Last Day in the Building

So yesterday was the day that I have been waiting 4 long years for...it was my last day in the building!!! I no longer have access to Back Hall, and it feels great! No more dealing with the khaki mafia (those are the evil Navy Chiefs I worked with), no more shift work, no more windowless offices. As most of you know I am an avid fan of The Office, and there was an epsiode during season 3 in which Dwight made a speech that I promised myself I would repeat on my last day in the building. So at long last here it is....

Although I love this company more than almost anything in the world, I have decided to step down from my post and spend more time with my family. I do not fear the unknown. I will meet my new challenges head-on, and I will succeed, and I will laugh in the faces of those who doubt me. It's been a pleasure working with some of you, and I will not forget those of you soon. But remember, while today it is me, we all shall fall. In other words, I'm quitting.

And that in a nutshell is exactly how I felt when I was escorted (that's right, they escort you) out of the building. Well, besides the loving the company more than almost anything in the world part, but you all get the point. Now all that is left is finishing my out-processing with the Air Force. Come this time next week I will be a civilian again!

A Late Birthday Post

Addie had a fantastic "baby doll" birthday this year. She helped me put it all together, so let me tell you that it was all I heard about for weeks prior to and after the event! Wow, this was one girly event. When I asked Addie who she wanted to invite, only three boys made the cut. Curran, Zekers, and Luke. Seeing that none of them live nearby, the girly birthday was okay! We played musical chairs, took a walk with our strollers, and played pin the pacifier on the baby.

Addie, I love you so much! You have made the last three years of my life truly eventful. There is never a dull moment with you or a day that you don't make me laugh. Having you for a daughter has made my life 1000 times more meaningful!

As each of her friends arrived she promptly asked them, "Where's my present?" We're all about manners over here.

I didn't know how many of the girls would have a baby stroller. I guess it's just one of those necessities for every little girl. (Hee hee... one of these babies is not like the others... Way to be multi-cultural JJ!)

I was so excited that it was a fluke nice warm winter day. Perfect for a walk around the neighborhood.

Trying to get them to stay to one side was like herding cattle.

Chocolate on chocolate birthday cake. And, of course, some strawberries for my strawberry girl. (My first attempt at a homemade "fancy" birthday cake)

Happy Valentine's Day!

I Love You Bobby! Happy Valentine's Day!

Carter is 1!

We had a fun week of birthdays recently. I've decided that having children a day apart was probably not the smartest thing I've ever done. Like I really have that much say in the matter! Anyhow, I'm in love with my little baby boy and thoroughly enjoyed watching him eat his cake.

Carter has no problems giving me big smiles for the camera.

This is probably the most fun he's had in his whole year of life.

Mommy is so mean! I thought I'd show him how I'd do it if given the chance.

A Walk in Progress

Carter figured out the walker today. It was too cute to pass up. I fear my days of Carter's babyhood are quickly coming to a close! :(