Happy Veteran's Day

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. 

John F. Kennedy

"On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free."

- Dan Lipinski

Especially Those Killed in Action
Sgt. Brock H. Chavers, KIA
Spc. Issac L. Johnson, KIA
Staff Sgt. Alex French IV, KIA
1st Sgt. John D. Blair, KIA
Sgt. 1st Class Charles H. Warren, KIA
Spc. Mathew V. Gibbs, KIA
Spc. Jerry L. Ganey Jr., KIA
Spc. Michael J. Stokely, KIA
Cpl. Patrick D. Tillman, KIA
Sgt. Timothy M. Conneway, KIA
Sgt. Anibal Santiago, KIA

Bryan
Rick
Brandon
Pete
Kanaan
Grandpa Robert
Dale
Royal
Roger
Tom
Matt
Mack
Nick I.
Nick A.
Walker
Daniel
Kurt
Brian P.
Melissa
Cahill
Brian E.
Kenny
Mr. Franklin
Ray K.
Ray A.
Chris
Caput
Gonzo
Steve
Barb
Josh
Haven
Griff
Lavant
John F.
Brandon R.
Bravo
Cavalier
Sean

Howard

Persun

Banister

Tracy

Roxie

Drew F.

Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul. 
Michel de Montaigne

Jackism

After I lit the candles this afternoon ...

Mama (sniiiiiifffff) "Mmmmmm. Do you smell that Jack? It smells like Fall!!"
Jack (looks at me like I have 3 heads): "Or it smells like candles."

3 Months Old

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"Three months old and happy as can be!! "

New Truck!

This mama is riding in style, now! The Neal's are proud new owners of an Infiniti QX56.  It's a 2006 with only 33,000 miles and fully equipped with Bluetooth, navigation, DVD player, sunroof, a 3rd row seat - that folds flat, Xenon headlights and a trunk that opens with the press of a button. It's like new. The man we purchased it from is the first and only owner and only drove it back and forth to church. He had some sick rims on it, too - but the original tires were in his garage and we had him put them back on. ;)

Thanks to Craigslist for the awesome find!! It may be a little pretentious, but I love it.

Welcome Luke David Neal

Luke's birth announcement ... better late than never! At least this time I got it out the door before my maternity leave ended - unlike last time!!

All together now, "Awwwww..."

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Luke Goes to School!

Yesterday my maternity leave ended and today I went back to work - and Luke went to school. My heart broke again for the second (and hopefully the last) time. Jack's first day of school being the first time.

Like a zombie, I walked Jack into school and then down the hall to introduce Luke to his new teachers and classroom. Of course he will be just as loved as Jack was - but it's still hard knowing you're not going to get to see that smiling face again for 8 hours.

Jackisms

Another oldie, but goodie ...

Jack and I were sitting on the couch (pre-Luke). All of a sudden a little hand came up from under my armpit and started groping my boob.

Mama: JACK. Please keep your hands to yourself.
Jack: Why, mama? You don't want me to touch your milk?

Jackisms

Jack, Luke and I went to the Isle of Palms, SC this weekend to spend some time with my Georgia Southern friends. Keep in mind we've all known each other since we were 18 and have no personal boundaries anymore (that's 15 years...). While catching up, my friend asks another about basic training ...

Friend 1: Is it true they put stuff in the food so guys don't get boners?
Friend 2: I'm not sure.
Steph: Well, that's an easy thing to figure out - did you get a boner? (obviously being a smart ass)
Friend 2: I'm not discussing that with you, Steph.
Steph: You're right. The last thing I need is Jack talking to me about his boners, too! (seeing it's been a previous issue)
Jack (who was consumed by Diego on the iPad): What Mama!? I DON'T HAVE A BONER!!!!

Lesson learned? Watch what you say ... they are always listening!!

Jackisms

Oldie but goodie. Byah (my mom) was talking to Jack and called him 'Sweetie'. His response?

"I'm not a Sweetie. I am Jack Neal." (pause) "And I'm not a honey, either!"

Jack's 1st Day of Preschool!

Even though Jack moved over to preschool in May, August 7 was Jack's first official day of preschool. Why is that? Because that's the official start of the school year at the Child Development Center at Georgia Southern. AND that's when all of Jack's friends came over from Toddler 1 to preschool as well. (Luke's infant class also started on August 7, however, he won't be going until October 1)

It's like pulling teeth to get Jack to take a picture - much less smile or look at the camera. He's definitely better being captured without him knowing. (see sunflower field photograph for example)

It's amazing the leaps and bounds that Jack grew over the last year. He's no longer in diapers, he speaks amazingly, grammatically correct sentences :), he can touch the bottom the pool, pump a swing, help himself to his own snacks and drinks, dish out his own dinner, pass the butter, dress himself, joke, have conversations, use his manners, draw circles, talk about his feelings, tattle tale, load the dishwasher, open yogurt, talk back to me, tell me I'm not his best friend, manipulate me, reason with me, compromise, negotiate, put his laundry away and tell me he loves me without provoking him.

He's no longer my baby. He's my little boy.