Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

Music has always been a big part of my life. It seems every time something big happens, different lyrics pop in to my head. “Should I stay or should I go?” by the Clash are the lyrics that have been a constant on my brain. Just those seven words, though, which can be annoying at times. 

Since this summer, we have known that Tony’s project at FLUOR would end in December. Out the window went my perfect plan of leaving here in June of 2017 to take Hannah Grace back to South Carolina for her Senior year. I needed a new plan…because that is what I do, I plan. I mull things over in my head, overthinking every possible situation and I continuously  ask Tony, “Any news?” I drive us both crazy. We knew the project would end in December, but weren’t sure where we would land next. Several options were thrown out, but only two became actual possibilities: a project in Houston and a project in the Philippines. And thus the song, “Should I Stay or Should I go?” popped in my head. Mind you, neither project in those places had been won, so it was my job to drive Tony and myself crazy by constantly trying to determine which project that I wanted FLUOR to be awarded. 

Our answer came many weeks later. The project in the Philippines was won and it was time to have a family meeting. Hannah Grace has always said that she wanted to go back to Seneca for her senior year (despite absolutely loving it here). The anticipation of that family meeting tore me to pieces. Two options were given to the children and we weighed their answers heavily. We could leave for Houston in December OR we could all stay in the Philippines until June 2018….getting Hannah Grace through High School Graduation. Ellis’s answer came quickly, “I want to live where we can all be together as a family.” Hannah Grace’s answer took much more thought and many, many tears. 

The lyrics no longer hum through my brain every waking moment. We will stay. It is what the entire family wants. What solidified my certainty that we are exactly where we need to be were the tears that came from Hannah Grace’s coach as she talked about Hannah Grace and our future. The icing on the cake was being greeted last night with a big smile from the Headmaster of the school and his excitement over us staying. My children are so loved. Nothing makes a mama happier. 

Hong Kong: September 2016

The older the children get, the harder it is to get away. They are busy with activities throughout the week and weekend. A lot of our travel is dictated by Hannah Grace’s sporting events. Just a few months ago, we were sitting at the dinner table and Hannah Grace let out a big sigh, “We’re going to Hong Kong AGAIN for softball.” I immediately burst in to laughter, thinking how absurd that sounded. She quickly joined my laughing fit knowing she is having such an unbelievable experience with her travels. It isn’t that she doesn’t like Hong Kong, she actually loves it! She just wants to go more places, which I think is pretty cool that she has that desire within her. When a free weekend arose, though, I wasn’t sure how she would take the idea of another (insert teenage eye rolling) trip to Hong Kong, but she was all for it! This was Hannah Grace’s third trip to Hong Kong, while only the second for the rest of us. Her trips before, however, have been with school. It was nice to explore the city as a family this time!

This was not our taxi, but we saw so many where the luggage didn't fit.

On our first day in Hong Kong, we met up with the Van Nispen's at Stanley Beach to celebrate sweet Anje's birthday.

After a day of exploring Stanley Beach, we rode the ferry over to the Kowloon side. Although my pictures aren't the greatest, the lights in Hong Kong were stunning!

We bypassed the opportunity to pay 200 Hong Kong dollars per person just to be seated at the Intercontinental for dinner and chose the delicious Morton's instead. Maybe it was our casual attire, but they sat us in our very own private room...the perfect setting! Tony was sad when Hannah Grace said it was the best steak she had ever eaten!

Tony and the birthday girl!

When in China, the kids are always excited to find the electronic markets.

The next day, Hannah Grace couldn't wait to introduce us to Cali-Mex. When she was in Hong Kong last April, her home stay took her there. 

After lunch, we headed to the Peak to take in the views. The last time that Tony, Ellis and I were there, we couldn't see a thing due to the fog. This trip proved to be much better.

After spending most of our day walking, we decided a trip to the pool was just what we needed.

Before going to dinner, we had to make one more stop at the American Grocery store. It was full of products that made us happy...like this popcorn and Rotel tomatoes. 

To end our last night in Hong Kong, we went to Tony's favorite place, Red Pepper. When in Shanghai, he fell in love with Mopa tofu. Not me. I am just not that adventurous. 

As usual, Ellis finds a friend. 

And just like that, our holiday came to an end. I can't wait for the next one!

Home Sweet Home?

I may have confused a few people on Facebook a few weeks ago when I commented on how happy our dog was when we arrived “home”. Several people thought “home” meant we had arrived in the states. Actually, just the opposite had happened. For the first time since we started this adventure four years ago, I called our place of residence “home”. And for the first time since we left four years ago, Clemson didn’t feel like home. It was kind of a sad realization for me. Things looked familiar, but they were oh so different at the same time. I would step into places where I used to know everyone, but this time I didn’t recognize a single face.  Clemson has grown, changed…and so have I. When I spoke to a friend about this, she said, “Well, what does feel like home?” I could feel my nose tingle as I pondered the thought and replied, “I guess wherever my family is living.” Of course that is tricky, too, because I have family and friends that are like family in the states. So, I guess, I am “home” in the Philippines for now, but we will go “home” for Christmas to visit friends and family. Maybe I need a shrink….

Here is a glimpse of our time at “home” this summer….

Our first stop was Cartersville, GA and a catch up with the cousins.

Next stop: Murrells Inlet for beautiful sunsets...

...and yummy crawfish!

My sweet Mom and Baby Boy treated me to a birthday lunch.

We even squeaked in a week of basketball camp.

Before we knew it, we were on the road again headed to St. George Island, FL to be with Tony's family.

A trip to that part of the world just wouldn't be the same without a stop at Hole In The Wall!

It was a rainy day, so after filling our bellies with oysters, we went to Paddy's to watch Coastal Carolina win the College World Series! Go Chants!

We played a lot of games this trip. I think AJ won that round!

A new family tradition: Roasting marshmallows on the beach!

If we are going to eat and drink, we have to get our workouts in! Pretty sure Lynn was trying to cripple us!

Leaving their Clemson mark at St. George.

After a week at St. George, we just had a quick trip down the road to Panama City Beach. Between this spot and the one in Murrells Inlet, life just doesn't get much better!

It was all was fun and games until my cousin helped reel in a shark. Seriously we saw more marine life (sharks, stingrays and even a sea turtle) that week than I have seen in my entire life of trips to that beach!

The low flying plane just added to the drama!

Cousin Night Out...think we can keep this up until we are 91?

Just YUM!!!!!

So...we may have eaten a lot while we were "home".

The Hub

July 4th with family....

...and fireworks!

Sweet Micah had Clay wrapped around his little finger!

Luckily we caught up with this crew at our new favorite joint, Bruno's.

We left Florida and headed to Alabama. We couldn't leave, though, without a visit with Uncle Bill. At 91, he still had us ALL in stitches!

We also stopped by a farm that Hannah Grace has been visiting since she was three. She swears they have the best drinking water!

Hannah Grace gives Micah a tour of the land.

With all the driving, I decided to go "old school" with Car Bingo! It was just as fun as was when I was little! My kiddos loved it, too!

Next stop: Birmingham. Here is Ellis trying to "beat the clock" at basketball camp.

We make it a family affair at camp. Ike may as well be family!

One more stop in Cartersville before heading to Clemson.

Well, I did have a pitstop in Greenville to see this fabulous friend!

While we were out on the town, Daryl and AJ were sweet enough to squeeze in a visit. Krista heard some interesting stories about Tony's family that night!

Carsen and Hannah Grace have been friends since they were five. I miss my time with her and her sweet mama!

I cherish any time I can squeeze in with these girls (and that guy)! When we are together, I am guaranteed lots of stories and laughs!

A little basketball with Pawpaw, Ellis, Julian and John.

Tubing and skiing is a must when we are in town!

One more swing in the hammock in Murrells Inlet before our last stop...

....back in Cartersville, GA.

Papa loves to entertain the kiddos with stories....usually terrifying ones. His grandchildren are used to it. The little boy at the table? Not so much!

Stan was our tour guide through the woods.

It is always a party at Aunt Kristy's and Uncle Jason's!

Back at the table for some cards.

We ended this trip where it began...on the front porch in Cartersville. Not my home, but it sure felt good to be with family.