Congratulations Graduate!

Last night Ryan earned a Masters of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. It was held at the Wright Brothers Air Museum in a hanger amongst the planes. AFIT stands for Air Force Institute of Technology. It is an honor to be selected to attend AFIT. While most students are active duty Air Force personnel, there are also civilians and active duty members from other branches of the American forces as well as abroad. The program is extremely rigorous and consists of 72 graduate credit classes plus a thesis within an 18 month period. During this time, the men and women are full-time students while maintaining active duty status. While we thought this schedule might allow for some additional family time, we were quite mistaken. For the first ten months Ryan worked 7 days a week averaging 80 hours per week of course and study time. For the last 8 months it eased to usually 6 days a week and we started seeing him at the dinner table again. :) Overall, Ryan really enjoyed his coursework but certainly wished there was a better balance between work and family.

I felt overwhelmed with pride as I sat there soaking it all in and reflecting on the last 18 months. When his name was called to walk across the stage I wanted to scream and run over all the chairs to hug him. Thankfully, I refrained until the end of the ceremony.

We were grateful my parents were able to come in town to attend the ceremony.

Ross was always so proud of Ryan and we are certain he was there in spirit.

Ross Andrew Fisher

Ryan received a call from his father on Sunday evening. Suddenly, he was pacing and gasping for air as he fought the words being spoken to him. It seemed wakefulness had just twisted with a nightmare and that we wish it were; just a bad dream. As he mouthed the words to me pain washed over both of us reducing us to slouch on the floor. Ryan's older brother, Ross, had passed away earlier that day. It was completely sudden and unexpected. I remember sitting there and looking out the window. The view appeared the same as always but I wondered how when in an instant our world had just changed so drastically.


But, knowing Ross, he wouldn't want us to dwell on the sadness but instead to celebrate his life. Ross was 12 years older then Ryan. Therefore, the traditional brother relationship expanded to include helper and mentor. Ross would never let Ryan forget that he used to change his diaper! Beyond this, he invested himself into Ryan's sports. He would be in the yard teaching him how to throw a ball (and then promptly tackling him and pinning him instantly in a wrestling match; they were brothers after all) and coached many of Ryan's sports teams.

Ryan shared a room with Ross growing up. There dreams dwelling within the same four walls.

One thread that was a constant is Ross' pride for Ryan. He always expressed how proud he was of Ryan for his accomplishments.

Ross was physically built differently than Ryan (of course, this plus the extra 12 years never left Ryan a fighting chance when wrestling :) At one point, Ross had shaved his head and grew a handle bar mustache. At first glance, he looked a bit intimidating.




But then, you'd see the softness in his eyes and his sincere smile and realize he was quite the big teddy bear. Hayden took to him immediately. I remember visiting when Hayden was 22 months old and he thought Ross was so much fun. At one point during the visit, he and Ross were dancing around the room, Hayden's giggles filling the air.

It should not be overlooked that in addition to being great with children, the little old ladies at church were smitten with him.

In July of 2007, Ross married his soul mate, Darci. They truly were the perfect match. Their love for one another was obvious to anybody who would meet them.

Ross will be missed terribly. He was a protective big brother to Ryan and his sister Robin...

A loving husband to Darci....

A fun uncle to his nephews and nieces....

And a devoted son to his parents....

What Ross cared about most was his family.

Here's hoping Heaven for Ross is sitting on a Harley Davidson while watching NASCAR and eating Dirty Daves Pizza. While the world seems dimmer without him here with us, most certainly Heaven is brighter.

Lil' Sluggers!

The weather was gorgeous yesterday afternoon!  Although, the best part was, after 18 months of Ryan working (school work) every weekend, we had him home with us the entire 48 hours!!!  The boys soaked up time with daddy and vice versa. While I was feeding Owen in his room I glanced out the window and saw Ryan's 'pre-season' baseball practice with Hayden and Logan.  Logan is now nearly as heavy a hitter as Hayden...watch out!!

Ryan is attempting to catch Hayden's big hit; too bad our out fielder had lost interest by this point! :)

Big Helpers!

Owen is lucky to have two big brothers who adore him.  Mommy and daddy are pretty lucky to have two big brothers who adore helping him!  Logan, who enjoys eating himself, likes to help feed Owen at meal times.  After each spoonful, Logan claps his hands and in a high pitch voice praises, "Good job Owen!"

Hayden is constantly holding Owen's hand.  He loves to be near him, play with him, talk with him and attend to his needs. 

1/2 Way!

Owen is 6 months today!!!  In another 6 months he will be more like a toddler and less like a baby.  This notion feels so bittersweet; while it is fun to watch him grow, learn and discover, we know that the baby days are fleeting. 

VERY excited to report that for the first time, Owen slept through the night last night 7:45 pm - 6:08 a.m!!!  Woohoo!!!

Owen started to roll over this month which he likes to do any chance he gets. He also started to do a really loud, high-pitch squeal of excitement.  Usually, while he is watching/playing with his brothers he'll make this sound.  Owen loves to giggle with his brothers who in turn, love to make him giggle.  Raspberries on his belly are a sure way to hear those contagious belly laughs.

Owen enjoys eating oatmeal with baby fruit at breakfast and peas or greenbeans at lunch/dinner.  Soon, we'll introduce the orange veggies--yum!  Though, we are convinced he still would rather eat what we are eating.  If we hold a banana or the inside of an apple anywhere near him, he will literally dive for it and lick it with fervor! :)

Crazy to think I will be blogging his 7 month from Florida....