Us.

So much to blog about, so little time to do it.  Or perhaps I have just bumped blogging down a bit on my priorities list? Whatever the case, I thought I'd do a little update on us. All of us . . .

We were blessed to have Bryce join us in Michigan in September while we were home.  It was great to spend "down time" with him.  This guy knows a little bit about everything, and he is just plain fun to hang out with.  He is enjoying his new base in South Carolina, and spent this last weekend refinishing hard wood floors in his rental--he is multi talented!  I was going to say something here about a pretty girl in another state . . . but I might get myself into trouble so . . .

On to my son-in-love-bird, Frankie, who received a great promotion last week at work!  Frankie has worked hard to prove himself capable and not only did he receive the promotion he deserved, but a raise that was above "the norm" for his new position.  We reap what we sow!  Congratulation Frankie! We are so proud of you.  

And my girlie?  Five days away from her due date, and looking absolutely beautiful.  I sat in church last Sunday with my hand on her very round tummy as little man gave his mama his best right jab.  So absolutely thankful to be able to share those sweet moments with her.  Earlier this week we folded adorable stacks of teeny tiny baby laundry.  Loved it.  And speaking of love, look at this . . .

my girlie is officially graduated, with highest honors!  She walked the stage in May, but had three very tough summer courses to complete before receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Mexican American Studies, from The University of Texas San Antonio.  She took her finals just before we left for vacation the end of August, and finally took the official photos a couple of weeks ago!  Taylor Marie, we are incredibly proud of all of your years of hard work, it wasn't easy-- but in the same style that you live your life, you never failed to give it your best!  We are thrilled for you, and so proud.

And then there's these guys.  Our new Newlys, doing great in Austin.  Brady was recently hired by Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, something he never imagined himself doing, but he's really enjoying it!  He is learning a lot, the job is rewarding, and the hours and benefits are great!  Sloane, who was so very intimidated about her transfer from Spokane to Austin with REI, is "rockin' it"-- as her new husband would say.  There has even been mention of a possible management position in Sloane's future--big stuff for our sweet girl who was so very nervous about her new job in the big city.  I'm so proud of how these young birds are flying on their own! 

And my littles . . . growing every day.  I must say I like eight year old boys. It's the perfect mix of little/big.  Big enough to be a great helper, but still little enough to need mama snuggles and hugs.  Big enough to scoop up his little sister, little enough to still have tea parties with her.  But, shhhh, cause he's big enough he wouldn't want me to tell you the tea party thing.  Oh, and big enough to go on nice long trail rides with daddy, which they both thoroughly enjoy!

And my little bird, she's not so little anymore.  Must be the half part of the seven and a half!  Her attitude is way bigger than her skinny little jeans--just sayin'.  She works hard at her schoolwork, and handwriting is her favorite subject.  She loves to draw, and she plays with her dolls and dollhouse chattering away for hours.  She had new tubes put in her ears two weeks ago, and told me that very day that her ears felt soooo much better.   She is very, very excited about becoming an aunt! 

We went camping near Austin over Columbus Day weekend, and the Newlys were able to come hang out with us for a day.  It's so fun to watch the youngest of my bigs hang out with my littles.  They really enjoy each other's company, and it makes my heart so happy!

The fall seems to be flying by . . . we've all had some unwanted "down time" due to a nasty sinus sort of bug that we all took turns with. We had a great baby shower for our soon-to-arrive grandlittle (that I really need to blog about).  We've had fun filling our shoeboxes for the Haitian orphans that our church sponsors.  We've sorted, and simplified-- and sold stuff this past weekend at the base flea market.  Even the littles worked hard to pare down their stuff and are now praying about what to do with their profits, 'tis good!

The Chief's retirement invitation is officially in circulation. February 1, 2013 will be a very big day for our family, as Bryan's 30 year military career comes to a close.  It is scary and exciting all rolled into one!  In some ways it seems as though he was just breaking the news to me that he had enlisted for six years instead of four (I didn't take it well), and in other ways it's been a very long journey.  It's reassuring to know that the Lord will be just as faithful to direct our new steps, as He has been to lead us through our journey thus far.

Last but not least, a sweet praise report to add to our little family update.  Three months ago Taylor and Frankie set a goal to raise $1,111 toward a charity:water well before the baby's due date on 11/11.

Bit by bit, by the hands of many (and hard work by the mama and daddy-to-be), the donations have come in--and the total has gone up . . . and up . . . and up.  I am very pleased to announce that as of last night, a very generous donation of $300 (by an anonymous donor) topped off Baby Rodriguez's well!  Add to that a couple of more donations by precious friends, and we have overflowed the goal!  The current total is $1,157 and has the potential to go higher before the little man's campaign ends on November 11th.  Thank you to all who have generously given to this project.  What better way to celebrate a new life than by the gift of clean, life-giving water!  God is good.

By his grace, I will be writing my next blog post as a grandma.  Please keep my Taylor girl, Frankie, and their little man, in your prayers as Taye draws close to delivery.

Life is good.  My nest is blessed.

Blessings from my nest ~

Tina