A Letter and a Birthday

Dear Jennifer,

Happy Birthday! It seems like just yesterday that we were all in San Antonio gathered at grandma's house celebrating all the September birthdays.

There's so much I wish to share with you. Stuart got out of the Air Force last summer. He is so much happier now and finally feels like he can "breathe" again. Since getting out, he became a full time student at Midwestern State University. While this decision was not easy for us, it really was the best (and I kind of think he enjoyed the unemployed life). He graduated last month and I couldn't be prouder of him for all his accomplishments. So now all your children have graduated from college. I know that you are beaming with pride!

The job hunt has not been easy but I know that God has a plan (could you put in a good word that he gets a job soon though?).

Tyson is growing into a mini-Stuart. He spends hours building and rebuilding Legos and can not wait till next year when he can go to school. Stuart passed on his knowledge of everything to Tyson and it just makes us all laugh at how much Tyson really does know. He lost his 1st tooth a couple of weeks ago and now tooth #2 is loose. Oh, and he turns F-I-V-E next week!

Tucker is, well, Tucker. He's finally talking more but can still take out a wall if he wants to. He's almost as big as Tyson and already wearing a bigger shoe. He adores Tyson and only wants to do what his big brother is doing. Having Tyson go to school is going to be a major adjustment for him but I think it will be good to have some one-on-one time with my baby. His hair is still red (one of the only things he got from me) and he has the temperament to go with it. We're desperately trying to hurdle the potty training mark, but true to form, Tucker has put up quite the fight.

We added another dog to our house and I think you would laugh at her just as Stu does. Her name is Scout (after the International Harvester Scout II that Stuart has been working on for the last 3 years) and she's a Great Dane. I know, I know. We just love big dogs. Turbo's doing well but sometimes he likes to remind us that he's still top dog.

I have been working at the ER in the hospital for over a year now. I love my job and it has been a blessing to be able to supplement our income while Stuart was busy getting educated. Working nights has not been easy but it kept the boys out of daycare and allowed for both Stu and I to do what we needed to do.

We moved off base and bought our first house in September of 2008. We love having our own space but we also miss being able to call the housing office if our AC breaks or having someone snake our kitchen sink for free at 10 pm.

We miss you so much Jennifer. I wish I could hug your neck one last time or tell how you much I love you. I wish you could see the boys and Stuart. He really misses you.

So on your birthday, have a chocolate cake (with real sugar) or even two!

We love you.