A Year To Remember

It probably comes as no surprise to anyone, but 2020 will undoubtedly go down in history as the strangest year of our lives.  Everything from the toilet paper shortage to the 24-hour quarantine, things have just been different.  I must confess though; it has been a blessing.  From the insane scheduling of gymnastics, karate, football, mine and Mike’s work schedule, and school in general, things had steadily become out of control.  However, after everything shut down, we were forced to slow down and take a breath.  Before this, I could not tell you the last time we put a puzzle together, had a 3-hour Monopoly battle or had a Bob Ross painting night.  Workouts became more creative.  Walking the dogs became a daily thing.  We colored with chalk, dyed our hair, played dozens of board games, and had outdoor movie nights.  I was gifted with more lengthy conversations with my big kids than I can count.  For that, I am thankful.

Victoria is flying through her junior year at William and Mary.  She is currently virtual learning from the comforts of home.  Although that was a difficult decision for her, saving money on dorm costs was a no-brainer.  Victoria has chosen not to work while she’s in school as she is fully dedicated to her academics and us!  Our girl is one of the most thoughtful and determined young women that I know.  When she puts her mind to something, she is sure to achieve it!   

Ethan is currently in his freshman year at the Naval Academy in Maryland; he has become quite the expert in push-ups, late night study sessions, and grinding through the sometimes-never-ending days of plebe life.  Just like the rest of the world, things are looking different for him.  All academics are taken online which makes things more challenging as these classes were never intended to be taken virtually.  However, even with the all the demands, he still manages to check in often.  We’re so thankful to have him home for the holidays!

Christian is in his sophomore year in high school and has become quite the beast in the gym, at school, and on the football field.  He was the starting defensive tackle on the JV team, which came with a lot of grind on and off the field.  One of the most exciting parts of his year happened when the DMV opened back up and he was able to get his permit.  Watch out everyone!!!  This guy’s managed to keep an A average all while balancing his many roles within the family.  He is one of the funniest, most dedicated, and hardworking teenage boys I’ve ever seen.  Love this kid.

Addie has made the jump to middle school life.  We were a little nervous about transitioning to middle school, but man, she’s crushing it!  She studies everyday and is making tons of new friends.  She decided to try something new this year and is now in karate!  Anyone who knows our girl knows that this is right up her alley.  She recently tested and is now proudly wearing a yellow belt.  This gal continues to be the crafting queen of the family.  Every week I am gifted with a new creation…I’m loving every one of them.  My sweet girl is one of the most thoughtful, caring, and determined 

12-year-olds ever!

Kaitlyn’s year has been one filled with broken bones.  Mother of the year encouraged her to push through thinking she was just sore from her many hours at gymnastics.  It wasn’t until she came home crying that I decided to get it checked out.  Yep…broken in two places.  Having a cast was initially fun until she realized how inconvenient it was.  Shortly thereafter, my girl slammed her hand in the door leaving her without a fingernail and a broken finger.  Needless to say, we’ve had quite an adventure with that little one.  Kaitlyn is not only killing it at the gym, she’s flying through sixth grade with ease.  The transition was a little more difficult, but she’s great at adapting.  She continues to be one of the sweetest, most tenderhearted, and hardworking kiddos ever!

Mike was promoted from Squadron Commander to Deputy Group Commander of the 116th Operations Group.  This means more meetings, more responsibilities, but no more deployments.  In recent weeks, we have learned that Mike was selected for a broadening opportunity to work at Headquarters Air Force in Washington, DC.  He will be working on the development and acquisition of future programs.  Although we're excited for the opportunity, it will be an adjustment getting used to being geographically separated for a little while.  Thankfully, Mike will still be flying and will still be affiliated with the State of Georgia, so he will be traveling home quite a bit.

As for me, I am still loving my new position as at Caring Solutions.  Prior to becoming a wife and Mother, I had many jobs that I enjoyed, but I never thought it was possible to have a career that my sole responsibility would be to love the people I serve.  I have the opportunity to connect with those who are facing difficult decisions and am able to guide those who are seeking to improve their situations.  Even better than the patients I meet, I serve alongside of some of the most caring and Godly women I have ever known.  Although the days can be long, the benefits of what I do make every day worth it.

We pray that you all had a very Merry Christmas and are blessed beyond measure in 2021!

Sometimes you just need a hero.

It's easy to fall into a comfortable routine; especially if things have been going rather smoothly.  However, I have given up on the naivety that life will stay that way...smooth.  It is almost always a guarantee that something is on the horizon.  Whether it's a relationship that falls apart and the pieces need to be mended; a deployment is in full swing; there's deadline that unexpectedly shows up, or in my case, my daughter's ceiling came down.  Let me just say that again...parts of my daughter's ceiling came down.

What had started as the perfect Sunday that included: worship, skating, and friends ended in disaster. My upstairs bathroom (directly over my daughters bedroom) was leaking.

This was one of those times where it was 100% necessary for the children and myself to pull ourselves together and work as a team.

-Victoria called Poppy and explained the situation.
-Ethan began moving things out of the way as quickly as possible.
-Christian made some dinner for the girls before taking them upstairs and getting them all tucked in.
-As for me, well I ran next door to grab my neighbor.  Poor guy had just gotten home from a date      with his wife...still dressed up and everything.

Only after my friend had climbed over toys, nearly tripped on shoes, and removed all obstacles from a well lived-in house, we unanimously agreed that this was indeed a disaster.  The house...the leak...my daughter's room...my life!  A bit dramatic, perhaps, but there is no drama in the fact that I am currently without my husband.  That in and of itself makes every bad situation seem worse.

It's true that some things simply can't be avoided...the call to our insurance company falls into that category.  Finding a quiet opportunity to make an important call these days is nearly impossible.  To find that moment and make it through the call without sounding completely frazzled IS impossible.  The next day I was able to talk to Mike about everything going on.  His response was worded in the most romantic, the most thoughtful, and the most heroic way possible...

"Let me call them honey."

Sweeter words have never been spoken.  After the initial call was made the process went quickly.  The contractor came followed by a gentleman to get the mitigation process started.  Now for the plumbing...yea the plumbing.  Since the wet ceiling had now been removed it was easy to see all work that needed to be done.  I had no idea where to begin finding someone reputable that wouldn't cost one million dollars.  When suddenly...

My Daddy walked in.

I breathed such a sigh of relief when I saw his face.  Not only can he do anything, but his hugs just make you feel like everything is going to be all right.  It didn't take him long to spot the problem(s) and hop into action.  He had even brought all his tools with him!!!  After a full days work and a few hiccups along the way, we were leak free.  Total cost of the repair...$53!!

After the removal of part of the ceiling.

Let the mitigation begin.

...and this is where it all began, with a poorly installed shower drain.

Now, we wait for the reconstruction to begin.  

What have I learned from this?  I am stronger than I give myself credit for,

but sometimes you just need a hero...or two.

My First True Love

It was love at first. The very first time he touched my hand, I knew our relationship would be one that would withstand the test of time. The first time I heard his voice, I knew he would be able to help calm the storms of my life. Some say that I was too young to know much of anything...let alone make such judgement calls, but I beg to differ. The things I've stated above have indeed proven to be true. My first love has been with me through it all...held my hand...dried my tears...hemmed my cheerleading skirts...and been my number one fan through all the ups and downs of life. I would not be who I am today without him.
I sure do love my Daddy.

Happy Father's Day!