Long time no blog

Ok, so I know I should have posted a while ago, but what can you do?

Mike left for OCS (Officer Candidate School) November 14th, which means that Anabelle and I have been in Utah with family.  Mike will be in Rhode Island for 12 weeks (plus a 2 week break for Christmas!).  He is being stressed out and drilled physically, mentally, and emotionally during this time to prepare him to be an Officer in the Navy.  I am so proud of him and grateful for his hard work to become what he wants to be.  He is such an amazing example to me and I know that he will do his best and succeed at OCS and beyond.  Thanks Mike for all you do for us!

While in Utah, Anabelle and I have been going back and forth between various family members' homes (my parents, Mike's parents, my sister Laura's).  It's been great to have so many places we feel welcome and loved.  Thanks to everyone here for all your support!  Thanksgiving without Mike was certainly not the same, and was difficult at times.  I was able to speak to him for 5 minutes on the phone (which certainly wasn't long enough), but I was so grateful to hear his voice, know that he is okay, and tell him we love and miss him.  He misses us very much, too, and I think will much appreciate the break in December.  We had a good Thanksgiving, spending time with both sides of the family.  Lots of turkey, potatoes, rolls, and pie :)

My dad feeding all the kiddos blueberries
I think they liked it...
Ryder

Anabelle

Graham



Anabelle has been a trooper without her Daddy here.  I have definitely noticed a change in her.  For the first week and a half, she was very fussy, threw tantrums about everything, skipped naps, etc. She is doing much better now, but still gets sad sometimes when I ask her about Daddy.  I am so grateful to have her around.  She is such a spitfire, and very active.  My adorable, fearless, feisty little angel.  Oh how I love her.

Letter writing has become a common habit since Mike left.  I actually really enjoy it.  I feel like there is so much to tell him.  I can tell him all about the mundane things going on and know that he will still love hearing about it.  I haven't received a letter from him yet, but I expect to get one any day now.  It will be interesting to see if he has lost weight from all the exercise or just gained muscle :)  I just can hardly wait to see him.

Happy Holidays to you all!