Well it's about that time. As we embark on this trip I ask that you keep my little family in your thoughts and prayers. Please pray for Mara that this trip goes smoothly and she quickly adjusts to the new time zone with little disruption to her sleep. Please pray for us that we handle the stress of travel well and enjoy this transition time as a family. Please pray for Buddy (our cat) that he makes the long journey safely as well. Please pray for the family we're leaving behind. Please pray for the adventure that lays ahead.
So long U.S.!
Showing posts with label The North Carolina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The North Carolina. Show all posts
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Saying Farewell
I've been putting this post off for awhile now. For the most part we've already said our goodbyes to our friends and church family here. Our bags are packed and we're literally just waiting for the day we can fly.
Every move is hard in its own way and I don't think the reality of this one has hit yet. We've been so blessed with an amazing community here.
We had friends from past assignments who graciously welcomed us in to their home and lives when we first came. We found the best church and quickly formed friendships that will span the test of time and space. We were ushered into the Army community at Josh's work like we had always been there.
It's hard to leave these people and to really put into words the impact they've had on our lives. We've celebrated births, survived deployments and just lived the everyday life together. They have made our time here in North Carolina unforgettable.
In this military life we call normal it's inevitable that someone is always moving on. It's the nature of the beast. But no one ever says goodbye for good. See you later is the catch phrase heard at farewells and going away lunches.
So, "see you later!" North Carolina and all the amazing people you brought into our lives. We pray that down the road we all run into each other again!
Every move is hard in its own way and I don't think the reality of this one has hit yet. We've been so blessed with an amazing community here.
We had friends from past assignments who graciously welcomed us in to their home and lives when we first came. We found the best church and quickly formed friendships that will span the test of time and space. We were ushered into the Army community at Josh's work like we had always been there.
It's hard to leave these people and to really put into words the impact they've had on our lives. We've celebrated births, survived deployments and just lived the everyday life together. They have made our time here in North Carolina unforgettable.
In this military life we call normal it's inevitable that someone is always moving on. It's the nature of the beast. But no one ever says goodbye for good. See you later is the catch phrase heard at farewells and going away lunches.
So, "see you later!" North Carolina and all the amazing people you brought into our lives. We pray that down the road we all run into each other again!
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Road Trip
Before heading to Georgia we're taking some time to visit family in Wisconsin and Illinois. Normally we would fly up here and then rent a car but we are selling our car to family so we needed to drive it up here as well. We've only made the trek from up north to North Carolina twice so we were not looking forward to the long drive.
The trip is close to 15 hours of driving which is one thing with two adults. Add in a toddler and the picture changes drastically. We got up Monday morning and finished packing the car. I had done most of it the night before but we had those last minute things to throw in. We originally wanted to get as early of a start as possible but I am thankful that we were flexible enough to know that that wasn't a reality. At 6:30 we pulled out of the parking lot officially on our way!
Mara did great initially. She fell back asleep and slept for most of North Carolina. When she woke we stopped and stretched our legs a bit. We indulged in donuts and hit the road again. At this point Mara was still doing great. We put on her music and she just hung out in the back seat on her own. Quickly she fell asleep again and we didn't stop till out stomachs told us it was lunch time (this was somewhere in West Virginia)!
After lunch Josh switched to the back seat and we kept going. I really wanted to get somewhere in western Ohio before stopping for the night. Along the way we did hit some weather but thankfully we avoided the majority of the storm driving just south of the pocket. I'd say at this point Mara was starting to become a little restless and thankfully decided to take yet another nap.
Normally we would have taken full advantage of a sleeping baby and drove but Josh was having problems with his work at the same time. I, having driven all day, was also done so I started looking for somewhere to stop. After about 40 miles of shady hotels or camp grounds we crossed over the border into Indiana. It was there that we found a place for the night.
The next day we decided to take it easy again. We were out the door by 8:30 and had breakfast at Crackerbarrel to fill our bellies. By 9:30 we were on the road. Indiana went slower than I thought and it wasn't till about Noon that we hit Illinois. Thankfully there was little traffic around Chicago and we were in Wisconsin.
We decided to stop for a small lunch right outside of Racine. After that it was a quick 40 minutes and we were in Waukesha! I'm not exactly sure how long we were on the road in total (and I'm not sure I want to know) but overall it was a good trip. Road trips are rough but Mara did really good. I am also super proud of Josh and I in keeping our cool throughout too. Sometimes being cooped up can be stressful but I think we managed it really well.
I'm just thankful to be here AND to NOT have to repeat the drive on the way back!!
The trip is close to 15 hours of driving which is one thing with two adults. Add in a toddler and the picture changes drastically. We got up Monday morning and finished packing the car. I had done most of it the night before but we had those last minute things to throw in. We originally wanted to get as early of a start as possible but I am thankful that we were flexible enough to know that that wasn't a reality. At 6:30 we pulled out of the parking lot officially on our way!
Mara did great initially. She fell back asleep and slept for most of North Carolina. When she woke we stopped and stretched our legs a bit. We indulged in donuts and hit the road again. At this point Mara was still doing great. We put on her music and she just hung out in the back seat on her own. Quickly she fell asleep again and we didn't stop till out stomachs told us it was lunch time (this was somewhere in West Virginia)!
After lunch Josh switched to the back seat and we kept going. I really wanted to get somewhere in western Ohio before stopping for the night. Along the way we did hit some weather but thankfully we avoided the majority of the storm driving just south of the pocket. I'd say at this point Mara was starting to become a little restless and thankfully decided to take yet another nap.
Normally we would have taken full advantage of a sleeping baby and drove but Josh was having problems with his work at the same time. I, having driven all day, was also done so I started looking for somewhere to stop. After about 40 miles of shady hotels or camp grounds we crossed over the border into Indiana. It was there that we found a place for the night.
The next day we decided to take it easy again. We were out the door by 8:30 and had breakfast at Crackerbarrel to fill our bellies. By 9:30 we were on the road. Indiana went slower than I thought and it wasn't till about Noon that we hit Illinois. Thankfully there was little traffic around Chicago and we were in Wisconsin.
We decided to stop for a small lunch right outside of Racine. After that it was a quick 40 minutes and we were in Waukesha! I'm not exactly sure how long we were on the road in total (and I'm not sure I want to know) but overall it was a good trip. Road trips are rough but Mara did really good. I am also super proud of Josh and I in keeping our cool throughout too. Sometimes being cooped up can be stressful but I think we managed it really well.
I'm just thankful to be here AND to NOT have to repeat the drive on the way back!!
Thursday, June 25, 2015
I Am Thankful
Life has been incredibly busy as of late. We are getting ready to leave North Carolina and head north. Josh just had minor surgery and Mara's sleep schedule has been unpredictable as of late. Needless to say I'm kind of stressed and tired. Most of the time I want to throw my hands up and maybe even shed a tear or two.
But I am thankful for those small moments that remind me that life is so sweet. That I am so blessed.
I am thankful to be sitting on the couch listening to my husband and Mara sing songs to each other.
I am thankful to be enjoying more cuddles from Mara as we are slowly weening.
I am thankful for the late night tickle sessions and giggles from Mara.
I am thankful for reassuring words from Josh, understanding and grace.
I am thankful for sweet friends who listen to me rant about silly things.
I am thankful for this family He has blessed me with. With them I can do anything.
But I am thankful for those small moments that remind me that life is so sweet. That I am so blessed.
I am thankful to be sitting on the couch listening to my husband and Mara sing songs to each other.
I am thankful to be enjoying more cuddles from Mara as we are slowly weening.
I am thankful for the late night tickle sessions and giggles from Mara.
I am thankful for reassuring words from Josh, understanding and grace.
I am thankful for sweet friends who listen to me rant about silly things.
I am thankful for this family He has blessed me with. With them I can do anything.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Weekend Re-Cap
This past weekend we were finally able to let our hair down and relax a bit. The last few weeks we have been crazy busy with our move and Josh's change of command. Now that all of that is over we can finally breathe a bit and enjoy our last few weeks here in North Carolina.
Saturday morning we got out of the house with a few places in mind. We really wanted to visit a local farm to show Mara some farm animals. She is obsessed with animals and is always making their sounds and reading books about them. This small farm had a horse, goats, chickens, rabbits, roosters, geese and even a few cows.
She was so excited to see each animal and quick to make the corresponding noise. She chased after the geese and let the goats lick her hands. She was even enthralled by the squirrels. Overall it was a great experience and the homemade ice cream that paid our admission was totally worth it.
After the farm we went to a local Indian restaurant for lunch and then headed back to the house so Mara could get her nap.
The fun didn't stop there! Once Mara woke up we headed to an indoor playground to let Mara run around. It's been hovering over 100 degrees here so we needed something to beat the heat. It took Mara a bit to warm up but soon she was running up the obstacles and down the slides.
For dinner we splurged again and headed to a Mexican place. It had been awhile since we had had good Mexican so it was long overdue.
Sunday morning was spent at church. The afternoon was somewhat slow as Mara woke up from her nap and we grabbed lunch. With it still toasty outside we grabbed some bowls of water and let her play on the porch. This is quickly becoming a favorite activity around here.
After the water bowls got old we headed to the community pool for some swimming. Dinner turned out to be ice cream at a local froyo place and we spent the rest of the evening relaxing.
It was so refreshing to have a weekend to ourselves. We really took advantage of it and filled every minute with fun family activities.
Saturday morning we got out of the house with a few places in mind. We really wanted to visit a local farm to show Mara some farm animals. She is obsessed with animals and is always making their sounds and reading books about them. This small farm had a horse, goats, chickens, rabbits, roosters, geese and even a few cows.
She was so excited to see each animal and quick to make the corresponding noise. She chased after the geese and let the goats lick her hands. She was even enthralled by the squirrels. Overall it was a great experience and the homemade ice cream that paid our admission was totally worth it.
After the farm we went to a local Indian restaurant for lunch and then headed back to the house so Mara could get her nap.
The fun didn't stop there! Once Mara woke up we headed to an indoor playground to let Mara run around. It's been hovering over 100 degrees here so we needed something to beat the heat. It took Mara a bit to warm up but soon she was running up the obstacles and down the slides.
For dinner we splurged again and headed to a Mexican place. It had been awhile since we had had good Mexican so it was long overdue.
Sunday morning was spent at church. The afternoon was somewhat slow as Mara woke up from her nap and we grabbed lunch. With it still toasty outside we grabbed some bowls of water and let her play on the porch. This is quickly becoming a favorite activity around here.
After the water bowls got old we headed to the community pool for some swimming. Dinner turned out to be ice cream at a local froyo place and we spent the rest of the evening relaxing.
It was so refreshing to have a weekend to ourselves. We really took advantage of it and filled every minute with fun family activities.
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| cheesin |
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| Looking at the chickens |
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| More chickens |
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| She was obsessed |
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| The goats were pretty interested in her |
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| chasing the geese into the water |
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| wanting them to come out |
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| I love how she was up on her tippy toes |
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| Letting the goats lick her hands |
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| Picking flowers |
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| my beautiful girl |
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| The homemade ice cream machine |
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| mouth open. ready for ice cream! |
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Change of Command
On June 11 Josh relinquished command of the 172nd Preventive Medicine Detachment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It was a long two years filled with both personal and professional growth. It was such an honor to walk by his side during this experience and be a part of the unit, in my own way. This day was both sweet and sad, as it is time for us to move on yet we hate to leave our Sidewinder and 261st families behind.
Congratulations Josh on a successful command!!
Congratulations Josh on a successful command!!
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| Mara before the ceremony |
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| Mara decided to read a book during Daddy's speech |
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| The new commander |
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| The new commander and the 172nd |
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| Josh gives his farewell speech |
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| Preparing for the ceremony |
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| The 261st MMB commander |
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| Passing the guidon to the new commander |
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| Josh passing the guidon for the last time |
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| The 172nd PM Det |
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Another Move
Yep we're still in North Carolina. We haven't left yet! This last month here we have moved out of our 3-bedroom house and into a small 1-bedroom apartment on the other side of town.
Without going into much detail, our lease wasn't extended so we had to scramble a little bit to get all of our goods packed up, picked up and moved into our new place.
With a little help from up above, we were able to arrange for our three moves in a very short time. Moving overseas we had a long term storage move which was mainly our large furniture (our house in Georgia is furnished) and any other items we wouldn't need for the next few years. We also have an unaccompanied baggage shipment which was everything we would like to have immediately when we get there. The last move was everything else, all of our household goods that we will need on a day to day basis there.
It was a long four days but the movers got it all packed and taken away. Hopefully it all makes it in one piece. It was a little difficult to sort everything out and there were definitely things that didn't make it into the right piles.
Now were finally settled in our new place and just trying to enjoy this last month in N.C. Surprisingly the one bedroom is working out pretty nicely. Mara is sleeping in the closet but seems to understand that that's "her room". Yes we'd like a little more room but it's working and doable for the next month.
The time is flying. This week we have Josh's change of command and then he starts out processing at base. Before we know it we will be headed up north to visit family and then flying overseas! Although I am not wishing us gone it will be nice to finally be truly settled again.
Without going into much detail, our lease wasn't extended so we had to scramble a little bit to get all of our goods packed up, picked up and moved into our new place.
With a little help from up above, we were able to arrange for our three moves in a very short time. Moving overseas we had a long term storage move which was mainly our large furniture (our house in Georgia is furnished) and any other items we wouldn't need for the next few years. We also have an unaccompanied baggage shipment which was everything we would like to have immediately when we get there. The last move was everything else, all of our household goods that we will need on a day to day basis there.
It was a long four days but the movers got it all packed and taken away. Hopefully it all makes it in one piece. It was a little difficult to sort everything out and there were definitely things that didn't make it into the right piles.
Now were finally settled in our new place and just trying to enjoy this last month in N.C. Surprisingly the one bedroom is working out pretty nicely. Mara is sleeping in the closet but seems to understand that that's "her room". Yes we'd like a little more room but it's working and doable for the next month.
The time is flying. This week we have Josh's change of command and then he starts out processing at base. Before we know it we will be headed up north to visit family and then flying overseas! Although I am not wishing us gone it will be nice to finally be truly settled again.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Park Fun
We finally had a weekend to relax and enjoy some much needed family time. After Mara's recital we headed out to eat and then decided to hit up a local park. It was so hot but Mara loved exploring the playground with Grandma on her heels. The swing was also a huge hit as she refused to get out.
She was a little leery of the slide as always but we managed to convince her to go down a few times and she even went down the large slide with Josh.
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| smelly feet. |
Overall it was a great weekend full of family and relaxation!
Monday, June 8, 2015
Mara's First Ballet Recital
Mara has been in ballet since January. I originally thought ballet for a one year old was kind of crazy but the class was free (with deployment money).
I am happy to report I was so wrong. I think Mara gained so much from this class. She thrived on the routine of the class and by the end of it was doing the start of some very basic technique.
As with any ballet class there was a recital and early on we decided to let Mara participate. There wasn't really a routine and I had to be up there with her but it was super cute.
Overall she did great for her age. She didn't fuss on stage. She didn't run off. She stood by me the entire time and did most of what I asked her (blew kisses, spun, waved, etc.)
The pictures really tell the story best so here they are!
I am happy to report I was so wrong. I think Mara gained so much from this class. She thrived on the routine of the class and by the end of it was doing the start of some very basic technique.
As with any ballet class there was a recital and early on we decided to let Mara participate. There wasn't really a routine and I had to be up there with her but it was super cute.
Overall she did great for her age. She didn't fuss on stage. She didn't run off. She stood by me the entire time and did most of what I asked her (blew kisses, spun, waved, etc.)
The pictures really tell the story best so here they are!
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| There's dada! |
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| blowing kisses |
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| more kisses |
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| grandma came to watch |
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| with her first dance award |
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