2014... Wow. Where has the time gone?
Since I haven't posted since July, I figured I would give you the last six months in a quick, but sort of lengthy play by play.
I Got a JOB!
In late July, I went on a family trip to the outer banks. I drove my 12 year old sister from our place in Florida, back to Georgia, and then we took off on the million hour drive to the Outer Banks of North Carolina (can't beat trading one beach, for another). Logan couldn't go with us due to summer football being in full swing, and the school year beginning in just a few weeks. The drive up was difficult for me. I realized I was at a huge cross roads, but with absolutely no direction, and honestly no real roads paved out before me. I turned to Natalie (the all wise 12 year old) and I point blank asked her, "What am I going to do with my life?" Her response was quite insightful, "I don't know. You're smart, you'll figure it out." I guess that's what I get for asking a 12 year old questions about life.
Shortly after that, she fell asleep and I was left driving the open roads of Alabama alone while my mind raced with hypothetical plans, and questions about who I was, what I wanted to do, what I would become... and more importantly, how we would afford it. About an hour had past since Natalie had fallen asleep and I decided to pull over, take a break and check my phone.
One new text message- "Hey Kaitlin, just wondering if you were still interested in teaching in our county? A Web Design position has opened up."
The message was from a woman whom I met back in February when we were down for Logan's interview. She had no idea Logan had been hired and definitely no clue that we had actually moved and were now living in Florida. And I know that she couldn't have even possibly known the question that I had asked my sister only an hour before.
I call that a frying pan moment- when God hits you in the face with a frying pan, so you have no choice but to listen. And what a blessing that frying pan moment has become!
The Fall in Fast Forward
It was so much fun! We had family and fiends visit sporadically and even though Elizabeth had moved out, our house was never boring.
Halloween
Halloween was hysterical! I was SO excited about our first trick or treaters- last year for Halloween we were in Hawaii, which was amazing (I highly suggest going to Hawaii for Halloween, you will NOT be disappointed)!
Anyway, I had it all plotted out (again, with there plans! ugh), I made a beautiful fall wreath and hung it on the door. I lit a few candles, turned on the porch light, opened the curtains on the huge window in the living room and played the Great Pumpkin (not scary, but still exciting-who doesn't love Charlie Brown?) and don't forgot the candy that I had waiting for all the cute little boys and girls! 7 o'clock... no one came. OK, it's still early. 8 o'clock... no one came. Maybe it's still too early? 9 o'clock.... I burst into tears! "NOBODY LIKES OUR HOUSE!!! THEY DON'T WANT TO COME TRICK OR TREATING HERE!" I kid you not (pardon the pun) there was not a single child on our street! And this is when Logan wins best husband of the year award. He swooped me up, stuck me in the car and drove me down to my favorite neighborhood, where I got to see all kinds of trick or treaters!
Anyway, I had it all plotted out (again, with there plans! ugh), I made a beautiful fall wreath and hung it on the door. I lit a few candles, turned on the porch light, opened the curtains on the huge window in the living room and played the Great Pumpkin (not scary, but still exciting-who doesn't love Charlie Brown?) and don't forgot the candy that I had waiting for all the cute little boys and girls! 7 o'clock... no one came. OK, it's still early. 8 o'clock... no one came. Maybe it's still too early? 9 o'clock.... I burst into tears! "NOBODY LIKES OUR HOUSE!!! THEY DON'T WANT TO COME TRICK OR TREATING HERE!" I kid you not (pardon the pun) there was not a single child on our street! And this is when Logan wins best husband of the year award. He swooped me up, stuck me in the car and drove me down to my favorite neighborhood, where I got to see all kinds of trick or treaters!
Looking back on it, I realize I might have slightly overreacted... But I only did it so Logan could become a night in shining armor and save the day! haha
Thanksgiving came, and football was over. Luckily, since we're both teachers we have the same schedule, which means the same LONG breaks. We were able to go see my Grandma in Virginia, and all the family in Georgia. (I wont mention the fact that I had 180 projects to grade over the break and they got left in my grandma's garage...oops)
Finally, my favorite time of the year, Christmas! We knew we wouldn't be in town for Christmas, but we got a REAL tree anyway (and since somehow? we forgot again to buy a fake tree on sale after Christmas, I'm thinking this means we get a real tree again next year!!!). We had to move our furniture around because the tree took up the whole living room and I loved it :-)
We started Christmas break off with a BANG! One of my best friend's got married and we were fortunate enough to get to share the special day with the couple. (We love you Colin and Marilin!)
The day after the wedding, we had the Lance family party, and it was so wonderful to see all of Logan's family (I went to this party, 5 days after meeting Logan, 6 years ago- holy cow, how time flies).
We had Christmas Eve at Logan's Nanny's house and then Christmas at my Mom's, Logan's Mom's and my Dad's house. We got to spend time with the Aunts and Uncles, Brothers and Sisters and Cousins... and even one very precious little niece.
Over the River and Through the Woods...
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| Byard Girls |
After Christmas we went up to Virginia to attend my Grandma's Celebration of Life Party, which was a blast! (My grandmother currently has cancer, and decided she would rather have a party while she's alive and could attend, then have a funeral where everyone sat around and cried about her- props to Gram!)We saw all of my Mom's family and of course the Thompson's who aren't technically related, but might as well be.
I introduced Logan to some of my favorite places in the world! We visited Meems Bottom Bridge, where I learned how to fish. Made a trip up to Bryce Mountain, where I balled out at Golf Camp, barely made it through Tennis Camp and ran over a few snow boarders while attempting to ski. We rode up to the top of the mountain and visited Grandma and Grandpa's old house where we spent summer evenings eating homemade peppermint icecream on the porch, turned the kitchen counters into an air hockey table, learned to play canasta and listened to Brer Rabbit read so many times we can still recite most of the story.
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Grandma and Mary Lo |
We were even so lucky as to go to a party hosted by none other than the Queen of parties herself, Mary Lou Thompson!
Happy New Year!
We made it back to Georgia just in time to ring in the New Year with Logan's best friend since Kindergarten (it's documented, on a star- if I find the picture I'll put it on here) and his amazing girlfriend and family.
After the 12 days away and 33 hours in a car, we made it back to Florida and immediately fell into bed. I looked over at Logan all snuggled up under the covers with the babies and he took a deep breath and with a huge smile on his face said, "Gosh, I hate it here."
2014 marks the first year in the history of my memory that I have not made a single resolution! This past year has been filled with change and excitement. It's had some extreme struggles and incredible blessings, but most importantly wonderful memories were made. So, for 2014 I hope for new life experiences, the opportunity to cherish time with family and friends and to continue growing more in love with my husband. If I happen to learn to play the violin, or get scuba certified, I wouldn't complain either... but I'm not making any plans ;-)
A few other pictures from our adventure:
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| The bridge is right at the end of the road |
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| Inside the covered bridge |
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| Natalie, Elizabeth, Logan and Me |
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| Enjoying the view from Gram and Grandpa's |
