Chad "Pinning On" Ceremony Pictures/Birthday

Just thought I would share with family and friends Chads pinning on ceremony. It is something they do the day before someone puts on a new rank in the military. The squadron commander recognized him today in front of 100 airmen for his leadership and making SNCO. We are so proud of him and it was great to see his recognition and accomplishments that the colonel talked about. He is such a humble person I would have never known about all the awards he got if I would not have gone - he never says a word most times! Well, he did tell me when he made his rank, which I guess is most important. Taylor came to see what a pinning on ceremony entailed. Basically it is putting on your stripe a day before you actually put it on, and talking about what the next rank entails - while someone socks your arm as they do it! It is a tradition in the AF, I guess slight hazing (haha). His Chief also got up and said what a great asset Chad has been and how he will be missed. I am adding a few video clips... not the greatest but you can get the idea... Also some b-day pictures from yesterday! (yes, Chad is younger then me, he loves to rub in that fact) Taylor wrapped up her bunny for Chad in her one blanket... she is too cute! Chad was like, "Oh, this is nice"... then like a minute later he goes, "Okay, Taylor now you can put the bunny back in your room"... way to go along with it Chad!

March of Dimes Walk

I should be going to bed but for some reason I can't sleep! So here I am blogging about our day in PA at the March of Dimes walk. I haven't updated my March of Dimes website but we raised $360.00 ! I thank my friends and family who supported us, it really means a lot to Chad and I that you honored Chase's memory by donating to a cause to help with preventing these types of tragedies. It was such an emotional day. Last year I wanted to do this walk and missed it so I am so glad we were able to participate.

When Taylor and I pulled into the parking lot I just got this overwhelming feelings of emotion. I felt tears springing up in my eyes and I was like, "Okay, Heidi get it together". Here were all these people who have either suffered a loss or watched their little ones suffer a premature birth. When I saw the "Wall of Wonder" where people who lost their children it was a solemn moment to watch these other mothers put up a flag in honor of their child. I also got to meet my friend Kristen who lost her son Gavin around the same time as I did Chase. We have supported each other through email and finally met. Just a special person, and I could feel her pain. I still wonder why God allows these things to happen, that will be the big question when I make it to Heaven one day. There isn't a day that goes by that my heart doesn't wonder why. There will always be someone missing in our family. I know there is a bigger reason out there and I have faith that one day I will have my answers...

Barbara, who walked with us also lost her grandsons due to premature birth about 10 years ago so I know she knows too. Thank you for walking with us, you are like family to me. Thanks mom for always being there and supporting me through everything. And Taylor, you are the light of my life... thanks for jumping out of bed this morning and saying, "Mom, I WANT to walk for Chase" - I thought 3 miles might be too much for a 6 year old!

So here I am remembering Chase... remember he was "Stillborn but still born"

Taking in the beach... in April!

We just love the beach... and since it was suppose to go to 85 degrees today we thought we would take it in. The only thing is it was 70 degrees but we loved it. It was Aiden's first time and I don't think he knew what to make of it at first, but it didn't take long. It was so neat to see him gradually get into it. We also went on the boardwalk at Seaside Heights and he took in a few rides. Last time we tried that he did not want anything to do with rides... this time he loved them. The only thing is he is so little he could only go on a few and that was with a parent, poor little guy.

Getting life organized again...

Well after taking a break from blogging about my life I decided I needed to do it again to have that outlet and also to keep me on track. It seems for me, when something new pops up into my life (such as getting orders) I just let it take over. When we found out we were moving I knew it was coming but it was still such a shock. I think if we would have kept moving like a normal military family it would be much easier. Being here 10 years, it is like we just started to find our groove here and we love our house.

That being said, I was thinking how great it was that God allowed me to have my family close when I needed them most. Who would have known that Chad would be deploying from here every 6 years straight, and in that time having a child all to lose it. I am so thankful that God does love us enough to put people in our lives that can help us overcome things.

After living in Montana for 4 years, I was so anxious to come home. I thought in the back of my mind, "Well, if I could see DJ graduate and Heather get married that would be great". Well, god allowed me to do even more then that with giving us 10 years here. Compared to most military families I have alot to be thanful for.

Now I truly believe that God has a purpose for us moving to Scott. I think he is saying, "It is time for a change". Maybe we need to slow down a little. I think God knows that I am "okay" now with moving. If we would have got these orders 2 years ago after losing Chase it probably would be alot harder saying goodbye. I know it would have been.

I also thank God that I have been able to meet a wonderful friend before I even move there... my friend Maggie. I think he knew I needed that too! We met last year because we adopted from the same agency, now I will be living 20 minutes from here. How ironic is that? The other ironic thing is that she is from Allentown, PA 20 minutes from where I lived - so we have that in common as well. I also have met many friends through an online community just for Scott Air Force Base wives... what a great thing the internet is. Also, the community out there is just great for families.

Taylors school is going to be such a blessing for her, I can tell already. I have heard alot of good things about it. I often wondered if sending her to Christian school if she was really learning "deeper meaning things"... and lately she just surprises me with what she says. She was talking about heaven again the other day, it is just something to hear. Just makes my heart smile. It is amazing how deep kids are and you really don't even know it. It makes me think to myself, "I really need to watch what I say and do"... I am sure you know the feeling.

I know people probably don't believe in these sort of things. But I do. I believe that God has a purpose and plan for our lives. Now, I am trying to get focused on getting healthy again. I had started weight watchers only to fall off the band wagon when this news game down about moving. That is my problem, when stress arises a fall for food.

So here I am, back on weight watchers again. Today, I had a yummy slim fast shake (haha) and a turkey dog and pickles... yummy. But actually it does make me feel better to think about what I am putting into my body. So tonight this is what I am making... hopefully it will taste good! I will take a picture when done!

CHILI PORK CHOPS
Source: "dailyrecipes"
Serving Size : 6

2 cup onions -- chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon chili powder
6 bone-in pork center rib chops
Salt and pepper -- to taste

1. Cook onions in oil until pale brown. Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, water ketchup and salt and pepper. Cover and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes. 2. Arrange pork chops in crock pot, then pour sauce over the chops. Cover and cook on LOW 6-7 hours.

Beautiful Weekend...

Not to much going on here but thought I would share a few pictures. This weekend we made it up to 76 degrees and now tomorrow it will be in the 50's with rain. We have been busy going through some things, getting rid of others and packing up breakables that I don't want the packers to pack. So in other words.. fun, fun! But the kids always put a bright spot in my day. Aiden had a great time with his friends yesterday. It is amazing to see how he has advanced from September until now. When we first got him he was very lethargic due to his heart condition and just being in an orphanage. Now he is one of the bunch. I love this one picture of him yelling at Taylor for being on his tractor, they really are brother in sister.

The 4 Grandkids....

My mom was brave enough to watch 4 kids the other day. They had a great time! Heathers baby Leah is such a sweety and Kaylee is just so full of energy. Taylor loves to be at her "poppy's house".

Easter Weekend

We had a great Easter weekend this year. I have to say it was one of the most fun. Chads brother and Megan came in from Massachussetts and we spent the weekend up in PA. Aiden and Taylor just love them. Needless to say we did eat alot this weekend...back on the band wagon this week! We started off the weekend by going to Shady Maple - delicious restaurant near Lancaster PA. Then we went to Chocolate World in Hershey. I have only been there over 25 times, but it never gets old. Taylor loves to ride on the ride of how they make Chocolate. Aiden clung to Adam the whole weekend, he was his "best buddy" .

Then on Easter we all chimed in and had Easter dinner at Heathers house. It started out with 6 of us and ended up having 15! But the more the merrier. My parents were away in Virginia but decided to come back to spend Easter Day with the family. We had an Easter Egg hunt in the 50 degree weather, but the kids still liked it. It was great that we could all be together...since we are moving soon. But my mom swears she will not be the Christmas and Easter grandma, that she plans on coming out to visit often. We will be spending summers poolside in PA as well! It is just a little sad thinking about leaving, but I am also looking forward to this new chapter in our life. Family is just so important to us. It has been great being able to see Megan and Adam since they have moved a little closer.

Quick video...

Just had to share this quick video. Aiden just loves his tractor. He is finally getting the hang of turning it. He is such a joy!

Easter Egg Hunt

We went to the local Easter egg hunt today with Taylor and Aidens "best friends". They had a great time. Aiden got right into it. It is amazing to think that last year this little guy was in an orphanage. He looked like, "What is going on", but then when the kids started picking up the eggs he just followed along.

Taylors Field Trip

Today I got to go with Taylor to see "Peter Rabbit" with her class. It was so cute. Taylor and her friends had a great time. She is looking forward to Spring Break coming up this week. It is hard to believe we only have 7 weekends left in our house before the movers come. Time is just flying by. My neighbor told me she can't even talk about it because it makes her want to cry. It is amazing the bonds we have made since we are here in NJ. That is the hard thing, after being in one place for 10 years it is harder to move that is for sure. But we do look at it as a new adventure and the area really seems great in the St. Louis area.

I had to add this picture of Aiden... he got his haircut yesterday and thought he was "like daddy".