Reflection ~ 2014

  As I sit in the quite of our cozy little living room, thinking of the past year, I've decided to share some of our "adventures" with you all.  WOW!  A lot happened in 2014, good and bad.  We all know that we can't change the past.  What's done is done.  I choose to let go of the negative and cherish the positive, happy moments.  And now, I'd like to share some of the positive with you!
  One year ago yesterday, my hubby and I headed to the mountains of Gatlinburg, TN for a little "just us" get a way before he had to head back to Korea.  Gatlinburg is a beautiful place.  We were fortunate enough to rent a chalet with a breathtaking view!  Even though it was snowy, I didn't mind (those who know me know that I am not a fan of any sort of wintery weather), the mountains were snow topped and stunning!  I'd love to share a few of our photos from that trip!  #1 was taken in Cades Cove  #2 is hubby and I on a hike and #3 is our view from the dining room window in our chalet. 

 

  Once hubby went back to finish his tour in Korea, things for the kiddo, pups and I went back to "normal" for a bit.  Then, I got the phone call from the hubster, we were going to be moved once he returned in the summer.  What?!  NO!!!  The plan was to buy our "forever home" right there in Georgia and never have to endure another move again....

  After I came to terms with the move, there was a lot of discussion about where we'd live.  Do we rent a house again or buy?  What's our budget?  What if we don't like the area?  Well, we decided to look as though we were buying but if we didn't find anything that was right, we'd rent for a year.  So, a wonderful realtor in GA did some research for me and found us our realtor here and the house hunt began! 

  Kate and I made the 1 1/2 hour drive several times to look at many houses over a few months time.  I saw a few that were "nice enough" but nothing really struck me as a "forever home" house.  Finally, Kate found one and asked "Why are we not looking at this one?"  Well, it did appear to have everything we wanted, but I didn't think it was "me"  but we added it to the viewing list and Gena (our wonderful realtor~really, she was a blessing and a friend.  I will be forever grateful to her for her patience, knowledge, help...) brought us to see it.  Long store short, after a lot of "back and forth" in my mind, questioning this and that...Gene said to me one evening on the phone "I think that's the one.  Just go buy the house."  I still wasn't sure, so scheduled one more trip to view the house with Gena....yup, it was THE house.  We went right to Gena's office and put in our offer.  After some back and forth with the home owners...our final offer was accepted!!!  We got our house!!!!

  Late in April, my dad and I made a quick trip to Texas.  We were there less than 24 hours.  I loaded my car as full as I could get it, cleaned the best I could in such a short amount of time and then..we hit the road again, with one more person.  My sweet grandmother, was moving to PA to live with dad and his wife, but first was going to stay with Katie and I in GA for a while.  I was over the moon excited; I adore her.  I'm so thankful for the memories that were made while she was with Kate and I!  Easter dinner, showing Kate how to make her chicken and dumplings, our chats....Here is a picture from Easter.

 

   May rolled around pretty quickly!  It was a crazy month.  My baby girl turned 21 years old...YIKES!  We had to leave earlier than planned to take Meme "home" to PA due to some circumstances out of anyone's control.  Once we dropped Meme off, we headed to spend a few days with "Nene and Pap" at Hershey Medical center.  Then it was a quick stop in our hometown to help my sister out with a surprise party.  After that we headed to my father in law's house.

  Kate finally got to meet her littlest cousin and spend some time with his big sister.  There was a surprise birthday cake, a little shopping, went to a casino, a trip to Philly.  Then it was time to hit the road again...back to GA we went.

  Once we returned, things are all a bit fuzzy.  I really not feeling well, was crazy busy..so it's a bit of a blur.  There was a lot of sorting, cleaning, packing....the move was coming quickly!

  In July, my sweet husband returned!  We took a whirlwind trip up north to visit everyone, then it was back to more sorting, cleaning, packing.  We had a ton to do before the movers came to pack and load everything up.  We were able to take a quick trip to Savannah to visit with our very BEST friends, though, and I'm so glad we did!  We love them like family and have missed them terribly!

  In August, we closed on our beautiful "forever home."  We took full advantage of our yards and pool...a lot the unpacking was pretty much put on hold so we could just enjoy!  And we sure did!

  Fast forward to the day after Thanksgiving.  We began to decorate for Christmas.  My absolute most favorite time of the year!!!  We decorated almost every room downstairs, a little upstairs and were able to put some lights out front!    It was so much fun figuring out what would go where!  Hubby and I loved seeing it all come together! I'd love to share a Christmasy picture before wrapping this (very long) post up.

 Thank you for reliving the last year with me.  What a journey!  Now, as we begin a brand new year, I wish you all happiness, health and many blessings!

                                                                                                      ~Amy