Home is where the heart is.....

After our move to Charleston just 25 months ago, I can say that Josh and I know and believe that home truly is where the heart is.  In that short two-year span we left our "first house" in Kentucky for the coastal low country of South Carolina...and we've made our "home" in quite a few places.  From the original one-month stay at the Embassy Suites, to our precious two-bedroom island condo, and several other extended hotel stays in Seattle, we can now call home anywhere.  So this past Spring when our friends approached us with an opportunity to rent their gorgeous home while they RV the country for a year, we didn't hesitate to accept.  So the lovely home above became ours at the end of June and this is where we will be for a year.  It's actually just a few blocks away from the condo we rented.

The home is still furnished by the owners, which is great with us because she has a lovely decorating style.  Most of our belongings are stored in the garage.

We have no idea where we will go next summer when their travels are over.  It could be down the street, across town, across the country or beyond.  Either way, we are trusting God's direction and keeping an open mind to the ways He leads us.  In the meantime, we will continue enjoying life on the island and thanking God for the beauty that surrounds.

I took this photo to practice with my new external camera flash.  Too bad I didn't own this flash during the night sighting of wild elk at the Grand Canyon a couple months ago!  

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A new house means a new address!  Be sure to message me for an update if I'm on your Christmas card list (which is my favorite holiday tradition - so much fun to check the mail and display cards all season)!

Glorious afternoon

Sunny day, jumping fish, singing birds, playing squirrels, swimming ducks, laughing children, comfy jeans, bare feet, bare face, sonic drink, happy heart, blessed life, God's grace.

One Year Ago Today

I've been a bit sentimental (in a good way) lately just thinking about the past year since we made the move from the Bluegrass State to the Palmetto State. 

For some reason I can't go the grocery without an itemized list and I regularly forget daily tasks, yet I remember specific dates surprisingly well.  For instance, this day last year -- August 26, 2010.  We finished the drive to Charleston after stopping halfway the night before.  No longer were we visitors in a strange town, this day marked the moment that we began to call Charleston our home.  We arrived to the Embassy Suites which would be our residence for the next month where we were greeted by a sweet and encouraging package from the only local people we knew.  It was the day before Josh would start his new position.  I knew I planned to start my job search while he was at work.  I haven't gone back to read that post yet, however many of the details are engrained in my memory. 

As I reflect on the past year and all it has delivered, I am humbled and awed.  I can't believe how quickly the time has passed!  It has literally flown by..   Not a day goes by that we are not thankful for where God chose to move us.  We could have been moved anywhere and the opportunity we were given was Charleston - what a dream!

I have thought of the many things I love about this place.  I am sure I will forget some things that make my smile, but I want to capture a few I have recently given thanks for: 

* This place and its geography.  It's a beach town and water is everywhere.  That alone makes my day.
* Our sweet island - I always love returning to the line of palm trees and beautiful homes.
* The food.  My word, it's so wonderful.  I did work on losing some of those added pounds, so I'm trying to keep them off.  It's a struggle though because the food is so amazing.
* Having jobs we enjoy with organizations that have great impact in our community.   
* The people.  Regardless if they're natives or transplants, it seems the people here love Charleston for its charm and want to hold on to the unique, laid-back  and hospitable culture.
* Seeing and hearing the C17's fly over Charleston while taking off/landing from the Air Force Base.
* Seeing military people (mostly Navy & Air Force) dressed in uniform every time I go out to lunch.  There's something about this that reminds me to be grateful to not only live in Charleston, but also in a free country....God bless America and those defending our freedoms!
* Pretty much every type of shopping and entertainment is accessible. 
* Our precious little airport.  I might have thought it was shoddy the first time we flew in, but now I realize how wonderful and convenient it is! 
* The mild winters. 
* Coastal breezes and palm trees.....what a great combination!

With love from Charleston!

A little update!

The time has passed like WHOA over the past couple of months since I last posted!  We had a great trip #2 for a month in Seattle (although I didn't re-cap that trip), then made it back to home sweet Charleston just in time for Easter!

Since then we have been blessed with many visits from family and friends!  Very exciting times for sure!

I really have been extremely busy enjoying our city, showing around loved ones, working on my tan, and becoming employed!  I know.  Stop. The. World.  I have a job!

It's actually a really long story but I am going to spare the details for now.  I'm a college recruiter!

Add to the excitement of my new job, Josh left over a week ago for Seattle Round #3......but he had to go without me.  :(  I miss him tons and can't wait to have him back in a couple of weeks!  Seriously, I am ready to have him here with me - this reminds me how blessed we are that I was able to accompany him for the first two one-month trips.  So grateful.

I definitely realize how much he does to take care of us.  Not only financially, but in so many ways.  Just having him around makes me better.

My goal is to be well-adjusted to my new job by the time he returns!

We've had a lot going on.  This is just a small update of the big things!

When you need an excuse to go to Chuck E. Cheese

When you need an excuse to go to Chuck E. Cheese, just borrow someone's kids!

That's exactly what we did Wednesday night!  After talking about it for weeks, we finally set a date with their parents to take the three R kids (ages 7, 5 & 4) on our own to Chuck E. Cheese.  We were pretty excited because we love these kids and wanted to do something fun and special with them.  In case you're wondering, we do not have "baby fever;" we just really love these kiddos!  I packed a bag with baby wipes, hand sanitizer, camera, a mini first aid kit, and a little treat for each kid - then we arrived at their home to pick them up where they were freshly bathed and so cute. 

We loaded up, buckled up and headed on our way.  It was during rush hour and there was a wreck on the bridge, so it took almost an hour to get there, but the kids were great travelers.  

We arrived at Chuck E. Cheese and held hands while walking in, got checked in with the same hand stamp (security feature at CEC that shows which kids belong to who, that way they can't be taken by strangers....brilliant!).  The lady who greeted us said "how nice of you kids to bring your parents out to dinner!"  The kids smiled and no one corrected her that we weren't the parents, but I took that as a sign that we must have looked normal and we didn't look like we shouldn't have kids under our care.  Does that make sense?  Anyway, I appreciated her comment.

If you can channel your childhood self, try to remember what it was like going to CEC.  I did that for a couple days prior so that I would be as prepared as possible.  I remembered going in, then our parents would place an order for food and tokens.  The sounds of the games are loud and other kids are already playing.  While the parents order, you want to run off and start playing.....but you have the wait for tokens first.  You couldn't care less about the food because all you want to do is play games and win tickets.  (On the drive, we asked multiples times "are you hungry?" and each time they all said "no."  Ha!  That was me about two decades ago!)  I believe this is the story of every kid at CEC! 

Josh placed our order and we quickly divided tokens so the kids began playing.  They were winning tickets and bouncing from one game to another.  The food arrived and we had to lure them to the table to eat.  Josh made sure hands were cleaned while I fixed drinks.  He served pizza and gave a blessing over the meal.  They were still thinking of the games, but were very good and sweet.  Everyone had to eat one piece of pizza before we would let them up to continue playing.  Dinner time didn't last long and then they were playing games again.  We ordered one more set of tokens and divided them again for more game playing. 

Tokens were running out and bedtime was getting closer, so the kids cashed in their tickets at the ticket muncher machine.  

Lots of thought was put into making the decision for which prizes to choose, but all were happy with their selection!

I think a good night was had by all!  But my favorite story of the evening was when we were leaving CEC walking together hand-in-hand when all three kids exclaimed "I'm hungry!"  I so saw this coming!  Good thing we had the leftover pizza in a carry-out box!  Since we had already gone outside, but Josh and I weren't sure if they should eat in their mom's car (plus the safety concern of them eating while we were in driving - we didn't want to take any chances on choking), so we just set down on the corner of the sidewalk and they finished off the remaining slices!  We had a great time giggling and enjoying these kids for a few more moments. 

I should also note that the 7 year old had to buckle the 4 year old in his car seat after I couldn't figure out how it worked.  She said "it's a good thing you don't have kids!"  Ha!  So true!

Loads of silliness filled the car on the drive home!  Made up songs about Josh, silly jokes, talking with the vampire teeth......sweet times!

We had a great night with these precious children and are thankful that their parents shared them!

A Sign of Success!

 

Yesterday was a sign of success, if I do say so myself!  Last week I Googled professional organizations in Charleston.  One in particular that I miss from Bowling Green (KY) was PMA - Professional Marketing Association.  My Google search informed me that the monthly PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) meeting was scheduled for yesterday.  I registered and paid as a non-member attendee.  

So I got dressed and ready yesterday morning - professional attire, of course!  I left with plenty of time [to get lost], programmed the address in my GPS (remember I'm new here and still don't know my way around everywhere), and headed downtown to the meeting location.  I made it with time to spare, found a rocking parking spot at a meter (the garages are expensive in my opinion), managed to have just enough change to fill the meter, enjoyed the meeting/presentation/people, and returned to my vehicle with three minutes to spare!  It's the little things for sure that put a smile on my face!  :)

Simply Enjoying!

We are settling in to our new home very well!  There are only a few boxes remaining to be unpacked and we have made a "home" of our new place!  We have water, electricity, cable/internet, and we are finally receiving mail to our new address....what more could you ask for?!  To beat that, I now do laundry within our home instead of paying $4 in quarters per load at the hotel coin machines!  While I still miss the fresh fruit and coffee each morning, I don't miss the hotel laundry system (although I was extremely grateful for it at the time). 

It's really hard to believe we've already been in our new place for over a week!  The time sure is flying.  The month in the hotel was a great experience and I enjoyed it so much, however we are loving our new place!  Including the extended hotel stay, we stayed 39 of the previous 42 nights in some hotel prior to moving into our current condo.  That's pretty crazy!  Looking back at it all, everything is quite a blur......hard to explain, but for those of you who have done this before I'm sure you know what I mean!  Our suitcases are ready for a break for sure!

Thursday evening we made "the grocery run" -- you know, the [slightly dreaded and also expensive] big trip to the grocery when you first move somewhere.  Not only do you have to think of some meal ideas, it's a grocery trip to replace the regular things that are usually just in your fridge -- like mayo, mustard, milk, and other perishables that we couldn't pack with us. That also brings me to the funny point of mentioning that we had to purchase a broom!  Seriously, we don't know what we were thinking on moving day last month.  We had THREE regular size brooms and somehow we didn't get here with even one of them.  The dust pan was packed and so was the MASSIVE PUSH BROOM, but no regular broom.....whatever, we were exhausted!  So in our Kentucky storage unit there must be three brooms that we will have back in our possession someday.  The trip to Walmart was a pricey one but we are in a pretty good shape and have enjoyed using the kitchen again!

Apparently I was out of practice because while making sweet tea I managed to dump the measuring cup of sugar ONTO THE HOT BURNER instead of in the pot.  Hot sugar makes a bit of a sticky mess.  Glad I broke the new stove top in well!

Thankfully later that Friday evening my domestic side redeemed itself with these easy-peasy mini pizzas (after all, I better start back to cooking in a simple way)!  My husband was thrilled, which was awesome because these babies couldn't get any simpler!  Assemble and bake english muffins, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperonis, a side of marinara.....dinner is served!

Along the domestic lines, I want to mention that we do not have a microwave.  It was the only appliance that didn't come with the condo.  We had full intentions of purchasing one to use, however since being here I have decided to wait on that purchase.  Of course there are times that I think in my head "I'll just microwave that" and then quickly remember we don't have one.  Buuuuuuut.....I kind of like it.  "Like it" as in the feeling that I am not tempted to use it, I'm not settling for some faux version of cooking, and I'm not short-cutting the kitchen experience.  And to be honest, I really haven't missed it!  I have enjoyed stirring my soup on the stove top and reheating spaghetti in the toaster oven (no joke, it worked beautifully).  Just this afternoon I even warmed a tad bit of oil in a covered pan, opened up a bag of microwave popcorn and poured the kernels in the pan, placed the lid on, and watched the popcorn pop to perfection!  It not only worked, but it was fun!  I feel like this is a healthier family option.....any one else out there living without a microwave by choice? 

 

And speaking of not-so-healthy......these fried gator tail bites with "swamp sauce."  Can I get a "yum?!"  YUM!  They were delish and the perfect appetizer for Saturday's date night at Hammett's Landing!

Josh with his crab cake sandwich!  It also was super yummy!

And I ordered a tuna burger with a cucumber wasabi sauce (yumminess!) and sweet potato fries!  

 

We shared this gorgeous dessert!  Banana white chocolate won-tons.....YES, PLEASE!!

Enjoying date night after a full day of playing outside!  We rode our bikes and played at the park with friends for a really fun afternoon.  Less than two hours after this date-night pic, I fell asleep on the couch while the tunes of Boyz II Men were playing a concert on our island.  I had every intention of bike riding downtown later that evening.....needless to say, I was good for nothing!

Then after an amazing church service on Sunday, I enjoyed my first experience riding my bike by myself downtown to the Publix grocery store where I purchased our dinner items.  When I left the condo it was daylight and because I spent quite a bit of time at the grocery chatting with strangers, it was dark when I was leaving.  Fortunately the roads are not too busy and I did return safe with my groceries in tow (I learned next time to wear a backpack if biking), however my sweet husband was worried and had already placed an online order for a set of safety lights for my bike!  :) 

Last night we rode bikes together to have pizza at Orlando's, but we made sure to return by dusk since we're waiting on those bike lights to arrive.

Which brings me to tonight.....super simple, and completely amazing!  We had some leftovers so I quickly prepared those things in containers, threw in some paper goods, our picnic blanket and a football....and off we headed to Smythe Park where we enjoyed a picnic and throwing football together!

 Tonight's picnic was in this little area.....completely surrounded by the lake and beautiful trees!  It is really just perfect!  I wish I could capture it completely on film - gorgeous!

So happy together!

Our yummy fried chicken dinner!

 The sun was setting and the clouds were vibrantly pink and purple!  Perfect evening!

We are loving Charleston and especially where we live on Daniel Island!  With all of the parks and amenities, I am happy to stay on the island as much as possible....it really is great!

With love from Charleston!

Update on our Life Lately!

My sweet boy before work one day last week!

An LP gift card arrived for LP's (me) birthday!  Woo hoo!  Can't wait to head downtown for shopping!  After all, I am now living in an island town so I need some Lilly!   Thanks Mom, Dad & Keeton!

We purchased this Boeing painting from a local artist after making friends with her brother!  

It's the new 787 Dreamliner that Josh is working on.  The city below is Charleston! It's a limited edition, so we were excited to snag it!

 How to Make a "Home" of a Hotel:

Bring a laundry basket for your dirties.  And also bring your laundry supplies to use at the coin machines.  (Deep down in there is also a change bag full of quarters -- these are essential because it costs a small fortune!)  

Display your toothbrushes in a Kentucky horse mint julep cup to remind you of home!

Always display your alma mater(s)!  Coasters serve as decor and are functional!

 

Ladies, you will definitely need an over-the-door rack to store your shoes!  After all, those hotel closets are tiny!

 Display a sweet picture of a sweet furry friend!  Look at this daily for a guaranteed smile!

 Bring your computer, printer, and a variety of office supplies!  The job search must go on!  

How to Move from a House to a Hotel to a Two-Bedroom Condo:

Pray that the movers can make that tight turn while carrying your furniture up the stairs.  Then when they do, thank God for answering prayers!

Stay out of the way of the movers so that you do not interrupt their progress.  And when the legs to the dining table finally show up in the delivery, put that table together!  Yes the movers will do it, but do we really want them there longer than necessary?  Nope.  

Learn the "Bingo" system for making sure your ENTIRE delivery arrives......all 138 pieces.....I am proud to say that not only did EVERYTHING arrive, I mastered the system of checking off the chart as the movers called out the numbers.  

Look at the ever-growing mound of boxes stacked in your new home and just sigh.  There is no need to get overwhelmed - that won't do any good!  Decide one thing you absolutely must find and after you find it, don't stress about the rest!  In my case....bed sheets!  I looked all over the place and finally found them tucked away.  They immediately went to the washing machine and I was relieved once the bed was made.  If all else fails, at least we can get some vital sleep!

See that semi out your window?  Thank God that you were not the one trying to maneuver that baby around your new neighborhood!

The "wardrobe" boxes.....pretty cool design!  However, they are stinkin' heavy!  You might also find that you will have lots of ironing to do because items were stuffed in there like sardines.

That pink tool set you have from college....let the big tough mover men make fun of it.....and then enjoy when they need a screwdriver to put furniture together and they have to ask to use it! hahahaha! 

That stack of boxes just keeps growing!  But it's okay!  You learn how little you really can live off of!  Plus, you might think it's funny that they label every other box as "wedding gifts!"  

 

Apologize and feel regret for the rain forest that was destroyed for the sake of your move.  Geez!  And this is only a small portion...no kidding!

 

Be thankful that the weekend you move in coincides with the twice-yearly community yard sale.  And because you had built-in cabinets at your house in Kentucky, you realize your TV now needs a home.  So you set off on your bike looking for something perfect.  And you think you must be dreaming when you find this Pottery Barn piece for a steal of a deal!  So you send your hubby off on his bike to go get the truck while you barter with the lady who owns it.  And you don't care that it's actually supposed to be a bar because you need it for a TV stand, by golly!  So your husband and new friend from church team up to drill a hole in it for electrical and cable cords.  And each time you pass by it, you look at it and think "that's just perfect....it's exactly what we needed!"  

And that my friends, is just a small taste of our move from Bowling Green, Kentucky to Charleston, South Carolina!