Day 185: Happy 4th of July!

Today began later for everyone. Maddie slept in until 8 or so and Caleb and his friend slept in until almost 11. We enjoyed breakfast and caught up on some laundry. 

Daniel had a pretty busy day. He started off at the American Chamber of Commerce event. He and the Marines did the color guard there. Once that was over they came straight to the Marine's House where they were hosting a 4th of July event. 

Maddie and Caleb made themselves at home as they often do and they waited on friends to arrive. Caleb and a lot of the boys stayed in the basement playing pool or in the yard playing cornhole. Once Maddie's friend arrived, they were inseparable. They were truly the cutest things. They each had their faces painted and everything. 

As the night went on we caught up with friends and family of friends. A lot of people came to this event and the Marines ended the night with a fun (and dangerous) firework show. 

At one point the fireworks fell over and shot right at the crowd. Good times! Thankfully, no one was hurt. 

Maddie fell asleep on the way home, but had to be woken up for a bath. She had glitter everywhere. She finally fell asleep around midnight. I'm hoping she sleeps through the night! 

Happy fourth of July family and friends. We had a good day, but we miss those who we would normally be celebrating with. Also, a huge thanks to all of those fighting for our freedom. God bless. 

New Years Feast

Each new year I tap into my southern roots and prepare all of the traditional southern food one should eat on New Year's Day. Luckily, we were able to obtain all of the necessary ingredients! 

Daniel and I both grew up eating this type of food so we quickly agreed that it's something we'll continue, regardless of where we are. On this day one eats greens and peas for money and coins. I've also heard that black-eyed peas can bring luck, so we say these sides bring it all (money and luck). 

We hosted the Marines and some family friends. We had more than enough and enjoyed the company. Definitely one of my favorite times of the year. 

Rice with gravy and black-eyed peas

Ham, collards, Mac and cheese, and green beans

Chocolates, apples with dip, 7 layer dip, and other various snacks. 

Banana pudding, pecan pie (oh so good), peanut butter pie, and cheese cake. The desserts were amazing!

Happy New Years!!! Bring on 2015!

Day 1: Happy New Year!!

     This year one of my many resolutions is to start writing on my blog again. I am hopeful that I will get at least a few posts in! With all of our travel plans, this will be a good way to look back over the year (next year) and it will be much easier to keep track of our journey this way!  
     
     We are now living in Poland (fun, right?) and are far away from family and friends. I try to post a lot on Facebook to keep most of our family and friends updated, but I find myself opening up my Facebook app then losing 20 minutes of my day. Doing that multiple times each day creates havoc in my schedule and I find myself losing valuable time. That time is better spent playing with my children instead of seeing what the newest decoration is in someone's home or what the latest person has done in their life. I do enjoy looking at photos and catching up with our family and friends, but the majority of the time, that is not what I use Facebook for. I get on and essentially waste time. No bueno. 

     This is what leads to another resolution: spend less time on electronics and be present each day. Hopefully, I will get into the habit of leaving my phone in inconvenient areas (aka out of reach) and instead "scheduling" time for myself to waste on various websites later on. I miss spending time enjoying my husband and kids and would rather be involved in an activity with them instead of just coexisting with them. I want to be an active part of their lives instead of being in the same room. Both are very different and it is something I need to fix immediately. 

     The kids are growing at a rapid rate and Madison will be two in February. Caleb just turned nine and we celebrated his birthday in Brussels, Belgium.  I'm so glad he is at the age where we can take birthday trips instead of having parties!! We all love to travel, so it is a win/win for each of us. 

       As 2015 begins we thank God that we are still around for another day. We are thankful to have one another and to be in a wonderful place with amazing friends. We miss our family terribly and think of you all daily. Happy New Years family and friends!! God bless!!! 

Happy New Year

We attended a fun New Year's Eve party tonight. It was so wonderful bringing in the new year with some amazing people we have become to know as our friends. 

Madison loved the fireworks and the sparklers. The fireworks were pretty loud so I'm impressed that Maddie laughed and enjoyed them!! 

I look forward to seeing what 2015 has to offer. 

More fun tomorrow for our traditional southern lunch. Happy New Years!