Dancing with the Who?

I'll let you in on a little secret, well known by some, not so well known by others. I don't like to dance much, and well, Matt does. He really wanted to dance at our wedding, and I was just too uncomfortable with the idea of standing in a big room dancing in front of a million people. (Ok, a couple hundred is bad enough!) That's just not my idea of fun. So, as a special date night? I told Matt we could rent an instructional video. I really wanted an old ballroom dance video (hmm, 17th/18th century type ballroom dancing), but all we found were more "modern" ones at the library.

What did we come home with? Actually, a wedding dance instructional video. It took us almost the whole week to get over the puffy sleeves and silly songs of the 80's before we actually gave it a whirl...or a twirl...or...whatever. So, the night before the video was due back to the library, we decided we needed to give it a try. Me, half of a perfectionist and self-conscious type (why I only do this in private) who after several minutes of frustration lost it and surrendered to hysterical laughter (other half). Matt a goofy, yet serious type, tried to get it right the first time so we could be successful? I only tried to get it right not to look and feel ridiculous. (I'm still convinced Matt was doing the wrong kind of waltz...we had 2 different versions, and boy, this whole thing brought out some competition in us.) We finally realized these dances just aren't up to our speed, and this was supposed to be an enjoyably fun (albeit hilarious) activity...and we shouldn't be all frustrated with each other! Being wayyy above the simple moves they provided, (umm, that gave us enough difficulty), we did a little choreographing of our own to the classical songs provided!

It is truly a shame we didn't have a camera running. Matt dropped me about 3 times (I'll err on the lower side) trying to "dip" me. I got a few sweat drops...I mean spit drops from laughter...in my eyes. Gross!..but I was able to complete the move with a smile that time... I think! We got pretty good at the twirls, and Matt even had hand squeezes or flicks to signal to me if he was letting go or not. He's pretty tricky! ;) I didn't always get the signal...but...it was a good try anyway. He zoomed me around, and we appropriately named it "the airplane," and somehow we both ended up on the floor like the real airplane rides you give kids. Yes, my stomach was on Matt's feet, as I elegantly and gracefully floated through the air. I don't think I've ever heard Matt laugh so hard before. I tried to do a tuck and roll out of the airplane move...but we got a little tangled and crunched. Actually, I think Matt's exact words were, "...cough..cough...your shoulder just crushed into my throat ...hack"; or something like that. All of this reminded me of my childhood when my family would perform silly stunts and the winter Olympics with our family friends. (In case you were wondering how I fared: I was the "synchronized snow shoveling" gold medalist with my partner, Mr. M., who was like 2 feet taller than me. I think I was his partner because I was the littlest...and easiest to toss?) We decided to call it quits after 20 minutes of craziness...and only a few minor bumps and bruises. Yes, over and over again, we prove that we are still children at heart!

While we're not quite ready to be a part of Dancing with the Stars or close to being invited to the ball in Pride and Prejudice (a favorite!), we had a good time...and learned a little bit more about each other and how to work together! I challenge you to try this on a date night with your husband. The old video was a kicker in and of itself, and if you have skills like us...well, I don't even think I have to finish that sentence!

"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance"
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Ohh, it's good to have him home!

In the spirit of the Olympics...

I'm staying up way too late! Anyone else? I think this is why they are only every four years.

hmm, future Olympic torch carrier? :)

We've Been Busy

The last couple of weeks have been pretty busy for us.



Matt's nephew, Robbie, celebrated his 1st birthday! It has been so much fun to see Matt with all the kids again. The little ones are gradually warming up to him!





We were able to catch the girls' last 2 soccer games too. This was a thrill! Soccer is Matt's favorite sport, and it is always such fun to watch games...especially when nieces are playing...or cousins, Bethany :)



We also were able to enjoy Laura Ingalls Wilder Day at a living history museum. I love this picture of the girls!



Abby was a little shy to do the 3 legged race, so I was Hannah's partner. I wasn't exactly dressed for the Laura Ingalls occasion (I'm in the red hat) :) She did such a great job! I was so worried I would knock her down accidentally. I was the slow one of the pair with the duck run...but maybe we'll blame it on the fact that our sizes weren't evenly matched ;)



Last Sunday, we had a family, friend, church picnic for Matt's homecoming:


This past weekend, we spent time down at Uncle John and Aunt Carol's with them, Grandma, and Bethany for the fair. We had a fun time but missed the rest of the family. Here's my little purchase! I was pretty excited and asked Matt to take a picture of it so I could send it to Chrissy, but he tends to like to take pictures that include me...so I guess I'm modeling it. Ohhh Matt.


(Yes, our game collection...mostly from garage sales...consists of kids games! We are such kids!)

In between, we've helped family move, and Matt has been actively looking for a job. He has sent out a lot of applications, and we are still waiting to hear from them. Please keep that (and us) in your prayers!

Pictures of Homecoming #2

It's taken me awhile to get back on here. Matt's been home for 2 weeks now. In some ways it feels like he never left, but in other ways it feels like he just got home. It was a pretty big moment when we actually got home to our apartment. I had the rest of his red, white, and blue paper chain (to count down the weeks) decoratively hung across the ceiling and of course, a fancy shmancy toilet paper "Welcome Home" sign. I knew he wouldn't have it any other way! (Ok, so I was in a hurry and lacking some resources...that, or we're going a little more green! Afterall, I suppose we can use the toilet paper again.) I thought I'd share a few pictures of his 2nd homecoming...when he came home to NY...never to wear uniform again...or so we think. Matt has decided to end his stint with the military to be able to be home with family and pursue jobs on the civilian side. I'm proud to be his wife and proud to support him wherever he is led, but I am much happier having him home!


Here I am waiting (and waiting...) with Nathanael. He thinks my purse is his personal fun bag. I didn't have time to clean it out beforehand, so he was a good helper.
Yes, my hair is sopping wet. I went to a bridal shower/picnic earlier that evening and ended up playing volleyball. So, I had to come home and shower again and rush to the airport. There was a little mix up about the time he was to arrive. (Thanks Uncle Bill :)...just kidding.) I was in a hurry...only to get there and wait. Oh well, better early than late.




The girls made such a cute Welcome Home sign, and from what I hear, Jacob added a little color too! My mom saw about 5 different Matt's leaving the gate. There he is. Oh wait. There he is. Is that him? It was making me nervous I wouldn't be able to recognize my own husband as quickly....but I spotted him right away (FIRST), and ran to the door that separates the flyers and welcomers.


Yup, same blue dress, same hug, same girl, same man!


I guess it's time to share him with everyone else who was there. It was so nice having so many family members and a few friends there. It was a lot different than being out in CA not really knowing anybody. I think I had different jitters. Each homecoming was different. I can't quite explain it...different seems to work.


Matt and his brother. No, they are not twins. Little joke. They just pretty much have the same shirt.
Did you notice Matt's haircut? Well, if you didn't..don't! There was an earthquake while he was getting his haircut. We won't blame the barber. :)


Matt and his mom...well, his mom was on the phone. She wasn't able to be there but called right away.