Find Your Happiness

Memorial Day was spent at my sister's house. We grilled and ate delicious food, the children had a water gun fight and they continued to play in the water for hours. It was a very laid back day and was made possible by those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The longer we are in the military, the heavier and more meaningful Memorial Day sits in my heart. Because of those who gave their lives, we have the freedom to enjoy beautiful days like this. Because of them, I am able to love on my children without fear. Because of them, we are here. Thank you. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." -John 15:13

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. With Dean being away during our sixth wedding anniversary (for "only" the second time in our married life---a rarity in the Corps) this quote rings true more than ever. And although I love my husband and it's difficult for me to imagine how I could possibly love him more, I do not believe 'love' is the main reason why my heart longs for him. The reason for this intense desire is because each day that he is gone, every moment without him, I realize more and more that I need  him. He makes me brave and bold. He encourages me to follow my dreams. He brightens even my darkest days. He is my worst distraction and my greatest motivation. He makes me strive to be the best I can be in every aspect of my life. He is my Great Wall and he makes me slap happy. God knew I will need a special kind of man to be with and guide me in this life. So He gave me Dean. He is everything I need and more. Dean, you are and will always be m...

Amelia turned three months old on Monday! And she is growing like a weed. A chunky, happy  weed! She loves to flash her beautiful smile at everyone and enjoys baby wearing. We spent quite a few days outdoors this month and she almost always fall asleep in the carrier. Amelia is very strict with her bedtime. She wants to be asleep and in bed by 8:30pm! She is so opposite of her older brother whom we had to force to go to sleep (even to this day!). And Amelia still wakes up once or twice during the evening to eat but she immediately falls back to slumber. Kuya Nathaniel is still her favorite person and has even started to laugh out loud and giggle when he plays with her. I am so thankful that Nathaniel doesn't resent having a younger sibling because even at this very young age, I can already tell that Amelia loves him very much. Read One Month Old entry here . Read Two Months Old entry here .

We went to the Bellamy Mansion (not recorded) and the USS North Carolina Battleship in Wilmington with my family. We also sunbathed in Topsail and Emerald Isle beach We attended Hubby's battalion spring fling event and Nathaniel climbed the rock wall. He made it a little over halfway up before he wanted to get off. This is also my first time taking the kids all. by. myself. Amelia had her second month well baby visit. She is a whopping 12 pounds! Our first trip to the beach with no extra hands and eyes for help: Onslow Beach. We were in Wilmington to pick up Hubby's contacts and I didn't realize Fort Fisher Aquarium was only another 20 miles away. So we made an impromptu trip and this particular aquarium has a butterfly house. All butterflies were so beautiful and friendly! Dyed Easter eggs using our favorite method: Kool-Aid. We went to the Sesame Street Live USO tour. Not only was this show free, they also gave the children free spinning toys and bandanna!...