Humbled on the Road

I wish I had a picture of this, but since I was the only adult in the car and I was driving, it was impossible. On our latest trip, we drove through a town that was honoring fallen soldiers. All along the median there were white crosses topped with American flags. I was humbled as I drove along and pondered on the blessing of living in this country. Here, where I have the freedom to jump in my car and make a road trip and drive through the expanse of a unified country. Sure, there are parts that we, as a people, do not agree upon, but in the end, we are all citizens of a great country which has been protected and provided for through the sacrifice of something very great: the life of someone's son/daughter/parent/etc. I silently thank these people and give my gratitude for the freedoms I am blessed with because of their love.

Traveling woman

We went to North Carolina for the weekend and ended up staying extra days due to unforeseen circumstances that left us unable to accomplish our mission: seeing and being with the hubby. Somewhere along the way I have stopped worrying about other people and only focusing on my family. If my family needs extra time to be together, they are going to get it no matter if someone might be counting on me for service, school, church, or other responsibilities. Family trumps all. Well...almost all. I did feel the need to get back so we can do all of the final things on the house (like be there to let the appraiser in and have the movers evaluate how much stuff we have....turns out we have the "average" poundage for a family of four, but with that acknowledging that we have a piano, scooter, and motorcycle to add to the transport that many families don't have....yes, that's said to make myself feel better about the things hanging about still). Now that this is complete, I'm excited for more summer adventures. Stay tuned to read about an exciting trip to central America....aka "the big MO" and the actual move to our new home! I am really excited for the trip to see my family since I haven't been able to make it up there for over three years now. There are some serious photo ops in the future!

Big Changes

It's official! We'll be moving this summer!! We are so excited but also a bit overwhelmed with everything. My husband will have to go on ahead of us but at least it won't be forever, just a little while to get things here tied up and finished and also so he can find us a place to live.
On that same note, I can't decide if I want to keep up this blog or retire it. If you are still reading this, let me know. Otherwise, I'm going to archive everything and move on as leaving this public is no longer informing my friends and family of our lives and I only receive spam through the comments.
Thanks!

Unsolicited Advice

I'm just pondering this morning why we, as humans, give unsolicited advice. It's one thing to ask someone for advice, but why do we offer it so often when it isn't requested and, quite frankly, not needed.
I was recently asked for what I interpreted as advice. I then proceeded to give ALL my feedback and didn't restrain. I should have clarified some points before just dumping all of my assumed expertise in the area...and that assumption was on my own part, not on the poor soul who asked a simple question. I didn't think anything of it at the time, but am now pondering my response because several people have now vomited their advice about my life unsolicited. I say "vomit" because it happens all the sudden without notice and it's all out before it's done...no one can seem to bottle it up.
Because this can seem quite the contradiction, I am first putting this out here for anyone who has ideas on why we do this but also how to check yourself so that I can NOT do this again. And, thirdly, I would love to hear your thoughts on how to kindly and gently but assertively guide a conversation away from the advice column.

Best Visit EVER!!

Seriously, it was! This was the most relaxed, enjoyable, but yet still doing lots of vacation stuff with my parents here. We did so much and yet it was never rushed. We went to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and saw an alligator show. We had dinner with Mr. Jarrett and got him to sign books for us. We went to Savannah, Fort Pulaski, the beach. We hung out at the house and ran errands and just enjoyed being together. I just really, really enjoyed being with my family and my parents.
As if that wasn't enough, one of my friends just posted this beautiful blog entry about her newest addition to the family and her joy at motherhood. I'm so grateful to be a mother and to have my mother. I'm just so happy and enjoyed the past few days so much. We miss them already, but that's what makes the moments so sweet.
Love you, Mom and Dad!! I'd love to spend all of my birthdays with you!

Yes, she's sinking!! And enjoying every minute of it!! The girls braved the wind to play in the ocean.

Look closely at this picture to know why I put it on here...there is a unique architectural feature in there. Something to do with a carousel horse.

Just a Memo

I like my house to be clean. It isn't always spic and span, but it is never really bad. Anyway, for the past two years, the house has been on the market, so I have to keep it in even better condition than the normal Jack and Jane American. Someone called me today and asked what I was doing. I replied that I was tidying up the house. She said, "Again? Your house is always clean." Um, yep. That's what happens when you clean and tidy. And, it is especially important when you are trying to sell your house. At any given hour I could have someone in my doors wanting to visualize the space. The less clutter, the better for this activity.
So, if you have a problem with me "always" cleaning my house, STOP CALLING!! Obviously you call too often if you know how frequently I clean. And, PS, my parents are coming into town. I'd like them to have a nice and clean place to be while they are here.
Okay, vent done.

Caterpillars and Bubbles

What is Spring without bubbles and caterpillars?
Gianna and I have had fun the last few days by enjoying both of these things (though, the caterpillars have been "enjoyed" more by me by having them NOT touch me).
She kept one caterpillar for a couple of days. It became her pet and she has loved on this thing like it was a cat or something. Tragedy of all tragedies occurred today as she was skipping through the house with the "pet" on her arm. He slipped off and went splat...right under her shoe. The poor child was horrified that she had killed her own pet! I was trying to be consoling, but it was rather funny at the same time.
Now we are blowing bubbles and she has identified different types of bubbles. My favorite is when two bubbles are joined together, it creates what she calls a "hippo". Hilarious! I love it.