Change is good....right?

We had big decisions to make in our family recently. Daniel was presented with the opportunity (I say that with a smirk*) to go on an agricultural mission to Afghanistan. Daniel and I had to decide pretty quickly if this was something I was willing to do. Notice the "I" part. I had a hard time the last time he went overseas. The girls were young and I felt very much alone, especially given where we lived. It was the hardest 13 months I have ever experienced and I REALLY don't want to do it again. Having said that, I realize that I married a military guy. His heart is in the military and it is what makes him him. Knowing that, and knowing that I DID survive and that their are many more resources out there for military families now, I agreed. He wanted to go because this mission was deemed "safe" (how safe can you be in Afghanistan??) and he knew when his unit is slotted to go in 2012/2013, he might be split from his unit b/c they are support. So he wanted to be able to choose. He put his name in the next day. This was statewide, so he was up against anyone else in the entire state that put in for this. We left it in God's hands. About a month later, we got the news. He was not chosen. I can honestly say I wanted to weep with joy. I didn't have to face deployment (yet). He was, however, chosen by his unit to replace a guy who did get picked to go. So starting in July, Daniel is now active duty for a year and a half. This has caused some juggling in our school routine (i.e. him putting the kids on the bus), but I think it is all going to work out. He is happy to be active and I am so so so happy he gets to stay home. God is good.

Four Medal Day

Lily just recently competed in her 3rd Feis a couple of weekends ago. (I know...I am behind on posting this). She had such a great day! She placed 2nd in her Reel, 3rd in her Light Jig, 3rd in her Hornpipe, and 4th in her Treble Jig! What does all this mean, you ask? Well, Lily started out as an advanced beginner (she skipped the whole beginner phase b/c her coaches said she was better than that). She then dances each dance with sometimes up to 20 some girls (and sometimes boys). They dance 2 at a time in front of a judge. In advanced beginner, you must place in the top 3 to advance to the next level. At Lily's first Feis, she placed 3rd in her Light Jig, moving her up to novice in that dance. This Feis was her 3rd one and she is now novice in Light Jig, Hornpipe, and the Reel. Once she is completely novice (2 more dances to go!), she will be able to dance in a solo dress....which is BIG $$$$$. We are having to save up, needless to say. They can run up to $2500...of course, Lily won't be getting one that expensive. Once she is in novice, she must place 1st in her dances to move up to prizewinner. We have a long road, but Lily is an awesome dancer and has the drive!

Lily and her friend, Alison

Happy 4th!

We headed to a nearby small town for their annual 4th of July parade. We love this parade because it is small, fun, has lots of candy, and a fun lawnmower brigade!

Waiting for the parade to start with friends and family.

Attempting to hide from the kids in the parade with super soakers!~

Showing off some of the candy collected during the parade!

Afterwards, we headed back to our downtown for festivities there and walked around a bit. We got some kettle corn for the fireworks that night and even played in the fountain for a bit.

Trey just can't help but get wet!

Lily too!

Hope everyone had a Happy Independence Day!