All 10 Popes

Well, I wouldn't say that we're official Yoopers...yet, but I thought maybe this would give you a peak into our lives up here in the UP...kind of a to 10 list of things to know about living up here... 10. There is a special all season windshield washer fluid that should be placed into the car before you enter sub zero temperatures. 9. I don't think I can express just how thankful we are for our snow tires 8. Allow yourself 5 min. extra per child to go outside especially if you are readying your little ones for a walk to the grocer around the corner. It will probably take you longer to get ready than to actually walk to the grocer, buy the few things you need and walk home. 7. Seeing the big flakes drop like a beautiful ballet out of the sun filled sky is something I hope I never forget to wonder at. 6. Thank God for snow plows, and sand....and slow drivers...and a heater that works.... 5. Playing in the snow is a whole new set of adventures for the kids and real...

I just tried to map quest all of the miles that we've travelled since we've been back in the states and the site was taking too long, so I'm just going to estimate over 3,000. Funny, I had the patience to drive all those miles with 4 kiddos in the car, but couldn't wait for map quest to load. Not sure what the says about me...maybe we'll revisit that in another post. ;) It's been a whirlwind to say the least. There were plenty of hugs, smiles, sweet reunions, tears for loved ones lost, more hugs and more tears of an overwhelmed momma. As with the rest of military life as been for us, the good and lovely most certainly out weighed the hard, heaviness of not having a place to call home. Ironically, part of Germany being so hard for our family was the feeling of never really belonging. It's the pride welling inside of me that always wants to be understood, accepted, and loved...always wanting to feel like we belong. Instead of finding that peace, joy and re...