Until We Meet Again

Brody watching CARS while we're packing

As you may have heard, Stuart accepted a firefighter/paramedic job in IL.  On March 7th he received a call letting him know of a "conditional offer" for the job.  That day he purchased his ticket to Chicago.  He took his psych evaluation on his 31st birthday and he relates he could think of a million other ways he would have rather spent his birthday.  The next day he had his physical from 7am to 3pm.  By Saturday, he was back in Florida with the grandparents to help us pack.  We had one week to pack up our house and move to the glorious Land of Lincoln.  We were packing in faith at this point because we still had not received a call for the official offer.  It wasn't until we had the moving van packed that Stuart received confirmation that he passed the psychological and physical exams, which was hours before we pulled out of the driveway with the moving van. Our faith in God is what got us through the strain of applying and testing for different departments, packing a house, saying our goodbyes, and moving two young children over 1,000 miles.  We cannot thank those enough that helped us along the way!! Living in IL was our prayer.  It seemed so far in the distance at times, but we knew God was a loving and faithful God.  That he had a plan for our family that was FAR better than our expectations could imagine.  As written in Luke 11:13, "So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him."  We praise God each and every day for answered prayers that our children have the privilege to be close to their grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins!

Brody when you're older, ask your father the moving truck story debacle.

Florida will always have a very special place in our hearts.  We have experienced many exciting new adventures here in the Sunshine State.  It is where I heard those four magical words "Will you marry me," exchanged our vows, our family grew to three, Brody took his first steps, Olivia made her surprise debut two weeks early, made incredible friendships, ate countless family dinners at the fire station, taught and learned from some amazing kiddos and teachers, dedicated Brody and Olivia at Faith Fellowship (our amazing church family), and made so many other unforgettable memories.  I will never forget the 5 years we spent in Brevard County, especially the beautiful WARM weather!! It is not only the place where our family grew in size, but stronger through all the ups and downs a year may bring.  Here's a glimpse of some of the AMAZING friends and places we'll always cherish in the place we called "home" for the past 5 years (12 for Stuart!).

My two incredible teacher friends, Angela and Lucy.

Our fire station family at SBFD

Brody and Liv with our wonderful sitter, Dee!

One of our last walks to Daddy's fire station

Brody hanging out with his buddy, Isabella. We will truly miss her and her family!

SBFD's AMAZING secretary Paula, or as Brody knows her as, the lady who always had candy when he visited the station. :)

Beach Babies

Aunt Becky came to visit last month to do a week of clinicals in Vero Beach.  We spent the weekend at the beach before her grueling week of driving back and forth to clinicals.  Little did we know, it was our last trip to the beach before the big move.  It was Livi's first time soakin' up the sun with an ocean view.  Brody had a blast building sandcastles with his Aunt Becky and Daddy.  They did manage to put their feet in the ocean too.  Brr...was it cold!  While they were busy playing in the sand, Livi and I left to venture back home because someone was getting fussy.  Daddy thinks I was wanting to leave early because the sand was blowing on me, however in my defense it was blowing on Livi too!

Brody checking on his sissy

Brody and Livi really enjoyed having their Aunt Becky around.  However, Aunt Becky did mention that all Livi did was eat, cry, and poop during most of her stay.  Oh silly Becky!  Even though she's not use to babies yet, we still love her.  Thankfully, we get to see her more often now with Daddy's new job.  Below is a picture of Aunt Becky, Brody, and Livi snuggling while watching Brody's favorite movie Cars.  This was our little bedtime routine while Daddy was at the station.  We would snuggle up on the couch while watching one of Brody's favorite movies.  After I would get his pjs on and his choc choc made, Brody would sit on the couch and pat the spot beside him waiting for you to come sit by him.  It was sooo sweet!

I Never Knew How Much I Loved Your Daddy Until I Saw How Much He Loved You

We celebrated Stuart's 31st birthday last month.  He spent his actual birthday taking an eight hour psych test for the job of a firefighter/paramedic at a department in IL, which he got I might add.  (I know...a real party animal) 

The following week, we celebrated his birth with delicious cupcakes while packing up our house to move back to the good ole state of IL.  When you get older birthdays are just another day, however I don't want to get into the habit of thinking that.   I thank God each and every day for the AMAZING husband and friend he has placed in my life, but most of all the loving father he has given our children.  Brody and Livi not only have a dad but a coach, friend, child thrower (and catcher of course!), wrestler, comedian, songwriter (best one at making up his own lyrics to nursery rhyme tunes), racecar driver, hair stylist (with little hair that Livi has), professional swaddler, booger sucker and so much more!  Where most firefighters work a second job away from home, our daddy feels that it wouldn't compete to the one he already has playing with his kids.  Here are a few snapshots of Brody and Livi with the best dad EVER!

Brody helping Daddy take apart Sissy's glider.

Daddies make the best pillows

Happy Valentine's Day!

For Valentine's Day, we took pictures of the kiddos for the grandparents.  We tried to take advantage of living in Florida and took some on the beach, however the cards were not in our favor.  The wind and sand were not a good mix for Liv to be outside.  Not to mention, the big nose dive Brody did while walking in the sand.  As we picked him up, he had a huge pile of sand in his mouth.  Yuck!!  Therefore, inside pictures it was! Not to tut our own horn, but they turned out pretty cute.  Of course taking pictures of these cute kiddos made it easy.:)

A Quick Trip to the Midwest

We flew up to Illinois to introduce our newest addition to the fam.  The 2 1/2 hour flight was an eventful ride, to say the least.  We arrived at the gate about an hour early and ate some breakfast.  Stu and Brody sat at the gate while Liv and I went to get the food.  I wore a Moby Wrap with Livi so I could hold her and the food at the same time.  I'm sure it was a sight to see.:)  There never was a dull moment traveling with two kids under two.  Sissy did FANTASTIC on the plane and slept the whole way there.  Brody, on on the other hand, had a different agenda.  He did well for a 1 1/2 year old.  Thank goodness for technology!! Our portable DVD player entertained him for most of the trip, except for those restless moments where he stood on his chair to talk to the people behind us.  The last 40 minutes of the plane ride both kiddos were asleep.  Ah, what a beautiful sight it was.

Brody enjoying a healthy breakfast :)

Liv snoozing in the Moby

We were very excited for everyone to meet our sweet baby girl.  Brody and Livi enjoyed playing with all their buddies.  It was the first time Livi met her cousins on the Blade/Tweryon side.  Hadley was especially excited to love on her.  It was too cute!!

Liv getting loved on by Aunt Heather and the girls.

During our stay, one of my good friends from high school stopped by with her little boy Caden.  Caden is actually a little over a week older than Livi.  Who knows..he might be a potential suitor?!?!

We ended the trip at the Hilton Garden.  We got a hotel room so all the cousins on both sides could swim.  It was Liv's first time in the pool.  She was not a fan.  We had her in the pool long enough to take a picture.  Brody, on the other hand, had a blast.  He couldn't get enough of it!! It was also the first night away from Livi.  She stayed with Granny and Papa Don, while Brody stayed with Nana and Papa Clark.  Thank you guys for all that you do!! It was almost TOO quiet for Stu and I to fall asleep that night.

Cousin and Livi's One Month Pictures

During our visit in Illinois, we took some cousin pictures as well as Livi's one month pictures.  It's crazy how fast time flies!!  Taking pictures with these little guys is definitely a entertaining task.  Unless, you want everyone smiling and looking at the camera, then it could be a little frustrating, just a bit.:)  Thank you Aunt Krista for taking them.  They turned out cute as always!

Brody giving Liv a kiss :)

Love her little smirk!

Look at those sweet cheeks!

Brody and Kami

Blade/Tweryon Cousins

Blade/Stuckey Cousins

Livi's Baby Dedication

We dedicated to raise Livi in the Christian faith at our church in January.  She was perfect during the service.  We brought Brody into big church for the dedication too.  He enjoyed being on stage and watching the children's message beforehand. 

Praying for Liv

Liv and Pastor Jeff

Thank you Dee for taking pictures during Liv's dedication!!

Love her smile!!