My new addiction

Earlier this week, I decided to enter one of my photos in a National Geographic photo contest. I honestly have no chance of winning, but that wasn't really my goal when I entered. I have been in love with National Geographic my whole life, and I have been particularly enamored with the photography. I can't see one of their photographs without my heart beating a little faster and my breath catching just a little. I just wanted to be a part of that community. I wanted to see a photo I had taken represented, even in some small way, by that logo. Now, I'm sort of obsessed with adding pictures to my account and perusing the images of the rest of the NG community. Somehow, the photos just look better displayed on that site. Plus, it's really fun to have other photographers (real photographers!) looking at, liking, and commenting on my photos. I may not ever get another productive thing done, but I'm very happy! If you'd like to check out any of my photos or those of the rest of the community, click here. That link will take you to my page, but you can look at other photos by clicking on the "Photos" tab at the top of the page. Just make sure you have plenty of free time if you decide to go poking around, because it's hard to pull yourself away!

Play Time

The forecast for today was rain. And, it did rain all morning. But, by lunch time, the sun had come out, and it turned into a gorgeous day. So, we went for a walk on the beach and then played at the awesome Duncannon playground for a couple of hours.

Zippity Do Da

Possibly the best slide ever

Playing Pirate

Round and round and round they go

Working in a little workout

Full stride

We won't be able to watch the Aggie game,
but we're hoping the maroon rocks on the beach are a good omen.

Six Months Abroad

Amazingly, we have already been traveling for six months! And, what a fantastic adventure it's been! I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone by. Someone asked me the other day if I was tired of it, and I answered honestly that I am not. Jeff and I absolutely love the nomadic life and could see ourselves doing this indefinitely. We are completely enamored with the sensation that comes from knowing a new experience is just around the corner and with the overwhelming sense of freedom that has enveloped us. We feel more like ourselves than we have probably ever felt, like we are finally wearing clothes that are tailor made instead of off the rack.

However, while our kids love traveling and are really good at it, they crave a bit more "normal," which we do not begrudge them in the least. So, we have adjusted our plans and will be making our way back to Texas a bit sooner than we had originally anticipated. We have already booked a flight to Austin, which has us arriving on July 7, 2016, a little more than a year ahead of what we initially envisioned. We will still visit all the places we originally intended to visit, but we will have shorter stays in several of them. The re-entry plan is still being worked out, so I don't have any details to share about where we will settle. I do know that, even we go back to a more traditional way of living, travel will always be a priority for us!

The half matters

Today is Clay's half-birthday, and in our family that usually means a half-celebration, because the half matters--but not quite as much as the whole. Clay requested "a pineapple cake, that is also chocolate, and has a bow and arrow on it. And sprinkles." So, using basically just imagination (because, while our our rental house has everything for basic meal preparation, it certainly doesn't contain most of the tools necessary to turn out a brilliantly decorated cake), I threw something together for him that pleased him immensely. We also got him a little crossbow toy, because we feel it is important to invest in our kids' futures. What an amazing 4 1/2 years with this little guy! He makes us happy in so many ways, and we are so thankful for his precious presence in our family.

Not the prettiest cake I've ever made, but it made a little boy's day

My favorite 4 1/2 boy!

Clay couldn't yet tell what the fancy wrapping held,
but he exclaimed, "It's a toy!"

Practicing with the crossbow

Hook Head Peninsula

It was an absolutely beautiful day here today, so we took the opportunity to do a little exploring. We made the short drive to the other side of the harbor, to see Hook Lighthouse, which claims to be the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. It has been lighting the way for sailors for the past 800 years, so that seems like a reasonable supposition to me.  From the observation deck, we saw several seals playing in the water, and our guide told us a pod of dolphins had also been seen recently and that the whales should be arriving within the month. This made me feel like there is a decent chance we could be coming back here! As we were driving home, we stopped to appreciate some beautiful church ruins. It was such a fun day!

Daybreak in Duncannon

Hook Lighthouse:
One of the oldest lighthouses in the world ,
and the oldest operational lighthouse in Ireland. 

"A sailor went to sea, sea, sea,
To see what he could see, see, see."

Weston volunteered to give the replica light a spin.
This light is actually three times smaller than the real light. 

The view of the Celtic Sea from the observation deck

One look at the rocky coastline shows the necessity of the lighthouse.
We had fun watching a couple of seals playing in the waves, just past these rocks.

The view toward Waterford Harbor, which is is the body of water our house faces.

On the lighthouse observation deck

While we were out, we also got to see the ruins of this church and cemetery.

Today, I Choose Happiness

Ever have a day (or week, or month, or year) when you're extra hormonal, or stressed, or maybe just too tired to fight off the negative thoughts that plague us all from time to time? It becomes so much easier to focus on those few extra pounds playing around your waist, and the middle-age hormonal acne stubbornly cluttering your complexion, and the ever increasing gray hairs sprouting out of your scalp like a nest of angry and unruly vipers. The people around you seem to be more annoying than usual, and your reactions are more snippy or harsh. You may have entertained thoughts of running away from it all, only to remember that you can't run away from your thoughts, which is where the real problem lies.

You may not have ever felt this way, but I certainly have. Just recently, I recognized this familiar but uncomfortable twisting of my mind, and I determined I would not allow my happiness to be taken prisoner in this way. So, I channeled my inner Stuart Smalley and came up with a written list of strategies I can employ for pursuing happiness. It is on the list-making app on my phone, and it is entitled: "Today, I will choose happiness!" I can't make a grocery list, or notes about school, or even look at any other kind of list without seeing this one. And, often, just seeing the app icon reminds that the list is sitting there, waiting to put me back on the straight and narrow when my thoughts start to stray. And, it may seem silly, but it does help me to have the goal--happiness--right in front of me all day long, and to be reminded that it is my choice.

I thought I would share the list here, as a quick reference for myself and in case any of you might find it helpful. My "Daily Affirmations" also include a list from T.D. Jakes that I came across just after I made my own list. To be honest, I don't always choose happiness. Sometimes, I have the feeling that I am powerless in the face of overwhelming negative feelings, and I give in and let them take my mind hostage. But reading through these lists helps me remember that I am (or can be!) in control and that I have the power to take my thoughts captive. If you have any go-to strategies for helping yourself choose happiness, I would love for you to share them, so that I may learn from you.

Today, I will choose happiness!

• I will choose to embrace the members of my household and others around me and see them as blessings instead of burdens. I will be interested in the things they are interested in, even if those things are not my favorite things. Their happiness may be entwined with my happiness, so I will try to make them happy, if I can. 
• I will let go of bitterness and offer forgiveness, even if it isn't asked for or deserved. 
• I will look for beauty and solitude where I can find it, and I will appreciate it for what it is. 
• I will not compare myself to others.
• I will focus the bulk of my energy and attention on controlling the one person I have complete control of: me.
• I will find something active to do. 
• I will pursue creative outlets.
• I will go outside.
• I will lower my expectations. I can pursue excellence without confusing that with perfection. 
• I will actively look for things to be thankful for. 
• I will close my eyes and take deep breaths, if I need to. 
• I will smile, even when I don't feel like it. 

From T.D. Jakes (along with some of my own notes):

• Own your own happiness--It is not anyone else's job to make me happy. (And, by the same token, no one can make me unhappy, unless I allow them to). I need to own my happiness and be responsible for doing those things that bring joy to my heart.
• Challenge your own story--I may be telling myself a story that isn't quite true. I can change the way I talk to myself and about myself.
• Enjoy the journey, not the destination--I don't have to wait for this or that to be happy. I can be happy in the meantime, all along the way.
• Make relationships count--I need relationships, so I must be intentional about working to make all my relationships work.
• Balance work with play--Take care of business, but don't forget to have some fun.

Happenings

There hasn't really been any one day since my last post that seemed worthy of its own post, but added together, the last few days have been pretty noteworthy. (Our Internet became pretty sketchy later in the week, and it just wasn't worth messing with, even if there had been a day deserving of its own post.) In case you're curious, there follows a list of things that have happened since my last post. Fair warning, I will be bragging on my amazing kids here, so if you aren't into that, feel free to skip the first half.

• Weston finished his 5th grade Math book, answered all the test questions out of the next book, and will be starting Pre-Algebra tomorrow. 
• Max finished his 2nd grade Grammar book, and we have started reading through Grammar-Land, which he (and all the kids) love and is a great way to reinforce some of the skills he learned in this last book, before we move on to the 3rd grade book.
• Weston finished reading the last of the Harry Potter books.
• Max finished reading the 5th book in the Narnia series and started the 6th (out of 7).
• The boys and I finished The Story of the Word: Volume 1, completed our studies of the countries we will visit on our RTW trip, and started The Story of the World: Volume 2.
• Ruth has been working her tail off studying for the SAT (the real-deal SAT, not the grade-level test she takes at the end of every school year), which she will take on Dec. 5, in France, to see if she qualifies for a special program Johns Hopkins offers for Jr. High students. We have been very impressed with her dedication and with her performance on the practice tests. 
• Clay learned the vowels and a few new word sounds and spent some time reading some new-to-him words.
• We had our landlords over for a visit. Like many of the owners of rentals we've stayed in on this trip, they are well-traveled and had some fascinating stories to tell of their adventures.
• My sister's house was hit by a tornado and destroyed, but, thankfully, she and her two kids, who were inside at the time, made it out safely! 
• I had an initial consultation appointment with the dentist in Dublin who will install the permanent crown for my missing front tooth. I don't believe I've ever been so excited about a dental procedure!
• We watched the ridiculous first half of the Aggie game, and then our Internet gave out. It was good to see some positive things happening on offense, for a change. If we could just get the offense and defense to both show up in the same games, it would be fantastic. We were relieved to learn that the Ags managed to pull out the victory in the end! 
• My hubby had (actually, is having) his birthday. We took him out to lunch at a fun little tavern called The Strand and then went for a walk on the beach.
• We made up limericks as we drove away from Limerick. It was pretty awesome! Not to mention VERY silly!
• We relocated. We are now in the south of Ireland, in a tiny beach town called Duncannon. Our lovely townhouse is perched just above the beach, and the view is amazing! We will be here for 27 days, making this the longest stop of our entire trip. 

Our Duncannon home

The view from the front of the house

The kids were enamored with this rainbow sculpture near the beach.

Birthday lunch at The Strand

The birthday boy chose the berry crumble for dessert.

But, I opted for a latte and the sticky toffee pudding

Clay insisted on a picture with the ice cream "statue."

This will be the boys' playground for the month. They (and I) couldn't be happier!

Horsing Around

This afternoon, we went over to a local riding school, where Ruth had scheduled a jumping lesson for herself. Max and Clay have been begging to get to ride horses, too, so we scheduled a short beginner's ride for them, as well. (But, not Weston, because horses really aren't his thing, and he preferred to sit in the car and read his book.) Everyone was perfectly happy and had so much fun! And, I have to tell you, Clay is absolutely the cutest little horseman I have ever seen! The helmet made him look like a bobblehead, and his little legs just barely stretched over the back of his little pony, Timmy. He was all smiles as he bounced around like a ragdoll out in the arena, and he chatted non-stop with the girl leading him around.

Taking Rupert up and over

Getting the reins just right

Max and Spot, making the rounds

As we were leaving, Clay said,
"Today was my first time to ride a horse!
When do you think will be my next time?"

Monday Favorites

I haven't done a favorites post in a while, and since it's a cold, wet Monday and the first day of school for us in over a week, it seems like the right time to focus on some things that make us happy.

I have long been a fan of Baileys, but it seemed especially important
to feature an Irish product since we're here in Ireland.

These Icebreaker Merino glove liners are perfect
for adding another layer of warmth, which I am always in need of.
But they also work well as stand-alone gloves when it's not quite as cold.
And, I love that they are thin enough that I can operate my camera with them on.

I was so sad when I lost an earring in South Africa.
But, I ordered these as replacements, and I really love them!
They are a great weight and just the right mix of fancy and casual.

We've stayed at a few places that haven't had coffee pots,
and after seeing me struggle to improvise, Jeff bought me this.
It folds completely flat when not in use, and it makes a mighty fine cuppa joe.

The whole family is engaged in this fun series. Ruth just re-read all the books,
Weston is almost finished reading them, and the rest of us are listening to the audio version.
We have also watched the first movie together and have been to a couple of tourist locations
that had to do with either the books or movies. 

My FitBit fell apart on me a few months ago,
so I decided to upgrade to the Moto smartwatch.
I love the look and the many cool features!

I recently came across this video, and I think T.D. Jakes eloquently and
accurately describes the true path to happiness in just five steps.
I think everyone should internalize this message!

I had a zipper break off of my original toiletry bag,
so I picked up this replacement, which I love.
It has pockets of all sizes, a detachable mirror,
a removeable waterproof pouch, a hook for hanging,
 and it folds up to about the size of a hardback book. 

Since we've been in the UK, we have been gobbling this stuff up.
It is absolutely delicious, and we put it on/in everything!

And, speaking of delicious, we became addicted to sticky toffee pudding
while we were in Scotland. I haven't tried making it myself,
but I'm linking to the recipe, so I can find it easily in the future.
Who knew dates could be so amazing?!

 *The final photo is mine. The others were borrowed from the Internet. I in no way receive compensation for endorsing these products. I'm simply sharing things my family and I enjoy. I'd love it if you'd share some of your favorites with us, too!

Change of Scenery

We optimistically got up early this morning, to watch the Aggies play Ole Miss, before we hit the road and headed south, toward Limerick. It was fortunate that the drive was so lovely, as it helped ease the pain we felt when that game was over.

On the way to our next destination, we made a very important stop at The Cliffs of Insanity, which everyone else seems to call The Cliffs of Moher. Jeff asserts that it was the Cliffs of Insanity scene that truly helped him understand The Princess Bride, which consequently helped me to know he was the kind of guy for me. It just seemed so surreal to stand at the Cliffs of Insanity with my Sweetie, pointing to the cliffs and saying, "See! The Cliffs of Insanity!" which thoroughly embarrassed our kids. Good times.

Our kids also love The Princess Bride, but they were maybe more excited to learn that the Cliffs of Moher was also a filming location for a scene from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It really is a beautiful place, and we had fun, not only taking a short hike around the tops of the cliffs, but also taking in the exhibits in the visitor center.

We finally made it to our new home for the week--a lovely old stone building, with lots of space and a working pottery studio and shop in the back. We'll be jumping back into to a regular school schedule while we're here, but we may still try to slip in an adventure or two. You just never know.

We had a lovely drive down to Limerick.
Clay insisted the mountains with heavy cloud cover were volcanos.

I love that castles pop up all over the place!

"See! The Cliffs of Insanity!"

There's no bond like a Princess Bride bond!

O'Brien's Tower is the highest point at the Cliffs of Moher.

The Cliffs of Moher in all their glory.
(The cave toward the right of the photo is where the Harry Potter scene was filmed.
The rock jutting up from the water beyond that is where Princess Bride was filmed.) 

The other side of the Cliffs of Moher.
(Max loved that the rocks jutting up from the water looked like a mini Stonehenge.)

Fun in the visitor center

Ballymorris Cottage, our home for the week