In this life....

I'm starting to realize that in reality I don't have a whole lot of say in what happens, or where we live, or go, or do..... and that's ok. I'm learning to let go.... which if you know my personality you can imagine it's been hard because I'm a super planner. I have lists for Everything, including my life... although that one is more in my head, not written down. But things happen that remind me that life isn't always about having control and knowing where you're going, but about living, and loving, and letting it be what it is.

I was listening to these songs while I was getting ready this morning and I was reminded that even though we think we're in control we're not. God is. My life is planned for me, I just need to have faith in that. As a military spouse, where things change in an instant, these words really resounded with me...

Francesca Battistelli Lyrics – I’m Letting Go Lyrics

My heart beats, standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge

Like an acrobat
There’s no turning back

Chorus
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace

The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

Chorus
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid

Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
Feels like I’m falling and this is the life for me

Unpredictable - Lyrics

Album: My Paper Heart
Artist: Francesca Battistelli

Got my thoughts
I got my words
Got this head full of answers
Got You wrapped up
Got You under control
See my future like the past behind me
I think I know where You’re leading
Don’t need no questions
Don’t need no rocking the boat

But I just forget all the mystery
I just forget who You are


When I know that I know
What You have down the road
When I’m sure that
I’ve figured You out
Help me see that I’m small
That I can’t know it all
‘Cause You’re so unpredictable
‘Cause You’re so unpredictable

You said the foolish
Would shame the wise
To put my faith
In what’s beyond my eyes
And to believe You
I have to come as a child

So help me to rest in the mystery
Of what I can’t understand



Can’t wrap my mind around You
Can’t put You in a box
Can’t keep You safely contained
You’re gonna move the way
You wanna move today
Just let me follow along

A Personal Touch to our Decor

Today I was inspired to fill some frames I had purchased for pictures from my sister's wedding. The pictures aren't even ordered yet, and I just can't stand having an empty frame, so I thought about what I should put in them. Our house is kind of photo heavy. We have some pictures that are cherished gifts from Carrick's parents, but all our other wall hangings and such are photographs. I wanted something that was old looking and special to us.... so I thought of maps. I'm drawn to old vintage-y documents and maps are some of my favs. I google image searched for old maps from places that are special to us. I found these three.

The large one is an old railway map of Northeast Iowa. It's my fav of the three. It has Dorchester on it, which is the mailing address for the Girl Scout camp I went to and was a counselor at. I thought that was great because now Dorchester is a tiny one street town with a tavern and a few houses. Many of the towns on this map have little illustrations next to them too which I thought was cool.

The small horizontal map is of the North Carolina coast. This is where Carrick and I first lived together, and where Carrick proposed to me on Topsail Beach.

I'm sure you can guess the location of the third map. It's Okinawa! This one appears to be made by the Marine Corps during World War II.

Carrick came home and said "Hey! Where did you find these?" He thought is was a great idea and really likes them. I'm thinking they're going to stay, and I'll have to make a trip back to the store for frames for Meagan's wedding photos :)

What we did today.

Manzamo Point

Can you see the elephant trunk?

While Carrick was on Duty

I had 24 hours to occupy, so I did this....

Fabric Flower Headband

I made this yesterday messing around with fabric flowers. I needed to figure it out for another project that is in the works.

Back in Okinawa

I know it has been a terribly long time since I've updated this, and I'm not quite sure if anyone still reads it.... but if you are reading this, here is an update.

Carrick and I are back in Okinawa after visiting family in Iowa. We had a great time and it was nice to see everyone and recharge. I must admit it was nice being away from the military. I have forgotten my ID card three times since we've been back because I was out of the swing of always having it on me and showing it everywhere I went. Last night we were reminded of some new rules and how living here means giving up some personal liberties. One of our friends was married yesterday, and we wanted to go out and celebrate. We were cut short by a new order requiring us to be out of clubs and bars at midnight. It is a give and take though. We are lucky to get the experience to live in a foreign country and we take the good with the bad.

We are looking forward to the next step in Carrick's career and excited to see where that takes us. He will be getting a new job in the Marine Corps soon and that may mean a location change in the next 6 months or so. As always I'm just along for the ride. I have been very fortunate to find an online college that is perfect for our transient lifestyle, and how to be finished with a teaching degree in two years.