Surprise!

One of the many things I love in life are surprises. Majority of the surprises I've had in life have been good ones! Most of my include things like finding out my band or choir won 1st place in a major competition, or the time I was asked out on my first date. Then there are the classics that are burned in your memory forever, like the proposal by the love of my life.

Unfortunately in life, surprises are a two-edged sword. They can come at you with the best news, or they can hit you with the news you didn't want to hear...like a family member has cancer, a brother or sister is having marriage difficulties, or a close friend is really upset with you. I do not handle bad surprises well, I go into shock and don't know what to do or say. As much as I consider myself a 'good communicator', there are certain occasions where "I'm sorry" or "this shouldn't be happening to you" just doesn't cut it. Those are times when I could do without being surprised and would rather know what to be prepared for on a daily basis.

The ones we are in control of are great! Like surprising my husband by painting our basement in Iowa Hawkeye colors, or him surprising me with a ring I'd had my eye on for an anniversary present. I love surprising other people just about as much as I love getting surprised. Thankfully, I have a husband who realizes that (thanks baby).

One thing in life is for sure, there will always be surprises - and we aren't in control of majority of them. The best thing we can do is trust that God will give us the guidance and strength to get through the difficult ones, and the sincere gratitude and graciousness to truly enjoy the good ones.

Back to Reality

It was an amazing trip! A great time in a beautiful location with amazing friends. I wish I could say that I'm happy to be back, but I'm not.

After a nice long vacation, you get anxious to come home and be in your own surroundings. You miss kids, pets, friends and always miss sleeping in your own bed! But after a few days, reality hits you in the face like a crushing wave off the Gulf of Mexico....you are back to normal, everyday life.So, although it is comforting to be back in the U.S. and definitely nice to sleep in our own bed - I already miss vacation. Mostly because it was so peaceful. You didn't have a care in the world. I got up early in the mornings and went walking on the beach. It was great. I saw some beautiful sunsets and amazing waves. It was just nice to focus on enjoying life instead of worrying about everything back here.

Now that vacation is over - the summer seems to drudge on; work, laundry, cleaning, kids, tired, work, stressed, sickness, bills, work......you get the picture. Here are a few pictures from our trip.