My family was not a nickname family.  I was just Tiana growing up.  I became T-Bird to some of our dear friends in Italy.  I will always love that name b/c of the people who call me it.  Brian & I have little terms of endearment, but I wouldn't call them nicknames.  You know the typical babe, sugar, etc.  

Anyone who knows me knows I have a plan for just about anything.  God & the Army like to laugh at my plans. I struggle on a daily basis to control my frustration when plans don't go my way.  So, our current plan to live happily as a family of 4 for a few years has been crushed.  Brian will be leaving us again, and we will once again be separated by 1000's of miles.  Future plans of cruises, home buying, moves, and just being together have been put on hold.  

Oh my goodness this is hard!  When I was younger I wanted to be Miss America so badly.  Now, I don't have any desire to be apart of that beauty pageant life.  It seems like that those women are followed by scandal these days.  It feels weird imaging my life different from what it is now.  For just one day, I'd like to be the President of the United States.  As Americans we are quick to judge & complain about our government, but we are so blessed to live in this amazing country.  I think it would be awesome to experience the life of the most powerful person in our country. The experience would be more about the emotions, stress, frustrations, etc. vs making laws.  I'd like to fully comprehend the frustrations & satisfaction our president feels.

Sorry that I've gotten behind on the blogs this week.  Life has been crazy the past few days and computer time has been non-existent.  Now, to get back on track.....

Two of the best days of my life.

1.) I Love You-Sarah McLachlan
2.) American Saturday Night-Brad Paisley
3.) Backwards-Rascal Flatts from the Hannah Montana Soundtrack...Yes, I have lots of kids music
4.) It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year-Harry Connick Jr.
5.) What's Left of Me- Nick Lachey...No, I'm not embarrassed by this.  I used to love me some Nick & Jessica
6.)Angel in the Night-Basshunter
7.) Hey Ya- Outkast
8.) The Upsetter- Jack Johnson
9.) Never Grow Up- Taylor Swift
10.) Love Like Crazy- Lee Brice

I'd say I have a wide variety of music to fit all moods & events in my life.

I have chosen not to do this day since no one has hurt me recently.  Also, I don't really think its beneficial to anyone to air their dirty laundry on the internet.  I will say that life has trials to create mature people, James 1:2-4.  It is our job to seek God and learn from life's challenges.

I jumped on the blogging bandwagon after reading several friends blogs.  We had just moved overseas, and I thought it would be a great way to keep in touch. My blogging history has been hit or miss over the years, but I'm hoping to get back on a regular schedule after this 30 day challenge.

These are from our last few days in Italy.  They are silly pics just for some fun = )

I think I mentioned in my Day 1 blog that music speaks to my heart like nothing else.  For me, songs are memories, and memories have songs.

This could be a really long blog, but here are just a few of my favorite songs.

-Right now, my hyped/exercise song is courtesy of my friend, Andrea...B.O.B's Magic.

-I have a song for Kennedy & Jameson; its Matthew West's "Safe & Sound" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEGDLJinzDE)

-When Brian & I first started dating the song "Good Morning Beautiful" by Steve Holy came out.   We where traveling back & forth from Austin to Louisiana, and we'd sing & sing this song.  I love the memories that come back with a song.  Brian & I still sing this = )

-I don't have a mad song.

-My sad song is Casting Crowns "Praise You In This Storm." When Brian was deployed the first time I heard this song, learned the lyrics, and sang it often.  As a military spouse you try to be strong & independent, but there are times when everything seems to fall apart.  Even when life seems too difficult I know God is there.

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down 
and wiped our tears away, 
stepped in and saved the day. 
But once again, I say amen 
and it's still raining 
as the thunder rolls 
I barely hear You whisper through the rain, 
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls 
I raise my hands and praise 
the God who gives and takes away. 

Chorus: 
And I'll praise you in this storm 
and I will lift my hands 
for You are who You are 
no matter where I am 
and every tear I've cried 
You hold in your hand 
You never left my side 
and though my heart is torn 
I will praise You in this storm 

I remember when I stumbled in the wind 
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again 
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on 
if I can't find You 
and as the thunder rolls 
I barely hear You whisper through the rain 
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls 
I raise my hands and praise 
the God who gives and takes away 

Chorus 

I lift my eyes onto the hills 
where does my help come from? 
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth 
I lift my eyes onto the hills 
where does my help come from? 
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth 

Chorus 

The Army has put a kink in our plans like only the Army can.  Brian & I were initially very hurt by the news. I am so proud of Brian for keeping a positive outlook despite our impending separation. He started his new job like a champ today, and seems excited to proceed on this new journey.  Obviously, not excited to leave us, but if he has to go he's going with a good attitude. I've wanted to be angry, and I've been anxious.  Brian has kept me calm & eased my anxiety like only he can.  From the beginning of our relationship, Brian has been able to get me out of my anxiety funk. So, to my one & only, I'm proud of you!

dddddrrrrruuuuuummmmmmm rrrrrrrrooooooollllllllllllllll..........

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hmmmmmmmmm....Superhero?  If we're talking a fictional character then that's not really my style.

To me, a superhero is someone who recues those in need & protects the innocent.

I do have a real life superhero. The Superhero in my life would be Brian.  For some reason, he loves me.  I know he'll say that he's the lucky one, but I am so blessed to have him in my life. We have come so far from a young couple in the late 90's to the husband & wife we are now.  There have been many trials, and many joys. Mostly, he's just amazing because he's there for me, loves our kids, provides for us, & is a Godly man.

If I had to pick a fictional superhero it would be Batman from the old 1960's TV show.  Its not because I like his hero style or anything, but I remember watching those shows as a kid.  No, I'm not old enough to have watched the originals, but my Mom introduced my sister & me to them.  I loved all the BAM, POW, CLANK, etc. sayings on the screen.  I think they are occasionally on Nick at Night to the day; I may need to find out and do some DVRing.

We were blessed with the opportunity to live in Italy for 4 years.  While we were there we got to travel to several countries and lots of famous cities.  Most of our trips were taken with friends, and that made them so much more memorable.

The Crowder's joined us on our trip to Paris. We quickly found out that Paris in February is COLD!!!!! We had a blast seeing all the sights, and acting like true tourists.  Our craziness extended to our Eiffel Tower visit.  We had seen it during the day, but had heard that we had to see it at night too.  We ventured to the tower around 9PM, but by the time we waited in line & enjoyed the view it was almost midnight before we came down.  The view was worth the late night out in the cold. Yes, I was 'that' parent with her 3 year old out in the freezing cold at midnight. There are so many good memories associated with the pictures above.  So, please go to Paris to enjoy the majestic Eiffel Tower at night.

I really wish I could relax more.  Everyone who really knows me knows that I have a schedule or plan for everything.  When things don't go as planned it really frustrates me.  I am making progress in this area, but still have a long way to go.  I used to get so anxious that I'd get an upset stomach.  

Brian is not only my husband, but my best friend.  Throughout this past year, we've been everything for each other as we adapted to our new life in N. Carolina.

Well, our blog name is pretty boring & self-explanatory, The Darling Family, because I'm not very creative. I don't think it takes any explaining.  The verse underneath our name has changed several times based on what was going on in my life.  This verse " Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! -Rev. 19:7" hasn't been updated since Brian's last deployment because I'm a slacker.  At the time, I needed a constant reminder that God deserved glory & honor despite the craziness of life.