What a busy year that was filled with many changes and challenges. Our biggest change was our move to Alabama in July. It signified more than our typical military move, this move is the start of a new chapter in our lives. We PCSed from Ft Leonard Wood Missouri. It was the most difficult assignment we have encountered. Normally, I find pride in my ability to make anyplace fun; however, the entire family didn't adapt well during the two years we were in MO. I had to accept that some things don't change no matter how badly we want them to and things I wanted to stay the same, like our wonderful friends and neighbors, do change (and move). I guess I learned to look for the positive. When we received our orders for Redstone Arsenal we were thrilled. This was a place we always wanted to live. We carefully chose a house to purchase in a school district we loved because we plan on staying until the girls graduate. Gene is still in the Army but his retirement is coming up in about two years and we are looking forward to being settled. It has been six months in our home and we still love it.
I found a new level of comfort and excitement with my art. I embraced painting and it has gone so well. People seem to really enjoy my art work and the creative process calms my soul. The rest of the time, well, I have been so disorganized (which is not like me). That will change in 2014.
The girls have done well in their new schools. Greta had her usual adjustment period but is doing great. She enjoys singing lessons and made the choir at her school. One of her biggest joys is living in a subdivision with a pool. This kid is a fish and loves to swim laps just for fun. This upcoming summer she is going to try out for a swim team. It is exciting to live someplace that has these opportunities. Gigi has continued with piano and continues to excel in academics. If I just had a tiny bit of her smarts. It is so fun watching her become her own young lady. One of the biggest changes I have seen is her decision to step back from competitive softball. Gigi still loves to play but wants to play at a recreational level. She has decided to focus on music and academics and is considering martial arts. I have a tough time stepping back but at least Greta still holds my hand to cross the street.
Gene enjoys his new position at work. It is a secret so I don't know much about what he does all day but I do know that he comes home with a sense of satisfaction. He has the biggest changes to anticipate. When I refer to our retirement I really mean that Gene will be retiring from the Army. It will be a big change for him to not be a soldier and a big change for us to not be a military family.
I can't forget the pets. They are such a big part of our lives. We lost our sweet border collie Friday in April 2013 due to a seizure disorder. That was heartbreaking but it also opened our hearts to adopting Maizy May Flower, a super shy Corgi/Sheba Inu mix. May loves four people and gosh, we love her back. Then after we got settled in Alabama we adopted August Blue. He is an Australian Shepherd/Basset Hound mix and a bundle of energy. I can't even begin to count the number of funny things he has done... or chewed. Well, that's not true, I have a hard time forgetting all the costly things he has chewed up. ha ha Bandit is still hanging in there, despite all the changes. He continues to follow around his favorite person, Greta.
So, here's to 2013. It was good year with so many changes and challenges. Welcome 2014, I am looking forward to the joys you will bring. This year will be about living with purpose and finding our place.
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