Thursday, April 9, 2009

Okay, I feel like such a slacker since I haven't posted in 3 months. It's been hanging over my head but there always seems to be something else demanding my time. Mark deployed 2 weeks ago today and is overseas in the middle east. He is still settling in and isn't sure whether this 4 month stint is going to go fast or slow. Probably a little of both! Madsen and I are doing great at home though, enjoying the beautiful weather of Abilene, the friendly people, and all the little projects around the house. We have had lots of people offer to help if we ever find ourselves in a pinch.

We also want to send our congratulations out to our Philly/Boston friends Hari and Heather Sundram who just announced they are expecting their first child! They will be amazing parents and we, knowing how awesome being a first-timer is, are so excited for them.

Madsen is growing and changing so much. He brings me so much happiness, laughter, and satisfaction. He makes me wish I could have a dozen kids. He is working on sitting up, eating solid foods, and going to sleep on his own. Last night I went into his room to check on him before I went to bed and found him like this. I couldn't help but chuckle a little...poor little jailbird!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

The Holidays

Happy Holidays from the Mark Rogers family! There are so many people-friends and family-that we love and miss and we think of you all during this season. We had a fun Christmas holiday. Madsen brought a new joy and meaning to Christmas and we really look forward to the time when he begins to understand the magic of the season and look forward to it, for now we just do it for him. Jen's mom, dad, and two youngest brothers-Matt and Jake joined us for the Christmas holiday. They drove all the way from Utah and spent a week soaking in the wonder that is Abilene, Texas. The weather was nice so Paul, Matt, and Jake helped Mark move a shed from the back of the lot to a more advantageous location near the carport and Paul helped Mark convert the carport from space for 1.5 cars to space for 2 by moving a couple of beams. Everyone helped Jen keep Madsen happy and content-he has never been better taken care of! He coped really well with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, he was patient with all the shopping he had to do with his mom and all the extra friends and family. He seems to be a social little fellow and enjoys making new friends and being amidst the chaos of family life.

Jen and Madsen drove the 16 hours back to Utah with her family to spend the New Year's with them. It was a fun holiday spent with all the family in the area. Mark stayed home in Texas to hold down the fort. He spent his New Year's holiday working on the house and playing a new video game.