I have not been ignoring all the requests for house pictures. I just didn’t take any until yesterday. I had everything all clean at once, so I figured that it was finally time to get you what you demand.  I also have pictures of the very successful birthday party! My fancy, romantic dinner was, for me, perfection. I think Channing was equally impressed, but you’ll have to ask him just to be sure. Ok, so here you go, I hope you enjoy!

Sorry, no descriptions today, but I think they are self explanatory!

I know these are a couple days late, but better late than never.

On Saturday, we took Emma to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Now, when I think of a zoo, all I really have to compare it is Jackson…. Well, let’s just say there is no comparison. This place was awesome. Huge. We only covered half of it. And, to the girl’s credit, she hung in there as long as she could. This visit was much better than the first time we tried a zoo trip. She loved it this time.  Channing and I even really liked it. Let me just give you an example of how awesome this zoo was… Food Court. Yep, a completely enclosed, air conditioned, seven different food choices food court. Right in the middle too, perfect for a rest.

I’ll start our pictures at the beginning; getting ready and on the drive:

Ok, so let’s talk about the carousel.  For me, this was quiet an event. I’m an adult, and I still love the things, so I was extremely excited when she showed some interest. I was actually very nervous that we would get on and she would freak out on me. The exact opposite occurred, and I was thrilled. But, all good things must come to an end. And oh, how I wish I had a picture for you.  You’ll just have to use your imagination for a moment, because this story is too good not to tell. As you can see in the last pictures, my beautiful child was glowing with excitement. I too, was beaming, because she was getting all kinds of “oooos” and “ahhhs” from others. I just wanted to laugh and say “Yes, I know she’s gorgeous; and yes, she’s mine!” Well, that perfect, angelic face disappeared the minute the ride stopped. I gently explained that is was time to get off and go find Daddy so other people could have a turn. She proceeded to begin a tantrum and clung to pole of horse. And I mean she hung on. Before I got her off, she was literally sideways hanging on the pole while I was trying to pry her hands off it, all the while screaming “No Mommy, I want the horsey!”  It was classic. I really wish I had a picture to torment her with when she is a teenager. I couldn’t help but laugh.

All in all, it was a great day. She did so well, and really seemed to enjoy it. I have other pictures, but they are on my phone, and that’s a little past my technological expertise. When Channing teaches me how to get them, I’ll let you know.

In other news, someone has a birthday tomorrow! Channing will be 27! Emma and I have big plans for him, and I hope I have pictures to go along with them. If you get a chance, call and harass him about being almost 30! I would greatly appreciate it, Thank You!

Yes, I know I’ve been absent this week, but it’s not my fault, it’s the funk’s fault.  Those of you closest to me know what I’m talking about, so I feel that I should explain myself for the rest of you.

Last Friday, a mood that I affectionately call “the funk”, decided to move in. He usually only stays temporarily, but this time it was a whole week. Along with “the funk”, he brought a raging case of home sickness. Raging. I know, I’ve only been here three weeks. This wasn’t supposed to happen this soon. I knew it would come, I just had no idea they were planning on visiting this soon. I’m sure it all had to do with Channing’s first business trip. He went to St. Joe, Michigan, to Whirlpool’s headquarters.  Now, Channing traveling was expected, we did this several times with Nissan. But, this was the first time that I had to stay alone. When he used to travel, he never liked for us to stay at home by ourselves. We always went to visit someone for a few days. I couldn’t do that this time. This weekend was the first time that it really set in how far away we are. I couldn’t just pick up and leave. On top of that, I didn’t have any school or work activities to keep me occupied. There was no one to talk to, plan lunch with, or just hang out with. I was alone. Yeah, I had Emma, but there are only so many times you can sing the ABC’s.

The funk has lifted, though. Channing got home late Wednesday night, a full day earlier than expected. I’m in the process of planning something really good for dinner, and we have some fun stuff planned for tomorrow that I will tell you all about next week. And, next Wednesday is Channing’s birthday!  Still planning for that too!

So now you know where I’ve been, and I promise to try to do better next time. I figure the first time was the hardest, and it’s only gonna get better from here!

“On the Avenue I’m taking you  to…. 42nd Street!”

Ahhhhhhhhh!

Channing and I just got back from The Palace in Marion’s summer production of 42nd Street! OMG! It was amazing!!!!! There is some fantastic talent in this town! Channing even liked it! He kept laughing at me through the whole thing because I grinned like a school girl, but I don’t care; I loved it! My neighbors are already trying to recruit me for next year’s production, whatever it may be. I must say, I’m very tempted! This all came about right after we got here when my sweet neighbors gave us their tickets for today’s performance and offered to stay with Emma while we went. I honestly didn’t think Channing would go, but he did, and we really had a good time!

Anyway, that’s all I have for now; I just had to tell you about it!

I’ve figured out how to upload pictures one at a time, so here’s just a few to get you started:

This is the view from my the top of my patio.

These are the ducks that Emma loves….

This is a duck wanting Emma’s sassy….

Pool….

Emma’s new favorite spot….

And my Channing cooking the first night we were here…

I’m putting something together for the house pictures, so be patient! I’ll have those up soon!

Ok, I know it seems like I’ve been absent a few days, but the truth is, I’ve been here, I just have nothing to show for it. I had this great post with all these great pictures for you to finally see. Then, I lost it. Oh yeah, it’s gone. But I don’t feel so bad about it, because all the pictures were messed up. I’m currently trying to arrange a conference call with Nikki so she can walk me through this process and keep me from screwing it up again.

Now, on to the things worth talking about….

We’ve had a few mentionable things happen around here the last couple of days. First, I FINALLY got my new washer/dryer set! Never in my life have I ever been this excited about doing my laundry! Thanks to Whirlpool, Channing got me a new Cabrio set. You should go look them up. The washer sounds like a plane taking off, but not quite that loud. I’m not really sure if they are as impressive as I think they are, or if this is just a side effect of not being able to do my laundry for over a week. It’s amazing how much I’ve come to appreciate this high quality set of appliances! And, I wonder what this says about my maturity level…. I am 23 years old and more excited about my laundry room than I ever was about an all night frat party (I just thought I was excited…).  If you had told me 5 years ago that I could ever get this pumped up about household chores, I probably would have ended all communication with you!

In other news, Emma and I are now the newest members of the Marion Public Library.  They have a wonderful children’s program during the summer that we are going to be involved in. She really seemed to like it this morning, so we’re going to keep it up. Also today, we are now the newest member family of the Marion YMCA. I’m super excited about this too, because each of us will have our own things to be involved in.  I let you know how all this plays out.

Overall, things have been going well. We’re having some Emma issues, but I suppose that’s to be expected. She just doesn’t really understand what all has happened.  I’m sure things will smooth out with her, it will just take time. Channing seems to be enjoying the job, and it’s very obvious that they will keep him very busy. I’ve been doing well, too. I love my neighbors, but I hate the fact that they are all gonna leave November 1 to spend six months in Florida. I just want to scream “Take me with you!!!!” It must be nice to be able to skip winter….

And now, for the last thing on my mind….

I’ve really been missing my girl’s group. For those of you who don’t know, there is a group of 5 amazing women who meet “secretly” without the interference of children (most times) or husbands (they aren’t even allowed in the house).  The relationships that were formed and strengthened in this group, are the kinds that will never be forgotten. The safety and security of this group is something I now believe no woman should ever be without. The bond between strong, Christian women, is something so precious and so vital for each of us, I wonder how I went so long without it. To my girls; I miss each of you terribly. You are each so different, beautiful, and completely amazing. You have each filled a different part of my heart, and though I may not be there physically, I think of you constantly. You’re influences are still very much with me. And to our newest member; I’m sorry I didn’t get the chance to know you better. I hope you’re benefiting from this group as much as I did.

I have not forgotten about this blog….

My next task was to learn how to upload pictures here, but my camera cable is missing.  So, I shall be thinking of new things to discuss, or I’d be happy to answer questions! Leave me some suggestions!

You know how we Southerners feel about food, right? Well, I’m not sure the feeling is mutual here. For us, food accompanies, and often times is our way of fulfilling good deeds. Whenever a baby is born, or there is a death in a family, we immediately run to our pantries and freezers to see what extravagant dinner or dessert we can put together for the effected family. It’s not odd to us, it’s expected. It’s not expected here. It’s odd. Oh well. I’ll be odd then.

My very sweet neighbors, who I just met last night, lost a mother this morning. She was 95, and according to Mr. J, had a wonderful, long life. He came over not too long to ask if we had a crib, or some sort of baby bed that we weren’t using because all of his children (4 plus spouses), and two infant granddaughters will be arriving tomorrow.  We of course jumped at the chance to help out. We took them Emma’s crib and all the sheets and blankets I could find. They seemed so overwhelmed by optimism in helping. I think I made it worse when I asked if I could bring by something for dinner for them tomorrow night. He gave me a look of pure shock and confusion. Not disgust mind you, just shock. He managed to stutter out all the reasons why I shouldn’t, that I’d already done enough, etc. Needless to say, none of it really registered with me. Walking back to our house, I asked Channing, “Do think it would be already if I take something anyway?”. He laughed, said he thought it would be fine, so I’ve already made plans to take something not extravagant to Mrs. K in the morning.  I mean, they have four kids coming in from the four corners of the U.S., the last thing I think they should have to worry is having to feed that small army. But, hey, that’s just me! So, I’ll be “exploiting my southerness” tomorrow, and I’ll let you know how it goes!

*Disclaimer* I know that “Southerness” is not a word….

We made it in one piece! Everyone is still alive, and I didn’t leave Miss Emma on the side of the road! This was probably due to the fact that her Papa was with me, and did most of the Emma handling.

We are officially moved into our condo. I won’t say that we’re settled, because we’re not, but all of our stuff is here.  I have tons of pictures of the place, but I haven’t quite figured out how to upload them just yet. I’ll work on that soon though.  For now, I’ll just try to describe it the best I can.  I think we are in the prettiest neighborhood in the area. Every yard is the perfect green and perfectly manicured. All the condos sit on a beautiful pond, complete with its own family of ducks. They like to visit when you’re outside on the patio. Larger houses surround the condos, and they are in immaculate condition as well. It’s so quiet here. I don’t think we have one neighbor under the age of 70. I kinda feel bad moving my wild child into this peaceful place, because it shall be quiet no more!

As for the condo itself, it’s a great size. The only problems I have with it are the 1980’s wallpaper and drapes and lack of lighting. Apparently, no one puts ceiling lights in the bedrooms up here. They rely on natural light from windows. It doesn’t get dark here until 9:30. That’s a big adjustment with Emma’s bedtime being 8. All in all, I don’t think we could have found a better place.  It’s super close to the plant, and right between the two main roads in town.

Today will mark our first day here with just us. Channing’s mom has been here from the beginning, but they are now headed to Columbus for her to catch a flight home. She has been a huge help, and we’re definitely sad to see her go.  Channing starts work in the morning. They’ve already sent him his schedule for the week, and it’s full. Mostly training and such, but definitely full.

As for me, I’ll get back into a routine here with everything, so I hope that I’ll be able to update this very regularly!

I’ve been crying for three days. I suspected this. I think I’ve done well, actually. I knew that Sunday would be bad. That was the goal I had set for myself. If I could just make it to Sunday in one piece, then it  would be ok to lose my mind. Well, I made it, but not past it. It all started at church, my last Sunday at Madison Heights. I expected a few tears, but I didn’t expect the levees to break.  It was great. Shoot over to my friend Amanda’s blog and ask her about the snotty cry. I apparently do that.

After church we went to NIkki’s house for lunch with a few of our closest friends from church. It was wonderful. Not many tears, just lots of laughs. * We love you all, and will miss you dearly * The day still wasn’t over for us. We had the “official” good-bye dinner for the family at Channing’s brother Justin’s house. It was great and overwhelming. Everyone was there, even though there was a wedding the night before. Anyway, the waterworks kicked into overdrive again. I finally had to take my nephew away from my mom and go hide in his room. Yeah, he was a little fussy, but that get away was more for me than for him.( Channing figured out my game and came to join us.) I just sat in his rocker bawling silently (he was sleeping), and soaking the poor child. It’s not that I don’t want to go, I do. But it’s hard to think about the things we’ll miss that we are so used to. Being able to hold and see William whenever I want. Letting Emma see her grandparents whenever she wants. Lunch with Mama. TV with NIkki, girl’s group, I could go on and on. If it weren’t for today’s technology, I don’t know that we would have ever made this kind of move.  I just keep telling myself that this is not forever. This is a great opportunity for us.

As for now, I type this from my dad’s house in Greenwood. We’ll be leaving in the morning headed for Ohio. I don’t know how far we’ll make it tomorrow. Channing is already on his way, and staying the night somewhere in Kentucky. The truck with my house packed on it will be in my  new driveway at noon. The next time you hear from me, I will be an official resident of Marion, OH.  Please keep us and the traveling in your prayers. I already miss everyone, but we’ll be back soon. You can come visit us any time!