We Went to Alabama

After spending 18 long months in Missouri (without visiting our family), we finally returned to our home town. Birmingham was calling our name, and we went'a'runnin ... Afterall, our youngest little man, Lennon (now 10 months old *gasp*) had never ever been to Alabama, much less out of the awful state of Missouri.

We decided it would be best to break up our trip and make a vacation out of it. Our very first stop was the St Louis Arch. Chance (our 4 yr old miniature schnauzer) made the trip with us, and so, of course, we had to alter things a bit. Our original plan was to visit the museum at the Arch, and then spend the day at the St Louis Zoo (which if I remember correctly was named #3 on the Parent's Magazine Best Zoos)... However, as most families know ... things change at the last minute when you have kids ... and spoiled rotten animals ... We had to skip the Arch museum, gift shop, and even the zoo... because of Chance. I don't regret a second of it.

Because we were trying to break up the trip, we replaced the trip to the zoo with a trip to Metropolis, Illinois... Home of Superman. Here, this tiny, tiny town has a giant statue of superman, which Benjamin just absolutely drooled over. We enjoyed the giftshop, and the nearby park, and continued on our long treck to the 'Ham. (For those who don't know... it generally takes us about 14 hours start to finish). Superman was a great stop, and after a Papa John's Rest Stop Picnic, we were on our way to the finish line.

We finally reached Alabama, at which point Nathan flipped through his Ipod to find "Sweet Home Alabama" as we crossed the state line. You'll never have an appreciation for the state (or the song, for that matter) until you've been gone for way too long.

It feels good to be home. Even when home isn't home anymore.

In Alabama, we spent as much time as possible eating our favorite Southern foods, and spending time with our favorite people. We spent a lot of time with my parents, and Savannah LIVES FOR her PawPaw, so that was definitely NOT time wasted. We visited Nathan's family a lot too. His sister is Savannah's ultimate hero, so they both ate each other up. We even ventured down to Montgomery (which, by the way we could NOT find a Montgomery shot glass ANYWHERE) ... where we spent an amazing time with some fabulous Zarembas.

The time in Alabama was a blast. But toward the end. I wanted my comfort back. I wanted my routine. I wanted my bed.

All this brought me to realize that very very very very soon (less than 100 days), we'll be leaving for The Netherlands. How long will it take to find my comfort? When will I feel "at home"?

There's no way to know ... but I know as long as God is leading our way, and I have Nathan beside me, I'll be ok.

So.

If you're looking for a European adventure in a few months, please stop by (what is sure to be our teeny tiny) house, and say hello. I'm sure I'll be craving a little bit of America.

And. If you could bring some South along with you ... that would be just fantastic

Hand to Heart.

Three times a day (on our tiny Air Force Base), the "Giant Voice" reminds us what time it is. At 0730, reveille plays, reminding us how friggin early it is ... Then, many acceptable hours later, at 1700 (5pm, people), they play the retreat and the national anthem. At 9am (2100), they play Taps, which happens to be my favorite part of the day (not just cause I get a few seconds to think of our fallen men, but also, becuase all three of my children are finally in bed) ...

Regardless ... I've been working to teach my children everyday Southern manners. I was taught them, and so shall they be. HOWVEVER ... I was NOT raised military ... ish (my dad did some good time in the Army, and very often I feel like a military brat, just becuase of my background .... regardless ...) ...

On our military base, at five o'clock on the DOT you must STOP everything you're doing and salute the American flag. Recognize the National Anthem. If you're driving, you pull to the side of the road. If you're walking, you stop and put your hand straight to your chest. Well, I've been teaching my children since we've lived here how to respesct the anthem (although, everytime I hear the speaker turn on , I run toward the nearnest door and hide, waiting for it to all be over!)

Regardless of my dissappearance during the five o'clock salute, my children have sufficiently learned to respect the flag and it's anthem.

Each evening (generally while I'm preparing dinner and whatnot), my kids throw the door open to report to me that it's time for "Hand to Heart" ..)

(Winter is easier in this aspect, because we don't play in Missouri snow very often ... )

So. We "enjoy" the National Anthem every weekday. Savannah has her response down pat. "Hand to heart," she says. Every time. Then when Benjamin is near her, he does his best to " hand to heart ... Although ... he's only proving to me that a man can only be found through his tummy .... I suppose we'll see ...