Prayers Needed!

I believe that most people know that Tony has been up for orders now for a while. For those of you that don't know, Tony will have served his four years sea duty come August. Since he decided to re-enlist, we have been in the process of picking and choosing orders (our next duty station) every month. He applies every month when new orders come out and waits to see if he is accepted for any of them. He can apply for three or four jobs at a time. So far, everything he has applied for has been on the East coast. We are desperately trying to get on the East coast to be closer to family. As of right now, it has been extremely difficult. He hasn't been chosen for any of the orders so far. We have been told that it is really difficult to move coast to coast. We feel like this is our only chance to make the move if it is going to happen at all. So, with all of that being said....March was the last month that he could choose for himself. If he isn't accepted for any of the orders he applied for, they will choose for us. If they pick for him, we will more than likely be staying here. We should know within the next couple of weeks whether he was chosen for any of the jobs he applied for this month. So, now I am asking for some much needed prayers. We want more than anything to be closer to home, but also know that whatever happens is all part of God's plan. Just keep us in your thoughts and prayers for the next couple of weeks as we get ready to move on to the next phase of our military lives. I will give out more details as they come along!

Easter!

EASTER!

Easter Sunday! It turned out to be a big day at my house! I caught myself somewhat reflecting on this time last year. Last Easter, which happened to be later in the year, Madison had only been with us for about a week or so. Her very first Sunday at church was on Easter. I was really excited about this one because I knew that she would be able to do more now that she is older. Before I begin with all of the "Madison stories," I have to mention the other things that happened yesterday. I had invited Tony's buddies over for a big Easter lunch after church if they would like to come. Well, not only did they come for lunch, they showed up for church! (I should bribe them with food more often!) Our lunch consisted of Honey ham, baked beans, mashed potatoes, corn, mac-n-cheese, deviled eggs, rolls, and monkey bread! Needless to say, I was very busy after church! They really enjoyed it and it was fun for me to be able to share it with them. Most of Tony's buddies are single and are far away from family. Therefore, I really enjoy being able to open up our home to them. For some reason, all the guys were really concerned about their outfits for Easter. They wanted to look really nice, but became a little stressed with the details. Ties, shoes, and belts were big concerns that morning. It was pretty funny to me, but they didn't think so.

Now.....onto more important things.....MADISON! This Easter was so much fun with her! I can't explain how much excitement there was for her big day at church! We started by taking some pictures of her at home with her baskets just in case she was a mess by the time we got back home. Then, she came to church early with me so that I could help hide eggs for the Easter egg hunt! It was raining here, of course, so the hunt ended up being inside instead of outside. The nursery had a room all to themselves and the eggs were everywhere! When it was time for the egg hunt, I was wondering if Madison would really get into it or not. I figured she would grab one egg and be satisfied. I was shocked to watch her and see that she went after EVERY egg around her! She actually put them into her basket all by herself too! She had so much fun with Easter eggs. She headed back to the nursery for the rest of us to attend the late service. We came home afterwards and she played with all of the guys while I cooked! All in all, a wonderful Easter Sunday morning! I took lots of pictures, so I hope you enjoy them!

PS...Just some other Madison news!
Tony and I have watched the past couple of weeks as Madison has decided to start WALKING!!! She will take several steps on her own from one piece of furniture to the next. She will even walk from me to Tony or vice versa. She is growing so fast and doing so many new things now its hard to keep up. I can't imagine how much more there is to come! Madison's FIRST birthday is this Friday, March 28, and it just amazes me how much happens in one year! I will be posting much more as she continues to do new things and take off! If I can keep up that is!

Back to Normal

Back to Normal

Well....Madison's Gamma/Nana (we aren't really sure which one yet) and Auntie Amber left us early yesterday morning. It was a very sad day, we miss them sooo much already! We had such a wonderful time while they were here! I wish they could have stayed longer, but everyone has to get back to their normal routine at some point. Yesterday, Madison kept going back to the room her Gamma and Auntie Amber stayed in. I'm pretty sure she was wondering where everyone was at. We had a pretty full house everyday they were here to visit. Tony's buddies like to come over and hang out and they had an excuse to this time. It was a lot of fun! Tony went back to work last night, and it was just Madison and I again! So, its official....we are back to normal. I have definitely realized just how much I want to be closer to home now that I have had a taste of what it would be like. I really believe I want it more for Madison than anything. I know that when I think back to my childhood, my happiest memories are the ones surrounded by family. Going camping, having family "get togethers", and every holiday that exists the entire family would get together! I want that for Madison! Hopefully, within the next few weeks we will be able to decide on orders for Tony and find out if we will be able to be any closer to family. So, please keep us in your prayers! I will be posting soon to let everyone know what is going on with the process! In the meantime, I have posted pictures of Madison for everyone to see! She makes some pretty funny faces in some of them! Until next time!

Madison's First Birthday!

Well! Madison's Gamma and Auntie Amber are in town and we celebrated her 1st birthday while they are here! Technically, her birthday isn't until the 28th, but we wanted to celebrate the big moment with family! We were only missing one person, her Grandpa. He had to stay home (TN) to work for a living as he would say! We missed him lots! We actually celebrated on his birthday, which was a big one for him as well, 50! I have posted a slideshow of the "chocolate cake experience"! She enjoyed every last minute! Even the bath she got afterwards in the sink. We will be celebrating Auntie Amber's birthday tomorrow (Sat) when we go snowboarding. She is really looking forward to it. It will be the first time for them and Madison to go to Mt. Baker! Lots of snow! We are really excited! It's a beautiful place!

Other news.....
Madison has taken her first steps while Mom and Amber have been visiting! Its so cool! She will only take a step to grab onto something else, so we haven't quite made it to taking consecutive steps! It should be anytime now though! She also has two more teeth coming in! Her other top tooth is pretty much in and the one next to it is breaking through! We have lots going on all at once it seems! Its so much fun though! Its amazing to watch how quickly they grow!

Well, I am going to go for now to continue visiting with family while they are still here! I wanted to post the birthday info and pictures! I know her Great Grandma and Papaw are waiting patiently for them!

Madison's Birthday Cake