The Precious "Present"

It has come to be a tradition of mine to write a post summarizing our year.  This time, the words just haven't come.  Although, there has been no lack of adventure and changes; I just feel at a loss.  Unfortunately, this has not been the easiest of years for our family.  It hurts to type those words, but it hurts even more to know they're true.  Given that, I had decided that I would just bypass this tradition, as I have many others this month.  About the time I made the decision to skip this year, I came across this gem.

"Though the rain comes in torrents and the flood waters rise and the winds beat against the house, 

it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock."

Matthew 7:25

Despite the trials we've faced, the foundation of our family is built on God's word.  No, that doesn't mean we're perfect.  No, that doesn't mean our foundation can't be shaken.  What it does mean is that because God is there we won't crumble.

With that in mind, I realized I don't have to look back.  I don't even have to look to the future.  I have permission to just appreciate the gift of the precious present...

which is a beautiful thing.

We spent Christmas in beautiful New Hampshire.  Our family has spent so much quality time together and made so many wonderful memories that we will talk about for years!!!  We've been with family we haven't seen in years, gone to our first NFL game, played in real snow, gone sledding, been to times square, and the 9-11 Memorial.  It feels like we're in a little world of our own...so cozy, comfortable, and safe.

                

We cut down our own Christmas tree and decorated Grandma's living room!

                                                

We visited the 9/11 Memorial, Times Square, and even had an authentic New York style pizza!

We went to our very first NFL game and practically got to touch two of our favorite players...

Brady and Gronks!

 

       

 We experienced our first REAL snow and had our first sledding experience! 

With 2015 coming to an end, the greatest lesson I'll take with me is how amazing God's grace is.

He showered us with His grace and allowed us to have a beautiful Christmas and enjoy the "presence" of one another. So, here's to 2016!

Just roll with it

I can't sleep.  Another deployment is upon us.  We knew well in advance that Mike was set to leave in the beginning of 2015, but not now.  No, this one was a complete surprise.  We went on for a couple of weeks as if nothing was different; as if no preparations needed to be made.  As the time drew nearer and demands of his work took center stage, we decided it was time to make the "mental adjustment."  We talked to the kids, cried, hugged, and then hugged some more.  We reassured ourselves that "we have done this before and can do it again."  But my voice felt a little shaky saying those words this time.  Of course we can do it, but I knew this would be a tough one.  Truth is, I didn't want to do this one.  I felt like a child folding my arms wanting to petition these change of plans.  It wouldn't do any good.

It's tough being the Mommy and having to be strong and encouraging for your children, but also being a wife knowing how deeply you're going to miss your other half.

We decided that since there was no getting around things, we should make plans for a mini-vacation and have some fun.  We rented a cabin and headed to Callaway Gardens.  We would spend Friday going to see the Fantasy In Lights and have our Thanksgiving there.  Staying in cabins are probably our most favorite things to do when we want to get away.

The lights were fantastic, but the best part was being all bundled up in the back of Mike's truck, eating popcorn and drinking way to much hot chocolate!!

My little snuggle bugs.

Our handsome and selfless driver!

Saturday, Mike and all the kiddos did a ropes course.  I loved, loved, loved watching everyone be so brave!

The little girls did the "saplings course." They had no idea what that meant, other than they got to wear cool gear.

 Addie is my natural born monkey.

 Kaitlyn is always up for something new, although ALWAYS very cautious.

 Here goes Christian and Mike.  Christian was juuuuust tall enough, so this was a big deal for him.

 Victoria was very precise and did awesome!

 Ethan...well he was out to conquer the world with his speed.  

Our evening was concluded with more hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows, and a family game of Quelf.  If you have never played that game, I strongly recommend you purchase it.  Truly, it's crazy fun and wickedly hilarious!

Sunday was going to be the grand finale of our trip...our Thanksgiving feast.

We had packed everything we needed to make all of our traditional favorites; pumpkin pie, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, and of course the turkey!!

In our family, everyone pitches in and makes one dish.  Since the kitchen was a bit smaller than ours at home, we took turns getting things put together.

Addie Pie made the macaroni and cheese...and you would never guess that she tasted it!!  Silly girl.

Kaitlyn made our pumpkin pies, which were delicious!

Aaaaand our turkey.  I've found that it is impossible for us to go on any type of vacation without having some type of unexpected adventure.  This was no exception.

After heating up the oil, Mike discovered hot oil was dripping into the flames.

Yup, the valve was broken.  Mike tried everything he could to fix it, but just couldn't safely do it.

I won't write down every single attempt that was made, I'll just go ahead and say...

after driving a total of 60 miles looking for another cooker/replacement valve, we decided it was best to pack up our seasoned bird and head home.

Once home, we threw all side dishes in the ovens and Mike fried our turkey to perfection.  It was lovely to sit down and eat our delicious dinner together.  We were afraid the kiddos might be disappointed as our plans had changed.  BUT...
That's life, and sometimes you just have to roll with it.

Inspiration

Have you ever wondered...why is it that the harder you try and think of something to write about the harder it is to think of anything at all.  I've wanted to post a new blog for days, but I keep waiting for something profound to happen that will inspire me.  I'm thinking...I should probably not hold my breath while waiting for that "lightning bolt" moment.   So here goes nothing.

Recently we took a short trip to Florida to visit Mike's Dad and his wife.  They live on the coast of Florida so we had planned to go to the beach, boating and to the Kennedy Space Center.  Not only did we do all those things, but we also went to Disney and had a date night!  What was going to be a low-key visit turned into a daily adventure...in a great way.  The kids had a wonderful time with Grampy and Nana and we did too.  We can't wait to get back there!