Giving Thanks

Solo Point at sunset.
I thought it was kind of fitting with the name, sunset, at the end of Darryl's deployment.


Ok I know it's been a while, and I've been informed by some that I am way behind and will be lost in the blogging world if I don't make some updates.
So maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit.

I just have to beam. Take a look at the countdown clock over in the right hand corner. I can put partial blame for my lack of posts lately due to cleaning, preparing, getting ready for Darryl's return. I can't even believe it's almost here. I haven't really let myself talk about it too much because I get so emotional when I think of him in our arms again. We just cannot wait. It's been a l-o-n-g 15 months without him.

I was talking to a friend the other day and she mentioned my blog and how a lot of my posts concentrate on the being "grateful" theme. I was thinking about this, and really during this time in our lives I couldn't be more grateful to a loving Father in Heaven who has watched over Darryl while in a war zone both spiritually and physically. I thank him every morning and night and always in my heart. I'm grateful He's watched over and protected our family here at home as well. There were many nights when I would end up scaring myself because of a noise or thought that had come into my mind, and then prayed and was able to feel better and go to sleep in peace. I'm grateful to family and friends for their thoughts and prayers in ours and Darryl's behalf. There were so many moments when I felt my energy and stamina were renewed and I was able to not only press on but to do so positively. We were so happy to have visits from Darryl's sister Rebecca and my sister Lisa and nephews last summer. To my parents who let us come and visit during Darryl's R&R in October and then let us stay through the holidays so that we weren't at home alone. My undieing thanks go out to friends that checked in on us, had us for dinner, made dinner for us, brought us treats, helped w/ yard work, helped w/ the computer, and were just there to talk to, laugh, and cry with (and of course blog with). It made all the difference in the world. All of those gestures never went unnoticed or unappreciated.
This definitely has been a season of thanks and gratitude for me. May that virture always be a priority in my life.
* Stay tunned for reunion pictures!

Deception Pass

I wanted to post part II of our tulip fest before we head to AZ to visit my sister w/ more adventures and pictures.Here are the girls and I at Deception Pass. A bridge that spans this beautifully colored water, that I had read is the most photographed location in WA. Before we witnessed this site, I found it hard to believe. Especially with landmarks such as Mt Rainier and Mt St. Helens. Seeing is believeing. This stretch of land was amazing. The nature lover in me was so excited to see such breath taking scenery. The water and the islands were just beautiful. I definitely would like to go up there exploring again on the trails. Or maybe some bungee jumping. Doesn't that bridge look perfect for that?

Shay did not want to be held that day. Not a great place to be wiggling and squirming out of my arms. The scariest moment of the trip was when we were walking over the bridge, cars on one side of us, and huge death drop off the bridge on the other side. Shay just couldn't be content in my arms. She was wearing a wind breaker jacket that was a little slippery and I had to litterally hold on to her for dear life. We didn't make it too far across the bridge before we were headed back to a safe place. So long, to my calm mellow baby who always wanted to be held. Say hello to my soon to be two year old who is ready for adventure and has an adventurous big sister to lead the way.