Graduation

Erik graduated with his Master's in Security Managment from Bellevue University this past weekend. We were able to go to Omaha for the graduation ceremony. This program was a 18 month long online program. So, for the past 18 months, Erik has worked full time with the USCG, worked part time at GNC, gone to school full time, and for the past 5 months, has been helping to raise our beautiful baby girl. All of this, and he still managed to graduate second in his class with a final GPA of 3.92. Jordyn and I are very proud of him and all the hard work that he put not only into this program, but into everything that he does. Through it all he has been a wonderful husband and friend to me, and a fantastic father to Jordyn. CONGRATULATIONS Erik, We Love You and are very proud of you!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

We went to Omaha, Nebraska for Erik's graduation this past weekend. While there, we were able to visit the Winter Quarter's temple and visitor's center. We also went to the tabernacle in Kanesville where the Mormon batallion left from, and Brigham Young was sustained as the prophet. While at the temple visitor's center, we were able to let Jordyn play in the snow.

New Tricks and Discoveries

Jordyn has a few new "tricks", and because of these "tricks" she has made some new discoveries. She has perfected the art of sitting up (almost, if she leans too far in one direction she still falls over). Since she can sit up she can now reach for things, like her toys... mom's drink... and her toes (which seem to be very tasty).

Jordyn Meets Chloe

Erik and I travled to Houston this past weekend to visit his parents and to gather up somethings we had in storage there. While there, Jordyn got to meet Chloe. Chloe is Erik's Boxer. She has been adopted by his parents, and (thankfully) wont be moving in with us. We were a little nervous as to what Chloe's reaction would be since she still doesn't like me. Here's how that meeting went.

A Walk In The Park

There are days when Jordyn and I start to feel trapped inside our little apartment, especially when the weather outside is aweful. Therefore, to enjoy the sun we've had the past few days, Jordyn and I have taken a few walks in the park. Last Friday, Erik was able to join us and we went down the slides, and played on the swings.Here are a few of the fun things we see on our walks.

A Week of Firsts

I know that there are many "firsts" in the first year of life, but it seems like Jordyn is reaching several of them at the same time. In the past week, she has held a bottle on her own, taken a bubble bath, had her first pigtails, had her first taste of rice cereal, and this morning, she even rolled over (she was playing her her newly discovered feet and next thing I know, she's lying on her belly. I haven't been able to get her to do it again, but I'm sure she will on her own soon.) So, here's to the start of a brand new year, and a whole lot of "firsts."

Four Months

It's hard to believe that our little girl is already four months old. She is growing up so quickly. I love spending my days with this precious little angel, getting to see her budding personality shine through. Jordyn is such a happy little girl, it makes life wonderful. Her smile and her cute little laugh can brighten anyone's day. Yet, her tears and pouts can break a mommy's heart (well, they break this mommy's heart anyway). Jordyn is the center of her parents (and grandparents) world, and she has brought many joys in her short 4 months here with us. I just want to say that I LOVE my little girl. I cherish the moments that I've had with her and look forward to the ones yet to come. Everyday is another chance to get to know this wonderful daughter of God that Erik and I have the privilege to held through her journey here on earth. We are so very grateful to our Heavenly Father for sending us such a wonderful little girl.

This is Jordyn September 2007.

This is Jordyn January 2008.

Our Christmas Activities

This year, Erik and I spent our first Christmas away from family. It was hard for us to get into the Christmas spirit with Erik still having to work and do school assignments. So, to help us out, we made big plans for Christmas Eve, we watched A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town and that evening we were going to go to Celebration in the Oaks, and then to see the bonfires on the levee, however, Jordyn had different plans. She wasn't feeling so well that night, so we ended up having a quiet night at home. We gave Jordyn her bath and then Erik read us The Very First Christmas by Paul L Maier. Then we put our little one to bed. Then Erik was off to the computer and I to the kitchen (an exciting Christmas Eve, I know). Christmas morning Erik was able to go into work late so we were able to sleep in and open presents. There wasn't much under our tree this year, but I think Erik put it best when he said that Santa came to our house early this year. We got our best gift on September 4 when Jordyn joined our family. Jordyn was quite fascinated with the bows on her presents and was actually able to get a good enough grip to rip a few of them off. Then she just wanted to chew on the boxes and wrapping paper. After a quite morning at home, we all went to work with Erik for a few hours. The afternoon was filled with a bit more excitement as Elders White and Gordon came over to join us for Christmas dinner. We had a good visit with the missionaries, and it made for a perfect ending to a good day. Though Erik and I weren't fond of the idea of being away from close friends and family for Christmas, we ended up really enjoying the quite Christmas at home, it helped us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and the amazing gift our Heavenly Father gave us, His Son. We now look forward to spending many quiet Christmas' at home focusing on the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We hope that all of our friends and family had a great Christmas and that they were able to enjoy the season and give thanks for that special gift that gives us reason to celebrate.

Mommy's Little Helper

The weekend before Christmas, I was busy making rolls, and Erik decided that Jordyn need to help me so he could get to working on his final project for school. So, we sat Jordyn in her carseat carrrier and placed her next to me. She's getting to the point in life where she wants to play with the same things that Mommy is "playing" with , so she had fun playing with the measuring spoons.
Looks like our little cook is getting an early start on her career.

Don't worry, I had two sets of spoons, one for me, and one for Jordyn!

Moving

As most of you know... Erik, Jordyn and I are moving the first part of February (we're not sure exactly as to where yet, though things are looking good for jobs in either Maryland, Minnisota, or Texas). So, to help in our move, we are trying to get rid of a few things before we go. As of right now, we have 5 bookcases for sale (pictured below). We have one with 5 shelves ($20) and four with 3 shelves ($15 each). We also have several small appliances that are going for $5.00 each. We have a rice cooker, a waffle iron, a fondu pot, a juicer, and a sandwich maker to name a few. If any one is interested you can email me at astratton@hotmail.com or give me a call at 281-389-6014.