5 months

I have been staring at a blank screen for well over half an hour. 

This is highly unproductive, but equally irritating considering in my brain, I've written this blog a thousand times over. I knew exactly what I was going to say to make people laugh, cry and laugh some more. And now...nada. nothin. zilch.

And yet, all that keeps coming to mind is relief. I can breathe again without wondering what the next step is. Where the next box will go- and when it will be unpacked. Where my children will go to school. What car we will drive. What house we will live in. Who will my friends be. Where we will go to church. And the list has gone on...and on...and on.

A lot of those "wonderings" are now in the past. There are still a few more that God continues to reveal to us- and we are grateful for the journey and the discovery of all these things whether they have happened yet or not. 5 months is like a blink of an eye. All of the sudden the Christmas decorations are down (although can I just say- there is nothing cheery about a reindeer in the middle of April. Get with it, Ohio!) and the bathing suits are out and I'm left wondering what in the world we have been doing for the past 5 months and then I sit down to write and nothing. Not a dang thing- so I thought I would compose a list..you know- to joggle the memory a bit.. so here is what Team Strong has been up to the past 5 months:

January

-Said goodbye to life in England- to life long friends and family- 

-cried...a lot.

-flew on a couple airplanes--and missed our connection because we had to wait at customs for Grant's green card interview...he passed. whew.

-spent copious hours with our wonderful friends Kirk and Alison and their gorgeous boy Jonah who welcomed us off the plane and hasn't been able to get rid of us since! ;-)

-saw our first snowfall the very first morning we woke up in America. Magic.

-sent C on his first ever school bus. 142. Mr. B. 

-cried. 

-bought a car (Woo!)

-got to have an extended Christmas with my parents and sister 

-had both kids barf in a well known Italian restaurant. At. The. Same. Time. 

-cried *this was likely due to the barfing..*

-had friends over we hadn't seen for a long time (blessed.)

-Sent P off to preschool in America. Shorter sessions and smaller classes- but just as friendly and wonderful staff and kids like in Danbury. We fell in love with the place.

-Snow days and two hour delays (I will loathe you forever.)

-gymnastics began!

-Thank the Good Lord for FACE TIME.

-unloaded about 44 boxes from our cargo and unpacked about 3/4 of them

-had sleepless nights wondering what in the world we had just done.

-Called a church "home" 

-Kids started going to AWANA at church on Wednesdays and loved it!

-Started in a Life Group at above church and made amazing new friends.

-cried some more.

*January was a crazy emotional ride for me. I remember waking up at 2:30 in the morning a good number of nights with absolute anxiety thinking we have just made the worst decision of our lives- and the Lord quietly reminded me of his unswerving hand in and on our lives. I am blessed that even in the midst of the stresses and anxieties of that month (and continually), God cares for my family and me and so readily reminds me who is in charge.*

February

-had one of my best friends, Amanda, and her beautiful family stay with us for a weekend (I have dreamed of being close enough to do this FOR. YEARS. :-D

-more snow. 

-Chocolate. LOTS.

-Wine. LOTS.

-still cried.

-attended C's first "school Valentine's party" 

-more snow. stop.

-Big G started subbing in schools around the area.

-movie nights

-lunch dates with new friends

-signed C up for Tee Ball in the spring

-Green Card received!! 

-Teaching Licenses Received!!

March

-called up our Realtor and looked at houses...fell in love.

-made an offer THAT DAY.

-Bought that house. <3 o:p="">

-More snow. 

-cried (for joy this time!!)

-coffee dates

-met a sweet friend from college and her baby girl for the first time (my baby held her baby..surreal)

-Big G got his big boy Ohio driving License!

-play dates with new friends

-Parent/Teacher conference (good work, C!)

-celebrated the big 4-3 *not mine.*

-31st...CLOSED on our house!

April

-painted that house right up. 

-watched 3 wonderful friends get BAPTIZED in England (again...PTL for F.T!)

-celebrated Easter with our bffs and their family. (HARDEST EGG HUNT EVER.)

-celebrated our baby turning 4. 4 PEOPLE!

-Moved into our new house on April 20. 

-Welcomed our first guest from England, Yvette, on the 23rd!

-visited C's new school he will start in August. <3 o:p="">

-4th Friday in Uptown Westerville with our Life Group. 

-Awana Awards Ceremony 

May

-Attended a Women's Conference in Columbus

-C began teeball (White Sox!)

-went to Kalahari indoor waterpark with Yvette in Sandusky :-)

-shopped and shopped and shopped (right, Y??!! :-)

-P had her last day of preschool and also had performance singing songs on stage with her classmates (in love with preschoolers trying to sing "skinamarinkeedinkeedink" it was a big 'ol mess of cuteness!)

-playdates!!

-C said goodbye to his "new" school as he will go to another "new" school in August!

-Yvette left (I'm still sad about this.)

-Grant's parents arrived!! (And are currently sitting in our family room watching hockey! :-)

-went to the Creation Museum for a great family trip.

-felt fulfilled looking back at all we have accomplished over these 5 months. 

This list might not seem like a whole lot- but for me, it is necessary. It's a way to look at what's been done- the steps we have taken to build a bridge from living on one side of the world to another. It is all too needed in life, at least this is what I am learning, to really be ok with feeling successful at something. To have a sense of achievement. I feel that when I look at this list--where we were and where we are in those short days and weeks and months. It leaves me wondering what that list will look like at Christmas. In 2 years. 5. A decade. It's a lot to have changed, but what I think has changed most has been my perspective. Seeing the beauty in how far we have come. And trying even in the hardship to enjoy the ride.   

Saying Goodbye

Many of you have been asking me how things have been going. "Are you all set to go?" "Are all your bags packed?", "How are you feeling about going?", etc. Firstly, thank you for asking me these questions- even if they are just to make conversation. It's sometimes hard to put what I'm really feeling into words at the exact moment I'm asked. I thought, if for no one else but myself, I'd try and write it down so I never forget the emotions that go hand and hand with saying goodbye to so many things all at once. Last Friday, Colton and Grant had their last ever day at Widford Lodge Preparatory School. Grant has been teaching in this wonderful school for just over 6 years and Colton began his first stop into the world of education here. It's a school which holds itself at a very high esteem- and rightly so- as it was ranked in the top 25 private schools in the UK. The teaching staff and families have a lovely attitude towards the school, the children and the academic world- as well as a very family based way of running things. It's been a pleasure for us as a family to be a part of this school, both on the employee and student spectrum. With that said, one would have thought I would have been prepared to say goodbye...but on the Friday afternoon I felt like my little world stopped when I saw Colton walk out of his classroom for the last time with his wonderful teacher- tears in her eyes as he hugged her and said goodbye. (I of course had already been blubbering like a baby waiting for him to come out. Pathetic. ;-) It's in the last and final hugs and the "thank you for the part you've played in my family's life", and the not knowing when I will see you again- if ever in my life- that I am struggling with the most. I remember a quote I received in high school from a friend which said "there are people who come into your life and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprint on your heart. And you are never the same." I'm not the same because of these people. The teachers my kids had in preschool and kindergarten who saw my kids grow, cared for them, helped to develop them, played with them and loved them. The Sunday School teachers who invest in my kids lives each week- who show them godly examples of a Christ filled life, sing with my kids, make them laugh and teach them truth. The friendships who feel more like family than friends and who treat my children like their own whenever we are together. Their grandparents who know how to do nothing without loving these little ones no matter what. I am learning in saying goodbye, how to really enjoy, really cherish and really love. Each day and each moment- as if it were my last-- because it might be. As for the practical sides of things, we are pretty much ready to go. We have had two big containers shipped over with all our belongings (mostly toys!) on the 12th of December, and all we have left in the UK are clothes and Christmas gifts. I have been thoroughly spoilt by Grant's mom, Laura, as she has been doing all our laundry for us since we have been living with them! (This is a particularly wonderful treat for me as Laundry is by far my most despised chore!) Our evenings are spent either seeing friends, wrapping presents while watching Parenthood (love!), or relaxing. It's a lovely pause in what is normally a very chaotic time and I feel very blessed to be able to enjoy these evenings and moments without too many "normal household duties" to accomplish. Peyton and I even made mince pies yesterday- which is one Christmas recipe that I will definitely be taking to the states with me and making each year. :-) (Mulled wine, too....;-)

As for the children and Grant, well- I would have to say excitement is the general theme at the moment. The promise of a basement and the kids each having their own room again (they've been sharing since October 15!) is enough to make them go crazy. The kids (and sometimes Grant!) are constantly quizzing me on what American words are the same, and what do we say differently. (Trash can/rubbish bin, Aluminium/aluminum, aubergine/eggplant, Trousers/pants...this one could cause potential trouble...as the word 'pants' in the UK means 'underwear' in America!) However, my kids biggest concern was making sure that no matter what country they are in- the word for garlic bread is the same. (I totally understand, kids..:-) it was a huge weight lifted knowing they mean the same thing in both countries. :-) Pair all this alongside the thought of all their toys magically appearing in our new house and Colton getting to ride a school bus...well I think they might just burst. I'm glad for their excitement because it would be so much harder if they felt sad and scared. It's helping me to get through each day with a smile and less tears. Kids teach us so much. Mine have been a particular blessing to me in these bittersweet moments when they hug me tighter or tell me I don't need to cry- because they will "always be my baby". I will tell you one thing...I'm so happy I get to do this adventure with my three favorite people. They are my world. Let the adventure begin! :-)

The decision.

My first day at Malone College University, in true Christian college fashion, we were given a Bible and a t-shirt. I still have the Bible- even here in the UK it's journeyed with me. The t-shirt...not so much. But I remember fondly what the verse was which was worn many times throughout my 4 years at Malone. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." While the context of this verse, and the verses surrounding, are written for Jews in exile awaiting the time God will bring them back to the land he promised, I feel particularly at peace when I think about this and the decision my husband and I are making for our family. It gives me comfort knowing that despite my seemingly overwhelming need to be in control, I serve a God who goes before, who knows our future, and unltimately has our entire being in his hands. And breathe. In the summer of 2013, our family flew from England to America making the crazy 19 hour drive from Florida to Ohio (and yes, eventually back again!)with 2 children under the age of 4- one of whom was potty training. It was a crazy vacation- but not one we will forget in a hurry! Because it ultimately led us to a huge life change occuring in the next month and a half. The decision to move our family from England-where I have been for 8 1/2 years (and my husband much longer ;-).. to Columbus, Ohio. I remember driving down to Columbus to visit some close friends for a couple of days. We left with very little thought except sayiing goodbye to my parents and sister, and driving the 2.5 hours it takes to get there. As we approached Columbus, Grant and I both looked at each other- almost simultaneously- and said "Wow. This city looks amazing!" We didn't really say much the next 3 days we were there- we caught up with wonderful friends, ate lots of good ice cream (Jeni's and Graeters!), went shopping...(there's LOTS of shopping to be done in Columbus!) and just had a great time being with people we see far to little of and miss far too much. After staying a couple nights with our friends Ben and Stacey in Logan, Ohio- we began to make the long car journey back down to Florida where we would stay on our first ever vacation with just us 4. The kids did incredibly well during the trip, and we had a whole week to ourselves. It was then we began to dream- to really talk about what we wanted for our children, for ourselves and for our future. Columbus. Why did we never think about Ohio before? It made sense. It's where I grew up (and let me tell you- you can't beat an Ohio Autumn.) It's where Grant and I fell in love, and it's where so many of our dear friends and family live. And so...here we are. When we got back to the UK, we immediately got to work. We started the (long and costly) Greencard process in November of 2013. We began working out timelines. We spoke to countless people about possibilities and tranferring Grant's degree qualifications and exams he might need in order to teach in Ohio. We got in touch with a Realtor in Columbus (who has now become a friend.) We took passport pictures and filled out forms. And filled out forms. And filled out forms...and... Let me tell you, moving from one country to another is not for the faint of heart. It takes incredible endurance and "hope for the future". There are moments when you can literally see God's goodness in your life. In real, visible, tangible ways. We experienced this this past August. When we returned from America, some of our closest friends here in England helped me paint most of our house to get it ready for putting on the market. I was meeting up with a friend of mine for coffee at her house one morning and telling her about our plans. SHe mentioned a friend who she knew wanted to move into Danbury and had already sold their home. I was more than willing to let her come and take a look at our house before putting it on the market in about a week's time if she was interested. Her friend called me that same evening. She came over the following day at 2pm. Can I just pause for a minute and say I have never cleaned my house so much in such a short amount of time. It was actually spotless. I kid you not. By the following week we had sold our house. Not a realtor in sight. (And I only had to clean that sucker once.) Praise the Lord! After this huge weight had been lifted, we had Grant's final greencard interview set for September 30. Grant and I made our way (slowly, as he was still recovering after a hernia op at the beginning of the month!) to the US Embassy in London. We stood in a queue- made our way to the front- and then laughed as they said "I'm sorry ma'am (yes. ma'am!), you're not on the list. Only your husband is allowed in." "But you do realize I'm his wife-- and I'm actually American, right?" "Yes, but we can only let people on the list enter." So off goes my very British husband into the US Embassy. Without his American wife. (I found a Starbucks- don't worry. ;-) And later they did let me in...because the interviewer got me a special wink and a nod and I skipped the huge queue that continued to form and waltzed right in...after security checks of course!) Grant receieved his Visa for entry to the US that day (the actual greencard comes once we are physically in the states.) And the year long planning and form filling came to an end. After this, the house move played out fairly smoothly. We officially moved out of our house on November 13 and into Grant's parents. Although the thought of saying goodbye to our house where my babies have seemingly grown into little children proved emotional- I wasn't quite ready for the emotional journey of starting to say goodbye to the many wonderful people who I have been blessed with here. We will be flying to the states on January 5th and everyday in my head I am counting the number of days I have left here with sadness as I leave this part of my life and the love I have been saturated with by friends and family who mean the world to me. Even now, I sit and write this from one of my best friends kitchen table. I have been welcomed, cared for, embraced and loved beyond anything I possibly deserve by the people here- in ways I don't think I quite expected or even realized until the thought of saying goodbye lumps in my throat. Please friends, if you remember us- please will you pray for our family during this time? Pray for Grant and I as parents to be gentle and understanding- watching our 3 and 5 year old say goodbye to the only country they've ever lived in...the only schools they've ever attended, their teachers, their sweet friends, their family--especially their sweet, sweet great grandma and their incredible, godly grandparents. Pray for their transition especially- that they can make new friends and still talk fondly of the ones left behind, and that Colton especailly will adjust into a new Kindergarten and different routine. Pray we find a Bible teaching, God loving church to call home. Pray for practical things- for Grant to find a teaching job by next school year and for us to make new friends and really invest in the ones we haven't seen for so long. Pray for us to settle as a family. Thank you ahead of time. "hope and a future.." are two of the things I have given to the Lord continuously over the past 18 months. Our plans, our dreams, our security, our children, our friendships- old and new, our goodbyes and our hellos. All in the Lord's all-knowing, all-loving hands. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Where'd that year go?

So...Since it's been way too long since I've last posted, (about a year which is ridiculous!) I thought it'd be worth posting some pics of our new addition (which really isn't so new anymore!) and how we've been!

Colton James William Strong was born on the 16th of September, 2009. It was a long, l-o-n-g, painful labor- but as usual- it was more than worth it in the end. He's amazing, in every way. If you haven't met him yet, he loves people and he's just happy 95% of the time. Wonderful.

At Christmas, we went to America to visit my family and friends we haven't seen in a long time. It was wonderful to be in the States, and back to Boardman, Ohio- my hometown. Colton was amazing on the plane, and we had a crazy crazy return trip back to London, which resulted in cancelled flights, trips to Denmark (!), and no luggage for 2 1/2 weeks. But in the end, we got home and were back to normal life! We miss Grammy, Papa J and Aunt Jamie everyday and can't wait to see them again soon! :)






After we came back from the States, Colton started eating solid foods- starting with Baby Rice and Banana. He loved it from the get-go. He's an incredible sleeper as well. Usually sleeping from 7pm-around 5:30-6am. He has occasional off nights (like teething excitement and what not) but for the most part- he's incredible. I'd like to take all the credit for it...however I did follow a really amazing book I'd recommend to all new moms- called "On Becoming Baby Wise" By Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam. Colton was sleeping through the night by the time he was 11 weeks old. Thanks, Gary and Robert! :)





I suppose that brings us closer to now. We've had a couple other huge developments for a baby- his first teeth (bottom middle) came in at the end of Feb when he was 5 1/2 months and he's sitting up now like a pro! :) Next, I'm sure, will be crawling- and as much as I'm excited for him-- I'm not looking forward to the "baby proofing" of the house which will have to take place shortly!

Anyways, I know this was a ridiculously quick update on the past 7 1/2 months...so- I'm sorry about that. Grant and I are both going to try and do better at blogging and keeping you all posted on life. Thanks for reading this if you've gotten this far! We love you (and miss you!) all.

Love,
us.

Time in America :)

Hi everyone!

Grant and I have had a great time visiting Ohio with a chance to see lots of friends and family. We arrived on the 23rd of May (Saturday) and our first stop was Handel's ice cream and Wedgewood pizza :) (All you boardman people will understand..) We were able to go see Jamie march in the Memorial Day parade on Monday the 25th and even had a chance to see her play 3 softball games (which they ended up as the Regional Runner-Ups! :0)

Last Friday we had a "baby get together" and had lots of fun seeing friends and family from all different areas of life- camp, college and high school! As well as great neighbors. It was definitely a fun night! Thanks to all who could make it- it meant a lot! :)

Grant left on Saturday the 30th :( but we had a good time that day watching Jamie's softball game and than going to Cheesecake Factory (which was my secret wish- and i didn't even have to say anything!!) Can I just say the white chocolate caramel macadamia nut cheesecake is pretty much to die for? Try it.

Grant arrived safely home and I am still here! I am in a good friends wedding this weekend, and waiting to make the drive up to Cleveland now. It should be a great weekend and I'm so excited for Alie and Kirk as they begin their journey together :)

Little Bean's been good. A good traveler, if I don't say so myself. It's been so wonderful to share my pregnancy with my family, and they're so excited! :) I've also had some good, quality time with both my parents and my sister, and I'm really very very grateful for it.

I suppose that is my update for now. Hopefully when I get back to England I will be able to post some pictures so you can all see some pics of what we;ve been up to!

The one thing that still annoys me in america is the amount of commercials on tv. Just thought I'd let you know. It's ridiculous.

Until next time,

Love.

22 weeks and 2 days :)

Our latest scan shows Little Bean at 22 weeks and 2 days :) The nurse said everything was growing right on target, and she was really happy with the progress...definitely an answer to prayer.

I'm getting a little anxious- Saturday I'm heading back to the states for the first time in over 11 months! It's a little bit surreal- being here already, and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. Grant will be with me until the 30th of May, but i will be in Ohio until the 8th of June for my friend Alie Brooke's wedding! If you're around, it'd be great to see you if you have a spare hour or two :)

Thanks for keeping up with us- sorry there's not much more. Hopefully I'll have some great stuff to inform you of when I get back from Ohio :-)

Love.

Baby Bean is Bouncing!

I haven't updated or felt like I've actually made any effort to let people know how we've been doing in quite awhile- and for that I'm so so sorry. I hope this small update gives you and idea!

Grant and I found out I was pregnant on January 5, 2009. The day after my birthday! :) We were ecstatic and couldn't wait to share it with our family! So we called my parents first, and told them who were equally as thrilled! And than went to Grant's parents that evening and told them. So much fun.

I must say, I have been really blessed so far with my pregnancy. It's been a joy, to be honest. I've rarely had morning sickness (only one actual time!) and besides the early nausea, which went away weeks ago- that was my only inconvenience.

Grant and I decided in March to go on a "baby moon" since we hadn't been away on our own since our honeymoon 2 1/2 years ago- and we went to Spain. It was gorgeous and so nice to get away. We really enjoyed walking on the beach (although it was a little windy!) and going for walks to the Marina everyday...oh- and the ice-cream...YUM.

We've both been doing really well- and he's so excited about the baby. We decided we aren't going to find out the sex of the baby- OR tell any names we've decided on so you can all be surprised when he/she is born! A little clue if any of you believe the old wives tales....yesterday the heart beat was in the 150's...if that means anything! (I'm still thinking it's a boy though!)

We have our anatomical scan tomorrow and that should be the last until the birth! Which will be on or around the 9th of September. (09/09/09- how fun is that?!) Everything is going well still- and I'm growing lots. Here's a little pic just for you to laugh at! I'm sure I'll be whale like by August..just in time for the heat wave. (lovely.)

I'll post more when we get pics of the new scan- can't wait. Hope you're all well.

Love.