Clare's 1 Year Birthday

Seriously, time flies. And when people told me that kids grow fast, wow, they weren't kidding. Just a week before her birthday, Clare took some of her first steps. As I was holding her hand and walking with her, I marveled at how much she has grown over this year. After she was born, the thought of being a mom still seemed so foreign. I struggled every day...and every night. But, as the new day would dawn, I'd take a deep breath and know that it was going to be okay. The phrase that I repeated to myself was, "It's only for a season." Whether it was issues with nursing, or random naps, or night wakings, I knew that it wasn't going to last her entire life. And I knew then and know now, that the Lord is my shepherd. He leads me through these times with love, giving me the patience and the strength. So, after a year, I can now say I am more confident, more relaxed, more in awe of God's creation of life. And as I look toward this next year, more excited.

This past Saturday, we celebrated Clare's birthday. The day started out with a wonderful breakfast with Chris, Sabrina, and Samantha Thode. Of course, Samantha and Clare just wanted to play. And the breakfast was delicious. Then we picked up the Princess cupcakes at Scratch Bakery in Cedar Falls. After that, we headed home and waited until Nonna, Papa, and Uncle Tim arrived. Of course, as soon as Nonna walked in the door, Clare immediately wanted her to hold her. After that, there was no going back to Mamma. Man, was I jealous. But I figured it's just for the weekend and then I get her back! Ha!
Anyways, thanks to Uncle Luke who took some great pictures of Clare's first cupcake experience! Enjoy!

Clare's Birthday Present- Plastic Balls & Kiddie Pool

 

Clare received $1 and she wouldn't let that thing go!



Clare LOVED her cupcake! Yummy!

 

Time flies when you're away...

It seems like only yesterday that I was kissing my wife and little girl goodbye in Keokuk, Iowa. Tearfully boarding the bus to leave for our gearing up to get over and join the fight in Afghanistan. Now here it is mere months later and that faithful wife and beautiful little girl are still there only older and more mature. The wife that I left won't be the same one I return to, just as in the husband that left here won't be the same one returning, and the little girl.....won't be so little anymore.

I'm so very proud of Alicia in her great effort to raise our daughter in a caring, loving, protected environment. She'd done such a great job of it, and all by her lonesome.....with the help of friends of course, but without daddy there has got to be tough. Our little wonder has grown so very much since I've physically laid eyes on her, I can only imagine what it's going to be/feel like when I get to see them both again, face to face.

July 2010

January 2011

She'll be a little lady before I know it, walking, talking, and babbling on about everything that's new in her world. I can't wait to be a part of their lives once again!

Starting our own little family has had me thinking about my family and where I came from, how I was raised, and what my mom & dad taught me in the years past growing up and all. I get to hear from my mom all the time about how much she enjoys seeing what we've done, become, and made for ourselves...but not so much from dad.

My father passed away in September of 08' and I've often wondered what he might think about the world that we live in today, our family, and if what I've accomplished in life might have made him proud to call me his son. I've gone so far in these thoughts as to write to his old email address, knowing full well that it won't go through, and he won't be reading them, but just to get out all of those thoughts, feelings, and most likely shared frustrations about the times we live in. I thought about compliling them and calling it Emails to Heaven.....but thought it'd be too cheesy...who knows.

I know one thing, I'm so very thankful for every person that has entered my life, and if I haven't told you lately, I appreciate you! I pray this finds you all well!

LT & THE BOYS

I'd like to think of myself as a lucky guy, for having a great bunch of guys to roll around with in the Stan. All the more lucky cause of my wonderful wife holding her own and raising our beautiful little girl! I don't think I've told any of them just how much I really appreciate them!

Below are some pictures past and present, of my boys, and my girls......



Where all the magic happens....... Cards game mid-training at FLW,MO.


AJ and Derrty having fun w/the ANP...Catching our breath and a view

My amazing wife and our beautiful Christmas gift this year!



Scarfy, scarf, scarf, scarf!!!!


Cave dwelling and just taking it all in......

Love you all, and see you sometime in late April...till then stay tuned for more pictures and stories from afar.