Great Great Grandma Sugar

This is Aaron's Great Grandma Faries. Also the boy's Great Great Grandma, also known as Gramma Sugar by Jacob and Joshua:

She was an AMAZING lady. I met her a LONG time ago when Aaron and I first met sometime in junior high. She was always pretty feisty and decided on spot if she liked you or not, even if it was solely based on how you touched one of her collectors dolls she had all over her house. I'd like to think she liked me as she was always sweet to me, and often gave me ammo to use against Aaron! When Aaron was away at boot camp, I went to Marshall to see her and Gramma Jane a few times, and every time she'd have Gramma Jane put in the video of Aaron singing in a trash can at church, the video of Aaron being a turd to Gramma Jane while she was trying to zip his jacket and the video of him punching a little girl from the other side of a glass door. I think she was trying to make sure I really wanted to marry him! LoL!

Anyway, Grandma Faries passed away on Wednesday at an incredible 99 years old. She lived WELL beyond her years, and so many times she would be in the hospital, everyone would think it was the end and she'd come home healthier than ever two days later. She got to come to Texas to visit when Jacob was born, and for Christmas one time, she was there when Joshua was born, and best of all she was a HUGE part of Aaron's life growing up, which makes her extra special to me.

The best pictures of Gramma are on our other computer, but here are a few. She was an incredible woman, will be sorely missed and was well loved by everyone. And not many people can say they lived to have SIX great, great grandchildren. A pretty incredible thing, and I am BLESSED that my kids got the opportunity to meet her and know they had a great great grandma! Be nice up there, Grandma!

Meeting Joshua after he was born in Columbia. Grandma LOVED babies!

Before Joshua was born. Dinner at Andy's with the Oeth bunch and the Grammas.

Grandma Faries at Jacob's third birthday party in Columbia at Bonkers.

Aaron showing off Joshua to Grandma Faries in Columbia

Kevin and Grandma crashed out after a delicious meal at Andy's. How they both enjoyed spending their time!

Hope you are enjoying the streets of gold, Grandma. See you when we get there!

Another 4 Years...

So, for those of you that don't know Aaron and I's history, we met when we were 12. We dated off an on in junior high and high school and then the beginning of our junior year, went our separate ways. We didn't talk again until the spring of our senior year. I started going to YoungLife more often, and Aaron was a regular. I got really sick my senior year in high school, and much to my surprise one night after YoungLife, Aaron sent me a message asking what was going on etc. etc. We started talking regularly again and he asked me to go to YoungLife camp that summer. Best decision ever. We both got up early every morning and spent quiet time on a bench under this awesome willow tree.

The awesome Windy Gap willow tree.

When we returned we were inseparable for quite some time. College started, and we parted ways a bit, and then December of my Freshman year we started hanging out again. We got back together on New Year's Eve and within two days were pretty much planning our wedding. Realistically, we would have had to have waited a LONG time to get married. I was on a full ROTC scholarship and he worked at a local gym, and we just couldn't have afforded to get married until I commissioned. Then one day in Feb. after I couldn't get a hold of him ALL day, he called and asked to meet me at my parents house. He met me there, came in and said "So, I joined the Air Force." I was excited because I knew it meant we'd be able to get married sooner. That was 7 1/2 years ago.

I never imagined when he told me that news that we'd end up getting married 6 months later on a little beach in Mississippi with just our parents. Or that a year and a half later we'd be blessed with our first child. Or that 7 1/2 years from then we'd have already lived in two different states, another country and have two more beautiful children. But here we are, 7 1/2 years into a great career and signing on for another 4.

It has been nothing but an honor to be a military wife, and serve a greater role than I'd ever imagined. There really is nowhere else in life I could picture myself being. It's not always easy, and it's not always fun, but it is truly a blessing. Whenever Aaron gets an award or progresses in his career, it is so fun to watch. I am about as proud as a wife can get. I am nothing but grateful that this career has afforded us a great life, and a stable future. Absolutely worth the sweat, hard work and sacrifice put in by us all.

So here's to you, punkin'. Thanks for working hard so that we can raise the Bash Brothers and our little princess without having to constantly worry. Thanks for being supportive in my endeavors and working to make them successful even when you are working more than your share of hours. Thank you for serving our country in hopes that when Jacob, Joshua and Sarahlynne grow up they won't have to worry about the same fights we've been plagued with for a decade now. You are beyond awesome and I am proud to be your wife. Thanks for taking us out to the planes for your reenlistment. I love you!

JoJo standing by Daddy looking at the plane before Daddy goes up.

Aaron and Capt. McGrath on the plane. Getting ready to take the oath.

Love what this represents. An American reenlisting on a German tornado. Both flags hanging together in the background.

Taking the oath.

Aaron took the boys up to look at the plane. They could hardly contain themselves.

Proud to call him husband, and Daddy!

Now, to find out what the Air Force holds for us next! Come on EQUAL listings!!

4 weeks

I never realized how fast 4 weeks passes. That is until Sarahlynne arrived. I'm sure I've realized it at least two other times in my life after both the boys were born, but I've noticed it especially with her. So much happens and it passes so quickly. In the past 4 weeks:

I've registered Jacob for kindergarten

We had Sarahlynne

Mom came to visit

Aaron went on paternity leave

We've had at least 5 various doctor's appointments

We've had 8 t-ball practices and 2 t-ball games

I've filled out {and picked up} approx. a gagillion pieces of paperwork

Mom went home

Aaron went back to work

and the list goes on....

And in the middle of all that I've been relishing every moment with my sweet baby girl. I took her to the doctor yesterday and she already weighs 8 lbs 10 oz. She is 22 inches long. She is growing every second of every day it seems. And sometimes, I just want to stop time. Just for a little while. But alas, I can't and my baby girl is 4 weeks old today. And what a beauty she is already becoming.

We gave her the name Sarahlynne Louise (Louise after my mom), and like both of the boys her name has great meaning. It means beautiful princess warrior. And every day I watch her grow I feel a tug at my heart to raise her up to embody that in all respects. It is a challenge, and one that God surely will give us strength to fulfill. She is wonderful and I can't wait to watch her grow. That being said, here are a few things about her at 4 weeks, and some pictures taken today!

She LOVES her boppy.

5 oz. formula before bed keeps her happy for 6 hours, and aside from a feeding at around 3:30 or 4:00--we sleep ALL night.

Her swing is a happy place.

She like to lay on her belly over my knees while we're at the dinner table. She doesn't want it any other way. I think when she's in her hammock she feels left out.

She HATES her car seat.

She adores Daddy.

She rolls tummy to back-both ways.

Mommy's chest is her most favorite place to sleep.

She LOVES being in the Moby.

And seeing family and friends on skype.

Magnum Face.

Sweet, SWEET Baby Blues.

Don't grow too fast little punkin'. Mommy loves you so.

White and Green Chili (Mexican Chili)

This is actually a recipe I adapted from one of Racheal Ray's recipes, but I altered it after the first time I made it to fit my personal preferences better! It's so beyond tasty, and lots have asked for the recipe so here it is! This recipe is to yield a family of 4-6.

You will need:

4-5 Chicken Breasts, or the equivalent amount of chicken tenders. I've used both.

3 cups Chicken Broth

1 jar Salsa Verde

1 purple onion (chopped)

1 jalapeno (chopped)

3 Cans Great Northern Beans

Cumin (I do mine to taste)

Crushed coriander seed (I do mine to taste)

Salt

Pepper

Olive Oil

Cilantro

Limes

Mexican Cheese (Shredded)

Your favorite tortilla chip (I prefer the blue corn! Yum!)

*Boil water and add chicken breasts. Cook until done.

*Chop chicken. I like to use a pizza cutter to dice it. It gives good sizes and is quick and easy!

*In a pot (I like to my cast iron dutch oven!) heat olive oil. Add chicken, salt and pepper and let it simmer a little.

*Add purple onion and jalapeno. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

*Add cumin and crushed coriander and stir. Then add the salsa verde

*After cooking for a few minutes, add chicken broth.

*Add one and a half cans of the beans. With the other can and a half, smash beans first, to make a more chili feel, if you prefer.

*Squeeze in some lime juice and let it simmer until its hot enough to your liking!

*Add cilantro shortly before serving.

Serve with shredded cheese and limes, and dip with the chips to your hearts content. Deeeee-licious!