Brian's Work Party

Last Saturday we were invited to one of Brian's new co-workers house in Bluewater Bay for a get together. Wally, the host, will be deploying in a few days and they wanted to get some friends together before he left. I will admit, I wasn't that excited to go initially only because (as I said earlier) I had pulled a muscle in my neck and could hardly move it. I was just picturing chasing Nolan around this house, trying to keep him from breaking their nice things, and just being frazzled, as can often be the case when we go to someones house whose kids are older. However, when we got there, Tiffany (Wally's wife), immediately showed Nolan and I to Nolan's dream room their playroom. It had every car, truck, vehicle, race track and toy under the sun. They also had a pool that Nolan eventually discovered when he momentarily left the playroom. Brian had volunteered to take him swimming, so they swam for a bit before dinner. After dinner, the oldest daughter, Alex, told me she'd watch Nolan inside so I could join the adults outside. That was when I informed her parents that we were taking her home with us (but her mom said "no way, she's too much of a help!"). So Brian and I have decided to adopt an 11 year old girl. Anyone know a good candidate? Needless to say we had a great evening getting to know Brian's co-workers and spouses. Most of them live here in Crestview, so that's a bonus! And Nolan obviously had a blast and asked for days if we could go back to Alex's house.

This is Wally & Brian. I didn't get many pics of other adults because they all thought I was a weirdo to have my camera out ready to go. I couldn't tell them I had a blog just yet, we'd scare them away forever.

The playroom:

Nolan riding the world's largest duck:

The kids eating dessert:

Brian playing the guitar on the X-BOX. I think. I'm pretty sure it wasn't the Wii.

New Beginnings mean Farewell

Next week Nolan will embark on his newest adventure, and I guess you could say I will, too. He is enrolled in preschool two days a week, for 5 hours each day. That's 10 hours a week. When I toured the facility back in May with Cheyna, I had no plans whatsoever of doing this. I didn't think he was old enough and I feel guilty being a stay at home mom, putting my son in school twice a week. But when I saw the preschool, and walked around and saw the kids and more importantly, saw Nolan loving the place, I had a big change of heart. By saving in gas not driving him to Niceville for Mom's Day Out, it almost makes up for the price difference and I get two days instead of one. And now that the summer is coming to an end, I feel more than ever that he is not only ready, but that he will really thrive from this environment. I'm really excited and yet, I'm a Momma, so I am a little sentimental at the idea of him going to "school." Last week was his last Mom's Day Out. I am so grateful to that program for so many reasons. It forced me to let other adults have an influence in his life and they did so amazing and he learned wonderful things. I will miss Miss Ika and Miss Naomi and Miss Debbie & Miss Norma and I know Nolan will, too. While Brian was deployed I don't know what I would have done without Mom's Day Out. I'm sure I would have survived just the same, but with less sanity, I think. Anyway, this wasn't meant to be this long of a post. I couldn't help snapping a picture of Nolan and Abby on their last day together at Mom's Day Out. Of course neither would hold still at the same time, but that's the beauty of them. And yes, Abby and Nolan will be in the same class in preschool. I'm praying they'll have as much fun as we're anticipating! So farewell, Mom's Day Out and farewell to this part of my baby boy's childhood that I will always, always hold dear to my heart.

Be still my beating heart...

Saturday the boys went to Wal-Mart. I was in a lot of pain because of pulled muscle in my back/neck, so Nolan picked these out (with Daddy) for me. It took two toddler hands to carry them to me. I just can't begin to express how that sight humbled an awakening in me as to just how blessed I am to be their wife and mother! And not just because of the flowers, but they (along with the accompanied hugs & kisses), made my day!