so many in this nation take for granted. They set the standard for honor, loyalty, and courage and make me so proud to be an American. They are the reason my kids and I stand on our front porch and say the pledge of allegiance to the flag and why we pray for the "ooh-rahs" all over the world at night before bed.
By the time they reached their crescendo at the end, Julia wasn't so sure about the volume level....
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mimi and Grandpa's
Their new house at the Marine Barracks is amazing! It's over 100 years old and has 2 staircases, 20 rooms, and countless closets and crawlspaces to explore. It is a beautiful piece of history and we feel so fortunate to be able to visit. (Though the Barracks may never be the same!)
Their house is the one behind the tree......
The Commandant's beautiful home overlooks the parade field- the front yard of the Marine Corps.
Carter, Daddy, and Grandpa were quick to kick back, get rid of the shoes, and start a game of baseball. God could not have given us more perfect weather. After a hot and humid week, we're getting a weekend of spring :)
Their house is the one behind the tree......
The Commandant's beautiful home overlooks the parade field- the front yard of the Marine Corps.
Carter, Daddy, and Grandpa were quick to kick back, get rid of the shoes, and start a game of baseball. God could not have given us more perfect weather. After a hot and humid week, we're getting a weekend of spring :)
We're off again!
It seems our bags are perpetually packed these days and poor Chloe can't figure out if we're coming or going. We got back from TX, Billy left for FL, and we headed to DC an hour after his plane touched down back home. This time we're headed to DC for Grandpa's Evening Parade. Everyone's really excited to see all our family and explore the new house!
The kids were great in the car. Carter loves to watch his DVD Bible these days and he follows along in his book......
Julia wants to be just like him and now carries her own Bible (and her purse of course- a girl needs her accessories!)
When that was over she switched to coloring. All was well, or so we thought. We now know to act fast when she's coloring peacefully for long periods of time. For the second time in a week, she's colored herself yellow.................
I guess the markers are going away for a while........
The kids were great in the car. Carter loves to watch his DVD Bible these days and he follows along in his book......
Julia wants to be just like him and now carries her own Bible (and her purse of course- a girl needs her accessories!)
When that was over she switched to coloring. All was well, or so we thought. We now know to act fast when she's coloring peacefully for long periods of time. For the second time in a week, she's colored herself yellow.................
I guess the markers are going away for a while........
Sunday, July 20, 2008
JuJu Talk
Julia's been talking for several weeks. She speaks very well and uses complete sentences (better than her brother sometimes). She loves to enunciate, which makes it even cuter. She's become the narrator and commentator of our lives. It's funny listening to her. She's often shy around people she doesn't see often, so friends and family are always asking me what she says. Here's just a sample. I recorded a few minutes in the rental car on the way back to the airport......"Good lookin' for a trash can Daddy.
Good drivin' Daddy.
Good lookin' for snacks Mommy.
You not sleepin' Mommy? Just waitin'?
(At the tolls) Wait in line, wait in line, wait in line.
Do that again.
Carter not talk 'a me!
I like my sunglasses. Look what I make- a triangle.
My belly hurts, my belly hurts. Open it (shirt)- my button. It not hurt een-more, all better.
Cup please. In my cup colder.
Carter, you finished? Carter stay 'a playin it!! Finish, finish!!
Be done in jus-a-minute?
Be kind to Hopper.
I get down now.
Where's big mountain?
What's him doin'?
Why?
Me had fun with you.
I'm fixin' my piggies. My shoe fits. Other one 'hind Carter's seat.
Found airport!
Find my other one car.
There's more airplanes.
Find my bus.
It's a funny.
Okay, Daddy. I do it.
Good goin' this way daddy.
I listenin' 'a you. I still runnin' afer Carter.
I sittin' nex-a Mommy.
All by self! All by self!"
We love you Ju-Ju. You are so sweet and encouraging (usually). You are quite the little Mommy, too. I love the way you care for your babies and help your brother and friends. You are becoming rather bossy these days. Many times when Carter asks me for something, you tell him no or that he's not listening. If you're really upset, you say, "No Carter! 1, 2, 3, time out!!" and stomp your little foot. I have to try hard not to laugh. We never know what you'll say next :)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Wedding Saturday
The kids looked so dapper in their wedding duds- so cute!
How do you keep preschoolers amused at a wedding? Thank you PSP, baby doll, and markers. The kids were doing really well. Julia was happily coloring and enjoying the music- as were we. Billy and I both happened to look down at the same moment and JuJu had colored one of her arms entirely orange!! What in the world?! At least it was her arm and not her dress. Thank you for baby wipes.
We enjoyed hearing Uncle Dan, our piano maestro, play. I wish we could hear it more.
Sweet baby James looked so sweet in his tux-tee. He was such a good boy- so laid back and happy all the time.
Congratulations Brent and Kristin. The wedding was beautiful and we are so excited for you guys. Thanks for letting us be part of your special day! You both look great!
Anderson chewing on a favor box- don't think he knows the rum truffle has been eaten already.
Carter was playing baseball in no time, of course. Thanks Aunt Joanne, Uncle Jeff, Mike, Kenny, Mimi, and Grandpa for being a part of his ongoing game. He really had fun and we appreciate it!
And when our family gets together there is guaranteed to be a few rounds of Sequence played...
We had fun at the hotel with all our family and the beautiful accommodations. The kids took to the hotel and were right at home....
It all went by way too fast. It seemed like we blinked and it was Sunday already. We cherish the time to be with family, especially for our kids to build relationships with all their aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, great grandparents, etc. I love that we can all pick up so fast and have fun no matter where we are. Thanks everyone- we had a ball and we miss you- see you soon!
It seems like just yesterday we were all kids. I'm the oldest of 11 cousins and we're used to being the youngest generation. It's hard to believe we have kids now. Here are the first 4 of the "new" youngest generation. We love you cuties and wish you many years of fun and friendships that transcend time and distance. Family is the greatest gift.
How do you keep preschoolers amused at a wedding? Thank you PSP, baby doll, and markers. The kids were doing really well. Julia was happily coloring and enjoying the music- as were we. Billy and I both happened to look down at the same moment and JuJu had colored one of her arms entirely orange!! What in the world?! At least it was her arm and not her dress. Thank you for baby wipes.
We enjoyed hearing Uncle Dan, our piano maestro, play. I wish we could hear it more.
Sweet baby James looked so sweet in his tux-tee. He was such a good boy- so laid back and happy all the time.
Congratulations Brent and Kristin. The wedding was beautiful and we are so excited for you guys. Thanks for letting us be part of your special day! You both look great!
Anderson chewing on a favor box- don't think he knows the rum truffle has been eaten already.
Carter was playing baseball in no time, of course. Thanks Aunt Joanne, Uncle Jeff, Mike, Kenny, Mimi, and Grandpa for being a part of his ongoing game. He really had fun and we appreciate it!
And when our family gets together there is guaranteed to be a few rounds of Sequence played...
We had fun at the hotel with all our family and the beautiful accommodations. The kids took to the hotel and were right at home....
It all went by way too fast. It seemed like we blinked and it was Sunday already. We cherish the time to be with family, especially for our kids to build relationships with all their aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, great grandparents, etc. I love that we can all pick up so fast and have fun no matter where we are. Thanks everyone- we had a ball and we miss you- see you soon!It seems like just yesterday we were all kids. I'm the oldest of 11 cousins and we're used to being the youngest generation. It's hard to believe we have kids now. Here are the first 4 of the "new" youngest generation. We love you cuties and wish you many years of fun and friendships that transcend time and distance. Family is the greatest gift.
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