Engrish

I just want to say that these pictures are REAL!  I have seen MANY like these, but was sent these today by my good friend Andrea.  They actually have a website called Engrish.com dedicated to the many instances of "LOST IN TRANSLATION"...  

Although, I wouldn't put it past some people to dry fry some nice ass meat... Who really knows what is actually in that soba that I enjoy so much!  

Proud

Matt received the sweetest letter from our niece Hope for Veterans Day (I am a little slow at blogging about it!).  It's good to know that people are still thinking about our troops, and all that they do.  Matt didn't have to be in Afghanistan for very long compared to most of our other troops, but his service still meant a lot to those he helped rescue!  He received an Air Medal yesterday.  It was so great to watch the ceremony - although we weren't allowed to take pictures.  I was told that 90% of our pilots do not receive this medal, and that Matt personally saved the lives of four individuals.   Four might not be a large number, but think of four spouses without their loved ones, and if each one of those has 2 kids - that's 8 children that lost a parent.  Then there are parents of those four troops, and aunts and uncles, and friends, and so on...  It really puts it into perspective just how much those four saves meant.  I couldn't be prouder of my husband!!  I know that if Matt was on the front lines, I'd want to know that there were capable and caring doctors around him!  

I have always been proud of Matt and all that he does for everyone around him.  Not only is he the greatest daddy, husband, and friend but he is the best and most thoughtful doctor to his patients - making house calls on weekends or holidays when he is needed - this is not in the job description - nor do many other doctors do this, but Matt does it because he truly cares for and supports his pilots and their families.  

So THANK YOU Hopey for your example and for taking the time to write such a sweet and thoughtful letter,  and also thank your teacher for teaching you about Veterans Day.  We really are privileged to have such brave, honorable troops fighting for our freedoms.  

Letter to Miss E - Month 10

Your 10th month of life started out with a bang!  You got to meet Santa Claus, who flew in on an F-15 to see all the kids in the 67th fighter squadron.  You stared at him for a very long time, and when all the other kids got excited, you got excited too.  When it was your turn to sit on his lap though, you wouldn't let go of me.  I have to admit, he scared me a little bit too.  He gave you a book, and since books are your FAVORITE things in the world, you gave him a very shy smile.  We gave you a second chance to sit on his lap, and you were very brave for about 5 seconds...Maybe next year?

Your very first Christmas you slept in until 10am.  That will most likely be the last time that happens!  Your dad and I got to sleep in too - and I even got the day off from cooking since I just had ankle surgery.  I got to play with you all day while dad fixed us a HUGE Christmas turkey dinner with Pappa Malan's rice stuffing!  Since this was your dad's first time fixing such a big dinner on his own,  it took a little longer than normal, and we didn't eat until 8pm.  It was SO good though, and well worth the wait!  We then opened presents.  It took you a little while to get into ripping the paper, but once you realized that it was okay to rip into everything, you decided that you liked it!  Santa brought you a Pound Puppy (stuffed, NOT real), and some more books and a toy sushi set - that you absolutely LOVE to play with.

You are still scooting in your own unique little way, but it gets you to where you want to go and FAST!   You are almost walking all by yourself.  You pull yourself up to furniture and walk all around letting go of one hand and sometimes both.  If you see something you want and even if you think something is on the other side of  something that you can't see, you will "bull dose" your way through whatever that thing is.  Usually, it's me or the couch.  You just put your head down and plow through.  Your daddy has started calling you "Dozer".  You have no fear Em - uhhh...except of Santa...

You have started to clap, and wave - but never on command, just about 5 minutes after you are requested to.  It's pretty funny, because you know you can do it - but you just tease us with it, and you do it when you're good and ready!  (Sounds VERY similar to your daddy... there's always a plan!)  We have also discovered that you hate having your nose wiped.  You would rather smear everything in your hair and eyebrows, and will do this if you see anyone coming close to you with a tissue.  It's become quite the challenge to catch you off guard!  Something we have noticed about you is that whenever you are eating, or sitting in anyones lap - you always cross your feet.  It's pretty funny how relaxed you are!!  Another new favorite is not one that I'm really proud of, but knew that it would happen sooner or later...Your dad introduced you to cookies.  I'm actually surprised and pleased to see him SHARING - but apparently only with you Em.   You automatically expect us to let you taste whatever it is we are eating now.

You LOVE your daddy time Em, and your daddy LOVES his Em time!  The past couple of weeks the two of you have gotten very close.  Even if your dad is fixing dinner, he will strap on the baby carrier and carry you around the kitchen - just so he can spend more time with you.  I love seeing the two of you together.  Daddy and I can't believe how lucky we got with you.  All the years it took to get you were worth it!  And I'd do it all again 100 times for you my girl!