Random thoughts

I have finished my first leg of travels for the rest of this year.  I am home for two whole weeks before traveling again!  It's good for me to have a change of pace, especially when I'm home with a toddler most of the time, and  Brandon is so busy with school.  But, I like to just stay put sometimes too and get into a routine.   I have learned that flying with a toddler is never a good experience.  It is worth the extra money to buy them their own seat!  

I'm starting to get into the holiday spirit.  I feel like I have to decorate weeks before the holidays to enjoy it b/c we are never actually here to celebrate!  This will be the last Christmas that we have a whole 2 weeks off to visit family.  Next year we'll be moving to Raleigh (woot woot!) over the break, which with a 2 1/2 year old will probably take forever! 

I am in the mood to make creative things for gifts this year.  Sometimes I can be sort of crafty.  If someone shows me exactly what to do, which I guess isn't super creativeness on my own, but I like doing stuff like that.  I have a couple ideas, but if anyone reads this and has any ideas let me know!  I would rather make something for people b/c it's more meaningful  (and cheaper!) than spend X amount of money on a gift card.  

In a couple weeks Maddie goes for her 18 month checkup!  I can't believe she's getting so big!  I love listening to her babbling with random coherent words thrown in.  One of these days I'm going to go into the Apple store so they can teach me how to put my videos on the computer!  We have an issue with compatibility between our camera and computer. 

I am thinking about going to Haiti in February with Hopegivers.  Shaun and Melissa just got back from a busy 4 day trip, and hopefully I can convince them to go back with me!   I'm not really excited about visiting Haiti, never really been on my top 50 places to go, but the idea of being able to be a part of the Hopegivers ministry and loving some orphans without flying halfway around the world to India is amazing.  Sam (the Pres of Emmanuel in India)  really challenged us this summer to not only fall in love with the kids, but to fall in love with the ministry.  If anyone is interested in going on a trip click on the website, or talk to me!  It's only 4 days and it will change your life!

Only about 8 more months in Memphis! Woohoo!  Anyone know where we can live in Raleigh next Christmas?