A Date in History...Part 2

As I was sitting here, just now, writing "A Date in History" (see prior post), Cody reminded me that today, one year ago, we moved into this house. One year ago...I cannot believe it. If you were to have asked me one year ago how I would feel today about Scotland, I might have given you a slightly different answer than I will give you now. But, I have fallen in love with this country, this culture, these people, and this area. It is a unique place. And, as a friend put it, before we moved here, it is a "step back in time," and I think that's why I love it. I love how proper everything is, how formal meal times are at the events we are attending, how completely lovely, safe and clean the country is. Now, I can say, I love living here. What a true blessing we have been given...the opportunity to live and immerse ourselves in three different cultures over the last several years. Here's to another couple of years here in Scotland!!

A Date in History

January 25, 1759...does that date ring a bell?? Yea, it didn't with me either before we got to Scotland. How about the name Robert Burns?? Does that name ring a bell?? I did know who that was...a poet, a famous poet...I'd actually read some of his poetry. Well, January 25, 1759 was his birthdate...and he was born in Scotland. That date is a holiday here and is celebrated ALL OVER SCOTLAND! We were fortunate enough to become part of this historical celebration last night. The celebrations happen at different times and dates, especially this year as it is the 250th year celebration. Anyway, it, by far, was one of the most spectacular and culturally interesting formal events that I have been to here...and I count myself blessed to have been a part of so many here!! Kilts, tartan, pipers, haggis (the national food of Scotland...it does taste good, but I'll spare telling you what it actually is!), neeps (turnips), tatties (potatoes), whiskey (not drunk by me...yuck!), shortbread and poetry...lots of poetry...in the native Scottish brogue! Can I just say, it truly is another language but so fascinating to listen to. The people that were reciting the poetry were amazing...memorizing pages of poetry and presenting it beautifully!! It was all followed by Scottish Dancing, which was cool to watch...but we didn't stay long! As is the style of the British here, it was already 12:30am when dinner was just finishing up and the dancing starting. It was a fabulous, interesting evening that both of us enjoyed thoroughly. And, so, now you know that date in history!

When Did He Get So Big?

I was talking with some moms yesterday at coffee about the schooling system here. It's a little different but overall, the same. One of the perks is that the County Council will fund preschool here...you know kinda like sending your kids to a public preschool (except that, I'm not sure there is one in the US...can't remember). Only, you can enroll them at 3 years old. It's not uncommon here for "stay-at-home Moms" to enroll and pay for their very young children (before 3 years old)in nursery here for the socialization aspect and a bit of respite. Anyway, I digress... Seeing as Jackson will be 3 this year and that I had been told the waiting list at the base preschool/daycare place was long, I stopped by today to see what it was all about. I do have to admit, it's something I've been meaning to do because I've heard rave reviews about the program there. So, I told Jackson we were going to a school to see about putting his name down to start school next year. He seemed ok with it.

I showed up to talk with the director, who was very impressive and knowledgeable and showed me around the school (which reminds me of the CDC programs for those of you that are military), and I put his name on the waiting list...to start whenever a place becomes available. He won't start preschool until next January at the earliest, but I thought, huh, he might enjoy being with other kids now...or whenever a place becomes available, which could be months.

And then, as we were walking out of the school with my parent handbook in hand, Jackson looks up at me and says, "More school." Could I ever have imagined how I would feel then?!? Ok, I know, he's not even starting yet...but, oh, that "pit-in-your-stomach" feeling!! I remember when I worked I used to see parents touring the daycare/preschool programs that I worked in and I would think, "I wonder how they feel getting ready to put their kids in school?" Now I know. It's a feeling that's hard to describe.

And then, as we sat down to lunch, I looked at him and smiled, kissed him and thought, "When did he get so big?"


So, here is to many more milestones as he continues to grow up...and here's to knowing that God has it all under control!!

One of Those Moments...

This story must be prefaced with a brief explanation. When we moved here a year ago, J and I started going to a playgroup at the base. The first time, I immediately befriended a wonderful lady who has a daughter (Sky) one month younger than Jackson. Turns out, her husband and Cody are in the same squadron and going through the training together. We became friends instantly and quickly followed each other in enrolling our children into all the same programs. So, we did a lot together. Well, funny enough, they moved to Las Vegas in December to complete an assignment there. Fast forward...

Jackson and I are heading to music class this morning for the first time since the winter term. We used to take this music class together with our friends (mentioned above). We are talking about music class, then, there is a quiet moment. Jackson pipes up with excitement, "See Sky at music class!" My heart sank. It's hard for me, as an adult, to move and to watch friends move away. So, I think, how do I explain all of that to a two-year old?? I simply say, "You know how we have a home in Scotland and Sky used to have a home in Scotland?" Silence. "Well, now Sky lives in America. Her home is now in America, so she and her mommy will not be in music class with us anymore." It was just one of those moments when I felt so sad for him. I guess I just never imagined having to explain this to him at such a young age.

Of course, I'm not sure he completely understood it. Guess I'll find out when we head to music next Tuesday!

On the Flightline

As a last Scotland adventure, we took my parents to the flightline on Friday afternoon.




My parents left this morning. What a blessing it was to have them and my sister and brother-in-law here for the holidays.

Jackson starts back to music class tomorrow and all the other activities that are part of our week. We hope everyone had a fabulous holiday time. As my dad said this morning, "Only 49 more weeks until Christmas!" Wow...it's right around the corner!?!

Those Christmas Tree Lights

I do believe they grow once you pull them out of the tiny box they come in.

Here's my question for you...tell me how a string of 100 Christmas tree lights is supposed to fit back in the teensy tiny little box it came in?? Anybody?? Anybody?? (THIS is why we bought a tree that already has PERMANENT lights on it...if only we lived in a country where the voltage was the same as the lights are, that would have all worked out perfectly, now, wouldn't it have!) If anyone out there has an answer or a better way to store Christmas tree lights, I'm welcoming of any suggestions! In the meantime, I'll just keep rolling and stuffing and reminding myself that I'm thankful that we are able to buy Christmas tree lights and enjoy them on the "already lit" tree!

Just the Two of Us...Away!

Cody and I took advantage of the grandparents being in town and scooted off for a weekend get-away. Your next question, I know, is where did they go?? St. Andrews! "What??" you ask, "Don't they live there?" Yes, but we have never done St. Andrews without Jackson for an ENTIRE WEEKEND!! It was our first time away from Jackson over night. Everyone did great, Cody, me, Jackson and my parents!!

We went 15 minutes down the road from our house to the Fairmont St. Andrews Golf Resort...and had a great time relaxing and enjoying the places that we cannot take Jackson. One of the highlights of our stay was a 9 course meal with 6 of the courses paired with wine! It was fabulous!! It took THREE HOURS to eat our meal. But, oh, what a treat it was (a very expensive treat, but we won't get into that!)!! We enjoyed every minute of the adult conversation and peaceful, "child-free" atmosphere.

This is a picture of us getting ready to "be tourists in our own town." It's taken in front of the Fairmont.


Cody standing with a view of St. Andrews Bay in the background.


The inside of the Fairmont was still all decorated for Christmas.


The front of the restaurant we ate at. We wanted to take a picture during dinner, but felt that was probably not appropriate etiquite for the type of dinner we were at!


Since all went well for this trial run, we are trying to coax my parents to return one spring or summer so that we can take a longer vacation to, oh, let's say, ... Italy or Greece.

D-Daddy and Grandmemaw

Here are some pictures of Jackson with his grandparents. He has been having a ball with them. Right now, they are on a little venture to the Highlands of Scotland and will return tomorrow night for their last three days in Scotland here. We will miss them much when they leave.

All three of them together...not all three looking at the camera, but close enough!

D-Daddy and Jackson watching airplanes on the computer...with a break for a snapshot!

Grandmemaw and Jackson singing nursery rhymes.

Sir Jackson L. Blake

Happy Hogmanay

Translation: Happy New Year!! This year, it was a little different...the New Year's Morning...only because we can now say we have lived in Scotland for a year. I woke up at 7:33am this morning and smiled...one year and 3 minutes prior, we had landed in Edinburgh to begin 2008 in Scotland! It's kinda cool to think about it now. Then, we were glad to be here, glad the visas worked to get into the country and glad to be in a hotel room to begin adjusting to this time zone after a whirlwind tour through 4 time zones! I was talking to Cody yesterday and said, "I should blog about the highlights of our year."

Then, last night, as we sat in our living room watching the most spectacular fireworks display from our window, and watching the Scotland tv version of a New Year's celebration, where we saw bagpipes (of course) and the singing of Auld Lang Syne (which is cool, since it is written by Robert Burns, and we live in Scotland where he was born), I decided that 2008 was a wonderful year full of so many special and memorable times...times of anxiety as we moved and received our stuff over the span of 4 months, times of excitement as we explored St. Andrews for a new home to live in, times of frustration as we discovered how to receive electricity, gas, water, etc. into our home, times of trials as we ventured into a new culture and country, times of pure joy as we watched our son grow up into a "brilliant" little two year old and discover much more about the world around him, and times of fun as we explored all over Scotland and Ireland with a few trips to America thrown in there. But, as I thought back to our first year in Scotland, I realized that I could clearly see God's hand in all of it...how He provided a guiding hand as we discovered Scotland and made new friends, how He provided a comforting hand during times of difficulty and sorrow and how, several times, He carried me, when I just "couldn't do it" anymore. And, again, I smiled. We are incredibly blessed to be children of God and experience His grace, mercy and complete support forever and always!

May you experience and see God's hand in all of 2009!