Home

Military life isn't always easy. There may be lots of travel and adventure and new friends along the way. But, there is also extreme bravery and sacrifices. There are lots of new bases, new people, new towns to learn your way around. New cultures, new challenges, and new houses to fit into.

While most of the time I really enjoy, in fact love (more than my husband) our life in the Air Force, there were times, like this summer, where I took a step back and realized I'm missing other things as well. Family.

Not the family you make in your home with your spouse and children, or the friends you make along the way that become like family, but the good old fashioned people who where there as you grew up. The ones who watched you blossom over the years. Who helped you up when you stumbled, and cheered you on when you were on top of the world. The family that's always waiting "back home". Wherever "back home" may be. The family that's always got a piece of your heart no matter where the military takes you.

We spent most of our time in Florida this summer, but that's not really home. Georgia is home. It's where we grew up. 

We only had a short visit to Georgia this time. My mom and sister in Florida, and my friend in South Carolina took precedent. But, we did get to stop for a day and a half in Georgia. We planned a dinner out and all those happy faces where there. All that family. All that love. 

As I looked around the table that night I felt overwhelming love and support. I needed that. I didn't even know I needed that until that night. I felt like I was soaking up the love from all around to carry me through this next year in Germany.

"My home is not a place, it is people."

Lois McMaster Bujold, "Barrayar", 1991

So, while I cherish our time in the military and all the places we go, sometimes, there's nothing like "home".

My Best Friend's Wedding!

My best friend Maggie got married on September 1st. We drove the 11 hours from Florida to South Carolina to be part of her special day.  I was a bridesmaid and Ariana was a flower girl!

Here is a sneak peek at a few of my favorite's I took that day.

Aren't weddings so special! Two people promising to love and cherish each other forever. To always encourage each other. To hold their hand through the tough times. Forever. I love it!

Dallas and Maggie have been through a lot this past year and I think they came out stronger in the end. Their wedding was a wonderful celebration of their love and commitment to each other. They're such awesome people and I wish them a lifetime of happiness together!

Maggie and I have been best friends since 5th grade so I was so blessed to be there with her on her wedding day!

Yay for love!!

My very own lullaby! {music and interview}

My friend Andrew has come up with the idea of writing lullaby's for all the people in his life and creating an album. He recently shared the lullaby he wrote for me, and I'm in love with it. He gave the okay to share it with y'all and I'm pretty excited! It's a rough draft and still needs refining but it's so pretty. It's soft and sweet and magical.

We've been friends since 1995 when we were 11 and 10. He's the younger brother of my best friend Maggie. I thought it might be fun for y'all to get to know Andrew a little bit. 

Name: Andrew

Age: 26

Hi Andrew! I know you read my blog, are you excited to be sharing your music today?

It's really exciting and kind of nerve wracking to share something that's so personal to me, but I think it's important to put yourself out there sometimes and share what makes you happy with others. 

How long have you been playing piano? Do you play any other instruments?

I've been playing the piano since I was five. I also play the organ and sing.

What type of formal training to do you have?

Well, I have a BA in music performance from Presbyterian College in South Carolina, as well as additional training at the Mainz Conservatory of Music in Germany and numerous other pianist from around the world.

What made you decide to write lullabies for your family and friends?

The people in my life are beautiful in many different ways so this diversity and beauty provided the perfect inspiration to write music. Lullabies are a wonderful genre to express the emotion and beauty that I feel about these people. 

What kinds of feelings do you get when you play piano?

For me it's just a very relaxing experience. And composing is a very freeing and creative experience. I love the idea of starting with nothing and in the end you have something beautiful.

How do you handles mistakes during a performance?

Mistakes are just part of life and therefore part of performing. I kind of like hearing mistakes when I listen to other musicians because it reminds us that we listening to a person with feelings and not a robot.

What famous musicians do you admire?

I think Beethoven was really ahead of his time as far as emotion and expression goes. As far as modern day composers I actually like John Williams stuff. Abel Korzeniowski just recently wrote a beautiful soundtrack for the movie A Single Man.

What type of songs do you like listening to on the radio?

Lady Gaga is a real trendsetter and I actually think she has talent. One Republic writes really good music as well.

Thanks for letting me interview you and share your music today. I really love my lullaby but I've told you that about a bagillion times already haven't I?

This was fun! I'm really glad you like your song! 

And now I'll end the interview with the beautiful lullaby.  Let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Thankful Thursday {2}

Another week of thankfulness. Friends, Music, Autumn.

Friday I was thankful that... Ariana and I got to go visit my friend Andrew and his wife Viky in Heidelberg for the day and spend the night. It was awesome to have some great adult conversation and get away from here for a while and have some fun.

Saturday I was thankful that... I have an awesome Mom who is willing to go phone shopping for us. I talked her through shoe shopping for Ariana at Target! 

Sunday I was thankful that... friends who have free weekend minutes and lots of time to chat. I love ya Maggie!

Monday I was thankful that...I lost 3 more pounds!

Tuesday I was thankful for... sunny Autumn walks!

Wednesday I was thankful that... even though I do complain about Germany from time to time, we're very lucky to be stationed at a nice big base. Sometimes you forget to be thankful for things you take for granted - thank you friend for opening my eyes.

Today I'm thankful for... music that speaks to your soul. The Scientist-Coldplay. I love them.