Sunshine in a Flower

We have been busy doing lots of yard work...raking, weeding, pruning, chopping. Spring is just around the corner for South Carolina. Bulbs are popping up and trees are getting their buds. Look at these pretties growing in our yard- daffodils shout "happiness" to me. How about you? Do you have a favorite spring bloom? What do you like most about spring?

Charleston Getaway

Earlier this week we visited the beautiful and historical town of Charleston. We stayed at the Ansonborough Inn (because we liked it so much the first time) and enjoyed a leisurely mini- vacation together. The first day we visited Isle of Palms beach, which was by far less crowded than when we went early April of last year. The breeze from the ocean was quite cool, but it was fun to watch the seagulls beg for food. Maybe next time we will be able to convince Christian to walk on the beach and dip his toes in the water.The second day we enjoyed walking the busy streets of Charleston, eating multiple praline samples (SOO good,) and playing at the Battery Park. Charleston has endless unique restaurant choices, shops, and galleries. Not to mention the beautiful historic homes, buildings, and churches. It has such a charm about it that I really love.

The final day, we took one last stroll (C really seemed to enjoy the stroller rides) with our Starbucks in hand (Sumter doesn't have one- boo!) and then headed home. Such a fun little getaway- and did I mention it is less than 2 hours away?

Wordless Wednesday *First Spring Blooms*

(Does anyone know what these are?)

Beautiful Weather = Trip to the Zoo

We have had some very lovely weather the past few days~ think 70+. Perfect for the holiday weekend. We purchased zoo passes before Steve left, and unfortunately did not take the best advantage of them while Steve was gone. (We only went one time with our friends, Ashley and Evalee.) The passes don't expire until August, so we still have lots of time to go. This past Friday afternoon we drove the hour to the zoo in Columbia, and it was a perfect afternoon to do so (everyone else thought so too.) Christian loved taking in the "fresh" air, watching the people, and especially seemed to enjoy the cow at the petting zoo, and the penguins and flamingos. Looking forward to more special outings now that Steve is home.

A Belated Christmas

Steve was able to Skype with us on Christmas day, which was very nice, but as one can imagine (and as Steve has expressed) being away for Christmas was one of the hardest things about his deployment. This past Saturday afternoon we had a mini Christmas at our home. My brother had told me that I should set up our Christmas tree for Steve's arrival (even though I did not set it up before Christmas in the first place.) Instead we enjoyed hot tea, Christmas music in the background, a couple of candles and lighted decorations, and a few wrapped gifts. Not quite the welcoming Christmas that we enjoy with our families, but at least a little fun holiday celebration.

Chasing Phoenix

Christian has gotten quite speedy these days, playing chase and running away from mommy when it's time to get dressed or for a diaper change. Poor Phoenix really needs to watch out now! Actually, Christian is generally gentle with him and vice versa. C thinks that Phoenix is a teddy bear and likes to lay his head on him like a pillow. Not so sure how much Phoenix enjoys that though. :) Still, I think that they are good buddies. It's hard to believe that Christian was once much smaller (and lighter) than Phoenix.

"Aha! I found you!"

At Last! Welcome Home

After a long 6 1/2 months, Steve is finally home from his deployment. We greeted him at the airport in Columbia Friday morning. All his flights went well and other than being pretty sleep deprived, we were all excited for his homecoming. Christian was excited to show Steve around the house (like he hadn't seen it before) and was excited to show him his toys, particularly his cars. C has been following Steve around like a puppy dog and wants Daddy to hold him often. You really wouldn't even be able to tell that Steve has been gone based on Christian's actions- really I think he is just in awe of his daddy. Such a sweet time. Welcome home!

So Close!

In true Steve-like fashion I decided to include yet another song for today. :o) His return always seemed so distant, but now it is almost here! He is coming home!

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1 day (really a matter of hours) and I will be on my way home...

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2 - I'm "2" excited to even know what to do for today....Any ideas?

*Update...I decided to re-post an old video that I linked the other day to an old blog post about Christian, and how much he has taught me about love and God (kinda the same thing eh?).

I think this is such a great song, and I honestly cannot listen to it enough right now.

Another DVD Book

Steve has sent a few special DVDs of him reading to Christian during his deployment. It's neat because he also gets to send the book with the DVD- part of the USO's "United Through Reading" program. I posted a few pictures from a book he sent in October here, and just yesterday C received another book, "Dr. Seuss's ABC." Such a special way to stay connected. In a few days Steve will be able to read to Christian in person!Speaking of "seeing" Daddy: Lately whenever I ask Christian, "Would you like to see if Daddy is on the computer?" (Skype) he heads straight for the stairs leading to the bonus room which is home to our computer.

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3 great songs from my "home" playlist:

1. No more no less - Mercy Me -: There is something especially neat about the end of this song when they are singing about "wanting to go home". All in all it's a fun song with a neat reminder of going home at the end of it.
2. Run - Snow Patrol : I know this song was most likely not written with this in mind, but there is a picture I get in my head every time I listen to this song. I always think of when Christ is leaving the disciples and He would be telling them to "light up...even if you cannot hear my voice...I'll be right beside you". I like to picture this song as a conversation between us and Jesus.
3. A day without rain - Enya : This song doesn't have any words or special meaning that have to do with home, but for some reason every time I listen to it I am reminded of the warmth and solace associated with home. Ironically titled "a day without rain", it really represents the weather out here well :P

Honorable Mention - Finally Home : Because I already listed this song on the blog before here, I'll just mention that I absolutely love this song when I think about home. It brings such joy to think about coming home to our Father in heaven, and seeing that picture play out here on earth with my own son.

Last Days

After nearly 6 1/2 months, this past weekend was my last "flying solo." The evenings and weekends have always been the hardest during this deployment, so I cannot wait for next weekend when Steve will be with us! The plan is to pick him up from the airport on Friday morning (Just in time for Valentine's Day!) I could not be more excited, and yet it seems like these last few days are just dragging along. We are just so close! It will certainly be a very happy day! We have some fun trips planned for the next month, but more than anything I cannot wait to be together again as a family.

4 - I missed a day

Home is:

1. Home is safe, a place where you can feel free.
2. Home is rejuvenating, a place to rest weary bones and come together with those you love.
3. Home is a glimpse of better things to come. All the wonderful things about the homes we have here on earth give us a taste of the perfect and eternal home that is waiting for us in heaven.
4. Home is...something beautiful (My happy attempt to tie in one of the songs from my "home" playlist)

A Day in the Life...

The fun begins as soon as Christian wakes up...and really does not end until bedtime. He is a BUSY, yet lovable little boy. Lately C has been so conversational and is really developing a sense of humor. Now that he is walking, he enjoys playing chase even more. He also likes to steal fresh, clean clothes while I am folding in the bedroom and return them to the washing machine or dryer. We cannot wait for Daddy's return THIS WEEK...when he will be able to chase this little energizer bunny and Mommy can take a breather. :o)

"Catch me if you can!"

Christian has been loving his little firetruck.

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6 foods I'm excited to eat when I get home:

1. Erin's homemade apple crisp - Erin loves me so much that she makes the most delectable apple crisp for me. I could eat it every night!
2. Chipotle - I don't know what it is about Chipotle but it will definitely be one of the first things I eat when I get home.
3. The Cinnabon treat from Baker's Sweets - One of the most amazing, ooey gooey pastries that I have ever had. I am a huge fan of pastries, and this is one that takes the cake :)
4. Pizza - Any kind of pizza. It's such a fun treat that Erin and I indulge in way too often.
5. Panera - Aside from the many tasty delicacies that they have here, it is a place that Erin and I have been to many times, so it has good memories with it.
6. Erin's Oreo Cupcakes - Another special dessert that Erin makes which I cannot even begin to describe for fear of salivating all over the keyboard. Needless to say, once you've had these, ordinary cupcakes just don't cut it.

Since I don't have a food-inspired song about food on my "home" playlist (shocking, eh?) I figured I would play a song that is just a generally upbeat and happy song to celebrate the thought of going home soon.

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7 things to be in wonder of:

1. The miracle of life. Welcome to the world Shepherd! May God bless you and keep you, you have been born into a loving and amazing family.
2. A child's smile, touch, laughter, the way they see the world and take it in.
3. The love between a man and a woman that can unite them at the very center of their being. A love created by an almighty God for us, his children.
4. The unconditional love between a parent and a child. Even better, that unconditional love from the Father who first gave it to us.
5. The fact that the creator of the universe is Love, and His love is perfected in us. (see 1 John 4)
6. "That we're living just to fall more in love with Him." (Lyrics from the song Deeper, by Delirious)
7. That somehow, in someway, separation can bring us closer to the important things in life. I have had a lot of time the past 2 years to wonder how healthy it can be to spend so much time away from loved ones. It has been a struggle learning the best way to communicate, and dealing with a lack of physical presence; the hugs, kisses, hand holding, baby carrying, just being around, that provides much of the experience in relationships. I am constantly reminded about how our connection to God lacks that physical presence that we so often desire. Another song on my "home" playlist reminds of this constant battle of holding on and letting go...

Welcome Shepherd!

My brother, Ryan and sister-in-law, Kim had their baby boy, Shepherd yesterday! (Although I really expected him to come while I was home in Colorado.) Congratulations E family!

Shepherd-

We have long awaited your arrival and now you are here! We cannot wait to meet you. With two awesome parents and a big sister who has been eagerly waiting for you to come, you are one blessed little guy! (Not to mention the family and friends who are going to be thrilled to love on you too.)

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8 movies that make me strangely homesick: (warning...this is going to be sappy)

1. Up (Disney-Pixar) - There is something about the old man, his past life and then the experience he goes on that reminds how family is the greatest adventure.
2. Secondhand Lions - I think this brings back memories of childhood, and the anticipation of raising Christian, with all the adventures to be had.
3. Life is Beautiful (La Vita Belle) - This movie, while heartbreaking, is also quite touching to see the love of a family in spite of the circumstances.
4. Stardust - I think this movie was just one that Erin and I discovered that we enjoyed so much, so the movie reminds me of good times with her and sharing it with family.
5. The Muppets Christmas Carol - I remember watching this over the years many times during Christmas seasons with family gathered round. I distinctly remember how my dad always teared up a little bit because of Tiny Tim...
6. Harry Potter (the first few anyway) - I just have found memories watching these movies with family, typically around the holiday season.
7. WALL-E - This one I can't really explain...I think it just makes me feel happy...
8. Gladiator - Throughout the movie you constantly see the main character's longing to be with his family, with visions of better things to come. The "Now we are free" song is on my "home" music playlist.

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9 reasons to love home:

1. See picture above...how could your heart not be stirred if they were waiting for you?
2. Coming home to a beautiful, loving wife
3. The joy of good neighbors
4. The smells of the seasons, different recipes, different candles...
5. The feeling of rest and relief
6. The chance to play with my son in the yard
7. The chance to cuddle up with my wife on the couch
8. Sleeping in your own bed!
9. And of course...home is where the heart is!