I would like to say the private company I work for was purchased and the generous severance package enabled me to travel with my family around the U.S. In fact, I'm writing you parked outside Sarah Palin's driveway inside our gigantic RV (which gets less than 5 MPG). We spent the beautiful day hunting – she is truly one incredible mom. Now, now..why did I start with more political propaganda when we have had enough to last a lifetime? I don't know. I was dreaming… Back to reality – Mike remains gainfully employed. We started 2008 on a very happy note! We were expecting our third child in August. After we put our condo for sale in February, the market quickly nosedived. Only by the grace of God were we able to sell and make a marginal profit! With no back-up plan and a quick settlement, we moved into Alicia's parents' basement and have been there for the last 15 years. Actually, we lasted there 6 months – in December we bought a beautiful townhouse in Ashburn, VA. All the while, our precious Ashley Jocelyn came into the world. At 4 months, she is truly a gem, a precious baby to hold. If this moment could be frozen in time. Alicia is a full-time housewife, domestic goddess, chef extraordinaire, wife, best friend and the woman who never stops working. Annemarie is our oldest, she turned 4. She talks more than her mother and dresses better than anyone in the house. Speaking of dress, she wears a DRESS everyday! Her heart for her siblings astonishes me, because all I wanted to do as a young boy was steal my brothers' G. I. Joe figures and blow them up with bottle rockets. Annie's favorite things include dressing up, ballet, art, talking, laughing and entertaining her parents. She also loves to get up every morning at 6:00 am! Joshua is 2; he is a studly man, takes after his fathers' jaw-dropping good looks, arm-pit sweating, hairy chest, incredible biceps and inherits his mothers' intelligence (whew). He charms you with his smile and tender affection, yet seems very resistant to listening to concrete instruction – "Joshua, please do not touch that" means nothing to him. The most charming, personal event in 2008 for me, yours truly, was the activation of my second implant. Now I'm hearing in stereo! Re-discovering new sound has become a daily treasure for me – there is always something new to hear or discover. All the while I thought I was content hearing out of one ear via a cochlear implant for the last 4 years – it has become an entirely new "life" hearing bilaterally. In summary, 2008 turned out to be a very eventful year for Alicia and I. I learned that in a millisecond, you can die – Alicia nearly did soon after Ashley was born. When the real estate market nose-dived I honestly thought my place would sell for ½ less than what I purchased it for. Anxiety, anxiety anxiety. Through all the trials (I don't want to make you sleepy), I learned that our God is a sovereign God, he holds us in the palm of his hand. His truth is the same yesterday, today and forever. It does not matter what issue is or isn't on the ballot - He loves us all the same and regardless who is living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue; HE REIGNS OVER ALL. May God watch over and protect you and your family in 2009.
2008 in Review – Mike style
Thursday, January 08, 2009
christmas post (coming)
Saturday, December 27, 2008
You know the best is yet to come... and that means my christmas post! Its coming friends..its coming. Slacker-in-chief promises! In the meantime, enjoy the kids jumping on their moonbounce. (did you notice my huge manly grill in the background? sweet!)
Hello Friend(s) far and near!
Monday, December 01, 2008
Without further ado, I bring a new blog entry to you! It was a busy November for The Royer family. First and foremost, yours truly turned 30..among the many parties held is the one here with my special little friends. 
And along with my 30th came a new president. Man, I just can't wait to see the change everyone's talkin' about.
The Little Royer kiddos are alive and well - Ashley sleeps through the night, in fact, so do I. Hard to believe it took 30 years, I finally broke the habit. This brings me to share with you a picture: 
This one is my favorite of Joshua. Notice his right ear sticking out? that's a true royer family trait. I would show more traits, but I want custody of my child more so than CPS. 
While there are photos in the land of the internet of our new house; I'm not in a hurry to find them! Settlement is this friday; pray for my pocketbook 'cause AJ had a little fender bender and closing costs are never fun! and oh, my deductible is $1,000 if you're wondering.
last but not least, pray for my buddies on December 12th.
just a note
A roller coaster week of emotions; Ashley's heart murmur is fine, Joshua's hearing appears to be ok although the audiologist couldn't get a probe into his ear. Apparently his primary care doctor frazzled him trying to remove the excessive ear wax. Gross. The sad news is we withdrew our offer on the townhouse in Ashburn. You would think after four months of "this and that" the seller would get it together; apparently not. We're taking our cash elsewhere.
Congratulations, Matt - You made chief!!
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
(My brother is the last one on the right)
Send a kid to camp
Monday, October 06, 2008
Abbie Cranmer is raising funds in order to attend the 20th annual Association of Late Deafened Adult (ALDA) Convention in Chicago. I can't think of anyone more deserving to go -- Abbie is truly the ears, eyes, and voice for the cochlear implant community. She is a brilliant writer, one who can captivate and substantially contribute to the well-being of others with encouragement, love and support. Going through the CI process is indeed, a process. We all need a friend -- please help send our "kid" Abbie to camp!
