Events Right Around the Corner

Alright...my apologies...I have had this blog written in draft form ready for pictures since last Wednesday. So, I have added the pictures and will now post it. Here is what I wrote down last Wednesday:

"Here is the "trip down memory lane" blog that I promised. Last Saturday evening we decided that it had cleared up enough that we would pack a picnic and go explore the nearest beach and forest...which, to our advantage, is only about 10 minutes away from our house! Now, when I say "beach," it doesn't mean "lay out in a bikini and enjoy the water" beach. It is "put a jacket/sweatshirt on and stand on the sand" beach...well, and walk along the beach. Scotland is just different type of beach weather than Okinawa. Anyway, as soon as we started driving into the forest and beach area, we realized the weather was not so good...10 minutes away!! None the less, we had a picnic and discovered that the 5th season here is fog!! It is actually quite amazing really. Fog is fascinating to watch as it rolls in and covers everything up. That night, we were sitting outside on our patio and watched it gradually cover up our back yard. Here are some pictures of Tentsmuir Forest and beach...in the fog! Cool pictures, I thought!



They call the fog the "har" here. No one seems to know why it is called that instead of fog, because they use both terms here. Anyway, thought it was cool!



Then, Sunday after church, we headed over to the lawns of the Old Course Hotel to watch the St. Andrews Highland Games...which, I might add, is a big deal. The Caber Throw is the most popular event. "What is a Caber?" you might ask. It is a big tree trunk with all the leaves cut off. I kid you not...really!! And the idea is to throw it in the air, it's supposed to turn 180 degrees and then land in the 12 o'clock position on this "imaginary" clock on the field...or as close as it can get. After watching it, I decided that we Americans have gotten too technical in our sports. I mean, simply throw a log and everyone cheers or says "aw!" It was kinda neat (and humorous, as an American) to watch. We stayed to see the typical "track and field" events, the cycling around the grass track lined out with that field paint, and the every popular Scottish heavy weights competition (hammer throwing, shot put type things, etc.). We even let Jackson take his first ride on a carousel on the Bob the Builder truck (one of his favorites now...thanks Granmemaw and D-daddy.).



(Yes, he's throwing a tree trunk while wearing a kilt! Only in Scotland!)


I love Jackson's face in this picture as he discovered how the bell rang! So neat to see the reaction to a first time discovery!! Little blessings!!

It is obvious, we sure don't lack for things to do around here. We are bound and determined not to make the same mistake we did in Japan and not see these little events so close to home. So, more to come!!

Oh, and P.S. ... the rest of my day was grand yesterday. Coffee at Jackson's babysitter's home...with homemade jam, drop scones (pancakes), fresh gingerbread, followed by two phone calls from ladies at the church (never knew how much I took for granted talking on the phone with friends...it was good to chat again on the phone with friends) and a lovely evening with my boys. So many blessings in 9 hours. My, how wonderful that God can cram all that into such a short time!!"

OK, so that was the memory lane post from two weekends ago. This past weekend, we enjoyed our time at home and on Saturday, hosted a barbeque at our home for 12+ people and three wee ones-all from our Home Group Bible Study through our church here (St. Andrews Baptist Church-link on the left). It was a glorious time of fellowshipping and getting to know some awesome Christians. It's awesome that God has provided such great Christians in far away places for us. Praise God for that!

Who knows what this weekend will be blessed with...possibly a trip to see another castle or palace in our "backyard??" Until then... (or, until something else comes up that needs blogging about!!)

Forgiveness on the Heart

OK, so I had every intention of loading some pictures and talking about our events last weekend...but first...I must confess...it has been a horrible morning...all generated by me. I seemed to have loaded a virus onto our laptop through an email connection (mind you, I was aware of the virus and how not to open it...but I've slept since I got the "Be Aware Email" and forgot), so I have been downloading documents from our laptop onto my hard drive (which I was assured was safe)in great fear that I would soon lose things; I spent TOO LONG this morning attempting to locate a new music class venue and was late getting to music class, only to look like a total fool, as they were taping the class for a training video (I sprinted after having to park our ENORMOUS AMERICAN CAR miles away from the venue because I could not find a close parking spot that I could fit into); I've just had to shut down and restart the laptop several times to get onto my blog (no doubt, a sideproduct of the above virus), and I've just all out felt crummy because I said goodbye hastily to Cody as he headed off to work (I hate that, because I never know what will happen in his day) and then, I've spent brief moments sobbing because of my childish ways this morning. And then...........God's voice spoke. And so, I come to this blog attempting to get rid of my worries, fears, burdens of the morning, thoughts about things that have already come and gone that I should have done differently, and I ask God for his precious hand of grace and forgiveness for how I have been...this morning, and other mornings, days and nights. My life is a display for others to see Christ in me, and I have failed today. I must start the day over...so, it is 2:15pm here and here it goes...

Dear God,
Please help me to remain calm today, through the trials that you give me, through the things that may happen, through the busyness of the day, help me to stay on track with you. Help me to be a positive influence to our son from now on. Help me not to lose my temper and to find the greatness and blessings in every day that you give me. For I know that every day is a gift from you and should be a celebration for me! Present in my path a divine appointment, that I may share Your wonderful Word with someone who does not know you or has fallen wayside from your path. Give me the words to share with them and to make them realize how precious they are to you and how gracious and forgiving you are. Most of all Lord, THANK YOU FOR THIS DAY, the beauty that it brings, the joys it brings, the difficulties it brings, the special little moments that may occur, the people that you place in my path and the moments of prayer and chatting that I have with you. You are precious...oh so precious to me Lord...and I thank you, thank you Lord.
Your Child, Kristin.

Thank you for letting me share my prayer. I'm starting over now...the last 4 minutes have been phenomenal!! I'm looking forward, with tears in my eyes and a smile, to the next several hours, until I lay my head down for bed.

I placed a new music playlist thing on my blog last week. I do believe that the song "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns is very fitting. It is the only one I have listed there, but right now, it is an incredibly uplifting song for me to hear when I open our blog. "Who Am I, Lord, that...", well, simply put, Who Am I that God would care so much, to let me just start the day over...right in the middle of it?? His answer..."I am Your's." I am a child of God, that is who I am, and that is why I can pray for forgiveness and simply start the day over.

(I will post pictures and memory blog later...I must go experience the blessings in this day now. God is so so good!)

A Lovely Night

Cody and I enjoyed a lovely evening (err...night) out last night. We joined the RAF at the RAF Summer Ball, which is apparently a huge deal here! Just to give you some idea of how many formal events we will probably be attending here, the other couple here with us have been to six events since coming last October!! Apparently, this is a typical thing here...which we had heard about before coming. Anyway, the only catch with these Balls is that they often do not begin until later! Last night, we started out at 7:30pm with a fabulous fish bar, followed by dinner at 8:45pm, dessert at 10pm, crackers, port, cheese and coffee at 11:45pm...and then the night continued through a barbeque at 1am and breakfast at 4am. Uh...we did not stay for those. However, I actually didn't wilt...that's amazing!! We left the ball at about 1:30am to relieve our wonderful babysitter, who had told us simply to enjoy ourselves until whatever time we wanted. One of the many fascinating things was seeing the "family kilts" worn by the Scottish RAF members and the variations in mess dress, kilts and tartans! I just sat for a moment at one point and thought, "This is cool!!" More of these to come...I'd better purchase a few more formal dresses!!

Berry Picking

Jackson and I joined Sally (the other American here) and her son on a berry picking adventure on Thursday afternoon. Jackson enjoyed running around the fabulous Cairnie Fruit Farm and picking the raspberries and strawberries! He then enjoyed the "fruits of his labor" the next morning as we made some raspberry muffins. This was his first "cooking experience", and I believe he quite enjoyed being up on the stool helping Mommy! Here are some berry picking (and eating!) pictures for your enjoyment!






I think another trip to Cairnie Farm is in order...we had a blast!!

Jacksonisms

**[A blog to update you (those who are interested) on what Jackson is doing.]**

I was just looking at some pictures of Jackson and thought I should put down in my "blogging time capsule" some of the wonderful things that he is saying these days. You know, being the SLP that I was...you'd think I'd have these written down elsewhere...but no, sadly, I do not. Here are some of my favorites:

*On the way to church on Sunday, he was saying, "Mommy church, Daddy church, Jackson creche," ... we had been preparing him that he would be going to the church nursery without Mommy or Daddy that morning. Appears he got it.

*When he sees any letter, he'll say one of two things...the first being, "Letter B, Bible." Apparently the fact that we talked about the word Bible starting with the letter B made an impression. Now, I think getting him to realize that EVERY letter is not the letter B is the next step. The other response is, "ABCs"...well, that's the idea, I suppose!

*When you ask him to spell his name, he responds, "S-O-N" ... well, he's got the last part.

*After tossing or throwing ANYTHING in the air (one of his favorite past times...definitely not mine), he puts his hands out, looks at me with this inquisitive face and says, "Where's shoes/cup/Guppy/book/ball/balloon..." you get the idea.

*We have these ugly orange and black catepillars here. Don't know if they are bad to touch, so I've told Jackson he cannot touch them. He's fine with that (for the time being anyway), but when he sees one outside, here's what is said, "Capipillar. Hello capipillar. Kiss (and he smacks his lips), big hug (and he wraps his arms around his shoulders)."

*When I go in to get him in the morning...one of two things come out of his mouth, "Daddy sleeping" or "Daddy work"...hmmm

*When I am out of his sight, this is what he says, "Mommy bathroom." Again, hmmm. And yes, it is one of the few times that we are probably separated. We're working on this.

*He'll come up to me or Cody and say, "Big hug. Mo kiss" meaning he wants to give us a big hug and an Eskimo kiss! Too cute!!

*We bought him some new shoes this weekend. His new phrase, "Like your new shoes."

*Today, we went to lunch. He got to have apple juice with his lunch...which is a treat for him. When I asked him if he had a good lunch, his response was, "Like apple juice."

*After we sneeze, he will say, "Bless you Mommy/Daddy." After he sneezes, he immediately says, "Bless you Jackson."

*When Cody leaves in the morning, he says, "Bye Bye. Jackson close door," until Cody closes the car door.

He is now constantly putting 3 and 4 words together now to express himself. We are amazed at all he is saying and doing. His latest antic is to try to climb out of his crib in the morning...at least we are standing there (I know, I know, soon I'm sure we'll go in and he will be out of his crib on the floor...YIKES!!). He is now drinking from an open cup (although we still use straw cups most of the time due to lazy mommy!) and is desperately trying to use his spoon and fork with some success now!! He can climb a slide, stand on his desk chair (although, he knows he's not supposed to and responds, "No stand on seat. Sit down bottom," as he looks at me after he has done this), kick a ball well (catching, not so much yet), and run, run, run!!

A Whole Lot o' Nothin'

No trips this weekend...just a Saturday trip to the nail salon and a couple hours of shopping sans child for me. My time was great...and probably much needed. My sweet husband could see it, and forced me to spend a few hours out alone. He knows me well.

Well, I suppose we can officially say we are "moved in" now (minus a couple of pictures not hung up!). Yesterday, we attacked the garage!! Now, for those of you I haven't told, we have had boxes sitting in the garage since April. It was most difficult to walk in there, but we were thankful that we could just throw things in there that we didn't know what to do with. Well, now we are thankful for the storage space. Our Explorer is too big to go in the garage, and we have just decided (for now) to keep the junky car (a.k.a. the "money pit"...see previous blog) outside...it is not worthy of the garage (in my opinion). Anyway, we have reboxed some things that we just simply "cannot part with" and they are now being neatly stored in the garage. This, however, means that they will forever remain in these boxes probably. Oh well!! It was fun (as I mentioned back in March) to "relive" the high school and college moments as we went through memory boxes, etc. We had many great laughs! Jackson found an old computer mouse and the "orange pots" (clay flower pots) the most interesting. Glad he's so easily entertained!!

In other news, I think we have a day of summer here!! It's in the low 70's, and Jackson and I could actually be outside without sweatshirts on! The wind is not blowing all that much, so that helps immensely! It's funny here, I believe summer comes a day here and a day there! I cannot believe that it is the end of July and we are still comfortably wearing jeans and long sleeve shirts with jackets most of the days!! I love the cooler weather!! However, I do fear the winter...we have been told that last winter (to include January when we were here) was mild! MILD!!????!! What do you mean mild! It was downright COLD!! Anyway, we'll see...I believe long underwear may have to be added into my clothing for the day come December!! The cold weather will make for a nice festive Christmas, I'm sure!!

O.K., seeing as it is so nice, I suppose I should go pull some weeds outside (not that I enjoy pulling weeds, but it's beautiful out...so I should be out there!).

And...the Hits Just Keep on Coming

It appears that the "Japanese theory" of buying a "cheap" (1000 pounds, which is equal to approximately $2000) car doesn't so much work in Scotland. At least, not for us. Do you see this picture??



This may look like a car parked in front of our house to you...but really, to us, it is just a money pit. You see, we have done more repairs on this car than the car is actually worth (at this point)...AND THE LIST OF REPAIRS JUST KEEPS GROWING!! We have had it in for the Scotland inspection (as it was due) for the last 2 weeks. The list of things that need replacing to pass keeps growing. The thing is, at this point we've spent so much money...we're committed to getting it fixed rather than purchasing a new car! UGH!! Just one of those small nuisances, I suppose, in owning old cars. Can't wait to see what our American Explorer will need fixed come December!!

And...life goes on! I must remind myself, it is just a car.

Inverness, Scotland

This past weekend, we thought we should go on a Loch Ness Monster search adventure, so we hopped in the car and drove 3 hours north, stayed in a lovely hotel in Inverness, Scotland, saw the Inverness Castle (one of the "newest" we've seen, rebuilt in 1846), cruised Loch Ness, saw the Loch Ness Exhibition, stopped by Urquart Castle to view the marvelous ruins, traveled just east of there to see Cawdor Castle (setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth!), popped on over to Fort George to see the only military location currently functioning as it was intended...as an Army Barracks, and while we were there, we saw a jousting tournament (the main reason for our visit there!). On the beautiful trip home, we slipped on over to the Dalwhinnie Distillery! Whoo!! It was quite a packed weekend, but we had a blast. The only Loch Ness monster we spotted, was our darling little son...who, did not really enjoy being Nessie (see slideshow). However, he has become quite attached to his Nessie Dinosaur/Monster that we got him and endearingly calls her...nothing else but "Nessie!!"

And...That's a Wrap!!

IT IS OFFICIAL...Cody is done with training and now "officially" qualified on another airframe! It only took 6 months and, what, temporary residence all over, like, 3 countries! I must say, I am so proud of him for being a student again and for "graduating" the training program that they put him through here. Now, he'll take on a new "job" along with flying...which may change his lovely "being home schedule" a wee bit, but possibly not all that much. Jackson and I are sure enjoying the "extra" time he is at home (meaning...no 12-14 hour days right now!!). Congrats to my pilot husband!!

A Day In the Yard

Last weekend, Cody and I bit the bullet and paid twice as much as we would have in the states for a Little Tikes slide. We thought our son was more than worth it and needed some sort of toys to play with in our beautifully large garden (err...yard...I'm becoming native apparently!). He loves the slide. We did not frivously buy the slide but actually went looking for this particular one, as he had played on this one at a friend's house and it was the source of much little boy joy! So yesterday, after his nap, I told him we could go outside and play. I told him that I had to do one thing, then I would put my shoes on and then we would put his shoes on and then we could go outside. So, I went into the laundry room for a couple of minutes to fold some sheets and switch the loads. I came out to find this:

Apparently he thought if he put my shoes on, we could skip a few steps?? But look...they're on the correct feet!! I am always impressed by this. This is not the first time he's done it, but it is the first time he kept the shoes on long enough for me to capture the moment!

So, then, we switched shoes and headed outside to slide.



Living on a golf course, we thought he should have a "set of golf clubs." So, we also bought him some play golf clubs, which he has cleverly termed, "golf sticks!" I think it's so cute!



I obviously went outside with camera in hand. Since I had it, I decided to see what kind of photos I could get during a mini photo session with Jackson. Out of about 40 shots, here were the best ones.



And then...our photo session ended.

(I actually thought this turned out to be a kinda cool picture! I don't believe I could have set it to focus on Jackson's face instead of the lens cap if I had tried!)

It's a good thing we spent the afternoon outside yesterday...because today we are having one long rainy day!

A Bountiful Blessing

I know that I have mentioned our lovely childminder/babysitter/nanny before, but she deserves more mentioning. She has now been to our home many times, and I realized last night as I was leaving for Bible Study (Cody was working late, so not with me this time) that she has been over enough that I didn't put together a "bedtime routine" list or a list of phone numbers, as she knows it all and doesn't need them anyway! Last night, she arrived at our home with a car for Jackson, fresh flowers for our kitchen and homemade raspberry preserves for our tummies!! This morning when I went to get Jackson out of bed, after checking on where Daddy was, he followed that with "Biff" (Elizabeth is her name). I told him that Elizabeth was at her home and would be back again soon. He talked about her all morning.

She, is our Godsend. I truly believe that she is our angel sent to us from God to make our time here easier. How very thankful I am to my heavenly Father! I came across this verse in Proverbs, that I realize I'm taking out of context but feel it applies to her: Proverbs 3:15, 17-18 reads, "She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire compares with her." "Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths, peaceful. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who hold on to her are happy."

Her birthday is on Saturday...so, Happy Birthday, Elizabeth!! Thanks for everything you do for us!

A Different Fourth

No fireworks, no big barbeques, no neighborhoods waving American flags in the yards, no days off work, no lazing around on the beach, no shorts and flip flops (although, we might have been able to, but it was more comfortable in jeans and a short sleeve shirt, with a jacket thrown on later!), just a simple evening in Scotland...where two families find themselves celebrating America's independence together! That's how it was here in Scotland yesterday for us. We had a lovely time, but I kept saying to Cody, it is just different than past Fourth of July celebrations...and of course it is, we are in Scotland and not around Americans! We got together last night with the other American family here with us, after the guys got off work, and celebrated with some hamburgers (well, steak mince meat burgers...which, I might add, just aren't the same as good old American hamburgers!), chicken, potato salad, chips, and brownies. So, American food (or as close as we could get), just in Scotland. The four of us decided that next year when we are a bit more acclaimated to the area and our squadron people, we'll throw a huge Independence Day Party! After our friends and their 3 month old left, Cody and I sat outside around the fire pit with sweatshirts on (because at 10:30pm, it is not exactly even short sleeve weather here yet!) and roasted marshmallows and listened to some Beach Boys!! It was definitely a Fourth of July to remember. We did have fun!! Hope all of you had a great celebration and reflection time of the Freedom and Independence that our country has. God Bless America!

Big Celebrations!

Yesterday was July 2. 32 years ago, my beloved husband was born. Now, I love this day, because I can finally say that he is at least the number of years old that I am (he reminds me yearly that I am almost three months older than him...so I guess I cannot say that he is now my age...I, sadly, will always be older!). In all seriousness, we had a wonderful celebration at home. Cody enjoyed opening presents, and Jackson and I enjoyed the time spent with our Birthday Man! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CODY!!


Of course, as usual, Jackson was curious without us knowing it. Cody and I were having a lovely conversation, and then I turned around to find this.


Guess Jackson had loads of fun with Cody's presents as well! Later, after I thought he was done playing with them, and as I was cooking dinner, I turned around to find that he had torn all of the little peanuts up and strung them from the kitchen to the living room. I got a chuckle and then thought, "we're gonna have to clean that up." Guess that's what brooms are for!!

Today, we had an extra long lunch. Why? You ask. Well, I decided to try an open cup again with Jackson. You see, the last time I tried this, he shook it as he often does his straw cup, and it went EVERYWHERE!! Of course, because it had no lid. So, I thought, well, I'll be brave today. Lo and behold, Jackson figured it out after me helping just twice. And, funny enough, he turned to me after about 5 minutes of drinking from the cup and said, "No lid. No shake water." That's right. Don't shake it!! Wonder how long that will last. It also was amazing to me, as I watched him...I started to tear up. I know I say it all the time, but there are certain moments that it just hits me...my little baby is now a big boy. There's no stoppin' it now. He's growin' up. (Sigh.)

Glamis Castle

Last Saturday, we explored Glamis Castle. This was the Queen Mother's childhood residence. Cody and I agreed that this was our favorite castle yet. They did not allow us to take pictures of the inside for security reasons. In fact, you can only see the castle through a guided tour that ends in an exhibition room where they lock the alarmed door behind you so that you are unable to walk backwards through the castle!! Most of the things inside are originals and still sitting in the same locations as they were hundreds of years ago. Of course, some of it was restored throughout the years to make it as beautiful as it is today. The drive to the castle was amazing...as you drive down the road, the castle is right in front of you. As you begin to get lost in the fairytale moment, you come closer to the castle...and then the ticket booth! S'pose that brings you back to reality!! This castle has beautiful grounds that they have build a children's play area on...obviously NOT hundreds of years old. Jackson had a blast playing around for a while, so some of the pictures in the slideshow are from him playing on the castle grounds! (Gee, that sounds cool!) Jackson seemed to enjoy the tour through the castle too. We were not smart enough to put him in the backpack this time, so we took turns holding him. He did so well and seemed mesmorized by the whole thing. He enjoyed seeing the lights and lamps the most and pointed them all out in the rooms. He also loved the lions that were in all but one room of the castle. It was a wonderful time.