July_2011

Ah July the month of our Nations Independence. Filled with Cook outs, Flags flying, Beaches, Fireworks,  and pool parties.

Well for us Marylanders July means one of the greatest things in the whole world, CRAB FEAST!!!!!!!!!! Which the Jewell's proudly participated in at the Murray's. Since L was in Maryland already for her week with the Grandparents, Taylor and Rachel got the OK from their doctors to go to Maryland for one last road trip before the baby. It was a wonderful trip; the only downside was that L regressed drastically in her potty training. However Grandparents do spoil, and it happens sometimes.

This year for the Fourth Rachel's parents had Taylor's parents and their family over for crabs and a BBQ. Which was a combination celebration for Rachel's big birthday. (Well her last big memorable birthday at least, she's not so sure about turning 30.) Which meant LOTS of cake. So with everyone feasting on crabs, burgers, hot dogs and the works a Bean-bag toss game was underway, the day was a wonderful one.  Now what is the Fourth without fireworks? Um....... LAME! So The Murray's and Sara along with the Jewell's, (Taylor's Mother Michelle, Youngest Brother Ryan and the Middle Brother Brandon's girlfriend Kara) all headed down to Baker Park for the annual Firework Show. Luckily everyone came prepared with umbrellas because it pored. However driving up from North Carolina you better believe that we sat and watched the show. It was definitely worth sitting in the rain.

Upon the return from Maryland Taylor's youngest brother Ryan accompanied the crew. So now there was still help! Plus Ryan is a big guy so ALL the yard work was taken care of, which Rachel was ecstatic about, especially since Taylor had to be back at work. Not to mention that there was now an in house sitter for L when the last Harry Potter movie came out, which of course Rachel bought tickets for a month in advance, and she absolutely loved it. Though she was sad for it all to end she was happy she participated in the experience.

Taylor also decided to leave his crutches in Maryland for Glenn with his upcoming knee replacement. Taylor's father gave him a cane to use instead which Taylor jumped on in an instant. Taylor also decided, after a week of work, that he no longer needed to wear the Boot and wanted to wear regular shoes. The physical therapist cleared him to do this so he has made an enormous amount of progress in this month. However with Taylor's recovery Rachel's father Glenn underwent a knee replacement and is now on his path to recovery. The surgery went well and he is on the mend, and doing great. 

 Now the beginning of July has always been jam packed, with the forth holiday and Rachel's birthday. This year Taylor and L got Rachel the Nook Color from Barnes and Nobles. (Which mind you she had only been asking for for the past three years!) Her big 21 also consisted of a delicious Red Lobster dinner with the family where Rachel ordered her first Big Girl Drink (Strawberry Lobstercolada), which of course, given the pregnancy, Taylor had to drink; the evening came to a close with a gorgeous bouquet of Sunflowers from the in-laws. Since her parents threw the bash not much left for them to get her, but they always seem to sneak extra things in and she got to get a spa day. Anyone who knows Rachel knows how that went, so all in all Rachel had a great 21st Birthday.

   

Now the real excitement begins. . You see, Taylor and Rachel put their names in for a drawing to win a new 2011 Jeep Wrangler. They heard about the drawing thought one of their favorite radio stations, 95.1 WRNS. Since they were test driving the Jeeps anyway they thought why not. Well lucky them, on the way home Rachel's name was pulled as a qualifier for the give away. So the day after Rachel's birthday everyone went down to National Dodge Jeep Crystler for the give away in the form of a reverse raffle. After registering, receiving a number (70) and eating the lunch provided the elimination began. Rachel had not been so fidgety, nervous or continuously praying since Taylor came home from Afghanistan. With the eliminations going on for an hour and Rachel having a near anxiety attack every time they called a number in the seventies the time finally came for the final ten. The ten people left all went up and received a CD that would tell them if they were the winner or not. Rachel was the second person to get a CD so she was the second person to get in the Jeep and play the CD. The first person did not win, so it was Rachel's turn. She got in the Jeep with L and put the CD in the player, it played a heartbeat then......... CONGRATULATIONS YOUR A WINNER! Screaming, smiling and no sorry no baby, however people were a bit concerned, Rachel had won the Jeep. Thrilled was the only thing that could describe how Taylor and Rachel felt. They had won a new Jeep all paid for, taxes, tags, title, everything. With a new baby on the way and the last car totaled it was just what they needed. God answers prayers and that was more than enough proof for it all. This is the link to the web site if you care to check out the pictures. http://www.wrns.com/pages/10325524.php?

Since that was big excitement the rest of the month was pretty average. Taylor continued to make progress with his recovery, since his physical therapy continued to go well he started walking without the cane and did very well without it. At the present he doesn't need it at all. Rachel started her 'Nesting' phase of pregnancy, anticipating the big day. Still growing bigger and the baby healthy everything is on track. She even got her best friends, both photographers, to take some maternity photos since she didn't have any with L. They turned out great both Taylor and Rachel were so thankful and happy they got the opportunity to do them! This is the link to Lindy's Blog where you can contact her for photos if you are interested! http://2911photo.blogspot.com/

The next set of big news was that Taylor's younger brother (middle child) Brandon came home from his first deployment to Cuba, shortly after that he got engaged! Everyone is thrilled about that! As well as he bought his first car, priorities you know. Another engagement announcement was that Rachel's girlfriend  from childhood also got engaged! She was thrilled to hear the news; Sad she couldn't be there to celebrate with her best friend since eighth grade, but so happy for her!

For the rest of the summer the Jewell's hope to just enjoy peace and a slow pace. Lots of lounging at the pool, trips to the beach and ice cream are in the new future. Of course Rachel is anticipating the upcoming baby shower, since she will find out what the baby is, and will not leave Taylor alone about letting her see the finished room. It will never be a quite month but it will always be enjoyable.

Looking forward to a lazy (a very lazy) August.