Reflections

Wow, what a week it's been. It's hard to think that 9 days have come and gone so fast. I remember thinking, "how could I be gone for so long?", but now as I'm about to venture home and it feels like a blure.

I am so incrediably grateful to Mike for letting me go for so long. It's amazing how much you take for grant the little things about your relationship. He amazes me!

My family and friends made me feel so loved. I think I got enough hugs from my neice and nephews to last me til Christmas. They are so funny, but there childlike maturity amazes me. They now wear boxers, have cell phones, can feel themselves and have a better volcabulary then me! You always wonder when you move, if they will remember you or love you the same. I can safely say, I think they and I love eachother more than ever!

I also felt blessed to have so much one-on-one time with the people I love the most. Mom and I tried our first Zumba class- absolutely hooked, Dad and I went golfing, Julie (my sister) and I went shopping and lunch, Gpa and I had our traditional breakfast, and Brady and Dillon spent the night. And to end the week, my sister hosted a family cookout.

I also got the reconnect with some of my dearest friends, Erica and Cindy. I love having friendships that can pick up right where they left off. Even though it's been months or years since we've seen eachother, our friendship stays the same.

I also had time to be quite. Riding my bike, running, sitting and listening to the wind chimes all gave me time to rest. I can't say my questions or prayers all got answered, but my soul is refreshed and renewed.

Every day was filled with something wonderful.

I am so thankful for the place Mike and I are in our lives. We love Raleigh, our friends, our church, or house, but Ohio will always be a place that feels like we belong.

When it's gone

In less than 12 hours, I will be leaving for Ohio for 9 whole days.

Not really sure I thought that through when I purchased the tickets, but I was excited to go see family.

Reality is setting in.

I have never been away from Mike for more than 2 days in the last 6+ years.

Crazy!

And, gosh, I'm really going to miss him.

He's like my security blanket.

My problem solver.

My protector.

Just knowing that he is around, calms my nerves.

Thank goodness for video chats!

I'm so thankful that I don't need absence to make my heart grow fonder.

I am so in love with this boy!

Near to my heart

In the day of my trouble I will call for you, for you will answer me. Psalm 86:7

I am having a day of trouble. Ever had one of those? It's not so much in my life, but in the life of someone I love. And the hardest thing about living in Raleigh is not being there in the troubles. I wish I could reach through the phone and give a hug and look them in the eye and say they are a good person. A lesson I have learned about living so far away from the people in my family, is to trust God more. He is the only one that can truly fix the broken and bandage up the pain. I am praying hard, something I should do more of, for the people near and far.

The Golden Ladle will stay!

WE ARE NOT FOR SALE!!

The Raleigh prayer worked! We found out on Monday that Mike got one of the possible promotions in NC. I am so excited for him and opportunities this will bring. We feel that God spoke and we need to listen.
So, the golden ladle (had to be at the Superbowl party) will be past for another year! We are really excited to stay.
It was a roller coaster ride because we understand that this decision effects so many people and we really wanted to put our own desires aside and focus on where God wants us. For now, it's Raleigh! Thank you for all your prayers, advice and patience. We have a wonderful family in Ohio and Raleigh. We love you all so much and are so thankful to share life with you!

Another man in my life!!

We danced the night away!
I can't believe he's going to be 90! I hope I age half as well.
I miss my Gpa.

Daddy's Girl

This was taken this weekend at my cousin's wedding.

I love my Dad!

I don't want to do this again

This year we decided to spend one holiday in Ohio and one holiday in Raleigh. I felt good about our decision because last Christmas didn't really go as planned and I was looking forward to only making the drive once. So we went home for Thanksgiving and spent extra time with the family to make up for the time we wouldn't be there for Christmas.

Well, as hard as I try, Ohio is where Christmas is in my heart.

We put up our tree and decorated the house, but no one has seen it.

I will make dinner and all the fixin's, but only Mike and I will eat it (Lucy will probably get some too).

I feel bad admitting that I am not really looking forward to this Christmas. Mike has tried so hard to make it special. He is so excited about opening presents and spending time together. I love my husband so much, I don't need a holiday to celebrate that. I think Mike could hold me in his arm all night, but something would still be missing. Not being with my family just doesn't feel right. So this year will be our first and last holiday without family. Take em or leave em, I love them. Either they are coming to Raleigh, or we will go to them. The traditions and special meals we share will never be taken for granted again.