It has been a really long time since I've blogged. Jared and I came back to America for the first time in 2 years on May 4th and have been on-the-go ever since. I haven't had much of a chance to sit down and update my blog until now. We wanted to enjoy this time to the fullest. And I believe we have!
Jared's Dad, Step-mom and sister were waiting for us when we stepped off the plane and it was so good to see them and hug them! It was so surreal to be reunited again! The cats did so good on the trip over. We didn't even have to sedate them and we didn't have any problems getting them through customs. It was miraculous how in just a few days of being back in America we saw Tot's health improve without the need for any medicine or treatment. He has returned to full health and we are SO thankful!!! Still not certain what made him so sick in Switzerland but I think it was a number of things...lack of climate control since there wasn't any central air/heating there, or perhaps a negative reaction to the food/water there. Not sure...and I really don't care at this point...I'm just so happy he is 100% healed! He's gained all of his weight back, his fur is soft again, he's no longer lethargic and he doesn't have the nasal issues anymore. Praise the Lord!
We joke that Tot saved Jared's life but there is actually a bit of truth to that. Just days after arriving home Jared had a physical where they took his blood pressure and it was so high that he was at serious risk for health issues. All of that Swiss stress had apparently gotten to him and were it not for this emergency trip home for Tot then we may not have caught the problem. Amazing how in just a week's time of being in America his blood pressure went back down to normal. That gives you a clearer idea of just how much stress he was under over there. He almost wasn't able to return with us but God made a way showing once again how he works in mysterious ways and always takes care of us.
The first thing Jared did once we touched down in America was LITERALLY kiss the ground. Then we immediately ate at Qdoba and he had a Mt. Dew! :) We drove to my parent's house (my childhood home) and as soon as we got in the driveway I burst into tears. Two long years of trials and hardship had come to an end and I felt overwhelmed by the mere sight of what had always been a safe sanctuary for me...it felt even more so now. My nephews had made a "Welcome Home" banner for us and my family had decorated it with American Flags and made it very patriotic with red, white and blue everywhere. I got a little taste of how military families must feel after a long deployment. Pure joy. Relief. Patriotism. Love. There really is no place like home.
Upon our return we were able to spend time with so many friends and family(after 2 long years this time was PRICELESS!), we traveled to 4 different states, watched just about every movie that was in theater this month, exercised together daily, dined out at a new restaurant almost every single night, Jared drank Mt. Dew like it was water, took sunset walks around the neighborhood every evening and we got to drive our car again! We have been having a blast! :) Freedom feels SO good!!
We were also able to visit Atlanta recently and see exactly where we will be living in a few months. We are even more excited now. It's such a clean and friendly city with so much to see and do! We're definitely going to enjoy our time there.
I've been able to get back into photographing families since I've been back as well. Oh how I've missed it! I just photographed my first newborn session last week and have determined that babies are my favourite subject to shoot by far! :) I had so much fun and was really happy with how the photos turned out! You can check out My Photography Blog for a glimpse of that session and other upcoming shoots. :)
Feeling really blessed right now. The Lord has really carried us through a lot over the past few years and is continuing to guide us with His strength and love. We are so thankful for all God has done for us and for all of the wonderful people He has placed in our lives to help us along the way. Our story is continuing to unfold and we smile at our future. :)
Thank you for all of your love and prayers.
Jared's Dad, Step-mom and sister were waiting for us when we stepped off the plane and it was so good to see them and hug them! It was so surreal to be reunited again! The cats did so good on the trip over. We didn't even have to sedate them and we didn't have any problems getting them through customs. It was miraculous how in just a few days of being back in America we saw Tot's health improve without the need for any medicine or treatment. He has returned to full health and we are SO thankful!!! Still not certain what made him so sick in Switzerland but I think it was a number of things...lack of climate control since there wasn't any central air/heating there, or perhaps a negative reaction to the food/water there. Not sure...and I really don't care at this point...I'm just so happy he is 100% healed! He's gained all of his weight back, his fur is soft again, he's no longer lethargic and he doesn't have the nasal issues anymore. Praise the Lord!
We joke that Tot saved Jared's life but there is actually a bit of truth to that. Just days after arriving home Jared had a physical where they took his blood pressure and it was so high that he was at serious risk for health issues. All of that Swiss stress had apparently gotten to him and were it not for this emergency trip home for Tot then we may not have caught the problem. Amazing how in just a week's time of being in America his blood pressure went back down to normal. That gives you a clearer idea of just how much stress he was under over there. He almost wasn't able to return with us but God made a way showing once again how he works in mysterious ways and always takes care of us.
The first thing Jared did once we touched down in America was LITERALLY kiss the ground. Then we immediately ate at Qdoba and he had a Mt. Dew! :) We drove to my parent's house (my childhood home) and as soon as we got in the driveway I burst into tears. Two long years of trials and hardship had come to an end and I felt overwhelmed by the mere sight of what had always been a safe sanctuary for me...it felt even more so now. My nephews had made a "Welcome Home" banner for us and my family had decorated it with American Flags and made it very patriotic with red, white and blue everywhere. I got a little taste of how military families must feel after a long deployment. Pure joy. Relief. Patriotism. Love. There really is no place like home.
Upon our return we were able to spend time with so many friends and family(after 2 long years this time was PRICELESS!), we traveled to 4 different states, watched just about every movie that was in theater this month, exercised together daily, dined out at a new restaurant almost every single night, Jared drank Mt. Dew like it was water, took sunset walks around the neighborhood every evening and we got to drive our car again! We have been having a blast! :) Freedom feels SO good!!
We were also able to visit Atlanta recently and see exactly where we will be living in a few months. We are even more excited now. It's such a clean and friendly city with so much to see and do! We're definitely going to enjoy our time there.
I've been able to get back into photographing families since I've been back as well. Oh how I've missed it! I just photographed my first newborn session last week and have determined that babies are my favourite subject to shoot by far! :) I had so much fun and was really happy with how the photos turned out! You can check out My Photography Blog for a glimpse of that session and other upcoming shoots. :)
Feeling really blessed right now. The Lord has really carried us through a lot over the past few years and is continuing to guide us with His strength and love. We are so thankful for all God has done for us and for all of the wonderful people He has placed in our lives to help us along the way. Our story is continuing to unfold and we smile at our future. :)
Thank you for all of your love and prayers.
