Our Johns Island birthday adventure...

Wow...it's been so long since I've blogged anything. I'm horrible at this and finding less and less time to write. I'm going to try my best to blog at least once a week though on Phil and my recent adventures. Phil and I have been really blessed and within the last few months, as he's been able to come home just about every weekend. If you know anything about Phil's job, you'll realize how rare this is for us. Because of this, we're taking advantage of every moment we have together -- whether relaxing at the house and making dinner together, or seeking out a new adventure in SC, we're soaking up every minute we have as a couple. I'm so thankful we have this time together -- It's been incredibly hard being apart on and off so often, but God has really blessed us with moments we can share together. So i'm going to do my best to keep you updated on all our recent journeys (through cooking, restaurant hunting, outdoor exploring and life experiences!)

One of the most recent things we've done together is go out on a date (for Phil's Bday) to a place called The Wild Olive Restaurant on John's Island. I found this place online, when I was looking for Italian food as a surprise for Phil. I read some reviews and then found a great article in Charleston Magazine about this fairly new establishment. After hearing from close friends how amazing it was, I was ready for our date.

For one thing, if you're going to drive 40 plus minutes to eat, it better be a fun drive, and it was. The drive in itself is beautiful -- you cross a couple bridges on your way, and the views over the water, especially in the evening, is just gorgeous. It was such a relaxing ride that we almost missed our turn into The Wild Olive. It's tucked back a little bit, so if you plan on going, slow down once you get within a .5 mile.

Once inside, the atmosphere feels like home -- dim lighting, close seating and filled with people and laughter. It was shockingly loud inside, but i realized how much you can just relax and be yourself, because the scenary is anything but stuffy. One of my favorite features of the restaurant is the ceiling -- the room we sat in had large wood slabs suspended with white lights hanging from them...so pretty!

Beyond the atmosphere, was the delicious food. I could go on and on, but to cut to the chase, we both ordered fantastic entrees. Phil had the gnocchi with scallops and a creamy butter sauce, with a mix of vegatables. I ordered the swordfish on top of canallini beans, calamari, mushrooms and a butter based vinegrette. It was delicious. Phil had a really amazing caper berry martini, and I had an Italian mojito -- basil, lemon, vodka and some lemon sorbet....oh my lord. So good!

We finished our dinner off with the best tiramisu i've ever had, and expresso :) What made this night even better, was the conversation and laughter. It was so nice to just be husband and wife -- it felt like we were finally doing a "family" thing, and I love that.

Join us next week, for kayaking in Shem Creek (we're testing out whether we want single kayaks or a tandem!) Should be a good read haha.

these feet were made for walking...

Something i've come to appreciate and love over the years is a leisurely walk. To me, just about any bad day can be forgotten over a long, and intentional walk. I can come home, grab the dog leash, jump in my tennis shoes and within minutes, the day that once was so overwhelming is about to be left behind.

I think living so close to the city has peaked my interest in walks -- that, and owning a dog that loves them more than his food or dog treats.

Every walk is different. With Gus, our walks have three purposes:

1. (5 a.m. walk) Leisure -- we take the "stop and smell the roses" approach this early.

2. (lunch hour walk) Strictly business -- this walk is serious, fast and to the point. He knows he has about 10 minutes to get the job done. :)

3. (evening walk) Exploration and exercise. We sprint on and off for the first 5-10 minutes -- and i mean SPRINT...good lord -- i feel like i'm in a chariot race from Ben Hur.... The next twenty minutes we spend taking a new route or exploring a different area of grass...This is by far my favorite walk :)

People walks aren't much different. Sometimes Phil and I go into the city, simply to drink a coffee and to walk leisurely down King Street or East Bay, and just talk and laugh. Some days, we're on a mission (especially if Phil thinks he needs to check out the Apple Store) -- and somehow we are zipping and weaving through people, to find our destination store or restaurant. And then some days, my favorite days, are spent exploring...maybe not so much for exercise, but we definitely walk long distances, just to see parts of Charleston that we didn't know existed. I love these days, because I come home feeling like I discovered something amazing.

Walking -- once thought to be a boring old-person activity, is now growing on me, and becoming my favorite weekend hobby.

I'm not enough, but He is.

...wow I knew this would happen -- my life seems too chaotic for a blog, but I want to keep it anyway, and I want to be so much better at jotting things down. So here we go, with an attempt to at least get back into a weekly groove.

So I've been wrestling with this book, Crazy Love, by Fr

ancis Chan... it has been one of the most difficult books for me to read, because it has called into question my very own faith and love for Jesus...it lays out in very real terms the reality of what it means to be in a relationship with him and to love and follow him fully. One part of the book says:

"The critical question for our generation—and for every generation— is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there?"

Wow.... this was hard to swallow, because frankly I knew the answer, and it wasn't good. This chapter made me rethink everything about my faith. If I can truly live a life that is all about Christ, it should probably start with a deep relationship -- one that couldn't live a day without him. And I think this relationship can only happen for me, if I give up the distractions that keep me from him, and follow and love the things after his own heart: people...not just my family and friends...the poor, the sick and (the hardest one for me) ... the people tha

t have hurt me.

My mind has been racing lately -- I feel like I have this blessed life, and I can do so much, but I don't even know the best place to start. Giving up my "distractions" and turning a 180 and following him isn't an overnight thing...at least not for me. I can't do it cold turkey.

I keep thinking, that if I was on my death bed tomorrow, could I really look at my life and feel like I gave the very best of me to the people that need it most, and could I die satisfied that I did everything I could to show people the love of Jesus...i can definitely answer no to that right now. And that has to change.

I don't want to waste any time -- because time is precious.

It's not enough -- but we've started sponsoring a child from El Salvador -- he is a precious 8 year old, who comes from a poor farming family. He isn't able to go to sch

ool, so we're hoping that through World Vision we can get him there, and provide him some good meals. Its only one person, and it feels so not enough -- I'm so not enough -- but its something. And I know its just the start of something bigger.

I don't want this life to pass me, without giving the best of me...so I'm ready, let's do this!

R & R is a beautiful thing...

Today is my last day of R & R before heading back to working again. It's hard to believe the time is up, but it was amazing to have the opportunity to rest and reunite with my family. When I got home, Phil met me at the airport and the Naimans (close family friends I've known since living in Turkey) surprised me there as well. I got in extremely late -- close to midnight, but Phil was really sweet and had dinner waiting for me at home. Knowing how much I'd missed mexican food, he had put together a mexican lasagna for us to eat :) We spent the next couple of days just relaxing together and working around the house, which we don't always get the chance to do. Later that week we headed to Pawley's Island to pick up my grandmother, Nomi. It was so wonderful to see her again. My grandfather passed away in December after a long battle with cancer -- it was hard to go back to a place that was filled with so many memories of him, without him there. Nomi drove up to VA with Phil and I to see my family for Easter. I was able to see all my siblings except two, which is pretty good! We spent the week cooking, going to the Zoo, going to the beach and playing Banana Grams (this was new to me, and i'm awful at it...) Phil and I were able to get to know my new sister Olivia better -- we had a lot of fun playing with her. Two is a fun (and busy) age! I can't tell you how nice it was to finally see Gus again too. He is 67 pounds of fur and slobber, but so sweet. Since coming home, i've really enjoyed our long walks together. I missed those so much.

After getting home, Phil and I spent a lot of time in the yard planting our first vegetable garden, crape myrtle tree and citrus trees :) Despite still being apart a lot, its nice to have these days where life feels normal. (Although Phil says I have no idea what "normal" life even is...haha).

Another project we took on was putting together the office...aka man room. We painted and hung pictures on the walls. Phil also was able to mount a TV in the room and get our new computer all set up. It was a fun project. We still have a few more things to do in that room, but its coming along!

The rest of our days were spent just relaxing together -- one day we headed into Charleston to walk down King Street -- we looked in the shops, ate at the Mellow Mushroom (amazing...), got some Starbucks and walked along the Harbor. It was a beautiful day to spend downtown.

Most nights we watched episodes of The Office -- i've only seen this show a couple of times, so I didn't know what I was missing out on! Our stomaches were sore after watching a few episodes!

Overall, its been an amazing time readjusting and getting back into a routine. It'll be hard to go back to work I think, but its so wonderful to know that i'll be going home each day. For those of you still overseas, you have much to look forward to when you get back, and I'm looking forward to your return!

America, oh how i've missed you...

I can officially say that tomorrow i'll be back in America. What a strange thought, to finally be going home. This has been quite an adventure - one that I know i'll tell my children about one day. I came to Iraq hoping for an opportunity, and I'm leaving with a lifetime full of memories. In my short 6 and half months, I have had the chance to travel throughout Iraq doing Public Affairs. Its been an honor to have seen this part of the world, and to have served side-by-side my fellow servicemembers. I couldn't ask for a better team and friends. I go back feeling as though i've learned so much in a short period of time, thanks entirely to the people that gave me this opportunity and taught me along the way. Depsite long days, stressfull challenges and the threats that come with being deployed - i wouldn't trade this for anything.

So, thank you Iraq, for being my home for this deployment - but mostly, thank you to the people that filled my days and made it feel like home and family. I go home with a full heart.

To those still there, I'll be praying for you until you come home. Look forward to seeing you on American soil!

Ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made...

I'm in love with sailboats. I don't know where this is coming from -- but I came across a link to Charleston Harborfest, and I fell in love all over again with sailing. Unfortunately, this event has been postponed until 2011...but i'll be there next year! http://www.charlestonharborfest.org/

I have fond memories of going down to the docks in Hawaii to watch my dad sail. We would stay out until sunset watching the boats race, until one by one they all came in. A couple years later my dad bought a catamaran sailboat. We lived on the water in Hawaii, and we would take it out for hours at a time...each of the kids had a part in make the boat sail. This boat traveled with us overseas to Turkey as well, where we would take it out over vacation weeks. That boat carries a lot of memories.

There is something about a boat that requires nothing but wind and sails to make it go. And I love that.

When I was a teenager, my dad had my older brother and I take sailing lessons after school for several weeks straight. I remember spending hours practicing my knots (which, by the way, i've never been good at.) We had to learn what to do if our boat tipped over...which happened ALL the time. It was so scary at first, but then after awhile you could sort of feel when a big tip was coming, and you learned how to react. My biggest fear wasn't losing the boat, or drowning...it was always the fear of being eaten by shark. Still my biggest fear to this day. How pathetic is that? No number of sailing lessons can get me to overcome that fear :)

Maybe one day I'll buy a sailboat. Until then, I can dream...

...unconditional love comes with slobber and all.

My Nana sent me the book Marley and Me for Christmas this past year. I have dreaded reading it because I saw the movie and literally wept...and I hate, hate...hate crying. I try avoid it at all costs. But, and perhaps against better judgement, I picked the book up. Stuck in transit for 4 days has allowed me to read and sleep and amazing amount.

I know now why she wanted me to read it so badly. She has met my monsterous dog, Gus. And after babysitting him for a week, and having read this book, she knew he was a Marley in golden retriever get-up.

I've only read the first 5 chapters...but oh my goodness. Everything about this dog's puppy years reminds me of when we brought Gus home.

The first night, I just expected him to fall asleep in his crate, but he cried in this high-pitched yelping for hours, until we broke down and let him sleep in the bed...and of course he fell asleep in an instant. I continued putting him in his crate each night until I couldnt' take the crying anymore, and then he'd end up in bed with me, large drooly face in my face, and snoring... Eventually, I grew so exhausted from this routine that he just slept in bed with me, only to my horror I would wake up to him in my closet eating my shoes or ripping my socks apart.

Just like Marley, he would chew on my arm and wrist constantly to play...until the point that my brand new watch had teeth marks in it...I still wear this watch -- but its so torn up that i have a hair band holding it together.

As in the book, he would scarf his food down before I could even get the bowl on the ground. And then he'd lay at the pantry door and cry for more.

The energy that the author talks about with his dog is the same energy that I could never seem to wear out of Gus. I remember one night, after we had just walked for an hour, I was cleaning up dishes and putting them in the washer. Gus loved to lick the dishes as I put them in the washer, and sometimes I would find him standing on top of the open dishwasher door...but this night was different. I had just pulled a Glad container out of his mouth and was turning to wash it out again when I caught him pulling a large stake knife out of the washer, and before I could grab him he was racing around the house with the stake knife in his mouth...it was very Pirate's of the Caribbean-esc. After about 5 minutes of chasing him, I some how managed to pull the knife out of his mouth without either of us getting hurt.

This was a normal day for me and Gus -- but despite the sleepless nights, the chewed up shoes and the constant energy, there is something endearing about something that tirelessly begs of your affection, and will love you no matter what mood you are in. I think that's the point my Nana was trying to make...he is crazy, loud and energetic...but probably misunderstood. Behind all the slobber, he's doing it all for my attention.

Drooly face and all -- I love him. I guess there is something to be said about unconditional, messy love.

...you electrify my life.

I sort of figured that this might happen...start a blog, and then never have time to use it. I guess that has a lot to say about my deployment though -- I just finished my tour in Iraq, and looking back now I realize that every ounce of free time was spent with friends. I don't think i've worked in many jobs where I spend a chaotic day at work and then want to spend the nights with those same coworkers. Iraq was different. I wasn't expecting to find life-long friends, and I wasn't expecting it to be so hard to leave. But it was hard, and that says everything about the people that I met there. I came to Iraq, leaving my home and family. But yesterday I left Baghdad feeling like I had left my heart behind. No checklist or predeployment training could have prepared me for that.

I read a quote once that said something like ...."As we move through life, the force of fate creates events that we only appreciate when we reflect on our existence." I've spent 6 months reflecting on my existence, and I leave feeling like I have a better handle on what I want out of life. I will always only look back on this deployment fondly. Not to say that parts of it weren't hard -- because it was challenging for me -- but I feel like I was handed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it was up to me to figure out what to do with it. This opportunity was more about relationships then anything else. The people I have met have made me a better a person -- I've learned that life is short, so I have to make the most of each moment I have with those I love. I need to be better about following my dreams, no matter how lofty they may seem.

At the end of this life I want to know that i've loved my family and friends with all my heart -- that i've seen the world and appreciate what it has to offer, and that i've left this place even just a little bit better.

I know i haven't done this well, but I guess that's what second chances are for. So thank you Baghdad for a second chance, and thank you to those friends that taught me how to love and dream. You mean everything to me.

Discovering South Carolina...list #1.

I've been thinking about all the fun things Phil and I can do together when I get home in just over a month...some are things we can do on leave, and others are just fun places to go to in the future. I'm in love with Charleston, and South Carolina as a whole. I can't imagine living any other place right now. It's beautiful -- I always tell people the reason I love it so much is the fact that I live on the edge of city that still maintaints its small town feel and southern charm. The people are friendly, the scenery is lovely and the food is amazing. Beyond just Charleston, the surrounding cities and neighborhoods have so much to offer...so here are just a few things I'm itching to do:

1. Pavilion Bar and Grill -- one of the charming aspects of Charleston is its historical buildings and locations. One common restaurant alternative is eating on the rooftop of the downtown hotels. One of the places I'd love to try on a warm summer evening is this particular rooftop experience...check it out: http://www.marketpavilion.com/

2. Cupcake -- Though cake isn't Phil's favorite thing, we have found some tasty treats at this little SC chain. Its really charming. They have certain staple flavors, and then other flavors of cupcakes that come out depending on the season. My personal favorite is the Peppermint and Chocolate cupcake. I've seen people buy boxes of these for their weddings, instead of the traditional wedding cake. I love that idea!

In case you'd like to endulge a little yourself, here is their websites: http://www.freshcupcakes.com/

Like I said, charming.

3. Charleston Boat Show: I've never been, but it looks like a fun way to spend the afternoon on the harbor. Maybe one day we'll own a boat. I love the ocean, and I have a lot of memories of getting my own boating license when I was young, and later sailing with my dad on his catamaran in Hawaii and Turkey. Nothing but the wind in your hair and smell of the ocean. This year's Boat Show is in late April. http://www.charlestonspringboatshow.com/

4. Summerville Flowertown Festival: I've read that the Southeast Tourism Society has named the Flowertown Festival in Summerville, SC as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast. Food, art and friendly people in a really nice part of town. This event takes place at the end of March. Last year's website: http://www.flowertownfestival.com/

I could probably think of 10 more things right now...but these are just a few, and I'll add more to this list later. I guess that's the great place about living somewhere new, you can discover so many interesting events, places and people. I look forward to the many adventures ahead as Phil, Gus and I continuing exploring South Carolina!

Making the most of "away"

It's funny, but i've spent most of my life being "away" from something. With all the moves growing up in a military family, we were constantly saying goodbye -- always away from family or friends somewhere. Then I married the man of my dreams -- a Marine. And I learned very quickly that there was still a long road of goodbyes and separations ahead of us. I guess that's just how my life was meant to be. I'd like to think that with the separations and goodbyes, that i've grown stronger, and learned to value life and those in it more than I would have, had I not had these experiences. I've learned to cope through letters and phone calls, (skype!) and through making new friendships ... but most of all trusting that God would fill the empty part of me that comes with being "away" from those Ilove.

I've now found myself very far away from everyone I love...Baghdad. What an amazing experience though. Just like in the past, God has found a way to teach me through my experiences here, to strengthen me by what i've done and seen, and to really show me just how blessed I am to live in a free country, with a loving family and wonderful friends.

To get me through the long days here, especially when I'm feeling homesick, I tend to think of all the little thing i'm looking forward to doing when I'm finally home...things I never want to take for granted:

my siblings...I miss them. I can't wait to love on those six crazy boys and girls:)

Walks with Gus Gus...he mostly "walked" me, and now that he's huge, I know walks will be an adventure. It was the best way to end my work days though. Just me and my bud.

Cooking with Phil...here we're making paella...we love to try new things. Luckily we both come from parents that love to cook as well, so we're never without good food!

The beach...there is a place on Pawley's Island near my grandparent's house. It's my favorite beach. There are so many memories there. I can't wait to go there with family again soon.

Quality time with my wonderful husband. He's been such a support through this deployment. I can't wait for all the life adventures ahead for us. I love him so much.

Time with my Mom and Dad...so looking forward to seeing both of them in just over a month!

Spending some relaxing summer days with Phil's family -- can't wait to see them again, and have them down in Charleston :)

Love is marching to His Heartbeat...

I've been listening to this band called Barlow Girl recently ... one of their songs, Love is Marching, reminds me a lot of my family and how blessed I am to have them. The song talks about how our ability to help change this world for the better, comes through those that choose to love. I'm not sure how I got so lucky. I see each of my family members and the way they've chosen to selflessly give and love others around them -- and if anything, they've made a huge impact on my life.

My dad is one of few people I know that can balance his busy military career with his family. Despite long and stressful hours at work, he always found time for us growing up -- we were his priority. I'm thankful to have him as my father. He's a true man of God, and someone I look up to.
Moms are an amazing gift -- mine has been not only my caretaker, but my friend. She giving and kind, and has blessed so many peoples' lives with her friendship. I don't know how she ever managed 6 kids, and now a toddler, but she does it with grace. I hope that one day I can be the same loving mother like she has been to me.

Big brothers. I dont' know what i'd do without mine! Zach is one of my best friends -- he always looked out for us when we were growing up -- especially during all our moves. Zach is a Pilot in the AF. He's one of few people i've seen follow their dreams. I'm so thankful to have him in my life.

Tyler -- my first little brother! He is the funniest person I know ... he somehow has the ability to capture an entire room's attention with his humor, and will have you rolling with laughter for hours. I love him, not only because he brightens your day, but because of how he will show love to even a stranger, no matter what their background might be.

Alexa ... (doodlebug). This girl can talk a mile-a-minute without taking a breath. She has amazing lung capacity, which is also why she has such a beautiful singing voice! I love having her as a sister and best friend -- she has a big heart, very passionate about people and the path that God is taking her in.

Josie -- no matter how big he gets, he'll always be my baby brother. I could listen to him play guitar forever -- he has an amazing gift in music, one that I know he's blessed a lot of people with. I've so enjoyed watching him grow up to be the kind, giving, handsom young man that he is!

Laurie! She is growing up so fast, and into such a wonderful woman of God. She has a huge heart for missions, and seeing her travel across the US and world to just serve others, makes me so proud. It just shows that you're never too young to touch lives - I love her so much!
Olivia -- the newest addition to the Walrond family! I've only had the chance to be with her twice, but meeting her, and seeing how she has fit right into the family has been wonderful. She is the cutest thing -- and definitely full of character! I can't wait to get to know her more and love on her. So happy to have another sister.

I Love Food: part 1

I’m fairly certain that food is one of my favorite past times. It’s not just that I adore food – and believe me, I a-d-o-r-e food – it’s that food seems to make up many of my fondest memories. Beyond just consuming amazing meals, the time you spend preparing the meal with a loved one, going to dinner with a close friend, or simply watching your mother mix up something incredible (with no recipe in sight), gives way to many special moments, with special people – and for that, food is close to my heart :)

I’m not sure what I love more: living in a city that seems to be the food capital for mouth-water dinners and scenic views, OR, finally having a kitchen to call my own, where I can experiment (often unsuccessfully) to my hearts content.

Since living in Charleston, Phil and I have tried several different restaurants in the city and in neighboring cities – some of them, especially one, has become a Judge favorite. If you are ever in Charleston , I must recommend “The Peninsula Grill” – Phil and I happened to be walking downtown one afternoon when we came across this restaurant – it’s jammed between other small shops and businesses near Market street, so we almost missed it. The small courtyard and garden attached to the side of the restaurant caught our eye though. We made late reservations, and came back that night dressed for a special occasion. Although the dinner as a whole is fairly pricey (about $50 dollars a person for a meal, drink and a dessert to split), it was worth every penny.

Phil’s family visited last year—and after raving about this place, we all went together for a meal. Lucky for us, there was a perfect spot in the courtyard to eat outside and enjoy the nice Lowcountry weather. One of my favorite parts about this restaurant is the atmosphere – the fact that in the heart of the city you can sit in a small garden with palm trees and lanterns, is amazing – its very Charleston! The seafood is delicious and fresh, and the chef always brings out a sampler “on the house.”

To finish off our meal, we split their famous Coconut Cake, which was featured on a Bobby Flay throwdown on the Food Network. Needless to say, we created some great memories over a wonderful meal. This place has certainly found a spot in my heart (and my stomache)!

Four months and counting!

I officially have less than 2 months to go before I’ll be heading home from Iraq! That is an amazing feeling. Everything about going home is exciting to me – sleeping in my own bed, seeing Phil again, taking Gus on walks, visiting family, mowing my lawn, cooking in my kitchen…and on and on. It’s funny the little things that I so miss.

I can’t complain at all about this deployment though – This has been an amazing experience for me from day one – I feel pretty blessed to have this opportunity. I get to work with my closest friends here everyday, plan trips that take us all over the country and see places I didn’t even know existed. It’s amazing, because I feel like God really has had his hand in this whole journey. Everything from the timing for me coming here, to my awesome roommate, to the friendships I’ve made and my job position – it’s all very humbling, because I feel pretty undeserving to have all of this wrapped into one deployment. And while I know I’ll be ready to come home when my date rolls around, I can truly say that I’m going to miss the lifelong friendships I’ve made here.

It’s funny, because despite the times we’ve spent running to take “cover”, things don’t seem so grim when you’re in this thing together :)

If there is one thing I’ve learned over here, it’s that life is what you make of it – we’ve taken some pretty ordinary circumstances here and made them lasting memories. I’ve also come to realize even more the blessings in my life that I have at home -- things I don’t want to take for granted – a loving husband, supportive family and friends, and a house to go home to.

Thank you all for the support and especially the prayers during this time – they’ve been felt. You have no idea how much your emails, letters and packages have meant -- words cannot express how special they have been.

I look forward to seeing all of you in the near future – miss you and love you!

New Years goal one...of many.

Well, here it is…this girl finally has a blog. I’ve been itching to do it for a long time, and never have found the time or energy to establish one. As one of many goals for 2010 (definitely realized recently how many areas of my life could use some work), I’m going to start journaling again…only this time online!

This is a somewhat selfish goal, as it doesn’t matter if a soul ever reads this. It’s just nice to get your thoughts down … and this time, with a pretty background.

I must say, I’m excited to be in a new year. 2009 came with its many ups and downs, as I guess every year does – this year just seemed emotionally harder than others. In just one year, Phil and I gained a new Judge family member, our giant golden retriever Gus. He has kept me company on many nights when Phil and I have been apart due to our jobs. Although, I’ve lost a great deal of socks and underwear, I’ve gained a constant companion. By summertime, the Walrond family welcomed a new family member as well – Olivia, my adorable little sister from China. We waited years to get her, and prayed for her long before she was even born. How wonderful to have a toddler back in the family – she is pure joy.

Shortly after meeting the little one, I found out I’d be heading to Iraq for a 6 month tour. You would think after going through 3 other deployments, being apart from Phil wouldn’t feel as hard, but it doesn’t ever seem to get easier. Despite it all though, I looked at the opportunity as a new adventure – one I now know I’ll never forget. 2009 brought a sister and a dog into my life, but with it also came the loss of one of the dearest people to me, my grandfather. Looking back, I feel blessed that with the passing of a family member, I’ve been given the opportunity to get to know a new family member. It’s just unfathomable for me to think I’ll never see this man again – and I largely dread going home, to face this very fact. Being in Iraq, it’s easier to push all of the sadness to the side and not deal with it.
January 2010 felt much like relief when it finally got here … It’s nice to have a new year in front of me – to set new priorities and really focus in on the things that matter—my family and friends.

Though I’m not sure I’ll ever have something of real significant to say – its nice to have an avenue to get the everyday memories, joys and pains down in writing – the inner workings of this human heart!