Let's Do This Thing

It's naptime in the Galloway household.

Two blissful hours when all three children are tucked into beds and are either slumbering or reading and playing quietly by themselves.

This is usually the time when I collapse on the couch and proclaim myself "word free," for awhile. Ian knew to not even call me from work during this time. I go through phases: sometimes I nap, sometimes I read, sometimes I binge watch Gilmore Girls/Friends. And I almost always think "this is the time I could be blogging," but I never do. That whole "word free," label makes it hard to, you know, write words when you are completely spent from three little *ahem* blessings.

So much has happened in the last three months though, that it comes time to pull up my big girl pants, say goodbye to my no speaking rule, and find the words to describe this.

This.
This place that we are in.
This not knowing. Still.
Not knowing what we are doing.
Or where we are going.
Or what our calling is.

This waiting process.
Refining.
Frustrating.
Growing.
Irritating, really.

I wouldn't really recommend the whole "quit your job you are passionate about which forces you to move back across the world to a country you have not been a part of for six years to live with your ever gracious parents/inlaws all the while facing unemployment and job hunting" thing. It's really for the birds.


I can't even imagine if our parents were not helpful, hospitable, and kid friendly. It would be a nightmare.

Anyways. So that is where I am coming from. This hard place. I am sure it will all be a thing of the past in the, well, future, and we can throw our heads back, laugh, and say things like "Remember those dark uncertain days of our past?! HA! We are so settled, so certain, and so focused, and are most definitely making responsible life choices!" 

Or, you know, maybe not that exactly.

What I'm trying to say is that I am perfectly aware is that this is just a phase. A season, if you may. We're doing our best to survive this season with as much grace and as many kind words, while making some fun memories with our kids.

So when I write, it's not to share how hard things are or how we have or have not made any progress, (though I am sure I will share when we do!) but to keep track of all of these wonderful moments we are having with our sweet little family of five! 

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Let's Do This Thing

Happy Birthday, Grace! Part One

Grace turned FIVE YEARS old this April.

Five.

I know I should be reveling in the fact that she's so much bigger and older but all I seem to be able to feel is how old that makes me!

I really can't believe five years have gone by since that tiny little peanut of a girl was placed  in our arms. Sleepless nights and all the excitement of the first baby turned quickly into routine and we have loved seeing our girl grow and develop over the years.

As we got ready to move back to the US I had one reoccurring nightmare:
Grace, on her birthday, blowing out a candle on a cake.
In an empty room.
With tears streaming down her face.
She looks up at me and asks "Where are all of my friends?"

And I would wake up in tears.

I knew this scenario, though a bit dramatic, was entirely possible.

I tried my best to brace Grace for the worst. And build up her birthday in whatever way I could!

"YOU get to spend your birthday in America!"
"YOU get to go to Disney for your birthday!"

And there was shameless present bribing.

Grace seemed unfazed until a few days before her actual birthday, when she realized the reality of not being able to invite any friends to her party- Just her boring old family.

Those conversations were heartbreaking, for sure, but we pulled off not one, but two birthday parties with our different sides of the family, and I think she felt loved, cherished, and special, so hopefully that makes up for the lack of playmates.

Her first party ended up being a bit of a mish mash of Sofia the First and Frozen. Her requests for a family dinner included Mimi's chicken, asparagus (her favorite!) sweet potatoes, and cake.

The cake had very specific directions: Pink frosting (vanilla,) Chocolate cake, with gummi worms and dirt cake somehow infused. I finally convinced her to save the worms and dirt cake for her other birthday party and salvaged our princess party cake a bit.

No one says she isn't unique!

Ian's mom helped put together this party and even made us a pin the nose on Olaf game. I can't find a picture anywhere but it was so cute!

Grace got Paw Patrol vehicles and characters, Candy Land, a Sofia the first costume, and some new clothes! The plan was to replace her bike that we sold in Abu Dhabi but we will wait until we know where we are going next to purchase that- one less thing to move!

Grace is such a big personality! She loves people- talking to them, interacting with them, playing with them. She could be with other people 24/7. She loves making jokes and has dubbed herself as "hilarious." Grace is surprisingly athletic. She's a fast runner and picks ups on technique for just about any sport- recently throwing and catching a frisbee and hitting a baseball on a tee!

Grace is so smart. She loves to learn about anything and finds the patterns in everything. She's reading at a second to third grade level and is eager to be able to do more! I'm amazed at her comprehension and retelling skills.

Grace is hurting the most over our move. she wants friends and playdates and stability and her toys and space. She is very excited about the prospect of kindergarten in the fall but gets frustrated that we can't show her where she will be going yet.

Grace is an awesome big sister, especially to Luke. She helps him, soothes him, and cuddles with him. She leads Sophia in imaginative play and helps them create a world to play in. Grace can find friends anywhere and makes it her mission at a park or playground to find someone who will play with her.

I can't wait to see what happens in her five year old life this year. Grace, I pray that the Lord will call you to Him and you will choose to follow Him. I pray that we can point you in the right direction and show you His love, mercy, grace, patience, and teach you of what it means to face consequences for our choices, and the beauty in the fact that we can not bear the full weight of our sins ourselves.

I pray that this year you will have a compassionate heart. You've been so sheltered and lived in a place with much wealth and diversity. I pray that as you settle into this American life that you will still embrace all around you, no matter the capabilities, skin color, or financial status. I pray that you will LOVE deeply all in your class and that you will be an advocate for those that need a friend. And I pray that I can show these to you in my own life.

Grace, I love you sweet girl. I am so thankful for the five years we have had together and what you have already taught me. I love you with all of my heart. Ugga Mugga, baby girl. Here's a hushum from me to you.

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Happy Birthday, Grace! Part One

The Blank Check

In case you missed it...we are back in the United States of America! And not just for vacation. We have moved back.

We've gotten a mixed reaction to our moving back. Our American friends and family are, understandably, ecstatic. Our international friends or American friends who live overseas are saddened and even disappointed.

If you are like the dozens of people who've already asked us this, here is our answer to your question, "What happened?!"

All of those years ago, before we were even married, Ian and I both looked at our lives and identified our dreams and our callings. For Ian, his dreams and his calling were one and the same. For me, my dreams (teaching, white picket fence, holidays with family,) were not exactly the same as my calling (to see the nations reached for Christ.) Both of us had a blank check in front of us. The blank check was for our lives- our dreams, aspirations, and callings. We handed that check to the Lord and said "Whatever You want to do with our lives, wherever You want to take us, in any timetable that You will."

Shortly after we were married many doors were closed and I was told by that still, small voice, that it was time to hand over my dreams. We both lifted those blank checks up to the Lord again (that had been seemingly uncashed,) and said "These are for You."

It seemed then that God wrote in the "in the amount of," spot: SPEND LIVES ON MISSION FIELD. REACH THE UNREACHABLE. SERVE IN HARD PLACES.

So, off we went. The Blank Check was blank no more.

We went to hard places. Dark places. Spiritually dusty and soul drying places.

We befriended the "unreachables." We lived among them.

Then, over time, we saw that blank check reappear. We were befuddled.

We gave it to You, Lord!
You cashed it in, here we are!
What more is there?

Over months of prayer and anguish, tears and frustration, we saw that the "pay in the amount of," spot was no longer blank. It read: GO BACK. REST. FIND THE NATIONS IN YOUR NATION. SERVE ME WHEREVER I SEND YOU.

No, Lord! We are here, doing what You asked us to do! 
Not many people are willing to be here!
Why would You send us back there? That place is BRIMMING with Christians!

Over time, we reluctantly agreed. We saw God closing doors to our time overseas. No new doors were opening up, mind you, there or here, but our paths were getting fewer and fewer.

With a shrug of our shoulders we relented. The Blank Check of our lives was once more filled out, and, to be obedient, we needed to hand it back to the "Pay to the Order of," God.

I won't lie. It has not been an easy season. No sunshine bursting forth from behind the clouds. No light bulb moment when we finally understand what He is up to.

But here we are.

Hanging out in Florida in our hometown. Explaining grass and trees and squirrels to the girls. Looking into how to buy a car and find a job.

I cling to the cross and remind myself daily of two things:
1.) My identity is not in being a missionary, it is in Christ alone.
2.) I am not called to the nations/overseas life... I am called to follow God.

Sometimes my calling to follow God will lead us overseas but sometimes it will tell us to stay.

I have no doubt that we will be once again presented with the blank check of our lives. I pray now that in that moment we will look to Him and not what our picture of our lives will look like.

If the Pay To the Order of line reads: God
Then the amount line should always read: "Whatever You want to do with our lives, wherever You want to take us, in any timetable that You will."

May we all have the peace to hand the blank check of our lives over to the Author and Creator of life, no matter where it sends us.

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The Blank Check

Sam To The Desert- Part One

We live in a pretty unique place, that is fairly indisputable. Desert, ocean. Wealthy beyond compare next to poverty beyond imagination. Sparkling new mixed with recently antiquated. It really is something you have to see and experience for yourself.

So, when Ian's best friend, Sam, asked about coming for a visit we jumped at the chance. We have only had a few family members come see us and no friends from the US so we were over the moon. Plus, he was able to come during Ian's annual leave, which meant some concentrated, work free time with our friend!

Today also happens to be Sam's birthday! So, Happy Birthday, Sam (though I doubt you even read this!) We love you and are so thankful for your friendship all of these years.

We took the opportunity to do a mini tour of the UAE with all of its highlights. Here is part one of our adventures with Sam in November.

Ian and the girls took Sam for a driving tour around Abu Dhabi. They went down by the waterfront and to a historical replica village down by the marina.

We went to the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. We had been to this same festival almost three years ago but this time it had been built up so much more! The festival grounds were really developed and the stalls and exhibitors did a wonderful job. We wanted to return another night and watch the camel races but we never did.

We did finally by the girls their own Jalabiya- the casual, colorful dress worn by locals. Little girls wear them all the time (when not in western clothes,) and women often wear them as house dresses or underneath their Abaya (the black outer dress.)

We also went to Al Ain, which is the seat of historical and cultural sites. So many neat place to explore. Old palaces, forts, museums.

We also went for a drive up Jebel (Mt.) Hafeet, a tall mountain that pops out of the flat desert and straddles the UAE and Oman. We last drove up it when Sophia was born, over three years ago. Time really does fly.

My favorite thing we did was stop at Jahli Fort. Ian's taken many of our visitors there over the years but I was always great big pregnant or with a newborn at the time so I've never been able to climb around in it. There is a gallery of Wilfred Thesiger's photography and the old fort and surrounding buildings to explore. It really feels like you've stepped back in time!

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Sam To The Desert- Part One

Three Things Lately

I saw a neat idea to capture some moments in time over at Momfessionals that involves listing three things that are going on with each family member right now. I might not include three things for Ian and I as we are just not that interesting, but there are always things to add for the kids!

 1. Grace is THIS close to dropping her nap. I know, she's four and a half years old so it shouldn't be that big of a deal but to me it is! I love that I have all three kids in their rooms for nap time at the same time. One and a half to two hours of pure silence bliss. For awhile I was putting Grace on our bed (she naps there since Sophia is in their bed at nap time and they would never sleep if in the same room during the day,) with books or some small toys and she would play for an hour or so and then fall asleep. Now we've moved to putting her Calico Corner dollhouse and box of figurines in my room so that she will stay awake. Otherwise night time sleep is tenuous.

2. Grace has two cavities. And not just any cavities, two cavities that need some serious work. The dentist told us they would need a "baby root canal," and my heart just broke for her. I had pretty awful teeth as a child and spent alot of time getting work done and I had just hoped that the kids would get their dental health from Ian, but that may not be the case. She goes in on Sunday so keep her in your prayers!

3. Grace keeps asking me when I will have another baby (not anytime soon, trust me.) She plays with a baby doll every day and talks about our imaginary future baby, who is a girl, named Cora. At one point she told me she wanted to adopt an older sister and name her Cora. And she decided that Matthew is a better name for Luke and calls him that whenever she is playing house.

1. Sophia is three and loving life. Except when she's really not. And that seems to be what being three is all about. She gets really weepy and can go for half a day or so where everything just sends her into sobbing. She doesn't get angry or mean, just weepy. Teenage years are going to involve alot of tears, I think! She also can get really frightened by any kind of chase game. I think she actually thinks that something bad will happen if she gets caught!

2. Sophia has a red tutu that my aunt or my mom gave to her. It sparkles and is really pouffy. She loves it. Anytime she plays dress up she includes the red tutu in her ensemble. She gets all dressed up, usually including her birthday crown and a pair of high heels, then leaps around the family room to whatever music is playing. She has alot more of a carefree streak in her these days that is so cute to see!

3. Sophia would give me a run for my money, and my patience, if we ever had to homeschool. The other day we were reviewing the letters A, B, and C, for the third week in a row and when I pointed at A and asked what his name was she bit her lip and guessed "O? No, S?" I told her the answer and right away asked her A's name. We repeated this about five times before I just walked out of the room. I know comparison is never good but it is so interesting to see the differences between Grace and Sophia- Grace knew the names and sounds of every letter by 2 and a half! Sophia's a year older and can't quite master the name of one letter. Craziness.

1. Luke is into everything these days! He can pull up to a stand and prefers to be that way almost all day. And if he has to crawl anywhere it is just to chase after me and pull up on my pant leg. His crawl has one leg straight out to the side and one leg in a normal crawling position.The girls scurry to the carpet the moment I put him in his walker as many a toe has been run over or heel scraped by the rampaging Luke. He can chase us all around the dining room table in it. Busy boy!

2. He is recovering well from his little bout with Pneumonia. It was such a relief to get him on medicine but I hated having to take him in every day for antibiotic shots. Luke seemed to really love the nebulizer and breathing treatments. He'd grab onto the face mask and drift off to sleep every time we did a treatment. We are praying that this small case does not lead to a susceptibility to respiratory problems in the future. I am so thankful that we had a proactive medical community that could treat him.

3. Luke has started signing "more," and "all done," and seems to understand and respond to clean up time. He will put things in a box if you ask him to, though I am not sure if that is because he understands or if it is just a fun game. I love this age. They are learning SO much, it is incredible!

Ian and I recently celebrated our ten year anniversary from when we started dating! I can't believe that we have been together that long. This man has been such a rock for me on this great adventure called life. I'm so thankful that we get to journey together.

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Three Things Lately

2016 New Year's Interview

I've recently been really convicted about my role as memory maker and keeper for my family. So many things can be captured and shared with some effort and I want my kids to be able to look back on all of these special (and not so special,) moments.

Some of my favorite things to do as a kid were to hear stories about me when I was younger and to flip through photo albums. Now I have thousands of pictures on a hard drive but not many of them actually printed.

It may take some time and effort to get caught up on the sharing but I am doing my best!

We finally sat down and filmed the girls' new year's interview.

And by "we," I mean me.

And by "interview," I mean a quick questionnaire that only got filmed because:

1.) the girls' hair was actually brushed.
2.) Luke actually let me put him down...for about 30 seconds and then he falls and gets hurt.
3.) I finally remembered to.

Eventually I will actually write out and save a list of questions that I want to ask them every year, but for now I'm tailoring them to their current situation.

And, for a look back at past years' interviews, here is 2015 and 2014! It's crazy to see how much they have grown, changed, and developed over three years!

Grace, part one:


Grace's New Year Interview 2016 Part One from IGalloway on Vimeo.

And part two (because I forgot to ask her a question and she called me out on it!):


Grace's New Year Interview 2016 Part Two from IGalloway on Vimeo.

Sophia:


Sophia's New Years Interview 2016 from IGalloway on Vimeo.

And, not to be left out, a riveting one on one with Luke:


Luke's New Year's Interview 2016 from IGalloway on Vimeo.

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2016 New Year's Interview

Welcome, 2016!

Another year closes and I am sitting here reflecting on the past year and the months to come. We rang in the new year in Muscat, Oman, hanging out with good friends and laughing at New Year's past. 

The year has finished so quickly and I feel like I'm scrambling to "finish well," all the while looking forward, setting goals, and asking the Lord what He has in store for us. 

Each year we try to enter into the year with a blank check for our lives for God. Where do You want us? What do You want us to be doing? What do You want us to do with the resources You have provided? 

And every year the answers are clear and, though not entirely conventional for the Western world, predictable enough for us that we can follow willingly and plan out for years to come. 

This year, things are not as clear and straightforward but we rest in the fact that continually looking to the Lord align out will to His will result in good things. 

Last year was the first time in a long time that I didn't set any goals for the year. I think my mindset was just surviving Luke's arrival and adjusting to three little ones while in a foreign country. 

This year I feel like I'm ready to set some personal goals: 

Blogging- I miss it! It's such an easy creative outlet (and free!) I'm obviously not a professional writer and this isn't going to take me anywhere but I love documenting our adventures, both the mundane and the exotic. I'm going to make a big commitment to blogging. The first half of the year I want to blog 2-3 times a week and the second half of the year 3-4 times a week. 

Reading- as the girls get older I am more and more aware of the influences of screens. Their generation is going to have to walk a tight rope between embracing technology and not becoming a slave to it. 

Grace has started reading and I want to keep the momentum and joy of reading alive so I think modeling that will be helpful. I'd love to read 20 books this year (or more!)

Health- I'm back down to my pre baby weight but things have definitely... Changed. My goal is to stick to a loose Trim Healthy Mama eating plan (loose because a lot of the "special ingredients" are hard to find over here.) And to continue with running when possible. I'd like to be able to fun a 5k by July and a longer stretch by December. Speed is not an issue, just endurance!

I'd also love to finish 4-5 photo books this year. I've fallen behind and it's going to take some work to get caught up! 

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Welcome, 2016!