HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUNNY!!

This message is for my best friend, my HUSBAND, my hero, and the father of my child. I love you with all of my heart and hope you know how much having you in my life means to me. I thank God everyday for bringing us together and for giving me a soul mate who completes me in every way. Happy 26th Birthday Sweetheart!! I love you!!

HAPPY 2 MONTH BIRTHDAY!!!!

It has been two months today that little MADDIE MARIE CROYLE was born!!! I cannot believe it myself!! This time two months ago I was still in labor and wondering where my sister Mandy was, since everyone but her and Steph were there (Besides Ted who I knew was at work and Angie and Colby were coming later). It is amazing how much you can love someone you have only know for 62 days!! I cherish everyone of her smiles and love how she cuddles up next to her daddy when they nap together. I love watching her discover and learn about the things and the world around her. Her little personality makes me laugh. But the one thing I love the most is when I am holding her in my arms and she looks at me and smiles. That is the best feeling in the whole wide world!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!!! We love you very much!!

Maddie and Daddy snuggling in bed this morning

The WHOLE family in bed cuddling

Our little family

Another shot of the whole family

My favorite shot of the morning. Not only is she happy because she is in the arms of her favorite man, but she is only in her diaper and

mommy just said her favorite words,

"TUBBY TIME!!"

Where does the time go???

Well today started off with me going to work for a few hours. Not that riding horses is actually work for me, but you can't beat doing something you love and getting paid for it. Then I had to rush home and get ready since we had to be down a Pittsburgh Mills by 4pm to get our pictures taken. Yes, I finally convinced Scott that we needed a family picture as well as an individual shot of the little princess. We were planning on using our package coupon only, but after looking at all of the cute shots we ended up picking out quite a few of them. When they come in I will be sending them out to all of you. After that we went to my favorite restaurant for dinner (OLIVE GARDEN)!! Scott and I both ate way too much and baby girl was very good. She just kicked her little feet, took in the view and drank her bottle. When we got home and I was looking through the summary sheet of all of the pictures of us and her, it hit me that my little girl is over two months old already!! I had to fight back tears thinking about how fast she is growing!! It seems like just yesterday she was born. I am so very humbled that God blessed me with this beautiful little girl to love and nurture. He also blessed me with a wonderful husband, who is an awesome daddy to our little one. I love watching the two of them together whether they are awake and playing or all cuddled up together sleeping. I couldn't ask for a better husband or a better daddy for Madison.


I hope to get some new pictures of her up in the next few days for all of her admirers, so keep checking back.

Quick Update and Jesse's Wedding

Sorry it has been so long since my last entry, life around here was pretty crazy this past week. It felt like Scott was gone more than he was home this week. Thankfully this was the last week of commissioning ceremonies, so his schedule should slow down quite a bit. I also got a part time job taking care of horses (quite a fun job for me)!! They are standardbreds, a breed I have never worked with, so I am looking forward to learning something new. Jen also came home this weekend, and I felt bad because she didn't get to see Maddie all that much since we already planned on going to the wedding and all.



Saturday- Scott left for drill in Ohio very early in the morning. Maddie and I got ready and headed to Granny and Pup-Pup's to go to our cousin Jesse's wedding. We got there and all decided we were just going to go to the reception, which meant enough time for a nap for ME!! We arrived at the reception at 5 pm and after eating our dinners, Pup-Pup and I raced out to the lobby/bar area to watch the second leg of the triple crown, BIG BROWN left the rest of the field in the dust. We went back in and let's just say Maddie was the hit of our table. Here are some pictures and some video that I am sure will make you laugh. (Sorry the video is sideways, I was holding the camera vertical instead of horizontal so that is how it came out.)

Mommy and Maddie

Granny and Maddie

Pup-Pup and Maddie

Angie, Colby and Maddie

Colby and Maddie having a serious discussion, could he be changing his mind and proposing to Maddie instead of Angie??

She said YES!!

Uncle Ron, Granny and Maddie

Uncle Fuzz, Aunt Bess, Maddie and Granny

Close up of the little princess

HOKIE POKIE

CHA CHA SLIDE

YMCA

Latest pics of the little PRINCESS!!

Here are the pictures that I have been promising to upload all day. I just got back from my massage (which was wonderful by the way!!) and Maddie was in such a happy mood I couldn't resist taking some more pics. Hope you enjoy them!!

Maddie and Daddy in bed last night

I love the hand resting on his chest

Maddie and Daddy this morning in bed

Close up of my little pumpkin head

Sleeping beauty in the bed all by herself

Maddie when I came home after my massage

Getting a little more excited

The song "Everybody was Kung-Fu fighting" comes to mind

Maddie and Daddy making serious faces

Maddie and Daddy looking absolutely adorable!!

Clean Bill of Health

Today was my postpartum checkup with Dr. Peske. I took Maddie along with me so she could see her again. I was given a clean bill of health which made me very happy!! Maddie was so alert and smiling so much at the Doctor's it was making me laugh. We just got home and baby girl is still wide awake and happy. Scott had to go into Pitt today to help a guy with all of his papers. He should be home shortly to stay with Maddie while I go and enjoy one of my Mother's Day presents, A MASSAGE!! I can't wait!!
For those of you who were wondering I had a fabulous Mother's Day. Scott had a ring made with Maddie's birthstone in the shape of a heart with little diamonds accenting the top of the band. We went to Kittanning CMA for church and enjoyed it. Then we went down to Scott's parents church for Mother's Day tea. We came home changed our clothes and were planning on going out for a late lunch but Scott and Maddie both fell asleep for a long nap. When Scott finally woke up we decided that Olive Garden was out of the picture because we didn't want to have to wait over an hour for dinner. So we went out rented a movie, stopped at the store for some fresh fruit and then went to KFC drive thru. I know it wasn't the dinner I was expecting but I compromised and Scott will take me to Olive Garden sometime this week or next. Maddie also gave me the best present of all when she only woke up once last night and fell right back to sleep. That was the best of all since we had to be out the door quite early this morning.
I will be uploading some pictures later today for all of you. I can't believe how fast she is growing and seems to be changing everyday. Check back later and hopefully they will be up.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Since I won't be spending the day with my Mom, I wanted to take a few minutes and tell her how much I appreciate her and everything that she has done for me throughout the years.

I never really thought about what a strong and amazing woman my mother is until just the other day. Shelli and I were talking on the phone about the days before Mom and Dad (Jim) were married. Shelli and I both agreed that we wouldn't of survived if we were in the same situation. How she took care of us girls and went to school for her teaching degree. My mom always made sure us kids were happy, even if everything around her was falling apart. She always tried to give us everything she never had. Her and Dad got me a horse and she went to countless horse shows with me even though I know those days were very long and boring. Her and Dad gave me a car to drive when I was 16, sent me to college and gave me a wonderful wedding as well. Now a year and a half after I said my vows, she is a grandmother to my little girl and I see love just flowing from her every time she sees little Maddie. I also now know how she felt after welcoming us into the world and getting to know us those first few weeks of life, now that I am a mother myself.

So thank you Mom for letting me run my feet through your hair when I was little after my bath. For being the raging rhino that haunts me in my dreams every now and then. Being there for the birth of my little girl and showering her with as much love (if not more) that you have for me. But mainly for being not only my mom, but a friend I could talk to as I got older and for always having a listening ear whenever I needed it. I love you and hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's day to my sister's Shelli and Mandy as well. Thank you for always being there for me and for always answering the phone when I need advice. I love you guys more than words can say. (I know what you are thinking!! Yes, I know, we all look like drown rats! This was the only picture I have on this computer of the three of us. I laugh every time I think of that day, the day before my wedding and we all went horseback riding, even though it was raining! Breeze tried running and jumping a jump with Shelli on his back, which made her scream and made everyone else laugh. Mandy was wondering why Cole kept going faster and faster as she was squeezing the life out of him with her legs. Then there I was, the bride to be, riding Jack, who just the week before had thrown Sarah and fractured her skull. GOOD TIMES!! While we were out laughing and having a good time, Mom was back at home, a nervous wreck, thinking we were nuts going riding the day before my wedding and was waiting for the phone to ring that something bad happened to one of us. But thank the Lord we all had a good time and didn't fall off or break any bones.) I love you guys, thanks for countless memories and have a GREAT Mother's Day!! Wish we were spending it all together!!

Busy, Busy, BUSY!!!

The past few days and the next week or so will be extremely busy for the Croyle family!!
This past Thursday we went to for a quick stop a the mall, then went to Pitt for Scott to get a signature on some paperwork. After that we went to Oakdale to get Maddie registered in DEERS, and finally we went to Granny and Pup-Pup's. Shortly after arriving Scott left and went out with his friend Prah, while Maddie and I stayed and enjoyed the company of Granny and Pup-Pup.
Friday we had to be out the door early to go to Cal-U's commissioning ceremony. The ceremony was very nice and Maddie was an angel throughout the whole thing. We saw many old friends and had a wonderful time while we were there. After that Scott had to go to the FBI unit in Speers to meet with a guy about joining the Guard. So Maddie and I drove around for an hour so she could sleep and I could enjoy the peace and quiet for awhile. After Scott's meeting we went to Jake's in Rostraver (since I have been craving for Jake's and a Creamsicle shake for so long!!) for lunch and then went to Smithon to meet up with Meghan (Prah's wife) so she could meet and visit with Maddie for a little while. After that we finally headed home. Maddie was so well behaved all day, but when we got home she must of had really bad gas because she wouldn't stop crying and fussing for quite awhile! So I gas her some medicine to relieve her gas and she finally fell asleep and slept well for me all night.
Today Scott had to leave the house at 5AM, he had three commissioning ceremonies that he had to attend (Edinboro, Gannon and Slippery Rock). Aunt Margurite also came up to visit Maddie this afternoon since she will be going away on vacation for several weeks. Tonight Scott and I were invited to Terry and Erica's for a home interior party (the party is for the girls and the pens game is for the guys). Depending on how tired Scott is will determine if we will go or not.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day as well as Sunday so Scott and I will be trying out a new church so keep that in prayer that we will both enjoy ourselves and possibly be able to call this "our church." Then we will be going to Olive Garden for lunch and hopefully spending the rest of the day at home relaxing.
Monday I have my postpartum check up with my doctor (please pray that all goes well with that). Then Scott scheduled for me to have a massage at 2:30 so I am very excited!! Tuesday will be a pretty relaxing day.
Wednesday and Thursday Scott will be in Virginia at VMI for a commissioning ceremony. Thursday Dee comes up to Kittanning for a horse show so depending on our schedules we might be hooking up for a visit.
Friday Scott will be at WVU for a commissioning and Jen comes home for the weekend. Kayla's grand march is also that night, so Maddie and I will be going to that along with the rest of the clan.
Saturday Scott leaves for Ohio for Drill and Maddie and I will be heading down to Granny and Pup-Pup's to attend my cousin Jesse's wedding. Maddie and I will probably be spending the night at Granny and Pup-Pup's. Sunday I plan on coming back to Kittanning and visiting with Dee at her horse show for most of the day.
As you can tell there is never a dull day when it comes to the Croyle family.

TAGGED!!!

My sister Mandy tagged me in her blog so I thought I should answer her back. Even though she knows more about me than almost anyone in my life!!

Rules: Answer the following questions, then tag 5 other people on their blogs.

*What was I doing 10 years ago? Well seeing I was 13 at the time, I would have been attending Frazier Middle School and going through an extremely long tomboy phase of my life! I also would have been riding horses out at Judy's with my best friend Deanna Liptak. That was probably about the time that I got into showing as well (all those years of sitting at hot and very long shows that I am sure my parents would love to forget about)!

*5 things to do today:1) Do Laundry !2) Do some school work 3) Get Maddie's stuff together for our overnight at Granny and Pup-Pup's tomorrow! 4) Read my bible and do my devotion 5) Spend some time with my wonderful husband and child

*Snacks I enjoy: Watermelon, Strawberries, Granola Bars

If I were a billionaire: I would donate and invest a lot of it, buy the farm and house of my dreams, purchase a couple of horses (Cole and Doc), travel the world with my family, take care of my whole family and my time with them making unforgettable memories.

*Bad habits I have:I bite my fingernails, I procrastinate, I am a control freak

*Places I've lived: Naomi, Arnold City, Newell, Fayette City, Kittanning, Uniontown and Georgia

*Jobs I've had: Renaissance Festival - Drink girl, DQ server, Cal-U work study, Foodland - Customer Service, Babysitter for Ryan, Pizza Hut waitress and Nemacolin Woodlands Equestrian Center Supervisor

*5 people I want to know more about:-Jen Daum-Barb Todaro-Shelli Johnson-Angie Livingstone-Everyone who reads this blog and doesn't have their own...you know who you are!!

Busy week for us....as usual!!

Maddie this morning after a good night sleep

Maddie and Daddy watching a movie

Maddie trying to get Daddy's attention

Maddie supporting Leight's team - GO FROGS!!

Her other frog outfit and a little smirk to her favorite player and his family (and anyone else who reads her blog)!!

To catch everyone up Maddie went to her first Lion's Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday and from the time we got there till we left we never saw our child. Her Grandma took her as soon as we walked in the door and she was passed around to fellow lions until we left. I missed the actual running of the Kentucky Derby but thankfully was able to tape it on the DVR and watch it when we came home. I would have missed the race all together if Pup-Pup hadn't called to ask me why didn't I call and tell him the race was on!! THANK YOU PUP-PUP for calling!! It was great to see the favorite win for once (Big Brown) and also great to see a horse win with glued on shoes!! Maybe horses won't have to have their shoes nailed on anymore!! However, the race was also quite sad with the death of Eight Belles, the only filly in the race. She took second place and collapsed as she was cooling out. The vets discovered two front broken ankles and she was euthanized on the spot (of course I shed a few tears!!). Scott and I got to go to bed early because Grandma said she would put Maddie to sleep and bring her in afterwards. She wasn't planning on staying up til 1 AM or planning to get thrown up on!!

Sunday was a relaxing day spent at home. Monday on the other hand was quite busy. I got a call for a job interview and will find out later this week if I will be called back for a second interview or not. When I came home, Scott wanted to go shoot so we packed up the rifles and headed to the shooting range. I have wanted to go hunting for the past few years and decided that this year I was definitely going to do it. Last year I wanted to, but I was pregnant with Maddie. After Scott shot his new rifle several times, it was my turn to shoot. Keep in mind that I have never shot a rifle before, needless to say I was a little nervous! He went through the safety and all of that real quick and I shot three times and did pretty good. But, when I was left to do everything on my own, I forgot about the safety and the gun went off. I was totally freaked out and got a stern lecture from Scott (which I deserved), and decided that was enough shooting for me for now. I went to the truck and cried for awhile, then went with Scott to take down the target. Scott was a little mad that I wouldn't try shooting the gun again right away, but he left me alone when I told him that I would try again next time.

Tuesday was a beautiful day. Scott had to leave early to go to Pitt-Greensburg for a commissioning ceremony. So Maddie and I slept in, the extra few hours of sleep was GREAT!! When Scott came home he worked on the computer and was on the phone for several hours, while I watched Maddie. Then we gave Maddie to Grandma and took the bike out for a quick ride! I love riding our bike on warm spring days!! We went to Wal-Mart and then rented a movie (Over Her Dead Body - very funny). We came home watched the movie, while Maddie slept in her swing. Then Nicki and Kayla came over for a visit, this was the first time Nicki got to see Maddie.

Today Maddie woke up all smiles, so I couldn't resist taking her picture and sending it out to everyone who has a camera phone. Maddie and I got ready and Grandma came to pick us up and we all headed out to book club. All of the ladies at book club love Maddie and love that I bring her to our breakfast meetings. Maddie was such a good girl and slept the whole time, while Grandma and I got some great new books to read.

Tomorrow after Scott goes to work for a few hours, we plan on taking Maddie to get her military ID card, possibly do some shopping at the Mills and then we are heading to Granny and Pup-Pup's to spend the night!! Scott has to attend Cal-U's commissioning ceremony Friday morning and this way we can sleep in and be there in 15 mins rather than drive over an hour to get there. We also know how much Granny and Pup-Pup love seeing Maddie and since they haven't seen her for a few weeks, we thought we would go down for a visit. I am sure I will have several more pictures to post as well as a story or two to tell when we get home.

A few favorites of our little Munchkin

Maddie in the BIG bed (Grandma and Grandpa's)

Close up shot

Maddie in our bed

Close up

Wide awake

The mischievous look

All smiles for Daddy after her nap

There is not too much to report on this end. We wanted to post some recent shots of Maddie. She is growing up so fast and I just happened to get a really good smiling picture when Scott was changing her diaper the other day, it is now my favorite shot of her! As you can tell Maddie's favorite place to sleep right now is in someone's bed!!

Other news to report Ted got a new car, an 08' Gand Prix. I will post pictures of it when I can. Maddie is still fighting her cold but is getting a little better everyday. This will also be a busy month for Scott, he has to be on the road quite a bit for commissioning ceremonies. He is going to Pittsburgh tomorrow and down to Virginia on the 14th. So you can guess where Maddie and I will be heading!! To Granny and Pup-Pup's!!