Sunday Snapshot: {pinning}

Last weekend I had the opportunity to witness and help officially pin my brother Nathan as a newly appointed Captain in the United States Army.  Words cannot express how proud I am of all he has accomplished.

It was a moment he worked hard for.  A moment that he couldn't wait for.  And it was a moment that he couldn't wait to be over.  You know, because there was work to do.

He will now be responsible for the safety and well-being of over 200 soldiers as they are deployed to Washington D.C. to watch over and protect our nation's capital.

There were times when we I was not so sure the military was the right fit for him.  I admit now to being oh so wrong.  It was not only the right fit, but something with which he has excelled. 

It hasn't been easy.  There have been many hurdles along the way.  And probably a few bumps and bruises.  It may even be associated with a gray hair or two.

There was bootcamp.  Here we all are at his graduation.  The graduation we almost didn't make it to because of a defective heater in the camper.  Thankfully the carbon monoxide detector worked that night or it might have been a lonely graduation ceremony.  :)

There is also the fun known as PT.  Here he is demonstrating the pull-ups they are required to do.  There would probably have to be a crane involved in order to just get me up to the bar, much less pull myself up.

And the goodbyes are probably the hardest part of the job.  Thankfully the furthest Nathan has been deployed has been Washington D.C.  He is one of the lucky ones.  He is heading back there again soon.

The military hasn't all been hard.  Don't let him kid you.  He loves some of the "work" they do on drill weekends.  Like repelling.  And driving humvees.

And then of course there are the sweet, sweet homecomings that just make your heart melt.

Some might say Nathan was destined to be a soldier.  I think he was probably born wearing camoflauge.  He constantly sported it his entire childhood.  And it is probably the reason I love it so.

His son Gabe may even be destined for the military and to follow in his daddy's footsteps.  He's a chip off the ol' block.  Except for his fear of bugs.  I'm not sure how that'll work out after hearing some of Nathan's stories during his time spent in advanced training involving scorpions and poisonous snakes.

Nathan has accomplished so much during his time in the military.  Throughout these years he's become a husband, a father, a soldier, an officer, a graduate, a teacher and something more.  He has become a man who is willing to die for his country.  For our country.  And for our freedom.  Because the military is so much more than just a job, it is a way of life.

 We are all so proud of you Captain and all you have accomplished.

To see more great Sunday Snapshots, head on over to Stefanie's blog at Ni Hao Y'all:

travieso

Two weeks ago, our brand new air conditioner quit working.  Just. Like. That. Nada. Nothing.

While waiting in our really hot house for the repairmen, I was sweating sitting on the couch, avoiding any extra movement if at all possible.  It should have been the fact that the house was totally quiet that tipped me off to what was looming in Aiden's room.  But it wasn't.  It was the sweet smell of baby powder.  Again.

I think he covered more ground this time and I don't think an inch of his room was missed.  He probably had more time than the last since his momma was nearly passed out from the heat and all.  I'll admit that I wasn't quite on my A-game when the heat index outside was hovering around 110 degrees and inside the house didn't feel much cooler.

And I'm not sure if it was the fact that I was nearly delirious from the heat or the fact that he is just so darn cute, but I just couldn't stop myself from laughing.  Hysterically.

Aiden has rightfully earned the nickname Travieso which means naughty in Spanish.

But on a positive note, his room smells wonderful!

4th of july

We went to St. Augustine for the July 4th weekend.  This was Angelo and Aiden's first trip to the beach together.  Well technically it was the second, but the first time it was winter and we just went for a walk.  This time they were able to play and get wet.

My amazingly handsome husband.

Aiden goofing around waiting for the fireworks to start.  We thought maybe he was pretending to be a frog.

Down.

Up.

Down again.

Watching the show.

It really was THAT hot!

The fireworks.

Aiden chillin' in downtown St. Augustine.

jessica

Look at this beautiful child.  Her name is Jessica and she lives in the House of Love that is supported by An Orphan's Wish.

She is not well. She has always had some major medical issues, but has managed to make such big strides under the loving care at the House of Love. But she has been battling pneumonia and they feel like it is just a matter of time before this sweet little one passes on.

Little Jessica needs our prayers and positive thoughts right now.  She has done so well and come so far, but the reality is that her condition is not going to improve, and she is now under palliative care.  Jessica has been battling infection after infection due to her feeding difficulties, and she has begun to lose weight as eating and swallowing have become more difficult.

Everyone at the House of Love is doing their best to make her life as comfortable as possible.  And most importantly, their best to make her feel loved.  Please keep the staff who care for Jessica in your thoughts and prayers also, this is a difficult time for them as well.

So please pray for this child.  Pray for a miracle.  Pray for comfort.  Pray for her to know love.  It breaks my heart to know that it is unlikely that she will be so fortunate to find her forever family.  She has her family at the House of Love, but not her very own family to love her, hold her and comfort her as she leaves this world.  So yes, please pray for Jessica.