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Friday, October 31, 2008

What's Up Lately???

I figured since this blog has been so neglected and I'm trying to update as much as possible, that this was a perfect opportunity to write what's been up with this crazy clan lately! Nothing major, other than normal life changes (well normal for us I suppose, not everyone is like us) so here's the skinny on our family happenings!
As stated in the "Playing Catch Up" posting, we've moved back home to our house in Raeford NC and while we love being in our house with all the space and comforts of a larger than we're used to house, it's been an adjustment on so many levels!
I honestly never realized how much I enjoyed living within the Marine Corps community or how much living on base was a blessing. Not that living here in our house is a bad thing by any means, but getting used to being out in the country with no neighbors and having so much property for the kids to roam has been rather strange. It takes us about 25 minutes to get to the Army base here (Ft. Bragg) so going to the commissary these days is not exactly a hop, skip and a jump from our house any longer. That's taken some getting used to I must say. Prices is another thing that is just blowing my mind! Now, gas prices as we all know have been crazy, but I'm talking about just everyday needs prices, milk, bread..things of that nature. I suppose I was spoiled in being able to shoot down the street to the "C-store" and grab some milk and bread for a lot less than what I'm paying now (and to think I used to complain about the prices then) not to mention the "no sales tax" benefits from shopping on base, yeah well that is no longer a reality for us, unless I want to drive the 25 minutes to base (as I'm sure you can tell I'm not into doing that on a daily basis) so I pay the sales tax and higher prices for the convenience of shopping somewhere closer...it's just a vicious cycle for me and one I'm having trouble adjusting to...call me crazy!
On another front however we've had some great news. Jim was recently selected for Chief Warrant Officer 3, so he'll be pinning that one come August 09. We're all really proud of and excited for him! He of course was sweating the promotion board (as he does everytime) and was relieved he was selected. Frankly I'm not sure why he does this when it comes to promotions, I mean he really does his job above and beyond the requirements, not to mention he's always a giver of at least 110% to his job, his shop, the Corps and his fellow Marines, so the thoughts of him "wondering" if he'll be selected has always blown me away! I suppose considering he's a very humble man in nature, this shouldnt surprise me, but as always I am surprised at his feelings of uncertainty when it comes to things of this nature.
The kids are all doing well. Charity is enrolling in college for winter semester and expecting her first child come spring. OMG that actually makes me a "Grandmother" doesnt it? You see though I'll not be referred to as "Grandma" because I am WAY TOO YOUNG for that, so I'll be "Nana" to my little Grandson! Yep, that sounds much better dont you think? Anyway, he's due to make his appearance March 09 so we're looking forward to meeting this precious soul!

Tiffiany and Tara start their new dance lessons tomorrow. They will be learning "Scottish Highland Dance" and are super excited as are Jim and I. We've always loved that type of dancing, of course I love the Highland dance, and Jim loves the Irish Step dancing (can you tell from what nationality we each come from?) so the celtic culture has always facinated us and the girls are just beside themselves they will actually be a part of a "Celtic School of the Arts" here in town. They are looking forward to working hard so they can compete in the Highland Games in Boone NC this summer! Their Granddaddy (my Father) would be so proud!

So, as you can see we're still around and still a crazy clan as always. Never a dull moment in a family of 9, but even with the loudness, the hecktic schedules and all that comes with raising 7 children. I wouldnt have it any other way, because without them my life would completely meaningless!

Playing Catch Up...

Well since it's been FOREVER since I've posted to this blog, and I feel a need to revive this place once again, I thought I'd post some past entries from another blog I have...am thinking I'll be keeping this blog as my main writing place, so I feel the need to play "catch up"


So, here is the latest blog entry from my other writing places. Please forgive me while I try and update as much as possible :)

Change In Seasons (Sept 27, 2008)

Well, it's been one crazy summer for me! Many ups and downs, ins and outs and now finally summer is over and fall has arrived. With the change of the seasons I hope good change continues as it has been for the last few weeks!

We've moved into our old home and even though it was a crazy and unorganized move, we're finally settling in and things are getting back to somewhat of a normal pace. I've been trying to get back into the groove of schooling the kids (which was postponed due to the move) and trying to prepare for the holiday season that seems to be creeping up on me as it does every year very quickly.

I have recently gotten back behind my camera after about a month long absence due to all the busy happenings in my life lately! I took a couple of my girls out on our property to shoot some pictures...it was great fun and with the weather being crazy due to the Noreaster tooling up the coast, the wind was a fun and great opportunity to shoot some shots. The girls long hair and the wind made for more dramatic images, just what I needed to get back into the photography groove so to speak LOL :)

So, without further ado (I never know if I spell that word right or not, it never looks right...but that's a totally different subject isnt it) here's some of the many images I shot in the last 2 days of my girls playing, posing and just having fun helping their Mom find her nitch again behind the camera!Hope everyone is doing well and remember, smile, it's Friday...the weekend is almost here!!!!

Many Blessings to everyone and their families!