I've decided, since I am finding that I am not an avid blogger (at least with this blog), that this blog will be reserved for "Family Updates" 2-3 times a year. I'm considering using 1-2 of these Family Updates per year to mail out to our families and close friends, since we may possibly be in different parts of the world for the next 20 years. These would be mailed out with Sydney pictures included, of course. ;)
I would also like to add that I am hoping not to express the idea that I vainly believe everyone is interested in our life (I assure you that's not the case and if you make it through my ranting updates, then you're probably family or a really good friend, anyways:). Rather, I will be utilizing this as a tool to somewhat "keep-in-touch" with family and friends, but also as a cumulative journal for Nick and I and our children to look back on.
In coordination with my busy brain, I will again use the bullet format to update since my last post, since it requires little work in organizing my thoughts. ;)
* We are currently almost a month in on our 2nd deployment. Nick was home almost 6 months following his previous 7-month deployment, before leaving for this current 7-monther. Sydney and I are currently "home" (TN) for the holidays.
* We still only have 1 car, and are making it work until we just can't anymore. We are not accustomed to car notes, so hoping to save up cash during this deployment for our next vehicle to keep that a continuum.
* Nick and I were able to spend many great "Date Nights/Days" together during the short time between these 2 deployments, including occasions like our fun day running and snorkeling La Jolla Cove. It was wonderful having all that alone time together since his time home was limited. We even took a 2-day Palm Springs vacation just the two of us in a desert oasis- of a hotel, with a gorgeous view from our room of the canyons!
* Although most of our weekends have still just included going to the beach, we have also made a lot of fun family trips & memories together since my last post, including trying out new beaches/areas further north of us, SeaWorld, Legoland, the MCAS Air Show, new scenic parks we had yet to try, and a fun day at Bates Nut Farm. We also took a family camping trip in South Carlsbad State Beach. Our tent sat on a cliff overlooking the ocean and we fell asleep to the sound of the waves crashing! We will definitely be going back there!
* We had a summer packed full of wonderful visitors again this year, including: Steven (Nick's brother), my parents, my best friend Christin & her boyfriend Josh, Nick's grandparents, Nick's mom, and Dan, Paula, & Olivia (Nick's uncle, aunt, and cousin Sydney's age).
* I've still been busy with the same jobs and activities, including:
Personal training, teaching piano lessons, Membership Chair for Surface Officer Spouses of San Diego, Heart-2-Heart Military Spouse Group (through our church), which I am now co-leading, and of course our wonderful church lifegroup, whom we have also still enjoyed get-togethers with outside our regular group time.
* Sydney is thriving and doing great! She is our joy and blessing.
Since my last post, she has been involved in a Pre-school 3x a week, and gymnastics classes still. We are still doing her school work at home. Aside from all our family trips and outings mentioned above, she recently enjoyed Summer outdoor movies, the Birch Aquarium, Wild Animal Safari Park, her usual park days with her friends, swimming days, and church. She can count to 30 with no help, write any letter you ask, and sound out most of her letters.
* After 4 quarters in a row of hosting lifegroup in our home, we have passed the opportunity along to another couple in our group. We started reading "Not a Fan." by Kyle Idleman prior to leaving, so I am trying to finish it with a group of ladies here, while Nick also continues it with a group there. It has been a very challenging book.
* I am still making my way through the entire Bible, currently in 2 Kings. Why didn't I do this a long time ago?
* During Nick's POM ((Pre- or Post-) Pre- in this case) Operational Movement (basically, 2-weeks off before leaving), our days were packed full of our family and friends visiting him. We also had a couple date nights, including seeing the movie "Courageous"- a must-see for all families and a great re-enforcement/challenge/encouragement with the upcoming deployment.
I threw Nick "Surprise Occasions" of all he (thought he) would be missing during deployment: a big, surprise "Thanksgiving Feast" with the Allens, a surprise "Christmas in October" with the Hatfields, Hammetts, and Siscos, and a "Surprise Birthday Party" for his and Sydney's birthdays with all our friends and families.
We also were able to go to a fun "Fall Party" our friend Tyler threw where Nick got to see many college friends, and the big "Allen Halloween" party; It was here that Steven surprised Nick by flying in from MN showing up to the party dressed as Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction! Nick had no clue it was him at first! An awesome, and hilarious surprise!
During Nick's final 3 days before heading back to San Diego to deploy, the 3 of us enjoyed a beautiful, relaxing stay at a family friend's lakehouse on the TN River. We were so grateful to have use of a gorgeous, serene place for those precious last days together.
And That is our recent bullet updates!
Since Sydney and I have been here in TN, we have been trying to make our rounds visiting different family and friends all around town. Since Nick left, we're back to her school work every day: 3 subjects MWF and 2 subjects TR- which have been consisting of more games and crafts than before, to keep it fun and prevent burn-out. I have also been doing personal training, and baby-sitting. I'm doing as many deployment-directed activities with her as I can, and also setting some goals and tasks for myself to attain during this time.
Deployments are hard and complex, but I am determined we will use them for growth and accomplishment!
Thanks for reading!
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