Enjoying...

Having Aaron home again. It's hard to believe that he's already been home a week! The week has had a few ups and downs as we adjust to being back together again as a family, but we've had a lot of laughs and smiles around here. We have also tried to take some time this week to just enjoying "being"...being ourselves...being with each other...being outside enjoying fall as much as possible with the chilly weather. I have quite a few more pictures from the week to post later, but these are two of my current favorites. Morgan's been glued to her Daddy ever since he walked in the door. It's so good to see my "two peas in a pod" together again. And Morgan was loving all the leaves falling down on her. Some due to the wind, most due to the fact that Aaron was shaking the tree!!! Enjoy!

a bit of encouragement

I think we all need and can use encouragement every day. I'm always blessed everytime I read the Incourage blog and Sarah Markley's blog (both of which are listed in the side bar of my blog.) They always have food for thought and some bit of encouragement.

As most of you know, it's always a hurry up and wait game when it comes to the military's time table- so as we have to wait for another couple of days for my other half to finally be home...I found great encouragement in this verse. "Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

I encourage each of you to find something that encourages you today and then pass it on to a friend or someone that you know needs encouragment. A little goes a long way!

Long "Winters" Nap

This cold weather has everyone in hybernation mode! These two always make me smile. Morgan crashed in the chair and Buddy decided to join her. He likes to sleep as close to her as possible. Do you think he could get any closer? Morgan named him right, her little buddy (even though he's not so little any more) Too cute!

Happy 10th Birthday Little Sister

Can't believe you're already 10 Kissy-bug. How did you get so big and grown up so fast! I remember the morning you were born. I was sooo excited to finally get to meet you. Unfortunately, I had to work the day you were born, my boss wouldn't let me off . So almost everyone got to hold you before I did. When you finally came home from the hospital, I took you to my room and we snuggled for a really long time. I marveled at how perfect you were...all 10 of your little fingers and toes. Your little nose and lips and your grey eyes. I couldn't believe that I had such a little sister. Being almost 21 years older than you, you could have passed for mine! (And some people did think that you were mine!) I love you so much little one. I'm truly sorry that we've always been stationed so far away from you, because I sure would love to be closer so that I could watch you grow up in person. I know that I'm always the big sister that lives so far away, but I'm always here for you and I love you dearly. You hold your own special place in my heart. Don't grow up too fast, enjoy being 10! I hope you have an amazing birthday filled with fun, smiles, laughter, and a few presents -of course! We all send you our love. And Morgan is ecstatic that it's your birthday! Happy 10th birthday, Carissa!

Found this

quote today by Mary Jean Iron on another blog, and I really liked it sooo I thought I'd put it on my blog as well. We've been having quite a few "normal" days around here so I thought this was a really nice perspective!

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.

oh my....

It never ceases to amaze me how photogenic my daughter is. Since I hot rollered Morgan's hair for the first time today, we took a bunch of pictures just for fun today-just playing around. This is what this picture looks like coming off my camera...no editing or touch ups needed. She makes my heart stop. And somehow I don't think I'll be the only one in her life that she'll mesmerize. We're going to have our hands full when she eventually starts dating -way, way, down the road!!!! I love you so much little one you are beautiful inside and out!