Today I had lunch with a dear friend who is moving back to Texas at the end of the week and the topic of conversation ended up at some point being about my Daddy. I told her about how my dad was gentle, yet firm..strict, yet lenient and one of the few "good guys" left in the world. I told her about how he taught my mom and me to fire a weapon and also to fish. He taught me how to shoot a bow and arrow as well. He (along with my mom) taught me that hard work is a good thing and how important it is to be able to look in the mirrow at the end of a work day and know you gave over 100 percent.
While I was living with an avid hunter and a man who felt that knowing how to defend one's self (as well as how to bait a hook) is very important, I was also living with Emily Post herself! Just kidding but I WAS living with a mother who believed that etiquette and class are 2 important characteristics for one to possess. We spent countless hours with her teaching me how to set a table and why there may be multiple forks on your left. I always figured that it was silly to set more than one fork at the table--seriously, why would you need more than one fork? I could eat my meal and my dessert with the same fork and that was no big deal. I could not understand why I needed to know that the fork, spoon and knife needed to be aligned along the bottom of the place setting and even more so, I could not understand why a high noon event had to be so prim and proper. Seriously, why must I wear hose and closed toed shoes in the middle of summer to a high noon wedding--nonsense. I would have rather been outside riding my dirt bike through mud puddles. But momma did not back down. I learned the finer things in life--how to shoot a bow and arrow, how to set a table, how to bait a hook and how to eat with my napkin perfectly unfolded in my lap and my left hand on top of it. Looking back, my mother must have been born with the patience of a saint to put up with my shananigans. My dad must have been born with courage to trust me with a bow and arrow. As I grew older, I realized how important these things would become. Once I married a soldier, I found myself in a world of military balls and very classy women. It is in this world that I was so happy and thankful to have a mother who took the time to nurture me and teach me these little things that would keep me from embarrassing myself. I watched so many young women at the first ball I attended as an Army wife not knowing which fork to pick up first with elbows planted firmly on the table and I was I realized that my mother really did know what she was talking about. She had taught me to behave like a lady. She had also taught me to have enough pride to WANT to behave like a lady. My dad..his steady hands taught me to fear those things which only warranted my fear but to see things clearly and not through rose colored glasses. He carefully taught me that the world was not full of white picket fences and roses but also to not let the turkey's get me down. Through the combined efforts of my parents, my brother and I learned self dependance and confidence to tackle life as it came. Granted, my brother did this with a little more grace than I but I still feel that I have been successful at this endeavor --afterall, I have not yet had a nervous breakdown nor have I packed my bags and moved back to the South since we've moved to VA. I have conquered DC traffic and although I still despise I-66 and the Beltway, it hasn't scared me away yet.
So this blog is dedicated to my parents who through steady hands and strength have taught me so many important life-skills. More than anything though, they have taught me to love myself and like the person looking back at me in the mirrow. My mother has taught me how to be a friend by being one to me. My dad has taught me to continuously look at the details and not miss a single thing! For these attributes (among many others) I am very thankful to God!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
It was 1970 (and 1980) something ...
So my friend Tessa did a note on Facebook that has prompted this blog. My childhood was spent through the 1970's and 1980's and I have to say things have changed!!
--I remember getting our first VCR. Actually before that we rented one to watch special VHS tapes from the Piggly Wiggly. When we got our first one it was HUGE!! Now we have a very thin, lightweight DVD player that my 7 year old can work better than me!!
--I remember my grandparents picking us up from school--my grandfather in his old yellow truck and my grandmother driving her blue Buick. Those were GRAND times! My grandmother always had yummy snacks and we watched "Leave it to Beaver" and the "Munster's" reruns. It was a great time!!
--My dad and I rode his motorcycle. This why I do not like motorcycles today. After we had an accident going down a hill to go to the lake, the motorcycle went away forever.
--I remember my mother taking dancing lessons and us dancing together in the living room. I can still see BeBe doing the box step!
--I remember fishing with my parents and my grandparents and also spending countless hours at the lake. Daddy bought a boat that we thought had to be the fastest boat ever..and it you measured the happy moments on the boat in terms of dollars, we'd be worth millions!
--I remember my grandparents taking us ice skating in Montgomery every spring break (and during the summer.) I thought that was super cool!
--I remember a family vacation through South Carolina to visit Ft. Sumpter and Boone Hall plantation, to Washington DC where I was able to witness the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Manassas..we visited all around DC, went to Hershey Pennsylvania, Williamsburg and so many places in between ..and we had the best tour guides possible--my mom's cousin and his sweet family!! Wonderful, wonderful trip!
--I remember the countless flowers my Mema had in her yard. She truly had a green thumb and they were her pride and joy. She had the most gorgeous hydrangeas you could imagine.
--I also remember my MeMa making lunch for everyone. Her house was the gathering place for my cousins at lunch..she'd make something for everyone in one meal. It was nothing to have fried chicken, vegetables and cornbread along with pizza for the kids.
--I remember the day we got our dog Mitzi. She was the prettiest Brittany Spaniel you ever could imagine--and the sweetest little dog ever!
--I remember the day Mitzi visited school one day when our class was outside doing our lessons. The school was close to our house. I looked up and there she came. I guess she sensed that her girl was close by and came to learn some Spanish!
--I remember thinking that getting to go to the Arcade to play those big bulky video games was just the coolest thing ever! Now we can play them on our cell phones!
--I remember when the Space Shuttle exploded--very sad.
--I remember going roller skating and thinking getting to roller skate to the Beach Boys was cool.
--I remember as a little girl getting to go sleep over with my older cousin, Nancy and then when she moved away, my other cousin and I got to go spend the weekend. We thought it was just such a treat as we thought Nancy the coolest person in the world (and I still do!)
--I remember vividly the day we went to Montgomery to adopt my baby brother. Getting to sign my name of the paper for him is as clear as if it happened yesterday. What a fabulous day!
The list could literally go on and on..happy, fun times with my parents and family. I can only hope and pray that my daughters will be able to remember such fun times growing up someday! We are blessed!!
--I remember getting our first VCR. Actually before that we rented one to watch special VHS tapes from the Piggly Wiggly. When we got our first one it was HUGE!! Now we have a very thin, lightweight DVD player that my 7 year old can work better than me!!
--I remember my grandparents picking us up from school--my grandfather in his old yellow truck and my grandmother driving her blue Buick. Those were GRAND times! My grandmother always had yummy snacks and we watched "Leave it to Beaver" and the "Munster's" reruns. It was a great time!!
--My dad and I rode his motorcycle. This why I do not like motorcycles today. After we had an accident going down a hill to go to the lake, the motorcycle went away forever.
--I remember my mother taking dancing lessons and us dancing together in the living room. I can still see BeBe doing the box step!
--I remember fishing with my parents and my grandparents and also spending countless hours at the lake. Daddy bought a boat that we thought had to be the fastest boat ever..and it you measured the happy moments on the boat in terms of dollars, we'd be worth millions!
--I remember my grandparents taking us ice skating in Montgomery every spring break (and during the summer.) I thought that was super cool!
--I remember a family vacation through South Carolina to visit Ft. Sumpter and Boone Hall plantation, to Washington DC where I was able to witness the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Manassas..we visited all around DC, went to Hershey Pennsylvania, Williamsburg and so many places in between ..and we had the best tour guides possible--my mom's cousin and his sweet family!! Wonderful, wonderful trip!
--I remember the countless flowers my Mema had in her yard. She truly had a green thumb and they were her pride and joy. She had the most gorgeous hydrangeas you could imagine.
--I also remember my MeMa making lunch for everyone. Her house was the gathering place for my cousins at lunch..she'd make something for everyone in one meal. It was nothing to have fried chicken, vegetables and cornbread along with pizza for the kids.
--I remember the day we got our dog Mitzi. She was the prettiest Brittany Spaniel you ever could imagine--and the sweetest little dog ever!
--I remember the day Mitzi visited school one day when our class was outside doing our lessons. The school was close to our house. I looked up and there she came. I guess she sensed that her girl was close by and came to learn some Spanish!
--I remember thinking that getting to go to the Arcade to play those big bulky video games was just the coolest thing ever! Now we can play them on our cell phones!
--I remember when the Space Shuttle exploded--very sad.
--I remember going roller skating and thinking getting to roller skate to the Beach Boys was cool.
--I remember as a little girl getting to go sleep over with my older cousin, Nancy and then when she moved away, my other cousin and I got to go spend the weekend. We thought it was just such a treat as we thought Nancy the coolest person in the world (and I still do!)
--I remember vividly the day we went to Montgomery to adopt my baby brother. Getting to sign my name of the paper for him is as clear as if it happened yesterday. What a fabulous day!
The list could literally go on and on..happy, fun times with my parents and family. I can only hope and pray that my daughters will be able to remember such fun times growing up someday! We are blessed!!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
April Showers....
bring May flowers?? If this is true, we should have ALOT of May flowers in this area! We have had so much rain that I have considered the fact that perhaps we should all be driving boats instead of cars with wheels.
But with the rain brings opportunities--yes, opportunities. Opportunities to play a board game of scrabble with a 6 year old, make home made pizza instead of grilling out (messy dough, flour on the floor--lots of fun,) read a book, watch a good movie (or go to a movie,) or even use coupons for a family bowling game. Or even better, PLAY in the rain!
I have to say that I have enjoyed the rain (the thunder and lightening and tornado warnings I could do without) ...but the rain..the sweet sound of rain on the roof is just heavenly. Since our main living area is now on the 2nd floor, I can open the blinds and see from sorta a birds eye view the rain coming down. From our bedroom I can hear the rain hitting the deck. It's a nice, relaxing sound.
So life in a kind of northern town has turned out to be not so bad. I recently celebrated my first birthday away from home. What I thought was going to be a tearful day turned out to be a very good day! My new friend here texted me early to ask if I wanted to have lunch with her that day after an appointment I had at Ft. Belvoir. I was so giddy! So she and I enjoyed a fabulous lunch at my new favorite Japanese restaurant and evening was completed with a birthday cake and singing from my husband and daughter. It could not have been a better day!
This week is Easter Break for my little daughter and we have some fun things planned-we bowled yesterday (with coupons I have acquired along,) seeing a movie today with free movie passes we got the last time we went and Thursday, my little daughter will attend an officer wives luncheon with me. I have to say I am super excited about that for several reasons. The first being that I get to spend this time with my little daughter, second, I get to spend this time with some of the most wonderful ladies one could meet and thirdly, the guest speaker is a quilter. What a great combination, huh? I think we may do a little sewing this week (since it's supposed to be rainy) and we are sure to have lots of laughs. But--we also plan to focus on the reason of the week. We have talked at length and will continue to do so regarding the meaning of Holy Week and the reason for the Easter celebration. We are happy that my husband will be able to attend church with us Sunday as he has missed the last 2 Sunday's.
At any rate, I hope you all have a wonderful week. I hope you learn that it's OK to dance in the rain, use coupons when you have them and value all that God has to offer--even the rainy, dreary days!
But with the rain brings opportunities--yes, opportunities. Opportunities to play a board game of scrabble with a 6 year old, make home made pizza instead of grilling out (messy dough, flour on the floor--lots of fun,) read a book, watch a good movie (or go to a movie,) or even use coupons for a family bowling game. Or even better, PLAY in the rain!
I have to say that I have enjoyed the rain (the thunder and lightening and tornado warnings I could do without) ...but the rain..the sweet sound of rain on the roof is just heavenly. Since our main living area is now on the 2nd floor, I can open the blinds and see from sorta a birds eye view the rain coming down. From our bedroom I can hear the rain hitting the deck. It's a nice, relaxing sound.
So life in a kind of northern town has turned out to be not so bad. I recently celebrated my first birthday away from home. What I thought was going to be a tearful day turned out to be a very good day! My new friend here texted me early to ask if I wanted to have lunch with her that day after an appointment I had at Ft. Belvoir. I was so giddy! So she and I enjoyed a fabulous lunch at my new favorite Japanese restaurant and evening was completed with a birthday cake and singing from my husband and daughter. It could not have been a better day!
This week is Easter Break for my little daughter and we have some fun things planned-we bowled yesterday (with coupons I have acquired along,) seeing a movie today with free movie passes we got the last time we went and Thursday, my little daughter will attend an officer wives luncheon with me. I have to say I am super excited about that for several reasons. The first being that I get to spend this time with my little daughter, second, I get to spend this time with some of the most wonderful ladies one could meet and thirdly, the guest speaker is a quilter. What a great combination, huh? I think we may do a little sewing this week (since it's supposed to be rainy) and we are sure to have lots of laughs. But--we also plan to focus on the reason of the week. We have talked at length and will continue to do so regarding the meaning of Holy Week and the reason for the Easter celebration. We are happy that my husband will be able to attend church with us Sunday as he has missed the last 2 Sunday's.
At any rate, I hope you all have a wonderful week. I hope you learn that it's OK to dance in the rain, use coupons when you have them and value all that God has to offer--even the rainy, dreary days!
Monday, February 28, 2011
OK...March is here (almost)...
Let's end February on a positive note:
1) We have, indeed, have a new church home! I know it's the right church home b/c not only did a meet a couple with ties to Columbus but also to our church home in Columbus. Also, the minister preached on my biggest enemy yesterday--worry and mentioned one particular thing right in the middle that has been on my mind alot lately. My husband swears he did not say anything to him to prompt this but I almost fell out of my seat when he spoke on the topic.
2) I am not upset that our lower level is not put together as I'd thought it would be at this point in the transition (big shock to those who know my Type A personality and "everything has a place and everything has to be in its place" mentality.)
3) I have now driven into Fort Myer for a luncheon and to Georgetown to take the little one to Georgetown Cupcakes (aka DC Cupcakes for you reality show junkies like me) without any major drama. Did get turned around a little on Fort Myer but found where I needed to be without much difficulty.
4) It's gorgeous weather and Spring is definately around the corner--at least every day does not require a heavy coat, gloves, hat, scarf, etc.
5) Hubby is doing well at work and transitioning from into the "nurse world" nicely. The little one is still doing well in school and my older daughter is losing college even more this year!
6) Our youngest daughter lost her first tooth earlier in the month. She even wrote the tooth fairy a special letter to PLEASE let her keep it since it was the very first one she lost. The tooth fairy thought the letter extremely sweet (and I think it may have brought a tear or two upon reading it.)
So--amidst the rain and nasty weather on this last day of February, I am feeling pretty good, still, about our new home. Some days, I still feel homesick but the warmer weather, new friends, a new church and feeling more settled has helped! I am looking forward to a trip to Boston this summer with my sister in law for the Susan B. Koman 3-day Walk. We are planning some sightseeing time as well but looking forward to participating in such a special and wonderful cause. For me, watching my grandmother go through breast cancer as well as close friends over the years is the driving force to do all that I can possibly do.
I am ready for the all famous Cherry Blossom Festival to arrive here in DC. After years of hearing about it, I am super excited to see these beautiful trees for myself!
We have continued our sightseeing endeavors complete with a tour of the White House and Capital. Granted the White House tour had to be set up through a State Representative but it was worth the wait to see the excitement in my little one's eyes!
Did I mention I have a new niece or nephew on the way?? That's right, my brother and his wife are expecting baby #3! I could not be happier!!
So goodbye February! You have been a good month!! Hello March!
1) We have, indeed, have a new church home! I know it's the right church home b/c not only did a meet a couple with ties to Columbus but also to our church home in Columbus. Also, the minister preached on my biggest enemy yesterday--worry and mentioned one particular thing right in the middle that has been on my mind alot lately. My husband swears he did not say anything to him to prompt this but I almost fell out of my seat when he spoke on the topic.
2) I am not upset that our lower level is not put together as I'd thought it would be at this point in the transition (big shock to those who know my Type A personality and "everything has a place and everything has to be in its place" mentality.)
3) I have now driven into Fort Myer for a luncheon and to Georgetown to take the little one to Georgetown Cupcakes (aka DC Cupcakes for you reality show junkies like me) without any major drama. Did get turned around a little on Fort Myer but found where I needed to be without much difficulty.
4) It's gorgeous weather and Spring is definately around the corner--at least every day does not require a heavy coat, gloves, hat, scarf, etc.
5) Hubby is doing well at work and transitioning from into the "nurse world" nicely. The little one is still doing well in school and my older daughter is losing college even more this year!
6) Our youngest daughter lost her first tooth earlier in the month. She even wrote the tooth fairy a special letter to PLEASE let her keep it since it was the very first one she lost. The tooth fairy thought the letter extremely sweet (and I think it may have brought a tear or two upon reading it.)
So--amidst the rain and nasty weather on this last day of February, I am feeling pretty good, still, about our new home. Some days, I still feel homesick but the warmer weather, new friends, a new church and feeling more settled has helped! I am looking forward to a trip to Boston this summer with my sister in law for the Susan B. Koman 3-day Walk. We are planning some sightseeing time as well but looking forward to participating in such a special and wonderful cause. For me, watching my grandmother go through breast cancer as well as close friends over the years is the driving force to do all that I can possibly do.
I am ready for the all famous Cherry Blossom Festival to arrive here in DC. After years of hearing about it, I am super excited to see these beautiful trees for myself!
We have continued our sightseeing endeavors complete with a tour of the White House and Capital. Granted the White House tour had to be set up through a State Representative but it was worth the wait to see the excitement in my little one's eyes!
Did I mention I have a new niece or nephew on the way?? That's right, my brother and his wife are expecting baby #3! I could not be happier!!
So goodbye February! You have been a good month!! Hello March!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Bloom Where You are Planted...
I went to a Women's Conference at Ft. Benning a few years ago and this was the theme. I remember thinking that it was odd and the flowers planted in boots was even more odd..however, I have learned over time that to "bloom where you are planted" is such an important quality to have especially when one is married to the military.
So I guess I could say that I am "blooming" in Northern Virginia. It's no secret among my family and friends that this move was met with resistance on my part. I recently wrote a paper about the stages of change from a text book stance and I have found that those writers of text books really do know what they are talking about! My cousin's wife who is a very seasoned military spouse (he is now retired though) told me early on in the planning for this move to see it as a new adventure. She reiterated to me to basically put on a good face, expanding on to say that the attitude of a wife can make or break the career of the husband. In other words--"bloom where you are planted."
So although I won't say I am to the point of complete contentment, I am happy to say that I am beginning to feel that I am at home here. First task was to find a school for the little one--this was completed within 48 hours of our arrival. Second task was to find a home. This was done relatively quickly after deciding on a school--although I will say that we had a pretty good idea of which school and the general area we'd try to live in before we left Georgia. Third task--find a church. Finding a church was not necessarily 3rd on our list of priorities as we'd already started researching churches before we moved but this task did take a little while longer. In mid-December we visited a church after visiting several and have been going there ever since. It's warm and friendly and I feel comfortable and very welcome. The ministers are just wonderful and each have taken the time to personally contact us on a regular basis and make sure that we know that they are happy we are there. What more could we ask for? Task number 3 completed!
The museums around are fascinating and we were so blessed to have my oldest daughter here for a week before she flew to Arizona for the National Championship game in January. Having both my children under the same roof was simply a joy that is indescribable. She and I did alot of sightseeing and had a really nice time together. We have also taken our youngest daughter to the museums, monuments, the White House and the Capital. I feel like our young daughter has a golden opportunity to experience things that many do not get to do until they are adults--and some never are able to experience this wonderful area. It is my hope that she too
will "bloom!"
Personally I am in the mecca of Civil War history so I am content with that part! A new friend described this area as the "mecca" in regards to Civil War history and I think that is a perfect description. As a young girl, I have always been fascinated by the Civil War and it's notable figures and events. I am itching to tour the battlegrounds in the area and have already been out to Manassas twice but the weather has not cooperated to really spend alot of time outdoors. My brother tells me that we should visit the battlegrounds around the same time of the year that the battles actually occured. I don't know if I can wait! It's ironic that I was at the 125th Anniversary of the Battle of Manassas (the first one) 25 years ago and will be here for the 150th Anniversary. During the same trip 25 years ago, we went to Gettysburg and that hallowed ground was one of my favorite places we visited. I remember as a young girl, feeling the solemness of the grounds. Also the Cherry Blossom Festival is right around the corner and I have to admit, the thought of seeing those beautiful trees in full bloom is exciting!
So, although I feel that my transition here and the "process of accepting change" is still an ongoing process for me, I am determined to bloom where God has put us for the time being. I have always been told told and proclaimed to believe that things do not happen by accident and where we are placed in life is certainly no accident but for a purpose. Now is the time for me to put this belief into action and call Northern Virginia "home."
So I guess I could say that I am "blooming" in Northern Virginia. It's no secret among my family and friends that this move was met with resistance on my part. I recently wrote a paper about the stages of change from a text book stance and I have found that those writers of text books really do know what they are talking about! My cousin's wife who is a very seasoned military spouse (he is now retired though) told me early on in the planning for this move to see it as a new adventure. She reiterated to me to basically put on a good face, expanding on to say that the attitude of a wife can make or break the career of the husband. In other words--"bloom where you are planted."
So although I won't say I am to the point of complete contentment, I am happy to say that I am beginning to feel that I am at home here. First task was to find a school for the little one--this was completed within 48 hours of our arrival. Second task was to find a home. This was done relatively quickly after deciding on a school--although I will say that we had a pretty good idea of which school and the general area we'd try to live in before we left Georgia. Third task--find a church. Finding a church was not necessarily 3rd on our list of priorities as we'd already started researching churches before we moved but this task did take a little while longer. In mid-December we visited a church after visiting several and have been going there ever since. It's warm and friendly and I feel comfortable and very welcome. The ministers are just wonderful and each have taken the time to personally contact us on a regular basis and make sure that we know that they are happy we are there. What more could we ask for? Task number 3 completed!
The museums around are fascinating and we were so blessed to have my oldest daughter here for a week before she flew to Arizona for the National Championship game in January. Having both my children under the same roof was simply a joy that is indescribable. She and I did alot of sightseeing and had a really nice time together. We have also taken our youngest daughter to the museums, monuments, the White House and the Capital. I feel like our young daughter has a golden opportunity to experience things that many do not get to do until they are adults--and some never are able to experience this wonderful area. It is my hope that she too
will "bloom!"
Personally I am in the mecca of Civil War history so I am content with that part! A new friend described this area as the "mecca" in regards to Civil War history and I think that is a perfect description. As a young girl, I have always been fascinated by the Civil War and it's notable figures and events. I am itching to tour the battlegrounds in the area and have already been out to Manassas twice but the weather has not cooperated to really spend alot of time outdoors. My brother tells me that we should visit the battlegrounds around the same time of the year that the battles actually occured. I don't know if I can wait! It's ironic that I was at the 125th Anniversary of the Battle of Manassas (the first one) 25 years ago and will be here for the 150th Anniversary. During the same trip 25 years ago, we went to Gettysburg and that hallowed ground was one of my favorite places we visited. I remember as a young girl, feeling the solemness of the grounds. Also the Cherry Blossom Festival is right around the corner and I have to admit, the thought of seeing those beautiful trees in full bloom is exciting!
So, although I feel that my transition here and the "process of accepting change" is still an ongoing process for me, I am determined to bloom where God has put us for the time being. I have always been told told and proclaimed to believe that things do not happen by accident and where we are placed in life is certainly no accident but for a purpose. Now is the time for me to put this belief into action and call Northern Virginia "home."
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
It's been over a month once again and no journal entry so....
We are here in VA. We arrived after driving 2 vehicles, a guinea pig and tons of things we did not want to entrust to the movers and stayed in a lovely hotel in Maryland for 10 days while house hunting. First priority was to visit schools. There was absolutely no decision knowing which was "the right one" for us. Got the little one registered and she was so excited (yet a little anxious) to start in a new school.
Next task was to find a home near school. The commute for my husband was going to be difficult but you do what you need to do for your children to make things work. The Metro has proved to be very convenient for him. While doing all of this, my husband signed into work and I was thrilled to get to see a couple of familiar faces at the hospital! It definately made the move feel a little better although I was already terribly homesick. Saying goodbye to my oldest daughter, my grandparents, parents and then pulling out of my parents drive early that Saturday morning were the hardest things I have ever done in my life. I cried alot that day and for many days afterwards. It has become a bit easier because I know the surroundings a little better and have finally come to terms with the fact that this is home --for a while at least. Once we found a place and had our household goods delivered and I had "my things" around, I started feeling better. The Christmas tree went up, the lights went up, I had my dishes, my bed and most of all, my husband and daughter with me, things stared feeling better. I have to admit that when the sun goes down and the business of the day starts to wind down, it becomes a more difficult. Cell phones and Skype are wonderful! I am thankful (and sure my parents are also) for the mobile-to-mobile no charge feature our cell phone company has!
We have had a chance to visit some of the surrounding area. We went to the National Mall the first full day we were here for a little while (saw Newt Gingrich on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with his wife,) visited Arlington Cemetary and saw the Changing of the Guards, have experienced beltway traffic (it stinks,) went to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas Ice display at the Gaylord Hotel at the National Harbor, we went to Zoo Lights at the National Zoo and then we have visited Ft. Belvoir, Ft. Meade and some of the other nearby places. I was introduced to the Metro system last weekend. My husband felt it a necessity. We rode to DC and visited Union Station and the National Police Memorial.
I was truly dreading Thanksgiving as it would be the first away from my family. In all of my years, I have NEVER spent a Thanksgiving away from home in Alabama and my family. We ended up having a fabulous Thanksgiving! We drove to New Jersey where my husband's brother and his fiancee live. My husband showed my daughter and me the house where he was raised until moving to Arizona and that was really nice to see after hearing so many stories of his childhood! Not long after arriving in NJ on Wednesday before Thanksgiving, we were taken to the train station and we rode the train to NYC! I guess one item on my bucket list, for lack of a better word, was to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade--not from the living room on TV but in person! My husband made this dream come true! It was all I thought it would be plus about 3 million people. NYC was in the progress of getting all decorated and that was absolutely something to see! The Rockefeller Center Tree was being erected and we were able to see that! The parade was really terrific and I am so happy we were able to do this but probably will spend the next Thanksgivings in the loving warmth of my home surrounded by my family! After the parade, we gathered our things and went back to the train station and rode back to NJ where we had a truly wonderful afternoon! My brother in law's fiancee and he cooked a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and went out of their way to make it special for us. I felt so blessed to have been able to be with them and her boys! We enjoyed being able to sit around the table with them, laugh, talk and it was just a wonderful day! We drove back that night and the following day, enjoyed seeing my beloved Auburn win the Iron Bowl! What a weekend!
My youngest daughter is loving school. I cannot say how blessed we are to have found this school. The first day, I picked her up after school to find out that not only had her teacher brought in a "crown" for her to wear her first day but each child written her a letter and drawn a picture for her welcoming her to her class. She has made friends and has already attended the birthday party of one of the children. She talks about her school in Columbus every single day and that she misses her teachers and friends but she also seems to be loving her new school. Each day I pick her up she has a smile on her face and is going on and on about the day's events. As a mother, who could ask for more!
The search for a church has been on-going since we arrived. I have been very discouraged because when I did not think I would ever find on I loved as much as FBC in Columbus---and I probably will not. We visited a church this past Sunday that we liked alot and will visit again. Maybe we have found our church home--maybe! I thought my heart would break the last Sunday we walked out of FBC in Columbus. We left there so many wonderful memories, good friends and such a loving and warm church family. I know that it is wrong to measure places against others but it's hard not to do so when when you leave such a sweet place. We will see.
I read a journal entry last night written by a military wife about moving and how it is so so important to try and see the purpose that God has for you in that new place. I feel that it was written just for me--although truly, she wrote it from a very recent moving experience of her own. Hmmm...I'm truly not alone in some of the feelings I have had. We have considered our family very blessed to have been in one place for such a long time--not very common. I was able to see my oldest daughter through high school graduation and all of her first year in college. I was able to see her cheer at the ballgames, take her to a military ball and so many other things I would not been able to do had we moved in the regular routine of the Army. My youngest daughter was able to "grow roots." She was able to know what is like to have a real church home, a warm, inviting school and most of all, the love of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family. I think these things helped to establish the foundation for so many new experiences!
So that's it. We are here. We are mostly unpacked, well, I guess that's not entirely true. I have 3 levels in this home and the bottom level still has all of the unpacked boxes. I have learned that you really don't have to kill herself trying to unpack everything in one day! I have also learned that it's OK to play in the snow and not worry about what "needs to be done." It will ALL be there the next day!
I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas!
We are here in VA. We arrived after driving 2 vehicles, a guinea pig and tons of things we did not want to entrust to the movers and stayed in a lovely hotel in Maryland for 10 days while house hunting. First priority was to visit schools. There was absolutely no decision knowing which was "the right one" for us. Got the little one registered and she was so excited (yet a little anxious) to start in a new school.
Next task was to find a home near school. The commute for my husband was going to be difficult but you do what you need to do for your children to make things work. The Metro has proved to be very convenient for him. While doing all of this, my husband signed into work and I was thrilled to get to see a couple of familiar faces at the hospital! It definately made the move feel a little better although I was already terribly homesick. Saying goodbye to my oldest daughter, my grandparents, parents and then pulling out of my parents drive early that Saturday morning were the hardest things I have ever done in my life. I cried alot that day and for many days afterwards. It has become a bit easier because I know the surroundings a little better and have finally come to terms with the fact that this is home --for a while at least. Once we found a place and had our household goods delivered and I had "my things" around, I started feeling better. The Christmas tree went up, the lights went up, I had my dishes, my bed and most of all, my husband and daughter with me, things stared feeling better. I have to admit that when the sun goes down and the business of the day starts to wind down, it becomes a more difficult. Cell phones and Skype are wonderful! I am thankful (and sure my parents are also) for the mobile-to-mobile no charge feature our cell phone company has!
We have had a chance to visit some of the surrounding area. We went to the National Mall the first full day we were here for a little while (saw Newt Gingrich on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with his wife,) visited Arlington Cemetary and saw the Changing of the Guards, have experienced beltway traffic (it stinks,) went to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas Ice display at the Gaylord Hotel at the National Harbor, we went to Zoo Lights at the National Zoo and then we have visited Ft. Belvoir, Ft. Meade and some of the other nearby places. I was introduced to the Metro system last weekend. My husband felt it a necessity. We rode to DC and visited Union Station and the National Police Memorial.
I was truly dreading Thanksgiving as it would be the first away from my family. In all of my years, I have NEVER spent a Thanksgiving away from home in Alabama and my family. We ended up having a fabulous Thanksgiving! We drove to New Jersey where my husband's brother and his fiancee live. My husband showed my daughter and me the house where he was raised until moving to Arizona and that was really nice to see after hearing so many stories of his childhood! Not long after arriving in NJ on Wednesday before Thanksgiving, we were taken to the train station and we rode the train to NYC! I guess one item on my bucket list, for lack of a better word, was to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade--not from the living room on TV but in person! My husband made this dream come true! It was all I thought it would be plus about 3 million people. NYC was in the progress of getting all decorated and that was absolutely something to see! The Rockefeller Center Tree was being erected and we were able to see that! The parade was really terrific and I am so happy we were able to do this but probably will spend the next Thanksgivings in the loving warmth of my home surrounded by my family! After the parade, we gathered our things and went back to the train station and rode back to NJ where we had a truly wonderful afternoon! My brother in law's fiancee and he cooked a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and went out of their way to make it special for us. I felt so blessed to have been able to be with them and her boys! We enjoyed being able to sit around the table with them, laugh, talk and it was just a wonderful day! We drove back that night and the following day, enjoyed seeing my beloved Auburn win the Iron Bowl! What a weekend!
My youngest daughter is loving school. I cannot say how blessed we are to have found this school. The first day, I picked her up after school to find out that not only had her teacher brought in a "crown" for her to wear her first day but each child written her a letter and drawn a picture for her welcoming her to her class. She has made friends and has already attended the birthday party of one of the children. She talks about her school in Columbus every single day and that she misses her teachers and friends but she also seems to be loving her new school. Each day I pick her up she has a smile on her face and is going on and on about the day's events. As a mother, who could ask for more!
The search for a church has been on-going since we arrived. I have been very discouraged because when I did not think I would ever find on I loved as much as FBC in Columbus---and I probably will not. We visited a church this past Sunday that we liked alot and will visit again. Maybe we have found our church home--maybe! I thought my heart would break the last Sunday we walked out of FBC in Columbus. We left there so many wonderful memories, good friends and such a loving and warm church family. I know that it is wrong to measure places against others but it's hard not to do so when when you leave such a sweet place. We will see.
I read a journal entry last night written by a military wife about moving and how it is so so important to try and see the purpose that God has for you in that new place. I feel that it was written just for me--although truly, she wrote it from a very recent moving experience of her own. Hmmm...I'm truly not alone in some of the feelings I have had. We have considered our family very blessed to have been in one place for such a long time--not very common. I was able to see my oldest daughter through high school graduation and all of her first year in college. I was able to see her cheer at the ballgames, take her to a military ball and so many other things I would not been able to do had we moved in the regular routine of the Army. My youngest daughter was able to "grow roots." She was able to know what is like to have a real church home, a warm, inviting school and most of all, the love of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family. I think these things helped to establish the foundation for so many new experiences!
So that's it. We are here. We are mostly unpacked, well, I guess that's not entirely true. I have 3 levels in this home and the bottom level still has all of the unpacked boxes. I have learned that you really don't have to kill herself trying to unpack everything in one day! I have also learned that it's OK to play in the snow and not worry about what "needs to be done." It will ALL be there the next day!
I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Day 1 of packing..
So they are here---4 of them each in one room of my house. We have the things we will take in my van situated in a certain area of our house. The packers are very nice. They have been very polite, asking about individual items and what we would like done with them. I stole a few minutes away to write this, write a letter of recommendation for a friend who is working on his Master's degree and eat a little lunch. It's odd watching everything you have being packed in boxes, labeled and placed away in a nice orderly fashion for pick up later in the week. So that's it. I have always heard that when the Army moves you it's not as much work on you but amazingly I feel just as tired as when we moved in the house 4 years ago. I find it coincidental that we moved into our beautiful home 4 years ago just after it was completed being built. I unpacked our things and along with them, unpacked our Christmas decorations. It appears that I will be doing the same in Virginia. First order of business however is to find a school for our baby. We have 2 lined up to see the first work day after we arrive and I am hopeful one of them will fit us. They are both Christian private schools so I'm excited that we found them. I know every place has it's faults including private schools but I just feel very strongly that keeping her in that environment is a good thing. One of the schools even gives you a "sponsor family." Sorta like the Army designated a sponsor to service members--this school has a family that assumes sponsorship of you. This includes a "buddy" for your child out of his or her class. This "buddy" sits with them at lunch, introduces them and so forth. I like that! Yesterday we went on a class Cross Country Fun Run at Idol Hour Park locally and had a great time. Tomorrow is another field trip to a Science Center in Newnan, GA. I am excited that my little one will get those opportunities. My oldest daughter will stay in Auburn which is killing me. She's doing well and her changing schools was out of the question. My grandmother is coming home from the hospital (thank God) and so hopefully things will be alot better for my parents. It has broken my heart thinking about leaving my grandmother in the hospital so I am thankful she is coming home :)
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