Happy Birthday, Grandma!!!

Today is my grandma's birthday and I want the world to know it!!!!! She has been an amazing grandmother to me these past 25 years and an amazing great-grandma to baby bear these past 8 1/2 months.
Grandma, we love you!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

This Week

Well, I started classes last week. The first 5 days were an introduction to the school, how to study, the stresses of nursing classes and basically, how not to fail out. Yesterday was my first day of Microbiology and Anatomy and Physiology I. It's definitely going to be hard for me. I have to stay on top of reading and studying because sciences never came as easily to me as other courses. But, I am so excited about nursing school!!!!! (yes, I know you're not supposed to start a sentence with the word 'but'.)
Today was a pajama day for Ryder and mommy. He started daycare last Wednesday and though he only goes on days I have class, I still feel very torn about leaving him with someone else. I know he's having fun and is in very good, very capable hands but I still feel like I'm the one who should be home with him. I mean, I'm his mommy. If I had stuck with nursing at Samford, I might be able to stay home more with him now. Then again, if I had stuck with nursing, I might not be where I am now-and I LOVE where I am now. As we were playing tonight, Ryder put my finger in his mouth to chew on. PEOPLE--- WE HAVE A THIRD TOOTH!!!! He hasn't been too fussy so I didn't think about it. But, then again, he's been in daycare and I haven't really seen him during the day. I am soooo excited and sad at the same time. My baby is growing up. He isn't the same little boy I brought home almost 9 months ago.
Anyway, I'm going back to bed...it's 1:30 and I have to be able to function tomorrow. Ryder is pretty demanding ;)

How my baby calls out to me to come get him in the morning...

PS-he's fighting off a pretty big cold right now-from being in daycare and getting a tooth-so if you want to send up a quick, little prayer for him, we would all appreciate it. :)

Love and Respect

Tonight was not only the launch of our Saturday night service at Coastline Church, but it was the first sermon in the Love and Respect series. The foundational verse for this series is Ephesians 5:21 "And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." The bible asks that the husband and wife submit to each other-it's a mutual submission-just as we submit our lives to Christ. The husband is the Christ figure in a marriage and the wife is Christ's bride.
That image really sunk in tonight. I am to look to Pat, my husband, as the leader of my home and I am supposed to respect him as that. He does so much for me and my baby boy, to make sure that we are okay. He gets up every morning and goes to work to make sure we have the money to live. He puts food on our table and pays all our bills.

Thank you, baby. I love you.

Project 365

I think I've given up Project 365...With school and everything going on, I don't think I can keep up:(

Sorrypro

My God is Awesome!!

SOOOO - I got an email from NACCRRA, finally. God is so good and his timing is just right. There was a small  "mistake" in that they listed Ryder as going full-time  (5 days a week -all day) and he is actually only going Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. But that is easily fixed and won't stop or delay me in filling out paperwork.
I was so worried that I would have to rush to do everything tonight and tomorrow morning, but, ONCE AGAIN, God stepped in to relieve my stress and burden. Pat took someone's watch and came home early today and doesn't have to be at work until tomorrow NIGHT!!! Which means, he can stay home with Ryder tomorrow morning while I go to school. I don't have to get up at 4:30am to get Ryder to daycare early to fill out paperwork. When I get home at 1130am, Pat will go with me to drop off Ryder so he knows where the daycare is and then we will come home and Pat can rest while I clean, do homework and get the rest of the things that I need for school.
A little faith, a little trust, no matter how hard it may be at times, how stressful it can be in the meantime, is so worth it and pays off EVERY TIME.

This week, at church, starts our Saturday night service. No excuses allowed!!! There is a service for everyone and Pat can even sleep in on Sundays, still. Also this weekend, starts the marriage sermon series. I believe the series is based off of the Love and Respect book. I have also registered for the Marriage Conference that takes place February 17 and 18. I am so thankful that this series is happening now. Pat and I have a great marriage...I am not going because we have issues...We are going to make our marriage BETTER and to keep our eyes on our number one priority-we want a God centered marriage...

I'm off to run more errands...the work of a mommy/wife/student/domestic goddess never ends

NACCRRA

I am patiently waiting on an email from NACCRRA saying we have been approved and our daycare prices will be drastically reduced from $298 a week...Lord knows we can't afford that on a military salary. Ryder starts daycare tomorrow. If I get the email today, I can go fill out paperwork. If I don't get it, I have to wait until tomorrow-I have to get up at 4:30am and get ready to take Ryder to daycare at 6am so I have time to fill out paperwork and then be at class by 8am. I am trusting God that we will receive this email in time but that doesn't  stop me from getting anxious, ya know?

Another Day

Well, actually 2 days. I get to spend 2 more days with my baby bear until he goes to day care. My classes start this Wednesday and go straight until next Wednesday. KinderCare was nice enough to let me do three days this week as Wed, Thurs, and Fri and then next week will start Mon, Tues, and Wed until the summer semester starts.
God has been so amazing in opening all the doors for me that I make an effort to open. I am amazed, all the time, when I open my eyes and look around me and look at where he has brought me and all he has blessed me with. My amazing husband and son, school, family, my home, etc. I am so thankful.

I've got vegetable soup on the stove and the smell is amazing!!!! No real recipe, just vegetables, spices and chicken broth. I put in onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, garlic cloves (minced), chicken, salt, pepper, ground thyme and bay leaves...
Have I mentioned I'm amazing -haha...well, the soup smells amazing

Just a Normal Day

Today was just a normal day for the Fry family. But, after finding out that Tripp gained his wings yesterday, I treasured every single moment that I got with Ryder.
Mommy and baby bear went to church this morning at Coastline Church. Ryder loves the child care there. Everyone is so nice. It's smaller than COTH, but people have been so nice to me and they rave over Ryder. Today was an "in between sermon"-one between two series. Next week starts the Love and Respect marriage series and I am really excited about it. This book emphasizes everything I learned in school. I also registered myself and Pat for the marriage seminar in February. I tried to explain to him that you don't have to have a marriage "in trouble" to go to a marriage seminar-it makes a good marriage even better. There are also a few things in the book I want to discuss with Pat about making sure God is our #1 priority and that our marriage is one that exhibits God's love to others.
After church, Ryder and I met with our friend, Kaye, and her baby at a mall in El Cajon. It was nice to get out with a friend and see other people haha. Daddy stayed home and had a relaxing day to himself.
Tomorrow is supposed to be Ryder's first day of daycare. What a sad day it is going to be for me. I have been torn with feelings of guilt and excitement about this next phase of my life. I know I need to be able to have an identity outside of "Ryder's mom/domestic goddess". I  want to have a job-I want to have a life and friends outside of the house-I want to get out of the house with friends every once in awhile. I am so in love with my baby boy and it makes me feel bad sometimes, but I know it's okay to want to get out sometimes. I just don't want Ryder to like the people at KinderCare better than me haha.
We still haven't heard from NACCRRA yet. Ryder will be there 3 days a week-Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. But this first week of class is a little different. When we go in and do paperwork tomorrow, I have to see if our 3 days can be Wed, Thurs, and Fri this week instead of the other days. Not only will that help with my school schedule but I am hoping to hear back from NACCRRA, too, since they are closed tomorrow.
Anyway. That is all that is really going on right now. I will let you know at the end of the week how class has gone and how tomorrow goes at KinderCare.
Treasure your families, hold them close, and give them an extra kiss tonight.

With A Heavy Heart

It's with a broken and heavy heart that I let you guys know that baby Tripp left his mommy's arms today. Though it is wonderful that he is no longer in pain and is now watching over his mommy-smiling, laughing, talking with Jesus, it is sad for those left behind, even those who never met him. I am crying writing this and watching Ryder play in front of me.

The only thing I keep thinking is ""I will rise when He calls my name. NO MORE SORROW NO MORE PAIN. I will rise on eagles wings, before my God fall on my knees..."

My Heart Aches

My heart is aching right now for a precious little boy and his mommy. Tripp Roth is suffering from a terrible, painful disease, E.B. I do not know much about it at all, nor am I claiming to. I have been following Courtney Roth's blog for a long time as she writes about the journey she has taken with Tripp as he fights a very painful battle. Tripp's skin is very fragile and he has very painful sores and blisters all over him. A single touch can be detrimental. How heartbreaking that much be for Courtney. Tripp has also had a trach in for a long time and his mommy doesn't even know what his cry sounds like, much less what it sounds like for him to say mommy.
Tripp has touched so many people's lives in his few short years on this planet, especially mine. I am finding myself sobbing right now trying to relate to Courtney and knowing I cant. Part of me doesn't want to be able to relate, to have to watch my baby suffer...and I feel guilty for that, though I know it is a human response. I hold Ryder so close to me, not wanting to let go. Hearing him fuss doesn't irritate me like it could. I am so grateful to be able to hear him fuss, cry, laugh, and babble.
Courtney has a strength and faith in God that I admire so much, though I know she is dying inside and would give anything to trade places with baby Tripp. But she knows that God has a plan for her and her sweet boy.
Her latest blog update is not a "good" one. It seems as though Tripp is starting to get tired of fighting and might not be with his mommy much longer. I cannot imagine what Courtney is feeling or thinking. Her blog says she knows that Heaven will be so much better for Tripp...No more sorrow, no more pain...but that doesn't make losing him any easier.
I am writing today to ask you to stop for a moment and send a quick prayer up for Tripp. Pray that God will give comfort to Tripp and peace. That his remaining time with his mommy and other loved family members is one that they will be able to cling to in these coming days.
If you have a moment, please read Courtney's blog and look through the pictures and even google E.B.
Courtney-You are amazing and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and that precious baby boy that you gave life to!!!!
Tripp's Story
The following pictures are from Courtney's blog and are of that sweet baby that I hope you will pray for

Love and Respect

If you haven't read this book, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs...you need to!

I read this right after I got out of the hospital when Pat was in town, right after we got married. I started again because the church I am now attending is about to start a sermon series on marriage and ending in a marriage seminar based on this book. The book explains things that when you read, you think "DUH!" When I read it, I "got it". Whether you're in a struggling marriage, "okay" marriage, or great marriage, this book can help you be even BETTER and closer to God. It points out the difference needs of men and women. (Remember the whole men are from Mars, women are from Venus thing? Ya..this explains that) Not only will you understand how to reach out to your significant other in a Godly way and strengthen your marriage and center it around God, you will learn why men are the way they are and why women are the way they are...

Check it out, read it with your spouse, do the workbook with it...(http://loveandrespect.com/store/love-and-respect-book.html)...Lemme know what you think...I love it!

White Chicken Chili

Tonight is the BIG BCS National Championship game. Bama v. LSU (again). Pat is very anxious and Ryder is standing up trying to eat his Bama hat haha.
Tonight, I made White Chili for the first time to eat during the game...WINNER WINNER WHITE CHIKEN CHILI DINNER!!!!
Ingredients
pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon oil
3-4 cans (15 1/2 ounces each) Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chicken broth
2-3 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies (if you like less kick, add just one can)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2-1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whipping cream

Directions:

1. Place all but last two ingredients in crockpot. (Chicken can be frozen).

2. Cook on low for 6-8hours

3. 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and shred it and then return to crock pot. Then add sour cream and whipping cream and stir...let simmer cook remaining 30 min

4. Serve with cheese and tortilla chips

Project 365-Day 7 and Day 8

January 7, 2012

So for day 7, I took a picture of Ryder's new, 3-in-1 car seat. We had 2 infant travel systems, one Chicco and one Baby Trend. Well, we never used the Chicco one. We tried to return it to get a giftcard, but the color is "discontinued", so they wouldn't take it back. We "sold" it to some friends in Virginia who are expecting a baby girl this year...SOOO EXCITED FOR THEM... I went to Babies R Us with Ryder tonight and got him one I can use from now until he is 100 lbs in a booster...I'll keep this one in my car (YES- I FINALLY have my car and I am able to drive it!! woot woot) and Pat will keep the BabyTrend in his truck for the days when he picks Ryder up from daycare.

Well, while mommy and baby went shopping, daddy went shopping, too!!! Look what I came home to!!

January 8, 2012

Today, Ryder and I went and tried a new church. It is called Coastline Church and is in Carlsbad, CA. It is a little bit of a drive but so worth it! It is connected with ARC, a program for establishing churches that Church of the Highlands started. It is the only church that, when I walked into it, I didn't compare it to COTH. It was a lot smaller, but everyone knew everyone. Ryder did GREAT in the childcare. There were only 4 babies there and he was the only one who didn't cry. I was so proud.
These are pictures of daddy getting Ryder ready for church.

Shrimp and Grits

Ladies and gentlemen...I give you one of the most amazing shrimp and grits recipe ever. Of course it is from Paula Deen...LOVE LOVE LOVE her! When we were in Birmingham, Big T made this for us one day and I (who am not a big sea food person) LOVED it...Enjoy!

Ingredients

2   servings cooked grits
2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup diced tasso ham
2 tablespoon diced leeks
2 tablespoon diced onion
2 tablespoon diced green peppers
20   medium to large shrimp, peeled and de-veined, with tails on
1 tablespoon white wine
1 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
green onion tops, chopped

Directions
1.Cook grits according to package directions; set aside and keep warm. 
2.Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tasso and saute until crisp.
3.Add diced vegetables and saute until onions are translucent.
4.Add shrimp and saute for 30 to 45 seconds, or until pink.
5.Remove from the pan and set aside.
6.Deglaze the pan with a little white wine.
7.Slowly add the cream and let reduce until thickened. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. 
**Divide grits among 2 serving plates. Line plate edges with shrimp (10 shrimp per serving). Pour sauce over grits. Garnish with green onion tops. **

Project 365-Day 6

I love watching Pat with Ryder. I love them both so much and seeing my two favorite people in the whole world play together and laugh together is the most amazing thing in the world.

I love the picture of their two feet. Ryder, though he clings to me right now, will soon look at his daddy and want to be just like him. He will want to wear his daddy's shoes and walk the same road his daddy does. He will watch EVERYTHING that Pat does. I pray that he walks a straight road that will help lead our baby boy to Christ, our Savior. As mommy and daddy, our number one job is to share/show Christ's love to that sweet gift that God sent us. I will forever be thankful for my baby bear!

Project 365-Day 5

So, I'm a little bit behind. Of course I am. Would you expect anything otherwise? haha. Anyway... These next few posts will catch you all up on what has happened...all through pictures.

I have found a perfect cage for my child!! Haha. Ryder has learned to crawl (as of yesterday officially) and before that, he was doing an army crawl. Now he is EVERYWHERE!!! Everything everyone tells you about your child...all the cliches...they are all so, well, cliche...Until you have a baby. Time really does go by so fast and they really do go everywhere and get into everything.

But I LOVE IT!

Project 365-Day 4

We left bright and early on the morning of the 3rd. GranJan and Big T met us at the airport, after Michael dropped us off, to say good-bye. It was sad because we don't know when we will see them next.

I also posted this picture as motivation for myself. 8 lbs gained over the holidays=NOT OKAY! I didn't work out like I wanted to (not at all while we were in Birmingham) so now I have to work extra hard...

My goal is to look back in 12 months and be able to say "Who is that girl?!"

Project 365-Day 3

So these are some cutie patootie babies, dont ya think? Nickole Byrom did such a great job!!! It was so cute to see my son and nephew play with each other and to see their different personalities come out. Carter had tended to be the alpha while we were at GranJan's. Which makes sense, GranJan's house is his house...he is usually there more than Ryder (obviously) and hasn't had to share it with Ryder. Well, when we put those babies in the frames, it looked like Ryder was trying to push Carter out of the frame. He was trying to take over and be the alpha.
The swing made both mommies a little nervous. We were trying to make sure the boys didn't fall and every time the swing would move, they would hold on for dear life...
The pictures are priceless!!!

Make sure to check out Nickole and Beautiful Treasures Photography

Project 365-Day 2

One of my friends came and took pictures of Ryder (and Carter). She is awesome!!! I absolutely loved these pictures and wanted to share these with you...don't I have the cutest little boy ever?!?!?!

Check out Beautiful Treasures Photography!!!

Project 365-Day 1

These were technically taken on December 30 at Pat's birthday lunch but I wanted to post them for JANUARY 1 because they were just so stinking cute!!! What better way to start the year (on my birthday) than with cute pictures of mommy and baby!!! He was all smiles and was giving me kisses.
Ahhh...I am in love:)

We're Finally Home...

Well, we are back home on the West Coast after a trip to see both of our families for Christmas and our birthdays. We had such a wonderful time!!! It was so hard to leave Orlando and then to leave Birmingham. I miss my parents desperately and I know Pat misses his family, too. It is so hard to be on the otherside of the country. We aren't exactly driving distance from them.
Pat gets out of the Navy in a little under 3 years. I know his family wants him to get out, he wants out, and my parents want us closer, but it's hard for me right now. I am torn. The benefits of the military are amazing. Don't get me wrong, it is extremely difficult to live a military life...not just for us, but for our families. If Pat were to stay in 3 more years, there is no gaurantee that we would be stationed where we are for those years. We COULD be stationed closer to our families like in Pensacola or Key West:)....OR we could be stationed farther away like Hawaii or Germany (though I have a feeling that if we were stationed in Hawaii we would have a lot of visitors haha) It would be devastating to be so far from everyone, but three years really does go by so quickly and I know we would be able to do it...I got through a pregnancy "alone" and we are establishing our lives out here with out our support system--we are building a new support system in our friends. We have been through so much worse.
Having Diabetes for 21 years means I go to a lot of doctors and I go multiple times throughout the year. Pat told me "You go to the doctor more than anyone I know...COMBINED!" lol. And it's true. To stay healthy, I have to make sure I see a bunch of different doctors. TriCare is AMAZING!!!! The military wives community is so amazing and helpful. It is a garunteed job and lord knows we could use the job security. I start nursing school this month and graduate in January of 2014. It would be nice to get a few years of experience under my belt before he gets out so that I can have a secure job and be the bread winner while Pat goes to school.
Whatever happens, where ever we end up, I know God will be in control.

ANYWAY...I have 619 pictures to go through from our trip before I post any (and Pat's mom took a bunch, too, so make sure you check out her blog.) Pat's mom also convinced me to start Project 365. For now, I will be posting them on my blog...I know, I know...I'm already 3 days behind, but I WILL catch up today. We got a 3-in-1 printer so I will eventually be printing out the pictures...I'm excited!!!!!