Remember when you were a child, how exciting birthdays were? In my 8-year-old world, birthdays were the best event of the year. A whole day of presents, cake, and friends? What could be better than that? In fact, I remember turning eight especially well. That was the year I had chicken pox. The party had to be moved to a week later. My poor mom probably had to call everyone. Kids these days do not know how good they have […]
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When we moved this past summer, it went differently than I thought it would. The vibe of the moving day exit of our beloved neighborhood was not at all the vibe that I expected, but in a good way. Last time we left Virginia, in 2014, when we drove the boys away from this place so dear to our hearts, there was so much drama about it. One child was brave but sad, hugged everyone as expected and said his […]
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Can this also double as our year-end Christmas letter? I’m thinking it can. I’m going to do these in order of the year and my memory. Most things that happened have been forgotten, of course. But here are 10 happy memories. #1. The snowed out promotion ceremony All set for a stressful day at the Pentagon, when SURPRISE, snow buried D.C., and we got to have Alan’s promotion ceremony in the comfort and relaxation of our own home–in the basement, […]
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This year we moved AGAIN. Did I mention that already? Maybe I’ve brought it up too much. Sorry about that., but moving is everything. Where you live and who you’re surrounded by, that’s your life setting. I was at the eye doctor this week because I’d run completely out of contacts and haven’t been to the eye doctor since 3 states ago. The eye doc asked me many of the usual questions, including this one: Of all those places you’ve […]
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One of my favorite parts of this strange life we lead is choosing my next house. With each one, I say, “Such and such a thing is killing me. Our next house will DEFINITELY have…. -sidewalks -a bigger master bedroom closet -4 bedrooms -more kitchen cabinets!! It’s always something. I love getting to see new places and try new set-ups. I don’t even mind redecorating, though it takes so long to get a house looking the way I want it […]
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Maybe you can relate. Here are a few of my favorite kinds of friends. Which one are you? Which one am I for you? I think I’m different ones for different people, depending on their circumstances.
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The Military life is a unique one for sure. Sometimes I find myself saying things that are sort of ridiculous, so I took a few minutes to jot a few down. Maybe you can relate. “I just can’t possibly sit through another church’s new member class. I won’t do it.” –I said this with all the drama and emphasis you can imagine. Sitting for more than 30 minutes is agonizingly painful for my back, so new church member classes are […]
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Two weeks ago I blogged about how I cope with the move, most of it in the form of counterproductive coping mechanisms. I was playing Solitaire and Jeopardy all day, in between chores and meal serving. The kids are still home all day for the summer, so obviously I was also doing my share of microwaving corndogs and settling petty disputes. I vowed to do better. More healthy coping strategies! I will talk it out, blog, and not hide away […]
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Positive thinking is the OPPOSITE of unrealistic expectations, which are perhaps the biggest enemy of my lifetime. Unrealistic, idealistic expectations–ugh-
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I’m not going to church this up. Let’s just call it like it is. Moving was a j-o-b. Getting our Georgia house ready to sell, selling it, finding a rental, and moving in was exhausting. Helping all our boys adjust to life at a new school…that part was far more difficult than I expected. I am not always the best at realistic expectations. Moving is a task that keeps giving and giving. Moving, ah…moving. This is the first time we’ve […]
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