Carter's first Christmas

Carter spent his first Christmas at Auntie Cherie's place. We hit the road early to West Seattle.Everyone was there -Granny, Grandpa, & his two aunts. He got lots more gifts -outfits, bibs, Baby Einstien music & DVD, a filled stocking from Granny.

Carter's first Christmas Eve

Carter opened his gifts from mom & dad and Granny Anne & Grandpa Gary on Christmas Eve. We knew we would have a full house at Auntie Cherie's house on Christmas. He got puppets, books, and lots of cute clothes. One of his most favorite outfits was the polar bear suit.

Carter getting dressed up...

Carter getting dressed up for his first Christmas party. He loved it. He was held by different people all night long.

Hangin' out with his animals

Carter loves to lay in his crib and coo at his animal mobile. He can really get himself going -kicking his legs while cooing at the animals.

Stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey!

Carter was worn out after his first Thanksgiving family get together. He loves to be held so he enjoyed the extra attention.

Still Here!!!

Well, my orders have been cancelled! Surprise surprise! With only 6 days left before I was supposed to leave, I received an official cancellation of my orders last Friday morning. So, I guess I get my 8 months back with my family. God works in awesome ways!

These photos were taken on and around Thanksgiving:

Quick Update...

I know, I know. It's been over a month since my last post. It's been a very stressful time for us the past few weeks. I was informed I was the number 1 candidate to go to Bahrain for temporary duty as a LAN Administrator/Networks Technician. It took a full 2 weeks of being in suspense, waiting and waiting, until I finally found out for sure that I was selected.

I didn't volunteer for this assignment. As much as I enjoy working on computers and anything and everything on the web, leaving my family right now is not something I volunteered for. I specifically stated this on my "impact statement" that I had to fill out, but I guess it wasn't enough. Unfortunately the "needs of the Navy" can really rustle up your family plans.

I don't know exactly why I was chosen. There were hundreds of eligible candidates for this position. Some even volunteered. Somebody somewhere decided I needed to go, and they chose me even over those who volunteered.

I pray every day for God to show me why he is sending me on this trip. It is so hard preparing for something like this and not having a clue as to what to expect. Luckily, I have been in contact with another Navy guy doing the same or similar job I will be doing, and he has filled me in quite a bit as to what to expect and stuff to bring.

For those of you who don't know where Bahrain is, check it out on Google Maps.