The Stroms

2008-08-21T14:53:00.001-04:00

Hanging out at the room.

Having fun at the Zoo.

Getting ready for the party that night.

2008-08-21T14:33:00.003-04:00

Over the last month we have been busy getting to know San Antonio. Last week we celebrated both Taylor's birthday and our 4th Wedding Anniversary. For Taylor's birthday we decided to take her to the Zoo. She is so big into (for whatever reason) elephants, alligators, and of course monkeys. We had a blast but I think Paul had more fun than anyone. This was our second trip to the Zoo since we have been here. Paul's parents came down a couple of weekends ago and the wanted to take Taylor too. We were so excited to share our anniversary together this year because we haven't always been able to be together on our actual anniversary. We had a wonderful evening together!
Just an update on Paul and his class. He has done very well so far! He has very long days usually 5:30-5:00 and most days they include a Flight Simulator and an actual flight. Tomorrow will be his check ride and this is very important because this concludes his flight training and will begin a new program that shows him how to teach others to fly the aircraft. Please keep him in your prayers tomorrow!!!

2008-08-13T14:52:00.001-04:00

2008-07-16T22:32:00.004-04:00

As I sit here diving into a bowl of peach pie a la mode I think back over the last couple of months since my last up-date. I think I will just start where I left off on my last post. So we put the house on the market and it sold literally a week and a half later, I have to say we were really, really lucky. The buyers wanted to move in before Paul finished up at work so he just roomed in with a neighbor while Taylor and I stayed with Mom and Dad in Mississippi for the month. During that month we did a lot of fun things with the family like playing with her cousin Drew, welcoming the newest addition to Smith clan- Cameron Harris, and lots of swimming and riding in Grammies super cool wagon.

For those of you who don’t know, we got an assignment to go back to Columbus, MS where Paul will be an Instructor Pilot. We are both super excited about this because Paul will be home almost every single night and we will be back home with my folks for a while. It’s just such a blessing not only to know that Paul will be home and safe but to also be surrounded with family again.

On the first of July we packed up and made our way to Texas for Paul’s training (more on that later) and on our way we made a pit stop at Paul’s parents where we spent the 4th holiday with them. Both of Paul’s sisters and their families were able to make it out which is rare because we can’t ever get the whole family together at the same time. So we are in San Antonio, TX for the next 4 months and it’s so awesome. Our living situation could be better but we both know the Lord has us here for a reason. We are living in a one-room dorm on base that has a bed, a chair, and a desk. So we have Taylor’s mattress in the bottom of our only closet and our bed is literally right next to the door. No kidding, we can actually hear her sleeping…. Thank goodness she is a hard sleeper! I think she has already adjusted to us talking and moving around. There is no kitchen just a small fridge and a sink. I refuse to eat out everyday for the next 4 months so I bought a toaster oven and an electric skillet. I’ve learned you can cook just about anything in either of those. Other than the room situation we have it made. We are in a wonderful area with so many things to do. I have a handful of random pictures over the last two months, enjoy.

Day at the lake

2008-05-01T13:08:00.005-04:00

Okay so Paul has had serious boat fever lately and he thought it would be fun to get out on the lake. Macon has a huge lake that is so nice because it has a great beach with great playground equipment for Taylor to play on. All together there was 7 of us and a dog on two boats. On this day the sun was out and it felt so great outside, I just wish I could say the same about the water. The boys got out on the water skiing and the girls....of course were too chicken, except Taylor. Once we got to the location to anchor the boats she was dying to feel the water. I thought I could just stick her toes in and she would be done (because it was so cold) but she wanted to get all the way in. Last summer we did get Taylor out on the lake but she wasn't crazy about riding on the boat but this time she loved it. It was so cute because she clapped and cheered YAY!! the whole time and when we would stop she would say "Go, Go Goooo!" . We had a great time and we all got a little sun while we were there. Hopefully we will have a chance to get back on the water before we move again. Enjoy the pictures!!

2008-04-28T14:37:00.002-04:00

Okay, okay… I know it has been way to long but I thought I should update everyone on what’s been going on over in Georgia. Since we got home and settled after the new year I’ve been convicted to spend more time with my family. I am so lucky to be so in love with such a wonderful man and for him to love me back, not to mention the little girl that brings tears to my eyes with every new thing she does. I have been selfish with my family’s time because when we are together we are together. So here is what has happened in the last few months…

Paul has started another job (other than flying) that’s a little more demanding, but I think its always good to be placed in situations like that because you are forced to learn something new. With that being said he will not be doing it much longer because we just received our assignment and we are moving back home to Columbus, MS where he will be an Instructor Pilot. We are both excited about this because 1. He will be home every night 2. We will be surrounded with family and friends (never take that for granted) 3. Taylor will get the opportunity to really know her Grammy and Pop, need I say more? We are so excited that God has given us this opportunity.

About Taylor….ahhhh I really do tear up just thinking about her. Taylor will be Turning 2 in August and I just can’t believe it. She is a fireball but is one of the most loving babies in the world. She is so in love with her Daddy!! Even when Paul tells her no she somehow gets mad at me for it, go figure. We spend our days mostly reading, playing outside, or with friends. We are so lucky to have the very best playground right in the neighborhood, so we are always there or in the backyard. She has begun to really talk lately. She tries to say everything you say no matter what it is and her tongue gets so tangled up. I have to say she got the talking thing from her Daddy because anyone who knows Paul knows that he is a talker. We are still big on playdates because I think it is very important for Taylor to be involved with other children but I in turn have grown to really love the different moms that we play with. I honestly am going to miss them and our Church more than anything. We are going to miss our house, but I guess we just never got attached to it because our home has been in so many different places on this assignment. We just call home wherever we are together.

I know this catch-up doesn’t do justice but it’s a start and I will try to get back into this blogging thing again. Enjoy the pics, more to follow.

One the road again.

2007-12-29T21:32:00.000-05:00

Over the last month or two we have been doing some traveling again, imagine that. First off we had to go to Altus, OK for Paul’s upgrade training. He is now able to teach other how able to teach others how to fly the KC-135, pretty cool huh? This course lasted for about a month and a half, which was nice because we were able to visit Paul’s parents in Paris, TX on the weekends. Once we finished in Oklahoma we made a stop at my parents in Columbus and continued to make our way home. Three days after arriving home in Georgia we repacked and headed back to Columbus for Christmas vacation. And we are currently one our way to Destin, FL to see Paul’s side of the family for Christmas/New Years Vacation. Poor Taylor has been a real trooper. I will fill everyone in on Taylor’s Christmas on the next post. Until then merry Christmas and happy New Year!!

Our Sweet Girl

2007-10-07T14:17:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted in quite sometime, things have been super busy around here. When I'm not chasing Taylor I am usually cleaning up the mess left behind her. I wouldn't have it any other way. I have been spoiled because Paul has been able to spend some extra time at home between trips so I've kinda got used to having him around during the day. Next week we leave for Texas (whoowhooo, we haven't been home forever) ,Jordan Paul's little sister is getting married to a wonderful man named AJ. After the wedding they will be moving to San Diego where he will be working for Young Life Group. We are both in the wedding and even Taylor is walking down with us. I would be really nervous but it is an outdoor wedding out on the farm so it will be pretty casual. I'll be sure to post some pictures. Anyway here are some pictures of us goofing off.(we seem to do alot of that) One is of Taylor and her favorite necklace, she always seems to find it and put it on. Enjoy!!

Paul's Trip

2007-10-07T14:04:00.000-04:00

Last week Paul was able to take a little trip to the Mediterranean with work. That's really all that I can say. He got to see some pretty unbelievable places. Sometimes I'm pretty envious of his job. Here are some pictures. Hope you enjoy!!!

Daddy's Home

2007-09-06T18:21:00.000-04:00

Yes Paul is home again. I would have posted earlier but we have been so busy. It's so good to have him home, Mommy and Taylor are both happier now. Paul and I both were curious to see if Taylor would remember him because last time he was deployed she was so small. We went to meet him at the jet and she practically ran to him, she was so excited to see him. No doubt she remembered him. We went home (Columbus) this past weekend for Labor Day and it was great to see everyone. Taylor had a great time playing with her Cousin Drew and her Future Best Friend Michaela Clardy. Since then we have been hanging out at the house which we haven't been able to do in awhile so it was very nice.

Every Wednesday Taylor and I have a playdate with a few other friends. This week I hosted and we took all the kids to the pool. We had such a great time swimming and splashing. After swimming everyone came in for lunch. I think all the kids had a record breaking nap that day. Thanks girls for the visit, I had such a great time.

Ready For Church

2007-08-20T16:56:00.000-04:00

These pictures were taken last Sunday after church. I was so excited about going to church because I really needed some time away from Taylor to decompress. I really don't know how single parents do it because she is nonstop these days. So that morning I get us ready for church, get her checked into nursery, and get settled into the early service. I should preface all this by telling you that Taylor is cutting all 4 teeth on top (so she has been a LITTLE cranky) Anyway, about 10 minutes into the service I see her number blinking on the projector screen. I go and check on her and see that she is really really upset, so I gather our things and we go home. After we get home I start fixing her lunch, feed her, and get her down for a nap. After about 1 1/2 hours she wakes up and couldn't be happier, I think she just wanted her momma. Yesterday we tried the whole thing again and she was an angel, and Mom got to redirect her focus for a few hours (it was wonderful) Her teeth haven't all come in yet but she is feeling much better and so am I.

Happy Anniversary

2007-08-14T22:20:00.000-04:00

Although it isn't your typical anniversary I am just happy I have such a wonderful person to share it with. Yes Paul is still gone and no we didn't spend our anniversary together but it was still a special day. I am so lucky to be married to such a wonderful man. I am glad to have someone who values family the way he does. We do spend alot of time apart but I have never once doubted his love for us. He always makes sure Taylor and I know how much he loves us. I know we have only been married to 3 years now but it seems like its been so much longer and I see that as a good thing. We have been through so much already and it only makes us love eachother more. I love him more every single day and I really really mean that. It is truly a blessing to have someone that you really love to spend your life with. Paul and I had to learn very early that it isn't the days you should focus on its your time. We have missed milestones in our marriage but we haven't missed out on quality time. When we are together we are together and enjoy eachother. So one our anniversary we didn't do anything special be we both took time to remember how lucky we both are and that's what really matters. So Honey if you can ready this I love you and you make me so happy. Happy Anniversary.

Paul and I on our honeymoon in Kauai, Hawaii

Dig In, Yum Yum

2007-08-12T16:36:00.000-04:00

All of these pictures were taken when Paul and I had her sweet little party before he had to leave. We all had a great time eating that yummy cake.

Happy Birthday Taylor

2007-08-09T16:40:00.001-04:00

Hey Everyone here is a month by month slideshow of Taylor, I hope everyone enjoys. I can't believe she is already a year old, time flys. I love my sweet girl so much and I can't imagine life without her. What a blessing she is. I love you Baby Taylor.

2007-08-08T18:13:00.000-04:00

Today we had another busy busy day. This morning Taylor and I got up, ate breakfast, and met with her play group. The second picture was taken after playing everyone, and by playing I mean bumping her head. No her head isn't misshapen that's just a huge goose egg on the side of her head. We had a wonderful time Taylor just playes too rough. After play group we came home took a nap and met at Monkey Joes to play with our friends from the Base. We had lots of fun but Taylor is officially pooped. I think she will be going to bed early tonight, that's a good thing for me because I have to mow the grass tonight when she goes to sleep.

Update on Paul:
Today I received an e-mail from him telling me that he wouldn't be able to call or e-mail me. This is the first time we have been apart without communication. So I challenge everyone to continue with the prayers. He did tell me that he could check his e-mail but just couldn't have any communication going out. I am hoping he will be able to check the blog, this is the easiest way to keep him up on Taylor. I don't know how long he will be gone and I really don't know how I will find out when he is coming home. So just keep us in your prayers. Until then enjoy the many post between now and then.

2007-08-07T20:30:00.000-04:00

For those of you who dont know this weekend I went to Columbus to get ready for Baby Taylor's birthday party. Paul had an exercise at work and was going to meet us Sunday in time for her party. Well Saturday afternoon I was having lunch with Paul's mom and sister (who were in town) when he called to tell me he was deploying in the morning. I said my goodbyes, packed my bags, and hit the road. Taylor and I made it back to Georgia that night around 10:00pm to see Paul before he had to leave. We did have to cancel Taylor's birthday party because I felt it was more important for me to be with Paul. But that night we did have a little party for Taylor, just the three of us. Even through things didn't go as planned we had a great evening and a special birthday for Baby Taylor. I will us my blog to keep everyone up to date on Paul as he is deployed. He wasn't able to tell me anything about it, honestly he didn't even know anything about it until he went in that morning. I know people wonder how Paul and I do it but God gives us both such a great peace about these hard time and blesses us so much in the good times. We really do love our life and I know it's because of Christ. We are truly truly blessed to love eachother so much and to have such a wonderful family. Anyway, before I get upset I wanted to share some pictures of Taylor I took today in her wagon that her Aunt Becca and Uncle Jeremy painted for her for her birthday. Thanks Aunt B, I love you and miss you so much!!! Hope everyone enjoys.

Finally Home

2007-08-02T09:04:00.000-04:00

It has been so nice to be home, finally. The house has been difficult trying to get back in order but I just haven't worried about it because I'm just happy to be home. I think Taylor and I have been swimming every single day just because we can. Taylor sure is a little fish, she just doesn't get tired of the pool, even after 1 1/2 hours. I have to take a picture in her full swim get-up, she looks so cute. Anyway, Paul and I got each other new camera last night for our anniversary. I am still learning how to use it but here are a few pictures to share with that shiny new camera.
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Here is a picture of Taylor in her big girl carseat

Playing with Mommy in the Kitchen

Wishing she was outside with Daddy and Molly (our dog) in the backyard.

And She's Off

2007-07-19T23:25:00.000-04:00

This week Taylor and I have been in Columbus while Paul is doing some work in Puerto Rico. We have had so much fun on our visit. I wish everyone could see Taylor and her cousin Drew play together, they are hilarious. It's so funny how different two babies could actually be. Taylor is the sweet girly little girl and Drew is all boy into everything, always in trouble (but still a sweetie too) But they are just so funny to watch together. Someday when I have the time I am going to post a video of the two in action then everyone would understand. Tonight they were both playing so hard with one another that they were falling all over everything in sight (delirious you might say) Anyway, the reason for the post is I wanted to update everyone on us. Taylor is walking and so into everything she can get those little hands on. I feel like I have rushed walking and now that it's here I realize that I am going to be chasing her for the next 18 years. Her new nickname is Frankenstein because that's what she looks like running around. We are having the best time and I am so glad that I get to be home for a bit so that her Grammie and Pop are able to see her too. I'm sorry I don't have any new pics yet because my parents computer isn't compatible with my Apple stuff. Hopefully I will have some new ones soon to share. Until then we will be planning her 1st birthday bash since it's right around the corner.

Playing Peek-a-boo

2007-07-12T14:23:00.000-04:00

Here is my sweet Taylor playing a fun game of Peek-a-boo. I can't get enough of her.

Taylor Turns 11 Months Old

2007-07-12T11:06:00.000-04:00

I just can't believe how quickly they grow up. I have always been told "they grow up too fast, you better enjoy it" and they really really do. It seams like yesterday we just brought her home from the hospital and now she is taking steps and jabbering constantly. So for all of you new parents, I know you hear it all of the time.... Please enjoy it because they REALLY do grow up so fast. Anyway, here are some pictures of Taylor on her 11 month birthday. I hope you enjoy!!

We Made It!!!

2007-07-10T20:53:00.000-04:00

After a terrible time of delayed flights and lost luggage (including Taylor's car seat) we finally made it. Paul and I were both due a much needed vacation. Last Friday we left for Buena Vista, Colorado, and Spring Canyon, a lodge run by OCF (Officer's Christian Fellowship). They were having a marriage seminar all week long. So not only did we get to relax and have fun, but we also got to work on our marriage. Paul and I have fortunately visited some awesome places since we have been married. Enjoy these pictures!

All Smiles

2007-06-26T16:33:00.000-04:00

So today I wanted to take some pictures of Taylor's first tooth, little did I know she would cheese so much. I put a blanket down to take pictures on and she got so tickled playing peek-a-boo she couldn't even sit still. I can't believe how fast she is growing up, I keep telling her to slow down but she just doesn't listen. Anyway, I hope everyone enjoys these pictures of our silly little girl.

"I played too hard"

2007-06-25T16:37:00.000-04:00

These Sweet pictures were taken at Paul's ball game last Friday. The game didn't start until 1:30 in the afternoon so it was very hot. Also, you mommas know that is nap time. Well, Taylor wasn't going to let this game stand in the way of her nap. She played so hard with the other kids, and got so hot, and then just crashed. So cute!!

Here are some pictures of Paul playing and yes that's him in the penalty box. He ended up getting thrown out, boys just play too rough.

The Strom's are comming!!!

2007-06-22T08:16:00.000-04:00

My wonderful in-laws are coming to visit us this weekend while we are still in Alabama. They are driving all the way from Texas to visit us or should I say Taylor. We haven't had a chance to see them since Thanksgiving and that's just too long. I know so many people say this but I really do mean it... I truly have the best in-laws anyone could ask for and I am just so happy to see them. I will add the pictures we take this weekend as quick as I can. We are going to have a great weekend.

Taylor 3months

Happy Birthday Celesete

2007-06-20T11:46:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Celeste!!! I wish I could be there for such a special day. I love you and miss you so much!!

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-06-20T11:27:00.001-04:00

2007-06-19T16:47:00.001-04:00

Cutest thing ever

2007-06-18T16:53:00.000-04:00

Ok, I had to get on as quick as I could to write this down. Taylor just did the cutest thing that I have ever seen and I know you can't understand until you have see it yourself. She was crawling around playing and the light hit just right to create a shadow in front of her. Anyway, she looked down and saw it so she decided to chase it. Yes, she chased her own shadow it was hilarous. She went on to play with it, flaying her arms at it. So Cute! Am I a proud momma or what?

Happy Father's Day

2007-06-17T21:03:00.000-04:00

2007-06-17T20:07:00.000-04:00

Today was Paul's very first Father's Day. I can't even describe to you the daddy he has become. We have been so increadibly blessed. I just love to watch Him and Taylor together, she is very much a daddy's girl.

This is Paul enjoying a nice cup of espresso from the espresso maker that Taylor and I got him for Father's Day.

This sweet picture was taken today when we took Daddy out for a nice breakfast.

2007-06-15T12:32:00.000-04:00

2007-06-15T12:01:00.000-04:00

2007-06-15T10:08:00.000-04:00

Where to start

2007-06-15T08:28:00.000-04:00

For those who have not been able to keep up with us, where do we begin????
This is by far the busiest summer we have had since we have been married. Paul was deployed Feb. thru April so Taylor and I went to Columbus, Ms to visit my parents. This is the first time I've been able to go home for Paul's deployments because I had always been working in the past. Now that I am staying home with Baby Taylor I am able to travel more freely. Anway, so he was delpoyed and got home in April. We were home in Ga. for a week then we were sent to Tampa, Fl. for 3 1/2 weeks while they were repaving the runway in Robins. Familys were encouraged to join the guys because let's just say...their schedules were pretty relaxed. We returned to Georgia for a week, just enough time to unpack and repack to go to Montgomery, Al for the remainder of the summer. Paul is in a training program and I am here because we are together every chance we get. We added it up and we have only been at our home in Georgia for maybe 10 days since February. Sounds a bit crazy right?? With all this being said we have had a blast going non-stop. I am going to load some pics of us across our crazy summer.

2007-06-14T21:40:00.000-04:00