Always listen to your Mother

Okay, so we've all heard our mom say, "Horseplay causes accidents!" While I have always been one to listen to my mother, Shawn has evidently never listened.

It all started with an innocent game of pillow fighting...

and it ended with...

1. Glasses flying off of my face

2. The lens flying in the opposite direction

3. A minor cut on my face

4. TEARS (he knew he was in trouble then)

My poor glasses

To add insult to injury, here is Shawn posing with the broken glasses!

Why must men take innocent fun too far...in everything?!

Pictures as Promised...a bit late

Our ferry ride over to Jamestown/Williamsburg, VA

Shawn posing for GQ magazine

Historic ships in Jamestown

Entrance to Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Ireland)

Shawn drinkin' from the very expensive souvenir cup

Shawn and I making "wine" in San Marco, Italy (as people walked by and laughed)

Our carousel experience (Shawn and his circle issues)

The log flume...it was soooo hot that day!

Land of the Dragons...our hatched birth...

Howdy partner!

Save a horse, ride a cowboy...in Colonial Williamsburg...oh my!

Our train ride through the park

Virginia Beach, VA

Baseball game fun...and humidity (note the frizz)

The Norfolk Tides baseball game...and Shawn's winning catch!

A Hill family visit

Before I begin with this lengthy post, I just wanted to say thank you to those who left very encouraging, heart-felt comments about my brother's service overseas. He is truly making the brightest situation out of a difficult one, and he sends weekly journals about his experiences in Afghanistan. He is surrounded by many prayers and angels, and I have no doubt that God will protect him during his time there. Thanks again for supporting ALL of our troops!

So it's obviously been a long time, too long in fact, since I've contributed to our blog, so my apologies to those who were anxiously awaiting our return...totally kidding of course. But, of course, I have a great excuse...

SUMMER VACATION!

I'm telling you that the biggest perk of being a teacher is the endless number of vacations you get, so it's been truly awesome for Shawn and I to have a lot of "down time" together since we both teach, especially those 2 months in the summer. Don't let the perks fool you though...teaching is by far one of the hardest jobs in the world (and I'm not saying that because I am one, it's just true!). Anyways, back on topic...

Shawn and I finally had the chance to visit my parents in Smithfield, VA the last week and a half and it was fantastic! I just wanted to share some of the "highlights" and comedic happenings during the trip, so I hope you're not too bored.

(Pictures to follow)

To begin, we made it to and from Virginia with zero...I repeat, zero speeding tickets! It may seem like nothing to many of you, but for us (well, I should really say Shawn), it's a tremendous accomplishment. While I myself have never gotten a speeding ticket, Shawn is quite the expert in the area :^) (I love you babe!). We had quite a full schedule during this seemingly short amount of time, so we knew we had to get crackalackin' once we got there. We arrived to our parents' house prepared for a huge welcome - big hugs, nice kisses, a huge banner...no I'm kidding - but we were definitely excited to see our mom and dad. However, they were nowhere to be found. I was pretty disappointed because they knew what time we were going to arrive, yet they felt that shopping was a bit more important that day lol. Of course, I felt bad when I found out they were shopping for new life jackets for us since they planned on taking us out on their new boat that evening (oops...why does that always happen?!)

My parents live in a very beautiful house overlooking the Pagan River, so my dad was beaming to take us out on the river and show us what he's learned as a new "boatmaster." We had such a great time - taking in the sun, breeze, and fresh smells, fishing, chatting, laughing - it was such a nice treat. The next time boating was a bit more exciting as Shawn and I were pulled behind the boat on a pretty large tube. Shawn, again, was pretty experienced with this sport. I, however, was not so much! We had a lot of fun (although we probably gave my father an elevated heart beat and blood pressure) and we can't wait to see my parents take the plunge next time we visit (subtle hint mom & dad!).

Hmmm...next adventure...oh yes! So because my mom was still working and my father left later in the week for a Habitat for Humanity trip in New Orleans, Shawn and I decided to buy a 7-day pass to two pretty spectacular amusement parks - Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA. Being that I was raised in the area, I was very familiar with the parks and I wanted so bad for Shawn to experience the thrill and fun that I had experienced so much as a little girl. My dad and I have always been "the riders" of the family - twists, turns, loops, backwards, sideways, forwards - nothing can turn our stomachs. Shawn, as I found out later, not so much lol. He'll hate me for saying this and airing his business, but I have never seen so much projectile...well you know...in my entire life! I know I should've been and should be much more concerned than I sound right now, but it was so funny to see this tough guy who was talking so much smack about how "little" these roller coasters appeared, throwing up his lungs in the parking lot at the end of the day. Poor guy. Needless to say, we spent most of our time at Water Country :^) I think we ended up going back to each park 3 times that week, and it was such a fun adventure for both of us. Our favorites, in case anyone decides to go in the future, are the Griffon at Busch Gardens and Nitro Racer at Water Country. The Griffon (see video below) seats 10 people per row and makes a 90 degree drop of 205 feet at 75 mph. It is insane, but surprisingly Shawn's favorite ride! Nitro Racer is a 6-lane water ride that allows you to race your opponent(s) on a mat lying on your stomach. Needless to say, Shawn won every time...grrr! We're way to competitive.

The last day in Virginia, Shawn and I decided to check out our second baseball game of the visit in Norfolk, VA. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that the game was "flashback night," so all hot dogs, drinks, and popcorn were 25 cents! I'm serious for those who are still trying to figure this out...25 cents! Because we are a couple with two enormous appetites, we decided to take advantage of this steal of a deal...let's just say we dined sufficiently. The Norfolk Tides played a great game and the atmosphere was highly entertaining. For those of you who don't know, either Shawn or I catch a baseball at nearly every Braves game we have attended, so of course Shawn was on the look out for a foul ball. We have this ridiculous collection of baseballs (one ball with Franceour, McCann, and a few others' autographs) in a kitchen drawer. If anyone has any ideas of what to do with these, please let me know and I'll see if I can convince Shawn to let them go lol. Anyways, Shawn caught a ball during the 7th inning of the game, so that made it all worth it to him I guess. The Tides ended up losing that night, but it was so much fun to experience a baseball game that didn't involve Braves game prices!

We had such a fun time with Mom and Dad Hill, and we certainly look forward to another visit soon. There is obviously so much more that we did together as a family during our visit, but that would take too long to write about and I'm just too lazy. We're still trying to get them to come and visit us here in Atlanta this summer, but according to my husband we have to pop out a kid before they visit as often as we want it to. He's probably right! Dad, thanks so much for the endless amount of food, boating, and CNN/WHRO/political television (hooray Obama for making history!!). Mom, thanks for the great movie, Farmer's Market, shopping (as always). We loved your company, and we look forward to seeing you soon! Love you guys!

Check out the pictures in the next post!!

Memorial Day

My father, Aaron Sr., and both brothers, Aaron Jr. and Ahmond, all proudly served in the US Army.

Aaron Jr. is still serving active duty.

For most of us, Memorial Day is a time for cook-outs, sales, beach trips, baseball games, or a day off from work (which obviously aren't bad things).

But, for many others, it's a day to remember and mourn those family members or close friends who died in an attempt to make our lives and the lives of others in the world better.

I am aware that everyone who reads this blog is going to have their own opinions and views (personal or political) regarding the wars in which we are currently fighting and the state of our own nation. Regardless of the differences we may have, I would like to share a few things:

I am so appreciative of what the military men and women, past and present, have done and are doing for the nations of this world. Despite what many people believe, not everyone who signs up for the military do so because they want to fight in a war, so it takes an enormous amount of strength, selflessness, and bravery to leave family, friends, children, etc. behind and risk their lives for a cause they may or may not believe in. Could we do that?

I am deeply saddened for those families who have not seen their precious husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers for years, all of whom wonder everyday when they will get to come home. Will they ever be the same when they return?

It breaks my heart to hear stories of such young, vibrant, giving, intelligent, and successful soldiers (PEOPLE, FAMILY, FRIENDS) whose lives have been cut short. Do you ever wonder how could we have benefited from these amazing people in years to come if they had survived?

Aaron and his two daughters, Alyssa and Amaya.

Trey is his oldest son (he didn't quite make the picture)

My brother, Major Aaron Thomas Hill, Jr., will be leaving for Afghanistan this Friday. He is an amazing U.S. Army officer who is proud and willing to serve his country to the best of his ability. My family and I cannot express in words how proud we are of him and all of his successes: West Point grad, West Point professor, funny father of 3 awesome children, loving husband, hilarious brother and son...the list goes on. While I don't want him to leave, I have accepted the fact that it is his time to go, and I will support HIM, his fellow SOLDIERS and their EFFORTS for as long as these wars last. While I am unable to support the total cause of our presence in particular places, I will always support our troops and their duties.

Please keep my brother (all soldiers) and my family (all effected families) in your thoughts and prayers. We would so greatly appreciate it!

Aaron, I love you so much and I will miss you for the time that you're gone. Please be careful, and know that you're in my prayers!

Aaron is singing in his famous "Blessed Union of Souls" voice as we dance at my wedding (hence my lovely face).

He never fails to make me laugh!

la vita è bella

Shawn and I received word last week that his grandfather, a.k.a. Gramps, was not doing well, so we decided to make the trip to Rock Hill, South Carolina to lift his spirits!

Gramps is Shawn's only living grandparent, and I can't say that I know what that feels like. I am very blessed to have both of my Grandmothers and one of my Grandfathers alive and well. While I don't get to see them often (they all live in PA), it makes me happy and appreciative that they are still here with me and for me.

I have only been around Gramps a few times since knowing Shawn: I met him briefly when we were still dating, he graced us with his presence at our wedding, and we celebrated his 90th birthday last year! Every time I've been with Gramps, I've never had the opportunity to get to know who my new grandfather was because we were surrounded by so many other family members. Shawn has always spoken so highly and sincerely about his Grandfather and Grandmother (who passed away several years ago), so we were really looking forward to spending some "alone" time with him.

Gramps, Shawn & Alisha Stratton

I was so amazed by how alert, knowledgable, and sharp he was! Gramps was very tuned in to current events, he was an active listener, and he responded in a manner in which you knew he was listening. I don't know about you, but it feels good to know that someone has a genuine interest in what you have to say. Far too often do we get that blank stare & nod from people who "hear" you, but don't really "listen" to you. (And yes, there is a huge difference!) Gramps really enjoyed hearing about what Shawn and I were up to, and we also enjoyed hearing about his past successes: serving in 3 different military branches, meeting our Grandmother, travels, life mottos - "I don't like to live in the past. I only want to live in today's life. When today is over, tomorrow will come, and then I try to make it through tomorrow."

After talking and laughing and learning, we played a couple of card games: Skip Bo, one of Gramps' favorites, and Golf, a Stratton family favorite. Gramps won in Skip Bo, and Shawn won in Golf (by pure luck might I add!). After we played cards, we headed downstairs to eat brunch in the dining room.

Shawn & Gramps celebrating their victories.

Me & Gramps posing after my devastating loss.

While we had a great time eating together, there was still a very gloomy feeling in the room. It broke our hearts seeing some of the elderly who had no one to dine with, or who forced themselves to dine with someone because their "special someone" was no longer with them. I realized that life is so beautiful for Shawn and me because we have each other to share it with. But for those who have no one, does life have its beauty anymore?

It was so hard to say goodbye to Gramps because we wondered about how lonely his life must be now without Gram in it. Of course he has children and grandchildren who visit him as often as possible, but we're sure his heart and his life is still with Gram.

Shawn and I began this trip hoping to benefit Gramps and his health, but we left our visit feeling that Gramps had actually benefited us. This trip also made me realize how important our families are. They are one of the reasons that we live, and we take them for granted so much.

We love you Gramps, Nana Hill, Nana Fourhman, Pap & Dee!!

Gramps' window garden...a reminder that la vita è bella

Baseball, baseball, and more baseball!

Spring for some people means beautiful weather, colorful flowers, green grass (unless you're in a drought), picnics at the park, pollen-filled faces...

unless you're married to Shawn Stratton!

Spring takes on a whole new meaning for me and my husband - a meaning that I have grown to love (well, sort of)...

BASEBALL!

Shawn is an incredible baseball player. I know it's typical to "boast" a little about your family, but I'm telling you, he is amazing. Why he isn't playing Major League Baseball is beyond me. We are determined to get him back into shape so that he can tryout in the future because I really want him to go after his dreams (which is something we should all do). Anyways...

Shawn co-coached the Miller Grove Varsity baseball team this year, which was a very tedious, time-consuming season. He took on a team with a losing record from the previous season (they may have won 6 or less games out of many) and helped tranform them into a strong, victorious team. Shawn and the Wolverines ended their season with 17 wins and almost made it to the playoffs. Unfortunately, they are in a very competitive district and they were a couple of wins short of tasting their first playoff game. Shawn is an incredible coach, and the players and coaches learned a lot from his experience as he did from theirs. Hopefully they will continue on this "victory" path after Shawn leaves them. Several of his players received some pretty impressive awards at the Dekalb County Baseball banquet, and Shawn has certainly grown a lot through his experiences with these young men.

Just because Shawn's high school season is over doesn't mean that baseball is over for us. We...or I should say Shawn (I'm just in the room)...have "ESPN Sportscenter" or "Baseball Tonight" continuously playing on our tv. How many times can you watch the same highlights until they get old?! Not only do I get to share in the joy of viewing baseball everyday on la tele, but Shawn also plays baseball on an Atlanta Hispanic league, so I am basically his cheerleader "to-go." But wait...there's more! Shawn and I both joined a co-ed softball league this summer (if you can't beat 'em, join 'em I guess) and we are playing in our first game this Wednesday night! I will let you know how the game went, if I am still able to think and type afterwards. Wish me luck!

While I have to admit that I'm a little baseball-ed out, it's so much fun to learn about and get involved in my husband's interests. We both have a great time and grow as a couple in tremendous ways because of the time we spend together. Now if only I can get him into shopping :^)

Despite my complaints every now and then, I must admit that baseball certainly has its perks...

...the Atlanta Braves!

Let's hope for a better season this year.

Look for us on TV because we will definitely be at many this summer!

Happy Mommy's Day!

A day late, I know, but Happy Mother's Day to all of our friends and family who are blessed enough to be Mothers (or soon-to-be Mothers).

My mom, who I absolutely adore and model myself after, is so thoughtful and sweet...as she made a very subtle hint(s) by sending me TWO Mother's Day cards. Did she receive some new information before me?! I was a bit surprised to know that I was expecting :^) Shawn and I are so excited to start a family, especially after seeing how much joy parenthood brings to our friends and family, but we know it will happen according to God's plan. My mom, however, has been chatting with God via e-mail I guess, trying to convince Him to make a little Stratton appear sooner than later. You laugh, but I'm telling you that she probably knows my cycle calendar better than I do - haha - and now I realize I am probably telling everyone much more than they want to know...or imagine. Sorry! Mommy, I love you so much!! Thanks for the very beautiful and thoughtful cards!!

Shawn and I traveled to Greenwood, SC this past weekend to visit Mom and Dad Stratton. My mother-in-law not only celebrated Mother's Day yesterday, but also her 59th birthday! We had a really nice time together...shopping, dining, card playing, and baseball watching.

We unfortunately returned home to some missing plants and broken St. Maarten windchimes (after hitting random Atlanta traffic) because of the horrible storms and wind, but we were truly blessed compared to many others across the coast.

I hope everyone had a memorable weekend celebrating Motherhood

Mom, we'll be in touch about babies - LOL!