Max is EIGHTEEN Months Old!

A year and a half!!!!!  Wow, and he is getting bigger every day.  It is amazing the difference a month (or a few months for that matter) can make.  Max has lost much of his "baby" look and is a little boy these days! He is on the go all the time, and is so much fun!

Max's stats:

• Weighs 24 lbs - was 30th percentile for weight, 35th for height and 50th for his head!
• Talking, talking, talking.....says lots of words now including mama, daddy, nana, poppy, paw paw, Bear Bear, Drew Drew, Kelsey, teacher, ball, car, truck, dog, hippo, rhino, cat, buck, home, house, nite nite, and more!
• Loves being a "helper" at school.
• Best buddy: Drew Drew
• Loves balls - baseball, football, soccer balls, bowling balls, etc.
• Love cars and trucks!
• Cries when we leave him.
• Loves to paint at school.
• Sleeps 8 - 6 or 7 at night.
• Takes one nap (12 - 2 p.m.)
• Eats well - loves salad, lima beans, green beans, pizza!, cheese, snack foods, turkey, chicken nuggets, corn, fruit cups, bananas, breakfast bars, oatmeal, etc.
• Drinks milk and water.
• Loves to say "NOOOOO".
• Frequents time out every day (not everyday really)....but he has started hitting a little (mostly himself strangely), sometimes biting, etc.  Gotta love that!
• Overall, listens very well!
• Helps to clean up if you ask him to help.
• When we pull into the neighborhood he starts screaming "home, home, home" which sounds more like "hum, hum, hum".  Too cute!
• Very playful - and a daredevil at a young age :-)
• Has crazy funny facial expressions!
• Still loves to dance!

He is so much fun!  Looking forward to everyday because he is learning so fast.  We love you, Max!

"I did it, mama"

Max leans back like this when he says "whoaaaa"



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My kissing monster. He wants to kiss you all the time!



The Legacy We Leave Behind...

I saw a story of a young  man, Ben Breedlove, who passed away on Christmas day this year.  Prior to his passing, he left a video behind of his "story" as he battled a severe and dangerous heart condition since birth.  His story shares his struggles to be "normal" given his limitations, how he cheated death 3 times and what he experienced each of those times. 

It is nothing short of an amazing story.  I am certain that when the Lord created this young man that he mapped out his experiences knowing that he would be courageous enough to share his story with the world.  I don't know how anyone can watch/read stories like this and not believe in a heavenly Father....a Savior....a Prince of Peace. 

Please watch...

Part 1 (4 minutes):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmlTHfVaU9o

Part 2 (3 minutes):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4LSEXsvRAI&feature=related

I know that he has led people to beginning a relationship with Jesus....what a powerful legacy to leave behind.

So, what is your legacy? 

Reasons Why I LOVE December!

It's my favorite month.......for sure!

• It's Jesus' birth month!  I love Christmas. It is my favorite holiday.
• Everyone seems to have extra cheer in their voice!
• I know I will definitely get to see family....because of the holidays.
• I LOVE Christmas trees.....and Christmas lights.....and Christmas smells.....and Christmas calendars....and Christmas music.....and Christmas shopping.....and Christmas stories.
• It's my birthday month :-).
• It is a great time to reflect on all the blessings from this past year and get amped for a wonderful year to come.
• In addition to people just seeming happier....everyone is so eager to give!  What a great environment.
• I love using the fireplace.

There are endless reasons why I love this season.....and I'm very thankful that it is December 1st already!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Max is SEVENTEEN months old!

Seventeen months.....or 17?  LOL.  He is a little man for sure.  I was talking to my mom today as I dropped Max off at school.  He walked in right beside me, just like a big boy.  It dawned on me that I don't have to carry him into school anymore. I don't have to feed him anymore (unless it is something like soup or things that require a spoon sometimes). I don't have to help him up the stairs.  He is just getting so big.

But, one thing is for sure.....he definitely still needs my love <3. 

So, Max is now 17 months old!  And he is a hoot.  He is a talkin', dancin', gigglin' machine. 

About Max:

• Words: baseball, teacher, mama, dada, nana, doggie, water, ready, go, eat, ball, bear, cup, more, uhoh, thank you (so cute), hello, cracker, and more....
• Favorite things to do: read, play outside, go down slides, play with cars, play with sports balls, run around, color, play hide and seek.
• Sleep: bedtime between 7:30 - 8 p.m. Usually wakes around 6:30 or 6:45, but we've had a string of disrupted nights due to teething lately.
• Naps once a day 12 - 2 or 2:30.
• Eats: Anything, but loves beans, yogurt, bananas, breakfast bars, oatmeal, turkey, ham, cheese, pizza, chicken, salad, grapes, carrots, corn, oranges, crackers, etc.  And we found out on Halloween that he LOVES candy ;-).
• Best buddy: Drew Drew
• Learning sign language...can sign children, doctor, pumpkin, orange, more, please, eat, drink, firetruck, toys, cat, banana, etc. Very cute!
• Still loves to DANCE!

He is such a joy. Sweet as can be but stubborn as can be too. He is pretty polite, but watch out he's got one mean stank face (see below).  He gives the best hugs and the cutest kisses....we love you, Max!

Touchdown!

Max's 'stank face'

His favorite toy...heylo???

Max's second Halloween!

TRICK OR TREAT!

Well, not to brag or anything, but Max was the CUTEST monkey I had ever seen. LOL. He totally played the part too!  He mastered the monkey noise and truly had a blast trick or treating. 

Highlights of the day:

• Max's monkey noise on cue.
• Max would go to a house to get candy, sit down right there and try to eat it.  He thought as soon as you got the candy, you ate it. DUH. 
• He loves candy!  We typically never let him eat stuff like that, so this was a very special occassion.
• Max would take a peice of candy out of his bucket and walk over to the driveway, sit down, eat it, stand up, and then come back to his bucket for another peice.  This happened for a solid 10 minutes. 
• Max was in an excellent mood all evening. 

Max was SO HYPER after eating the candy....need proof?

He wouldn't let go of the twizzler

Trick or Treat time!

Off to our first house!

Having fun!

Taking a break to eat what was JUST put into his bucket.

And, his second stop....the Kit Kat.

Just love those eyes...

Daddy is having more fun than Max!

Out with Mommy now!

Having so much fun eating candy on the driveway.

hmmmmm :-)

Max on the lookout for more trick or treaters. Daddy eating the candy...

Pooped from all the fun....

Pumpkin Patch Visit

The Neal family hit the Pumpkin Patch again this year!  It was great because Max was a little older and able to walk around, find his perfect pumpkin (try to pick it up), see the animals in the petting zoo and take a hayride! 

I love weekends like this.....so much fun, so little inside time, and so many memories!

To the pumpkin patch!

This one....this is the one I want

I think I can lift this uppppppp.

Family fun!

Max was calling them over

Whoaaaaa



Trying to touch the calf!



Staying close to Daddy...those animals were scary!

The Finished Pumpkin Family!

School Halloween Party!

Max's school had a Halloween Party and he had a blast!  They invited parents to come and watch the kiddos in the costume parade and then go back into the classroom for some tasty treats.  It was awesome to see Max in his school environment, surrounded by his little buddies. 

Since it was a special day, they got to eat brownies, cupcakes, and other fun snacks.  Needless to say....Max's new nickname is the cupcake thief! He, of course, had to sit next to his best bud, Drew Drew....and tried to eat his cupcake...

Ready for the Parade!

Even the Babies were rolled out in the parade!

Max was the last in the parade because he kept stopping to talk

All the kiddos around the lunch table...love this!

Max shoved the ENTIRE mini cupcake in his mouth, ONE BITE!

HAPPY BABY!

And, my sweet son, eyeballling Drew's cupcake!

"The Neal Noise"

I've come to learn over the last year how amazing it is to see yourself through your children. And when I say "see yourself" I mean see Jake :-). Looking at Max is like looking right at Jake. I know I've posted this in the past, but it really is amazing their similarities - from looks to their determination in everything they do.  Every now and then I'll catch Max doing something or making a face that reminds me of myself....but for the most part, it's all Jake! 

When I first met Jake's family, we ate dinner at a restaraunt in Shelby, NC. I noticed a noise at the dinner table that I disregarded at the time....but what I learned is that "mmm mmm" sound shows up at nearly every meal.  It's hysterical! 

Guess who inherited "the Neal Noise"?

I am a cheater...

there I said it! 

It's inevitable....I am a cheater. Each day that passes, I realize that at some point in my day, I've decided (out of necessity or maybe convenience) to cheat something or someone.

It may be:

• Cheating my job by not being able to work the 14-18 hours a day I should to complete everything on my to do list.  GUILTY.
• Cheating my husband because I choose not to put makeup and spend the extra minutes sleeping or spending time with Max. GUILTY.
• Cheating Max by taking him to school earlier than usual because I have a big meeting to prepare for. Or by even having to take him to school at all. GUILTY.
• Cheating my friends and family when I see them calling but don't pick up because I finally have time to spend with my family. GUILTY.
• Cheating my health by not exercising. GUILTY.
• Cheating our budget when I pick up something for dinner instead of making something because I'm too tired (err, lazy) or would rather spend those minutes elsewhere. GUILTY.
• Cheating sleep because of a teething 1 year old. GUILTY.
• Cheating my dog by forgetting to feed him last night (sorry Bear). GUILTY.
• Cheating the blessing of shelter by not cleaning my house as often as I should. GUILTY.
• Cheating my neighbors by not checking in more. GUILTY.
• Cheating strangers by rushing by too quickly to even notice a smile. GUILTY.

and worst of all....

• Cheating my heavenly Father and not spending time with Him because I think all those other things listed above are more important.  G.U.I.L.T.Y.

So, there you have it....I'm a big, big, big CHEATER. However, I've extended myself grace (that's right, I did that) by accepting the grace that the Lord has rested on my shoulders. I can't be perfect...or even come close. "And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is - free and undeserved." Romans 11:6. I am so not worthy, but still HE loves me.

Tell me you cheat too? ;-)  Bueller?  All of a sudden Michael Jackson's song keeps playing in my head "You are not alone....I am here with you...."  LOL.

Sidenote: Back to work, since I totally cheated work by writing this at 2 p.m. on a Friday afternoon....

GUILTY!

Time Out!

TIME OUT: A quiet period used especially as a disciplinary measure for children.

Or as Max says..."UH OH?". 

I have questioned this method of parenting....does it really work? Does it just teach kids to do something and all they have to do is go stand in the corner for 5 minutes and it is okay?  Is it really productive?

We've made it 16 months and finally yesterday, it happened.  Time Out!  That's not to say that Max didn't deserve a time out before now, but he was either too little to understand, wouldn't stay in one spot, couldn't sit still, etc. Not anymore.  Now, it is two strike, and you're out. 

Max has gotten to that age where he is understanding more, but can't verbalize it and gets very frustrated. So, he'll be playing along perfectly content and then all of a sudden he will throw his toy across the room, hit something/someone, make an ugly face, etc.  Yesterday, he was pushing his walker and out of nowhere, I see the walker go flying across the floor because he got mad. He ran over to it, stared it down and then hit it. I got down to his level and explained that we don't throw or hit our toys out of anger. He looked and me and my thought process led me tobelieve he was going to hug me, but instead he leaned in and slapped me - and then proceeded to head butt me in the nose. I thought it was broken (my nose, that is).  To TIME OUT we went.

I've come to realize that time out works - for kids and for mom! I needed it just as much as Max did. So to answer my original question - does time out work? INDEED, friends!  We both sat with our backs against the wall, took a breath, and sat in silence.

So, Mr. Webster, the new definition:
TIME OUT: A quiet period used especially as a disciplinary measure for children and a moment of silence for mom used to adjust broken noses and broken hearts.

Dear Mom,

I'm sorry if I ever hit you. I realize now that was not nice.

Love,
Melissa

Football Saturday!

Jake's Dream Come True....

"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."
Ephesians 3:16-19 



Max is SIXTEEN months old!

I have noticed a BIG difference in Max in the last month. I'm not sure if it is the age, the fact that he moved up to a new (bigger) class at school, or perhaps a combination of the two...but he is definitely a little boy now! 

He continues to be such a joy and so much fun.

Max's Stats:

• 23 lbs. and 7 oz.
• Talking a lot (words: mama, dada, daddy, car, ball, water, ready, go, bear, dog, doggie, more, etc)
• Sleeping: 7:45 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.
• Napping: Noon - 2 p.m.
• Teething terribly (waiting for those back molars to pop through)
• Knows all the kids in his class at school if you ask them "where is (insert name)"
• Loves bath time!
• Favorite toys: cars, blocks, balls, books, puzzles, swings
• Laughs a lot!
• Eating less (he has become more picky)
• Favorite foods: bananas, apple bars, yogurt, oatmeal, grapes, oranges, lima beans, salad...really any kind of fruit. We can't get him to eat some veggies or meat.
• Loves milk!
• Daredevil....
• Pretty tough - rarely will cry if he falls
• Explorer!
• LOVES DANCING....STILL.
• Sick twice this month...cold, flu virus.

Just knocked over all his blocks!

Love this face!

Buttons Mom, Buttons!

"Weeeadddyyyy"

Max is a chatty Charlie these days.  He is beginning to repeat things that we say....it is hysterical and so cool to see his learning progress from day to day. This morning I took a video of him as he was repeating words I was saying....many of them may not sound clear to some, but he does pretty good!  I love listening to him as he explores each letter. You'll notice below that he drags letters out and sounds a little bit like a chipmunk.  So cute!

Max's words:

• Ready
• Go
• Water
• Daddy
• Bear
• Dog
• Doggie
• UhOh
• More
• Ball

Max is FIFTEEN months old!

Last week marked 15 months of having our Max! I have admittedly not been keeping up with his monthly stats...and I swear I am going to turn around and he will be 16. Time is moving faster each and every day. 

Max's Stats:

• 23.4 pounds (30th percentile)
• 33.75 inches tall (70th percentile)
• Says: mama, dada, nana, dog, car, truck, ball, there, uhoh
• Sleeps around 11 hours a night and take one nap (2 hours)
• Favorite things to do: play with cars, DANCE, read, build blocks, play peekaboo, ride his bike
• Favorite food: bananas, apple/strawberry bars, yogurt, grapes, graham crackers
• Favorite books: Are You My Mother?, Baby Danced the Polka, Brown Bear
• Favorite buddies at school: Drew and Lexi
• Gives great hugs!
• Follows commands: no touch, stop, big step, sit down, stand up, eat, drink, come here, go upstairs

He is a ton of fun....and always laughing!  We are very blessed!

Mommy Stresses...

Every single day, I worry about various, random and probably insignificant things.  I can actually have a full on debate in my head about these things.  I talk myself in a circle and end up no where. In my head, they seem perfectly rational.  Are they?  Does anyone else think about these things? Am I crazy?

Question #1:  Is Max drinking enough milk?  He is supposed to get 2-3 servings of milk a day, and I want to make sure he has healthy bones!  Sometimes he doesn't drink that much in milk from his sippy....so I still let him (up until a week ago) have his nighttime bottle of milk because he could suck down a serving in no time and he wouldn't do that in a sippy cup. But then, is it worse to allow him to have a bottle because it was ruining his teeth and teaching him to rely on something before bed.  AHHH!

Question #2:  If he is crying because he wants me to pick him (going through that I want mommy all the time phase), should you let him tough it out or pick him up?  If I pick him up, is that teaching him he will get what he wants?  If I don't, will he think I don't care that he is sad or that I don't love him - or will he pop a blood vessel because let me tell ya, this child can sccaaaa REAM!  AHHH!

Question #3: Some days, Max does not want what I make him for dinner. Again, I want to make sure he gets all his nutrition in every day.  If he doesn't like what I eat, should I make him something else to ensure he gets a nutritious meal?  Or, should I just say "that's what mommy is serving, if you don't like it you don't have to eat!"  I always fear that if he goes to bed without dinner that he won't sleep throught he night - and that is just punishing me ;-)  AHHH!

I could go on and on. These are truly the thoughts that go through my head....and this is also when I usually call my sister and ask her.  I mean really....I need a peanut gallery to follow me around so I can ask for a vote everyday.  ::deep sigh::

Anyone with me???

A Laugh is a Smile that Bursts!

"Laughter is an instant vacation." - Milton Berle

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." - Victor Borge

                                  "Seven days without laughter makes one weak." 

~Mort Walker

The Peach Bandit!

When:  After dinner. 
Where:  Kitchen, standing by counter top that had a fruit plate on it.

I was talking on the phone, leaning against the counter and Max ran up to me wanting me to hold him. I picked him up and continued chatting. Before I could even say anything he had grabbed a whole peach and taken a giant bite out of it.

I was laughing hysterically.  This child had just eaten a really good dinner only 30 minutes ago or so.  He was very sneaky, but he sure did enjoy that ENTIRE PEACH in about 5 minutes or less.

Evidence:

"I'm so sneaky...she'll never know."

Priceless

"There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child.  There are seven million."  ~Walt Streightiff

Stomach Bug-Be-Gone!

It all started on Friday morning....

I was late getting Max to school because he slept till 7:45 a.m. (not a complaint whatsoever).  We rushed out the door and I fed him his morning banana on the way to daycare.  I had an 8:30 doctor's appointment, so I needed to drop him off quickly and head on over to my appointment.  As I pulled into the daycare, I look back and Max is throwing up his banana e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e.  I just assumed he ate it too fast.  We rushed home so I could change him.

By that time, I was going to be late so I just took Max with me and I figured I would just take him to daycare after my appointment.  Sure enough as they called my name up to the registration window, Max begins to throw up again....all.over.me. (I was holding him).  In an effort to avoid it getting everywhere, it is literally all over me.  So, I looked at the registraton lady and said "I'll just need to rechedule" and kindly walked out.  This was obviously not a random freak thing...the poor kid was sick! 

Home we went....and Max and I just rocked and laid all day.  He continued getting sick throughout Saturday, and by Sunday was feeling better.  All would have been well, but Jake and I both woke up feeling terrible Sunday.  All day, we both took turns with Max as each of us got sick....

Honestly, it was the hardest day I've had in a while.  We both had fever, chills, headaches, body aches, vomitting, and other nice symptoms.  However, a toddler doesn't quite understand that mommy and daddy just want to lay all day....after this day was done, I felt compelled to call my mom and thank her for taking care of me if she ever had a day like this.  It was tough!  I also couldn't stop thinking of the single mom or dad.....at least I had my partner there to watch him if I needed to lay for a bit.  What do they do? 

We are all well now (with the exception of the dog - yes, even the dog got sick)....praise God!  There is nothing worse than seeing a sick little one....I missed his bright smile!

SOOO not feeling well, on Friday.

SOOOO happy, on Sunday!





Sooooo behind.....

Indeed, my blogging days came to a hault for nearly two months.  Why?  Ohhh, where do I start?  Melissa's top reasons for not finding time to blog.

1. Balancing working full time, trying cram in a full day of love with Max in the 3 hours I have him, spending time with my husband, time with God, traveling, birthdays - not to mention just daily life chores like cooking, cleaning, laundry....is TOUGH.  I am not sure where the day goes every day when I sit down at the end of the day.
2. Work has become incredibly busy....including travel.  ::Sigh::
3. Max is everywhere.  Climbing on everything. 
4. The free time I did find, I surely didn't want to be stuck behind a computer - that's where I was all day for work!
5. Summer always brings up lots of fun adventures, parties, barbeques, pool time, activities, etc.  I'd rather be there!
6. Visitors!

...and there is so much more.  I'm going to try to be better, or maybe just figure out how to add 6 more hours into each day?!?!?

Happy Blogging!

Our First Graduation!

Max is graduating from the infant class to the TODDLER class at school!  On August 1st, our little guy will be headed to school where he will no longer be the "king of the classroom".  In his current room, they usually keep them until 15 months....he is SO READY, that they have decided that at 14 months it is really time for him to be with the big kids.

What does this mean?

• He no longer takes a la carte naps....there is a designated 12:30 - 2:30 naptime. 
• He no longer sleeps in his own crib.  He gets cot! 
• He eats at a table with 4 other kids.
• He learns to feed himself.....oh my! 
• They go outside to play 2 times a day.

Overall, he will be learning more and surrounded by kids who are mobile just like him!  He will color, paint, play, have storytime, etc. 

When did he become a toddler??????  Time is just passing me by....

Goodbye Naps?

The last few weekends, I've noticed that Max has been doing very little napping.  At daycare, they have always had struggles getting Max to nap, but usually at home he napped for an hour (or more) in the morning and at least 2 hours in the afternoon.  He is super distracted at school because of other kids, lights,activity, etc.  But at home, nothing has changed.....he just won't sleep during the day.

Lately, I'm lucky if I can get him to take two 20-30 minute naps.....what's the deal?

I know it is about time for him to stretch to one long afternoon one, but I don't even know if he will do that.  I realized how much I was able to get done during that time.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the extra play time....but what's a girl gotta do to get a nap :-). 

Max is THIRTEEN months old!

July 5, 2011

Our Max is 13 months old!  We learn more and more about him everyday.  He has started to show some "toddler" tendencies recently, which make life SO FUN (sigh). 

What's New With Max?

• Max is 21 lbs and 10 oz.
• LOVES fruit....new fruits to his list that he loves include blueberries, raspberries and grapes 
• Favorite foods are fruit bars, yogurt, graham crackers, cheese, chicken, veggies, etc
• Falls asleep every night around 7 - 7:15 p.m. and wakes around 6:30 - 6:45 a.m..  He will usually play in his crib till aroudn 7!
• Takes 2 naps - very reluctantly and very short
• LOVES the pool, but still doesn't really like the bath (strange)
• Walks more than he crawls
• Favorite toys:  walkers, cars, hardback books, alphabet blocks, balls, rings, etc
• Says:  Mama, Dada, uh oh (babbles a lot)
• Understands: mommy, daddy, ball, throw, dog (Bear), eat, more, no, nose, eyes
• He throws things intentionally just to say "uh-oh"...and it's the sweetest thing you'll hear
• Favorite books: Elmo books from Nana
• Loud noises do NOT phase him
• Loves playing with other kids
• He is VERY brave....will try anything
• Hates: riding in his carseat (for the most part), getting his diaper changed, being alone, having something taken away from him, vaccums, garage door shutting and seeing mommy or daddy leaving him at daycare
• Has started throwing major fits (none in public yet).....and testing his limits with us saying "no" to him
• Loves playing!

PICTURE TO COME SOON

Quiet Time

We (Jake, Max and I) were getting ready for an evening with friends.  Max was bathed, changed and dressed and was playing at our feet in the bathroom and in our bedroom.  The upstairs gate was closed and doors were shut so the only place he could go was his bedroom. 

He usually just sits at my side and plays with my makeup bag (he likes to take everything in it out and then put it back in).  I was getting dressed and noticed that it was very quiet.  Anyone with a 1-year-old knows that quiet = very bad.  I thought to myself that he must have found something that was "interesting" enough (i.e. usually dangerous) to keep his attention.  So, where was Max? 

He was reading to himself in his room.  SO SWEET!

"Children are a gift from the Lord;

they are a reward from him.

Children born to a young man

are like arrows in a warrior's hands.

How joyful is the man who quiver is full of them!

Psalm 129:3-5

Baby, You're a Firework!

Happy Fourth of July! 

We had an awesome time looking at fireworks.  While this was Max's second 4th of July....it was his first to actually see fireworks.  I was nervous about going for a couple reasons:

1. It was going to be WAY past his bedtime, and Max gets super grumpy when he gets overtired.
2. The fireworks would scare the tar out of him.

Neither of which really happened.  He did get tired, but he didn't throw any fits and once the fireworks started he was absolutely fine.  He LOVED watching them.  He would clap, say "yayyyy" and try to reach for them.  So sweet!

::Melted My Heart::

I am so grateful for the gifts of freedom, liberty, equality, and justice that we are able to enjoy every day.  So grateful.

How beautiful this land we love
We cherish all good people of

With pride we call this home our own
Oh how our seed of freedoms grown

American is what we are
Our time has nurtured us so far

For truth and justice we do strive
Our laws are meant to not deprive

We know we’re not the perfect place
As we are of the human race

In God we trust along our way
His goodness near, both night and day

So please do stop and pray awhile
Ask help in facing each new mile

And now I’ll end with words so clear
Concerning freedom we hold dear

Let Grateful Thought – Well Deep Inside
For Soldiers Brave – Our Country’s Pride

by Roger Robicheau