It's kind of ridiculous that it tooke me five separate posts to share all of our 4th of July pictures.
But (as much as I dislike the saying) it is what it is...
We all slept in since we had been up so late the night before.
And then we ate breakfast.
And then the kids goofed off while Josh and I packed up.
And then we rode our bikes down to the store.
And Annie pitched the biggest fit she'd pitched in years (because her dad wouldn't let her spend her money on junkfood.)
And then we took the boat out for one last spin around the lake before heading home.
And that's (finally) it.
This 4th was kind of an important one for me.
It actually marked the one-year anniversary of what has been to date, the hardest time Josh Downs and I have ever gone through in our marriage.
In fact, it was during our last 4th of July trip that I actually threw out the 'D' word. (The first and hopefully the last time.)
It was just weeks before he was scheduled to deploy and for months it felt like every time we started to recoup from one hard thing that had been thrown our way, we were hit with another.
It was all stuff that is unique to blended-families and in general, Josh and I handle that stuff pretty well because we recognize and accept that it's all a part of the natural consequences related to divorce.
But this stuff was harder than normal and combined with the stress of him leaving, it felt insurmountable.
And looking back, I realize how ridiculous it was to even bring up the 'D' word, but at the time, it felt like it was the only way out of all the hard stuff that was going on.
And my poor sister (who may never go on a family vacation with us again) was there for all of it.
Thankfully, when the kids overhead me talking to my mom just a couple of weeks ago about how hard that 4th of July trip was, they all said, "We didn't know you and dad were fighting - that was like the funnest 4th of July ever."
And in a way, I guess that means we did our job as parents well.
But this 4th of July?...This one was a beautiful one (and completely D-word free.)
The pictures are beautiful Karen, and so is the love you all have for each other. I can't even imagine how hard it was to deal with regular blended family stuff as well as Josh getting ready to go at the same time. I know you told me some of what you were going through at the time. And it's hard. But you're good people, and I believe that Faith, hope and love gets you through though. And yeah, if the kids had no idea, you did a great job as parents.
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | July 27, 2012 at 01:23 PM
Oh Karen, I just like you so much.
Posted by: Cristy | July 27, 2012 at 01:49 PM
Great pics as usual. I love how real you are. And regular.
Posted by: Colleen | July 27, 2012 at 01:55 PM
"like"
Posted by: Stephanie | July 27, 2012 at 04:36 PM
I love your pix and I love how REAL you are. That's why I visit your blog so often --not only for photo inspiration but to know that me and my family are not the only ones who go thru things etc. YOU guys are rock stars and I am so happy your marriage is in a better place!!
Posted by: colette | July 27, 2012 at 05:14 PM
I have to agree with the comments above. I've been reading your blog for years now and am not one to comment generally but as someone who also goes through daily "blended family" issues, I love how real you and honest you are. So glad that this 4th was so much better for your family! :)
Posted by: Karen | July 27, 2012 at 07:03 PM
And I have loved each of your July 4th posts... &, I just love your family!
Posted by: janel | July 27, 2012 at 08:38 PM
Love, love, love your photos! Although I don't have a blended family, the 'D' was not only mentioned but played out in my life and just for the record.... it doesn't solve the problems. I am overjoyed to hear that you both didn't act on it.
Posted by: Comfypjs | July 27, 2012 at 09:24 PM
Great post Karen. And it doesn't matter if the blended family has little kids or grown up kids. We just took our first "Brady Bunch" vacation. Our "kids" range in age from 23 to 33. Our so-called glue for all of us is the almost 5 year old. She is adored by each and every one of us. And even with grown-up kids there's still a bit of walking-on-eggshell moments. Also, I LOVE the pouty moment you captured. What a great shot!
Posted by: Donna N. | July 28, 2012 at 08:55 AM
Love how Josh Downs just smiles through Annie's hissy. Love your family! There's hope for all of us from the looks of it!
Posted by: Deb | July 28, 2012 at 10:29 AM
I love that you took pictures of Annie while she was having a fit lol. I bet she wasn't too happy about that, either. But she looks happy on the boat :)
I am glad things are going better for you and that you got through a tough year.
Posted by: Robyn :) | July 28, 2012 at 05:32 PM
Karen your bike pictures and lighting is just beautiful. Well I can relate to the tantrum as well but not Sienna who is Annie's age, it was James my 8 year old. OMG the entire weekend was the same and normally I can handle it but I just lost it doing the whole yelling thing. Not good but seriously I had had enough..... Thankfully he is off to school tomorrow and yes he is an 8 year old and I can normally handle his 8 year old behavior however I can't handle an 8 year old carrying on like a 2 year old all weekend. I've taken those pouty photos of my two as well over time.... Hey it's life and just keeping it real. Sorry to hear your relationship was under such stress last year and from the blogs I read with military partners every body is on edge with deployment and longing for them to come home and then the whole fitting back in when they arrive home. All I can say is that fairy tale by chance meeting on the aero plane has gotta count for good things in the end. Great pic. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane
Posted by: Kathy | July 29, 2012 at 05:06 AM
You both must feel proud of getting through that really tough period and a little exhausted at the same time. Regardless of the stress of the blended family issues, the worry of Josh's impending departure must have been hard enough to deal with on its own. I can assure you, i wasn't worried ('oh great'' you sarcastically say, 'that's so helpful!!') your messages to josh while he was away was a testament to the love you obviously have for one another - and i don't mean the romantic love I mean the inside soul love. Thank you for sharing, Karen, and complimenting it with these lovely LOVELY captures.
Posted by: renee | July 29, 2012 at 09:02 AM
I don't have to deal with the blended family stuff and still in the past 10 years of marriage..I may have mentioned the "d" word more times than I care to admit...but we are a great team and he's the love of my life but life is messy and complicated and sometimes you both need to fall apart so you can fall back together again..you guys seem great together. I love the pic of Josh walking behind Annie while she still is in meltdown mode and he's smiling...So much like my hubby!
Posted by: Shannon L | July 29, 2012 at 02:14 PM
Love your photos :)
Posted by: Chicago Mobile Massage | July 29, 2012 at 04:35 PM
it's years like your last one (and consequently mine too - also much to do because of unique blended family situations) that will enable you to enjoy the sweetness of future years together. to look back at the occasional sh*tty times and say "we're strong for it, more in love because of it and hungry for all the tomorrows...even including it" :) best to you and your brood! take care!
p.s. sooooooo proud of your SECOND tri lady! way to kick butt and step outside your box ;)
Posted by: lauren | July 29, 2012 at 07:36 PM
Whew!
Posted by: Domenico | July 29, 2012 at 10:52 PM
Tout sa mwen ka di se ke li te fe istwa pa chans reyinyon sou plan an Aero dwe konte pou bon bagay nan fen an. Gwo pic. Konsidere Kathy A, Brisbaneyou ka tonbe tounen ansanm ankò .. ou nèg sanble gwo ansanm. Mwen renmen pic nan Josh mache dèyè Annie pandan li toujou se nan mòd fizyon ak li te souri ... Se konsa, anpil tankou bonom mwen!
Posted by: maillot basket | July 30, 2012 at 01:42 AM
We don't have the blended family issues, but the deployment issues (before, during, and after) can be brutal. Kudos to you both for working through, and for sharing the reality here as well. Your candor will help others struggle through. Looks like you had a fabulous 4th!
Posted by: Chris | July 30, 2012 at 08:28 AM
You are a truth teller and you are awesome! So glad God brought you through it!
I want to caption Annie's picture with her hand by her shirt....it's like she's saying Not aFUNDAY! Your photos are beautiful!
Posted by: Kristine | July 30, 2012 at 08:40 AM
Your honesty is the most profound thing I see every time I come to your blog. Thank you so very much for that. It helps in so many ways to know that no ones life is perfect. As a single mom I have to fight off many "their life is better than mine" thoughts. I feel blessed to come here and see that you've had similar challenges and have found a way to get thru them and find the beauty. Thank you for sharing your heart and keep doing what you are doing!
Posted by: Melinda~ | July 30, 2012 at 01:46 PM
Sometimes it is hard, but I think going through with the 'd word' would be even harder.
Posted by: Kelli | July 31, 2012 at 11:43 AM
{{hugs}}, love and prayers to you.
Posted by: Valerie | July 31, 2012 at 04:54 PM
Hey Karen, I've learnt that visualising can lead to huge disappointment. I've learnt that life isn't like it is in the movies. I've learnt to take each day as it comes, to live in the moment and not wish the days away. They go so fast anyway, why wish them away even faster (that's something I have to constantly tell myself). I've learnt to not sweat the small stuff - something my husband hasn't learnt because we are in two different places - I'm a Christian and he's not (yet :D). Bless you Karen, thanks for sharing.
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