Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Last Update

This is my journal/blog that I transferred over from AOL. I have 4 years worth of posts here, so come in, get comfy and stay a while. I will not be updating this particular blog though. My new blog is:
http://my3gifts.blogspot.com

Come by and visit!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

It's going....

Well as most if not all know by now, jland is ending. I already blog over at blogger so I will not be making too many more posts here (more work to transfer!!) so I hope you'll follow me over at there and if you are going to continue to blog as well, please let me know your new url so I can still read you as well!

Here's my blogger address: My 3 Gifts among other things  (http://my3gifts.blogspot.com/)

 

So come on over. If you need any help in making your new blog your own at blogger let me know. I don't know how to do everything, but I can do quite a bit!! :) See you there!

Monday, September 29, 2008

A Nation In Crisis

I got this from my friend Linda blogged about this and well I've been feeling led to pray for our nation and leaders the way it was and thought this was truly just a WONDERFUL idea. I really hope you'll all join me. Below is 100% copy and pasted from Linda's blog, so if it sounds like a "personal" statement...it's Linda's words! So...join us. No matter how you feel about our nations leaders, we are instructed to pray for them. As Christians we can do so much. God knows what our nation needs, but he does want to here from us.
A Nation in Crisis...

and what we can do about it. It's called Intercessory Prayer.

I've committed, with my church, to "30 Days of Prayer for America". While reading De'Etta's blog Choosing Joy, she talked about how she was feeling led to pray for our country. So I am taking the plunge and sharing 30 Days of Prayer for America" with you. For the next 30 days, we are called to pray for our nation...state by state, leader by leader. Here's what the flier says:

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We're going on an unforgettable journey...


30 Days of Prayer For America

For 30 memorable days, we're going to pray across America. Through the instant access of intercession we will visit every state, every territory, and our nations capital, Washington, DC. Our guide on this unforgettable journey is the Prayer Map of America, a unique resource with an easy-to-follow, day-by-day itinerary.

2008 is a crucial year for America - a year of challenges and, of course, a year of decisions. Of all the things we can do for our country at this historic time, nothing is more important than prayer. If we truly want God to bless America - to stand beside her and guide her - wemust pray.

The strategy is simple: Each day for the specifed 30 Days of Prayer for America we will take just a few minutes to pray for that day's requests. There are only two requests per day, so it won't take much time, but it will make a huge impact. The unified effect of believers praying can awaken our nation, renew our church and spiritually transform our lives. This is going to be a great journey. Don't miss it!

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Now - since there's no way I can truly provide you a copy of the map, I will post each day's request here. If you have a map at home, you can find the states you are praying for, and visually connect with them. But even if you don't have a map handy, you can take a few minutes to pray the requests of each day.

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Whenever you come to a request for a specific state or territory in the daily list, remember these priorities:

  • Pray for the leaders of the state, that God's Spirit would guide them to act justly, serve with integrity and uphold high moral standards.
  • Pray for the churches of the state, that they would be lighthouses of truth, havens of hope, and centers of love for all people.
  • Pray for the Christians of the state, that they would be faithful witnesses for Christ, humble servants of God, and positive influences on society
Over the course of the 30-day prayer plan, six national-level requests are each repeated 3 times. These address the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of our government. Additionally, there are prayers for our Armed Forces, for America's spiritual renewal, and for candidates for public office. As you remember these requests over the 30 days of prayer, keep in mind the following important details:

Praying for our President and Vice President. They bear responsibilities of enormous importance. Pray that their hearts would be guided by God, that their decisions would be wise, and that their leadership would be principled.

Praying for our Congressional Leaders. The hundreds of men and women who serve in the U.S. Congress - our Representatives and Senators - oversee the nation's legislative business. Pray that they will govern with God-honoring discernment and preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

Praying for our Justice System. Ours is a nation pledged to justice for all; and though our systems has its imperfections, it is markedly better than most of the world. Millions in our society serve as police officers, prosecutors, defenders and judges. And, in the highest roles, nine individuals serve as Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. Pray that all of these public servants will be vigilant, discerning and wise.

Praying for our Armed Forces. We are blessed with liberty because brave members of our Armed Forces have fought to keep us free. Today, a new generation of soldiers, sailors, marines airmen and guardsmen are serving gallantly, and we are the beneficiaries. Pray with appreciation for their service, and ask God to bless them with strength.

Praying for Spiritual Renewal. America has many needs, but none more important than a spiritual awakening and a spiritual renewal. Pray for the Gospel to be communicated across the full spectrum of our society. Pray for biblical principles, long dormant, to bear new fruit. Pray that Americans of all ages, races and backgrounds would be drawn to God and receive His life and salvation.

Praying for Candidates for Public Office. In our system of government, we the people select our leaders. This is a great responsibility and we must exercise it wisely and prayerfully. Pray for the candidates for public office, that they would be moved by God to seek what is honorable, just and moral.

PRAYING FOR THE STATES

Listed on most days of the 30-day prayer plan are the names of specific U.S. states or territories. The goal each day is to pray for the leaders, churches and Christians in those places. Following are some key thoughts to guide your intercession.

Praying for Leaders in the State. The Bible instructs us to make requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for all who are in authority, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). In our world, this means we are to pray for Governors, Lieutenant Governors and other leaders in authority. Specifically, we should pray that they would act justly, that they would serve with integrity, and that they would uphold moral standards.

Praying for Churches in the State. Churches, of course, are not merely buildings; they are living, active bodies of believers. America is blessed with more than 300,000 churches of all denominations and traditions. As you intercede for these churches, both generally and specifically, pray that they would be lighthouses of truth, havens of hope and centers of love.

Praying for Christians in the State. Jesus said that His followers are to be "salt" and "light" within society. Like salt, they should make others thirsty for the Gospel. Like light, they are to illuminate with the brightness of Christ's love. As you intercede for Christians state-by-state, pray that they will be faithful witnesses of the Gospel, humble servants of Christ, and positive influences within their communities.

Does prayer really make a difference? Yes, it makes an extraordinary difference because God in His unlimited compassion responds to prayer offered in His name. As God's children and followers of Jesus Christ, we must urgently, faithfully pray for our nation and its people. Prayer can affect the course of history and shape the destiny of a nation. As you pray day by day following the plan in the Prayer Map of America you can be sure that your intercession can make a transformational difference.

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Friday, September 26, 2008

Taking a Stand

I've barely if at all written anything about our Presidential race. Well if you know me at all, you know I have an opinion on who I'm voting for as well as many other things.

One I'm a VERY CONSERVATIVE Republican. I'm also a Christian. I don't know how anyone who's a Christian can ever say they're liberal, the two do NOT go together. So with that, I would think it's clear who I'm voting for, but just to throw one more thing in there...I'm PRO-MILITARY and with that it means SUPPORTING in all ways my husband and his fellow troops. I'm against an all out pull out. I think if we EVER did that, it says that all those who died, died in vain. I think we need more troops in Afganistan. I know there are far more legistics involved in lowering the numbers in Iraq and upping the numbers in Afganistan that I and 99% of American's just simply do NOT understand. I think if we want to continue to keep our country safe from Terrorism we must continue to fight the terrorists in the countries that the majority of them are from. So in case it's not obvious, I'm voting for the only MAN who's ever actually fought for our country and paid the price for standing up for what he believed in...McCain and Palin. What McCain lacks (and there's plenty, oh there is definately plenty) he showed his genious in bringing Palin in as his VP.

Anyways....the next part is what I'm even MORE passionate about. Children! I love my kids, absolutely, positively adore them. I'm not a perfect mother, but I would go to the ends of the earth to protect them if need be.Anways, I was reading one of the websites that I get emails from and this article really struck me. I'm PROLIFE. I think life begins at conception. I believe the only one who can determine if a life is to end is God himself. I think that abortion is murder. I think it should be outlawed, no exceptions. I pray for those who've had abortions because if they're not dealing with the death of their baby now, they will when they face our Lord and Savior. .

Anyways....so I read this article and had to share it:

Which girl would you have chosen? (OneNewsNow.com)

It was the annual "Summerfest" in a community about 60 miles west of Chicago. We were expecting rides and cotton candy, but were greeted instead by tractors and a pork chop dinner. The crowd was populated by just plain folks — old and young, enjoying the easy camaraderie of small town life. One family stood out. It was a mom and dad with a boy about eight I'll call "Johnny."

 

We had come to see a Chicago band, awkwardly positioned on a flatbed truck, who didn't disappoint. They delivered great Chicago-style blues and rock, but as great as they were, they were promptly upstaged by Johnny. As the band started, he bolted to the grassy area before the stage and began to dance deliciously. He didn't just have one "move," he had lots of them with finger strategically pointed, and attitude enough for the whole band. As the singer jumped off the stage, Johnny would follow, imitating him playing harmonica and clutching his cordless mic as he serenaded a select few. When he finished a set and took a bow, Johnny took his, too...deeply, like a shadow on the lawn. The crowd roared and I was especially delighted when he came to serenade me with his imaginary microphone. I wanted to grab and hug him, but he would have none of it.
 
I looked down the row to see his parents standing silently, not with wild cheering but with wonder, amazement and...pride. You see, Johnny has Down syndrome. It was a moment parents of special needs kids seldom get to enjoy.
 
It struck me in that moment that nearly 90 percent of babies born with Down syndrome are now aborted. Most Johnnys never get the chance to delight a crowd or bring deep, abiding joy to their parents — because they never get a chance to live.
 
It was a Down syndrome baby that nurse Jill Stanek cradled until death at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois, denied of food or medical treatment. Another imperfect baby, unwanted by its parents, starved out of existence.
 
When legislation to prevent such callousness and neglect sprang to life as a result of Stanek's story, Barack Obama spoke out against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act. He argued that it was unfair to the mothers to let these babies live — that it would turn back abortion rights (as though infanticide and abortion were in the same legal ballpark). He voted against the legislation and tried to persuade others in the Illinois legislature to follow his lead. On the issue of abortion, he later publicly declared that he wouldn't want his daughters "punished with a baby," should they find themselves pregnant and unmarried. With that perspective Obama would surely find a Down syndrome baby beyond punishment.
 
It's not the only time in human history when something like this has happened.
 
In attempt to breed the Aryan race, the Nazis began a systematic extermination of "useless eaters." Videos were produced to illustrate the horrors of the disabled and thousands were led to their death with the approval of the German citizenry. One notable exception was Dietrich Bohhoeffer, a pastor later hanged to death with a piano wire for opposing the Nazis. In the face of the Aryan tide he penned these words: "Not only do the weak need the strong, but the strong need the weak."
 
One has only to be the parent of a child like Johnny to grasp the truth of Bonhoeffer's words. The Johnnys of the world teach us to endure with perseverance, build character and allow for a love that wells up from a place too deep for words to describe.
 
Sarah Palin gets it. That's why she and husband Todd chose not to abort baby Trig in spite of his alleged imperfections. To some, he is a "useless eater." He will never win the snow machine race his father is famous for or be mayor or governor of anything, but Sarah and Todd know the value of his life in ways that can never be explained to a man like Barack Obama. A baby like Trig is a precious life. And the baby carried by his sister is not punishment.
 
In his book The Power of the Powerless, Christopher De Vinck tells the story of his severely disabled brother, Oliver. As Christopher grew older and began dating, he brought his girlfriend to the family farmhouse and eventually asked if she would like to meet Oliver. Since Oliver lived on the top floor and had to be fed and diapered by family members, the first girl said a polite "no." The next girl, however, said, "Yes!"...climbed the stairs, crawled up on the bed with Oliver and proceeded to patiently spoon feed him.
 
"Which girl would you have married?" asked De Vinck. The power of the powerless; the ability of the helpless or infirm to reveal not their infirmity, but the character of those around them.
 
We have two candidates, one for president and the other for vice president, with very different views on the value of life. What does their attitude toward the Johnnys of this world — or the tiny lives who have come inconveniently — tell us about them? And by the way, which girl would you have chosen?

 

Sandy Rios is host of the "Sandy Rios Show," heard weekdays from 3 to 5 p.m. on WYLL AM1160 in Chicago and serves as president of Culture Campaign, a non-profit dedicated to awakening a sleeping army of concerned citizens never before involved in public policy. This column is printed with permission.

 

Opinions expressed in 'Perspectives' columns published by OneNewsNow.com are the sole responsibility of the article's author(s), or of the person(s) or organization(s) quoted therein, and do not necessarily represent those of the staff or management of, or advertisers who support the American Family News Network, OneNewsNow.com, our parent organization or its other affiliates.

 

 

Children are a blessing no matter how they come to us. They may appear "perfect" or have "imperfections".  They're perfect in God's eyes and that's all that matters. When you go to the polls in November I urge you to remember how Obama looks at an innocent child, as a burden vs a blessing. When we begin to think that killing our future is the answer to making life easier for us in the here and now because of poor decisions, we're making a statement for our eternal life as well. If we don't take a stand now and say that abortion is not ok, that killing our children because it's not a convinent time in our life, that our age is too young (or too old), that the child will not be the perfect child that we wanted then how do we ever expect to stand in front of our Lord? Because let me tell you, each and every one of us should have been aborted from God's love..yet through the Grace of the Ultimate Sacrifice of Christ Jesus...we will be able to stand before him with our slate wiped clean. How can we possibly elect a man who says murdering babies is ok? I definately have more opinions on all of this, but better stop now, at least for tonight.

God Bless

I leave you with our Lord's words:

Jeremiah  1:5

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew* you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Sleepless in Germany

I got 30 minutes of sleep last night, well Wed morning actually. I fell asleep at 7 and was back awake by 7:30, then up and at it by 8 am to get ready for bible study. Since I couldn't sleep last night I had the boys books all ready to take to PWOC so while they were in the homeschool room they could get their school work done.

I'm so tired now, I did take a 2 hour nap this afternoon. I needed the sleep but when I woke up I was in a terrible mood. We pretty well had to rush and head out of Jack's soccer scrimmage and Jacob's practice. In between those I left Jacob with his coach and a friend of mine and ran to the commissary and grabbed a few NECESSARIES (diapers, something for dinner since I didn't set anything out and had no clue what I was going to make from what was here). His coach made their practice short since it kept raining off and on, which was nice.

Of course here it is now 1:30 AM and I am still awake. I took a nice long hot shower hoping it would make me tired, it woke me up for some rediculous reason. Please pray that I can sleep.

On good news, Chad is back at his post there in Iraq ( he goes out constantly). He got on his computer in his room (he took his laptop), but eventually he got knocked off and wouldn't come back up for him so he called me and we talked for 25 minutes. It was so good for my heart to hear his voice. I told him about B leaving and he's sad for me and just for us as a family. He's good friends with her husband and he knows how close the kids all are and he's worried and sad for us. He should be staying in for a few days and is praying he's able to get a slot for the VTC that's on Saturday (Video Teleconferncing). So pray that he gets a slot so we can talk and see him!

Well, I'm going to TRY to get some sleep. We have school work in the morning and then at lunch time we have a plan to go bowling with other homeschool families, which will be fun.

Oh not sure if I wrote this or not, but Emma's walking now too. She isn't the most stable yet, but she's finding that she's like this mode of "transportation" more and more, so before long I'm going to have an official "toddler, toddling around", oh how fast the time goes.

 

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Emma's 1st Year...In Pictures

Sad

First tomorrow I plan to add some pictures of our trip on here.

It's 3:21 am and I'm finally feeling tired, thankfully because I have to be up in 4 1/2 hrs for me to make it to PWOC/bible study in the morning. I have the boys school books all set out as well as some art supplies. I'm going to let them each take a puzzle and a board game as well with them so if they finish their school work up they have things to keep them busy. We now have a homeschool group with in PWOC so those of us mom's who homeschool can still have our bible study.

I talked to my friend B tonight and her husband was told that he should have his orders by tomorrow for their move in November. I'm so absolutely sad over this I don't know what to do. I've obviously had worse things happen in my life.  I've been blessed to have some good friends as military wives, but B has been truly a best friend and I love her and her family and the thought of having to go through most of this deployment without her is so hard for me. I find myself crying quite a bit thinking of her not being here. We've spent nearly everyday for the last 1 1/2-2 yrs together. My oldest son and her son are best friends and I don't have the heart to tell him, well either of my boys that they're leaving so soon. I don't know when to tell them honestly. This is going to be devestating for them. They love B's whole family and it's so hard for them to have Chad gone and to now lose them. Then in December two more very good friends are leaving and their kids are all good friends of my boys too. I will say that I think this winter is ultimately just going to suck for us. I really just feel sick at the thought of all this and want to bury my head in the sand and pretend, but reality is staring me right in the face of what's about to happen in the next 2 months. Please be praying for me and my family as we say goodbye to friends who are more than friends, but family. B is like a sister to me. She has an identical twin and calls me their triplet. Part of me regrets going to the states,  because I could have spent those weeks with her and I won't get that time back.

This is a part of the Army life I DETEST. I know what life was like before B moved here and it's been so much better with her here. To have a friend that you can just be yourself with 100% and know she loves you faults and all, is a precious gift and I KNOW that. I do NOT want her to leave. Oh how I don't want her to leave.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Home Sweet Home

I'm Home!!!!!!!!! Suffering from jetlag, BAD...but so thrilled to be home! We landed about 3 pm German time, got home about 9:30 pm. The airline broke my stroller, so had to file a claims for that (it's the military so it's going to take a while of course!!), then forgot what floor my car was parked and had a mini panic attack, but one of the airmen working at the airport there at Ramstein and another airmen went and found it!! (I thought it was on the 8th floor, it was on the 3rd). Whew! Grabbed some Taco Bell for a late lunch/dinner, filled the gas tank up, and off we went. We got out of there at about 6 or so, not a lot of traffic, it was a pretty smooth drive home and I have never been so happy to be home!!!!

 

The 7 weeks away was full of about everything from joy to anger...peace to annoyance.

It was WONDERFUL seeing my brother, my Emily, Tami, and amazingly my inlaws. I can't say it was so wonderful seeing my parents. There are now new boundaries being set with them. Chad and I have a lot to discuss on just what exactly we'll be doing there, but the boundaries will be HIGH and STRICT and right now communications will be VERY limited. I must protect my family and what we feel is in our children's best interest. Having an ocean between us is a HUGE help, but knowing that one day we will indeed move back to the states, these boundaries need to be determined and set now.

I will say that if I've learned anything, it's how I will and will NOT be with my children when they become adults and parents, etc.

I have lots of pictures, I'll share a few here as I finish editing them.

Emma turned 1 and is starting to take steps. My baby girl is growing up and it's too fast for me. She's even more beautiful than just a few months ago I think! She's a mess that's for sure, but a wonderful, beautiful mess! I think she may actually be a little more spoiled now than she was! :X Jackson turned 5 while we were gone. My goodness it seems like he was just toddling around and now he's no longer a toddler. We will begin kindergarten work on Monday. Jacob will begin 2nd grade work on Monday. Jacob's great. The kids had a great time in the states and Jacob definately took leaving places the hardest.

My places leaving that were the hardest was definately Emily and Tami's. I'm so truly blessed to have the two most amazing best friends a woman could ask for. I just adore them and love them with all my heart.

We also ended our trip with an unplanned extended stay with my dear friend Beth. We met when Jordyn was dying, she found Jordyn's caringbridge page. She's the mother of 7 and 1 foster daughter. Her oldest (son) is a leukemia survivor and at the end of this month will celebrate 15 yrs since his bone marrow transplant that his little brother donated! We were initially only going to spend one night there, but extended it a few extra nights! LOL I had a nice break while I was there and the kids had a GREAT time!!!

I have tons to do now that we're home and need to get out of this lazy housework phase and get my butt in gear. Tomorrow is the day that housework begins. I do have most of my travel laundry done. Tomorrow is cleaning the kitchen (dishes, floors, etc), and my dining room so we have a nice calm space for school!

I'll be turning my alerts back on in a couple days. I am going to try to pace myself. Getting caught up on emals first then we'll get back into journal/blog mode!

God Bless

Monday, August 11, 2008

Hi again! :)

I know here I am again, just one night later! Things were better today, still some tension, but the day was gotten through and that's all to the glory of GOD!!! He's so good. In the morning the kids and I head out. Today we went and got my rental, it's the same type of van I'm planning to buy actually! It's a Honda Odessy and it's wonderful! The boys love that it has a dvd player in it (that's all they wanted of course! LOL). 

Tomorrow we'll be stopping at our former neighbors from Ft. Riley. We'll spend the night with their family and then get up Wed morning and head to Kentucky! I'm so absolutely excited to get to Emily's and spend time with her and her family. We've hardly talked the last 2 weeks, well really 3 weeks (when you count the week of me just trying to GET to KS! Got to Loooove Space A). So we have lots to talk about!

Well, thank you for the prayers over last nights post and please continue to pray for us in all situations, especially now in the immediate for travel safety.

God Bless

Sunday, August 10, 2008

An Update

I'm here in Ks and will be heading to Ky on Tuesday and definately ready. Things are VERY tense to say the least right now. I won't/can't get into it but lets just say that it's time to go without a doubt. Pray for safe travel as the kids and I head out for the next 3 weeks.

I have been able to talk to Chad. He's doing well. Having an 8 hr time difference between us has definately limited our communication and makes me that much more thankful that we are blessed to be stationed in Germany (and only a 1 hr time difference).

The kids have really been enjoying their time here and have loved getting to spend time with their cousins, especially (my brothers girls).

I know this is brief, hopefully I can write a decent update later, otherwise in about a month I'll be home and will be able to!

God Bless

Saturday, July 19, 2008

They're home

No, not my little family, well we're home in Germany, still.  My best friend here, B....her husband came home this evening! T left May 4, 2007 and tonight August 19 returned to his family where he belongs! Their daughter D is 18 months old, son B is 7 1/2 yrs old.

I stuck with B as she searched for Tim since I was the official picture taker! :) What an honor let me tell you. Now I will give you a glimpse of what we were dealing with:

There is 250 soldiers waiting to be reunitied with their families who were eagerly awaiting them!! When they were told by their 1st Sgt. "Dismissed" off families went and off soldiers went in search of their loved one. I was with B and we were searching for T. Let me tell you when you're sitting in the bleachers looking at all the soldiers, they all look alike! LOL Then add on the amount of time you've been apart, the last time you saw your soldier and well it often becomes a bit of a blur looking for him. So there we were looking, looking, and looking and we could not find him. She was getting worried they'd told her wrong and he wasn't in the group. We were reassured his name was on that list and he was with them. By this point my boys were with me and that's when Jacob saw him! I was able to get pictures of them reuniting and hugging for the first time since November when he was home for R&R! It was beautiful and just so wonderful!!!

B and I are pretty well together every day and hopefully by the time I get back from the states we can jump back into our work out routine, we already have my neighbor lined up to watch her little girl and my 3 for that hour at the gym and so we will start back up once I'm home and adjusted to the time change! I'm thrilled about that. She's reassured me that the kids and I will be over at her home many nights for dinner (we had her over at least once or twice a week, often more while Chad was home and T was deployed!). We are so blessed to have each other. She leaves next spring and I'm absolutely dreading it. I've never had a friend like I have in her as an Army wife.  When my friend Michelle left that was really hard and we were very close, but B and I are even closer. We're truly like sisters. She will often call me her triplett! She has an identical twin sister already! LOL I just love her to death and wish so much we could just remain stationed at the same Army posts until we retired and then retire together in the same place. But she's from Pennsylvania and of course we're going to retire in KS. But I have quite a few months before I have to focus on her leaving and in the mean time I'll continue to be blessed by her friendship and our boys friendships, and just love her family for all that I can while I can.

Anyways....since T is back, I actually have their kids! Their son wasn't very thrilled because of course he wanted to spend time with his Dad, but he came anyways and he's been a good boy the whole time. Their little girl was fine, she was rather confused by bedtime, she's used to being nursed to sleep, so being simply rocked was an adjustment for her, but she only cried for a few minutes and then she was out. She's in my bed now. All 3 boys are in the living room. Jacob is on the couch, B is on the loveseat, and Jack is on the floor. They had popcorn and watched a movie and passed out quickly!

There's still some smaller groups to come in over the next couple of weeks, so please be in prayer for the soldiers, as well as the families awaiting their return. Praise God for the safe return of all the soldiers who have so far! God is good and gracious and although we don't always understand his ways, the truth is nothing happens without his permission. We are blessed humans and we need to always praise him!

 

I'm now off to bed. It's not even midnight here and I can barely keep my eyes open!  Pray they sleep in a bit.

God Bless

 

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Children's time

Give time to your children each day. The time you give makes the words you speak of more value to them.

Isn't that the truth? I'm guilty of getting caught up in just getting through the day more often than I like. Tomorrow my goal is to just stop and spend that individual time with each of the kids. It'll be a little easier tomorrow since in the afternoon Jackson will be going to hourly care for 2 hrs. Jacob and I will actually be cleaning their bedroom, if Emma is awake I'm going to have my neighbor watch her, I'm hoping she naps for most of it though. When it's just Jacob and I we have the best talks. He's a very intelligent little boy and his heart is so with the Lord that it stuns me at times. I didn't have that at his age. I barely knew who God was, much less such an intimate relationship with him. I'm so happy he has that. I think being a child is hard, being a military kid (please don't ever refer to my kids as "Army Brats" I can't stand that phrase), is even harder, then add in the fact that we live in a different country 1,000 of miles from family. To know that he is confident in the Lord and doesn't doubt that relationship, how thankful I am.

Time is dwindling down and we'll be flying next week! I'm excited. I still have a lot to do. My living room looks really good and my bathroom is great. So tomorrow is going to be a hard working day. I have the gym at 1:30 although I'm going to see if we can move it up to 1:00 instead, if not then I'll have to leave a little early from the gym to get home and take Jack down to hourly, come home and clean the boys room. Tomorrow evening I plan to finish up my room. I am almost done with my laundry, just have towels left to wash. I will have smaller loads, but plan to wait until Saturday to finish, then I want to get my suitcases packed up Sunday and put into the car. I will do one last load Sunday night or Monday morning. Monday evening I am hoping to head to Ramstein. I have to call tomorrow and find out if I can get us a room up there, so I don't have to be up at 2 am Tuesday morning. Please pray we get on the flight on Tuesday. If not the next flight is the 24th, and we'll just stay up there. I still need to print off directions to Ramstein from here as well.

I'm exhuasted so I'm off to bed. Keep Chad in your prayers please.

God Bless

Sunday, July 13, 2008

21 Reasons Why I love My Husband

My friend Amanda over at: I Am Mommy borrowed an idea from another blogger and I love it! So often you read women bashing their husband's, sharing why you should dislike him as much as they do at that MOMENT. It often is honestly rather heartbreaking. I think it's so important to be careful of male bashing as a whole, especially if you're a mother of boys. Everytime I'm tempted to bash my husband or read it I think, "how would I feel if a woman was saying that about one of my son's?" Let me tell you, I'd be fit to be tied. I NEVER want a woman to talk ugly about Jacob or Jackson. It's just some food for thought.

So in the spirit of lifting up my husband here's my list!

1. I love my husband for the man he is to me. He loves me with his whole heart and truly adores me and that is an amazing feeling...to be loved!
2. I love my husband for the father he is. He did not have a father growing up, but that has not ever detered him from being the best dad I could have EVER asked for my children to have.
3. I love my husband that he's willing to put his own life at risk for others. He's more than just a Patriot, he's a soldier who literally goes out there and puts it out on the lines!
4. I love my husband for the way he loves GOD. He knows who he is in Christ and doesn't question that. To have such assurance is awesome to witness and a great example.
5. I love that my husband is finding that one of his many gifts is working in the children's ministry! To see him interacting with a variety of children and them responding so sweetly to him is awesome!
6. I love that my husband loves to travel as much as I do!
7. I love that my husband's desire to be with our family is greater than going out with his friends.
8. I love that my husband is handy around our home and with cars. I can do many things around the house, but not with vehicles! He's a man's man!
9. I love that my husband loves his job! He's a soldier, nuff said!
10. I love that my husband wants me to find things that make me happy!
11. I love that my husband has seen that God's will for our family is up to GOD and not up to us! (Trust me that's HARD submission in today's society!!)
12. I love the way my husband holds me and makes me feel as protected phsyically as the Lord makes me feel protected spiritually.
13. I love that my husband is strong enough to argue with me, especially when I "think" I'm right!
14. I love that my husband is adventerous!
15. I love that my husband feels as strongly about homeschooling our children as I do and supports us 100%!
16. I love that my husband supports me breastfeeding (and extended bf) our babies and GETS why it's so important!
17. I love the way my husband still longs for our daughter Jordyn, as much as I do.
18. I love that my husband is such a strong example to our boys.
19. I love that my husband is such a strong and gentle example to our daughter(s).
20. I love that he can grill and will cook if I'm not in the mood!
21. I love when my husband comes home from a deployment and wraps me in his arms as tight as he possibly can and isn't afraid to let the tears of joy fall from his eyes!

So join in. Tell the world why you love your husband. It can be a list of 5 things or 100, just tell us what it is about him that makes you so blessed that he is your husband! I also urge you to share your list with your husband, just so he knows why he's so special to you! Let me know if you have joined in, I'd love to read some kind things about others husband's too!
 

Friday, July 11, 2008

So Tired

Even been so tired, you do doze off sitting up (like oh at the computer), and dream you hear a phone ringing (but it's actually not) and makes you jump? Yeah that'd be me about oh 3 minutes ago.

We had a good day. We took the kids to Playmobil and then stopped at the Pizza Hut that's just down the road from PM and actually tastes like the US PH and let me tell you that's a treat because the one we have here on post is AWFUL and it's a Pizza Hut too, just a gross one (as in the food).

We got to chat and talk to Chad. He got on the internet, but then his internet went out so he called! He got a new SIMS card for his cell phone so he can call me from Iraq. I tried calling him back on it, it's only 35 cents a minute, figure we can talk 5 minutes a week from me calling, or even longer as long as we don't go crazy....but I couldn't figure out how to get it to go through, then when I did figure it out (I think) it just rang and he knew I was trying to call so not sure what happened.

Tomorrow I'm cleaning and then taking the kids to a movie (Wall E) and maybe going with my friend to a movie (Made of Honor). Looks cute!

Ok, my VERY tired butt is heading to bed! I don't have to be up early so say a prayer that my kids all sleep in, in the morning!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Prayers

Two children that we know here on our post in Germany are in the hospital (klinikum) because they have non-contagious menegitis which they got from a tick bite! I didn't know you could it it from ticks, but that's what the drs have deemed it. Please keep Sophia and Deckland in your prayers, as well as their parents. Both have Daddy's deployed, although on their way home in the next few weeks. Prayers for both their momma's and both have siblings. I know Sophia's sister is staying with another friend.

Thank you for the prayers.

Oh on good news, my friend Heather is home!!! I don't think I posted this, but she returned home last Wednesday!!! Feel free to welcome her home on her page:

www.caringbridge.org/visit/pray4heatherjackson

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Wahoooooo

Ok so as you know I've been working out and walking like a mad woman! Today was weight day, I weighed myself at the gym and I've been checking my home scale as well (they're ALWAYS the same!!!) well I weighed in today at the gym and it showed I'd lost 2 lbs, which adds up to 16 lbs loss in 5 weeks since starting to work out, well I get home and just to make sure all was the same (this is also after walking around literally ALL afternoon) it shows I've lost more, as in I've lost 23 lbs! I'm not sure if my scale here at home is right or not, so tomorrow I'm going to go by the gym and weigh myself there and see what it says, if so I've reached my goal since beginning this work out to have lost 20 lbs before heading back to the states and I'm well on my way to my next goal of 30 by October! (I was hoping to lose 10 lbs while gone for the 6 weeks in the states and then 3 weeks of being home after that trip, but wasn't sure if I'd be able to make that goal). I've been working so hard to get this weight off, I want to be healthy. I've had a lot of people coming up to me and saying they're noticing that I'm losing it. My friend who's working out with me has lost 12 so far and it's so noticeable in her face and stomach! She's really doing awesome!!!

I really look forward to my gym days. Once I get back we're going to have to figure out childcare options, but I will NOT give up my gym time, it's too important. I really really like going and being able to just work out and get it out. I never thought I'd feel like that.

So for those of you who've been cheering me on, thank you! It's coming off, slowly but surely and in the safest way possible...by hard work diet and excercise!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

11 months

It's hard to believe that over 11 months have went by that my sweet Emma was born. I won't be here in Germany for Emma's 1 yr birthday and doubt I'll do any updating of the journal while I'm in the states, so here's a little "flash back". Maybe over the next few days I'll do an "Emma over the last 11 months". :) Time has gone by so quickly. She's sitting eating her breakfast of banana's right now and yelling at me for not paying 1000000% attention to her! LOL She's such a joy, full of spunk, spirit, personality just explodes out of her. She's stunningly beautiful, has eyes that stops EVERYONE in their tracks, and smile that lights up the room. God has surely blessed me with this little girl in every way possible.

 

 Emma Grace and Daddy moments after she entered this world

Welcome to the world Emma Grace August 3, 2007

My sweet and beautiful Emma Grace 11 months old exactly

 

Emma Grace enjoying her 11 month birthday at the pool

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Our 4th

We had a fun day. We started our day off with a 5 K. fun walk. We all finished and although Jack pouted through half of the walk it was good! That afternoon we went to the post celebrations and had a good time. We went to friends for a BBQ and that was nice and relaxing and just simply enjoyable to be around good friends.

Fireworks started around 10:30 and the boys loved it (first year Jack wasn't even the slightest scared) and Emma liked them too! She kept pointing and ohhing over them!

The pictures are throughout the day from the walk to the end of the day.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Busy Day Already

Ok my "mood" is only because of the horrid temps here...it's nearly 90 if not over, quite humid, just miserable. We're going to the pool once Emma's up from her nap! YES!

So our day started early. The boys both had physicals this morning, Jack was in no mood to participate...just fabulous. Try getting a 4 yr old to do an eye test that he won't even look up at the chart for, see! So Jacob gets everything done on his end and all was good. Jack did everything but the eye exam and would not draw a person for the dr, not sure why she wanted him to draw a person other than hand-eye coordination (it was a phsyical). Then we found out he had to have 3 vax's. Yeah that was ohhhh so fun. He screamed so loud and Emma started crying and screaming. Jacob just sat there with his fingers in his ears. The nurse though was NOT gentle about it at all. She JABBED that needle into his little thighs. I felt horrible for him. I was almost in tears myself. But all was fine shortly afterwards. After we left the medical clinic we went to the CAC ( Community Activities Center) for a LeLecheLeague (LLL) meeting. I hadn't attended before, but it was good. We were then bad and stopped at BK for the simple fact that they have a very wonderful and powerful AC in there, so we sat and had lunch.

We got home, I put Emma down for a nap, took laundry down, have now transferred the laundry, and Emma just got up. We're getting ready to go to the pool in about 20 minutes.

Chad's supposed to call on my cell phone while we're at the pool, so the kids can actually talk to him, which will be nice! I miss him so much I can't even tell you. I try not to think about the fact that he'll be gone for 15 months, because it's just so overwhelming. I am focusing on our trip to the states right now, then when we get back I am planning a trip to Legoland. I have to keep us busy enough to help time go by without being overextended! 

Oh and to top it all off, my baby girl is 11 months old today. How HAS the time gone by so quickly? I'm going to take a picture of her today, she looks so cute in her little sundress and her handband and bow! BTW I'm totally addicted to Fiveblessedbows.com (IF you go there and are going to buy any, please let me know and if you don't know my last name I'll give it to you so you can put me in as your referral and I can get free bows!!!! THANK YOU!). Well, I better get going, I have to check on the laundry and see if Jacob's shorts and towel are dry yet.

 

Have a great day!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Count Down to "Homecoming"

This Kansas girl is going HOME! Just for 6 weeks and actually only in KS for 3 of those 6 weeks, but I AM excited! I'm clicking my heals and ready to get on that plane!

 

Jacob was 4 when we moved here to Germany, Jackson was almost 23 months, and Emma of course was just barely a glint in my eyes (I did have baby fever!!) I can't wait to see my homestate. I LOVE Kansas. I love wheat fields (they make me feel so calm!)

 

I can't wait for Emma to see her first wheat field and sunflowers! I can't wait for all our family to truly MEET Emma. She is something to behold I tell you! She has the sweetest and funniest personality! She gives a look that will stop you in the track, because well it's NOT a nice look! ROFL! But I can't help but crack up at it!

 

 

I am going to buy the kids little K-State and Kansas City Chiefs Outfits/shirts!!

                                

 

I'll be heading to Kentucky next!

I'll be visiting Emily, my friend Kandice, and hopefully my friend Donna and her family as well. Then it's off to see the inlaws, in Ohio.

Then I'll be up to Michigan!

 

Then I'll be back to Kansas to spend my last week. I'm excited. I know time will fly. We're counting down the days. I should be flying in 20 days, hopefully! I'm flying via the military aka Space A (space available), there's 2 flights going out the week I'd LIKE to fly and 2 flights the following week. If you'd all pray that I get out the first day I go up to Ramstein I'd be so appreciative!!!! We're going to have a big get together at my parents. Celebrating that the kids and I are back for a visit, as well as a joint birthday party for Emma (her first!!) and Jackson (his 5th!!). I normally would not do a joint one, but it's a special circumstance, so we'll have a BBQ, Cake, Ice cream, and lots of laughter and fun! I can not wait!!!!!

 

I don't know how much time I'll be online. My parents still are stuck in the dark ages of dial up! LOL Right now they just simply don't have a choice, dsl is not available to them out where they live (7 miles outside of town). I'll have high speed internet every where else. So I'll try to check it here and there, don't know if I will be able to update or not, just depends on my time!

I'll post a few more times before I leave, but be in prayer for us now if you would!

Sunday, June 29, 2008

I can say that as far as my memory serves me I've never know anyone personally who's been murdered, I can sadly no longer say that. I wasn't good friends with her, just an acquaintance. Chad went through a mandatory class with her (and many others) when he first got here. There was about 15 in the class. The last day of the class they go downtown, walk around touring, as well as ordering food (the soldiers have to), etc. Megan carried Jackson for us some, held Jacob's hand, and we all talked quite a bit. Back then she was still married, was looking forward to one day having a baby, but wasn't in a huge rush (3 yrs ago). Megan Touma Letter, Soldier Probed in GI's Death - AOL News. I just saw and talked to her a few weeks ago and when I saw her face on the internet my heart stopped. It's truly unreal. It's heart breaking to think that someone so young who was so close to bringing a baby into this world is gone.

I pray they catch the person who killed her and he serves his time. We all need to be in prayer for Megan's family as they grieve not only Megan but her baby as well.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Stupid is as Stupid Does

I am unapologetically a Conservative Christian. I am unapologetically a Republican and I am voting for Senator John McCain, not because I agree with everything he stands for or supports, but he's by and far better than and less dangerous than Obama. Yes less dangerous. If you're a Christian, you need to get into your bible and read Revelations and see what it says about The Anti Christ. My friends, this is something I truly believe we're facing and he's coming to power, we need to ARM ourselves in Christ's Armor. We need to be standing up and fighting for our Lord and our Souls. Don't stand by with a blind eye. I also URGE you to click on this link and take a listen. You want to know where Obama stands on Christianity, where he stands on Jesus...this is VERY imformative.

CitizenLink: Dr. Dobson's Take on Obama

 

I got this from Kelly's Green Olives & Pickle Juice:

 

To ensure we Americans never offend anyone, particularly fanatics intent on killing us,
airport security screeners will no longer be allowed to profile certain people...
Absolutely No Profiling!


They must conduct random searches of 80-year-old women, little kids, airline pilots with proper identification, secret agents who are members of the President's security detail, 85-year old Congressmen with metal hips, and
Medal of Honor winner and former Governor Joe Foss,
but leave
Muslim Males between the ages 17 and 40
alone lest they be guilty of profiling.


According to The Book of Revelation:

The Anti-Christ will be a man, in his 40s, of MUSLIM descent, who will deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal....the prophecy says that people will flock to him and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power,
he will destroy everything.
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

 


A lot of Americans have become so insulated from reality
that they imagine that <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />America can suffer defeat without any inconvenience to themselves.

Pause a moment, reflect back.

These events are actual events from history.

They really happened!!!


Do you remember?

 

1.       1968 Bobby Kennedy was shot and killed by
Muslim male extremist between the ages of 17 and 40.


2. In 1972 at the Munich Olympics, athletes were kidnapped and massacred by
Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.


3. In 1979, the US embassy in Iran was taken over by
Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.


4. During the 1980's a number of Americans were kidnapped in Lebanon by
Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.


5. In 1983, the US Marine barracks in Beirut was blown up by Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.


6. In 1985 the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked and a 70 year old American passenger was murdered and thrown overboard in his wheelchair by
Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.


7. In 1985 TWA flight 847 was hijacked at Athens, and a US Navy diver trying to rescue passengers was murdered by
Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.


8. In 1988 , Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed by
Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.


9. In 1993 the World Trade Center was bombed the first time by
Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.


10. In 1998, the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by
Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.


11. On 9/11/01, four airliners were hijacked; two were used as missiles to take down the World Trade Centers and of the remaining two, one crashed into the US Pentagon and the other was diverted and crashed by the passengers. Thousands of people were killed by
Muslim male extremists between the of 17 and 40.


12. In 2002 the United States fought a war in Afghanistan against
Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.


13. In 2002 reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered by-- you guessed it--
Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.


No, I really don't see a pattern here to justify profiling, do you?

And Now:
For the award winning
Act of Stupidity


Of all times the People of America want to elect, to the most Powerful position on the face of the Planet --

The Presidency of the United states of America

A Muslim
(proclaimed Christian)
Male
Extremist
Between
the ages
of 17 and 40.



Have the American People completely lost their Minds, or just their Power of Reason ???

I'm sorry but I refuse to take a chance on the
'unknown' candidate.


Let's send this to as many people as we can so that the Gloria Aldreds and other stupid attorneys along with Federal Justices that want to thwart common sense, feel ashamed of themselves -- if they have any such sense.
As the writer of the award winning story 'Forrest Gump' so aptly put it,

'Stupid
Is
As
Stupid Does


Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Update on Jacob

Well  and that was normal. Jacob thought it was cool to have all the sticky things all over him!  Then they did the ultrasound. It was very obvious immediately where the dr was hearing the murmur from! The "wafe" (it's what the dr called it) is loosely attached so he does need to be rechecked in 2-3 years.

 

Thank you for the prayers. God is so good!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Jacob

Tomorrow Jacob has his ultrasound with the cardiologist. I have no doubts that he will be fine, that it will show that it is indeed an innocent heart murmur, but none the less I'm asking for prayers. Jacob is 7 and worried. He has worries on his heart that go far beyond this u/s that I can't get into here, but please pray for peace for his sweet little soul. His "heart" is tender, loving, and so big. He carries so much on his little shoulders. Sometimes I put more on him than he should have and I sometimes forget that he's only 7, although I'm good at reminding him he's only 7. He's growing up, but he's not grown up yet and I want his childhood to be just that, a childhood. Full of laughter, full of being carefree, most of all full of loving JESUS. I don't want him to worry about things that are beyond his control, that he may end up with this or that, or that Daddy may not come home. He's seven. Please pray for him.

Pray for me to be a gentle, while firm mother. That I will stop the yelling and find a softer tone with my children.

I'll update once we're home on how the u/s looks. Pray that they tell me tomorrow!

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Tomorrow

Marks 1 year since my best friend, Emily gave birth to a beautiful, precious, amazing little girl... Miller Grace (Miller Grace is her FIRST name it's not Miller being first name and Grace middle name, it's Miller Grace...kind of like one word, but it's not! Sorry some people seem to get confused about that). Anyways tomorrow Miller Grace is 1 yr old. Miller Grace was not meant to live in this world, but God graced us for 5 precious days. I wish I could say that I held her, touched her, seen her in person, but I was here in Germany praying that God would show us a miracle, he did it just wasn't the miracle so many of us had hoped for. The fact is, Miller Grace was MEANT to live 5 days and they are the most life changing days of Emily's life. I may have never held that beautiful little girl in my arms, but I love her just the same, and I love Emily. Please be in prayer for Emily tomorrow as they mark the day that Miller Grace was born, the day Emily saw the face of her beautiful daughter for the first time. Pray for her husband Matt and their other two little girls Hope and Matilyn. Pray for them throughout this week.

Emily, I love you and I am praying tomorrow is gentle for you. You know I love you and love Miller Grace and oh how I look forward to the day that you and I get to hold our girls in our arms again.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

6 mile hike

We went for a Hike today with the Hospitality House and went to these cool slide things, I'll find a link for the slides tomorrow. Tonight I'm EXHAUSTED. The walk was great, we walked up a mountain to Castle Ruins, had a picnic, walked around, took pictures, played, and then back down, then drove to where the slides are...that was fun, went to the fish pond, a fish bit my friend B as she was giving them bread (yes the teeth baring mean thing jumped up and BIT her!). Then we came home. We actually stopped at a BAD place McD's. Emma had had it. She screamed while I was in line ordering our food, screamed when I sat to try and nurse her, took her outside she screamed. So we packed up everything and came home. She was over stimulated and just needed the comforts of home. She was very happy and content once she nursed, napped, and then woke up and played for a bit, nursed again and went to bed. Lets hope she and all the boys sleep in (B's son is having a sleepover). Tomorrow it's supposed to be in the high 80's so we're going to the pool. When we get home from the pool we're cleaning. I won't be home much on Monday so it has to be done tomorrow evening.

Ok, I'm exhausted I'm going to bed.

 

God Bless

BTW I've lost 11 lbs so far!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

This and That

Sunday we got to talk to Chad. The boys were actually having a sleep over at my friend B's house, so Chad called there and talked to them then called here and talked to Emma and then we got to talk for about 15 minutes or so. I miss him so much it's hard to put it into words, I just know every day that passes means we're a day closer to being together. Please keep him in your prayers.

Monday we went with B and her kids and went to Palm Beach, an indoor water park. Since Monday's we go to the gym I had called our babysitters and made arrangements for a time change and so we went to the gym at 3:30 after 4 1/2 hrs swimming. Let me just say EXHAUSTED! When we got back from swimming it had started raining, by the time we went to the gym it was pouring. We had dinner together, we had turkey and ham wraps, they were good and light which is what I needed...something light. My throat had started hurting before dinner and by the time we were done eating I was really starting to feel gross, stuffed up, very sore throat, and so tired I was falling asleep on her couch. She offered to let the boys stay the night (again) at her place, so I jumped at the chance of getting extra rest. Emma who'd had a great time at the pool was very tired and was not feeling very good herself, we went home and napped on the couch. I woke up, nursed Emma, and laid her down. I then went and took a long, hot bath. Now Chad is the man who can literally fall asleep in the tub, the water turns cold, and he gets out. I normally can not stay in the bathtub for more than 15 minutes. Well I actually fell asleep in the tub, the water was still very warm when I woke up, but I was just so exhausted. I finished up in the tub and got out and the phone rang, it was Emily, and laid in bed. I was physically in bed by 10 pm. Emma and I slept cuddled up together until 8:50 this morning. I only woke up because B called to see if we were still on for our 10 am walk. There was no way, I could barely walk 10 steps without feeling all light headed. She said she'd drop the boys off on her way to run errands then, and Emma and I napped on the couch until she did, at about 10:30.

Jacob sweetly made lunch (sandwiches) and then Emma and I took another nap! Emma ended up taking 4 naps today, that's huge, because there are days all she takes is one nap. She has diarreah again and she got sick at dinner tonight, after one bite of some fruit. She doesn't have a fever and I think (GROSS alert) it's mostly because of the phlem she has built up in her throat and chest, which she pretty well got out. So lets hope that she feels better in the morning, so I can go to PWOC. If she's not feeling good I'll be staying home. If she is sick, I'm going to call Bobbie and see if she can take the boys, because they have a summer program starting tomorrow and they are so excited.  Please say a prayer that Emma gets better over night. She did get a nice warm bath and perked during her bath, so hopefully she'll feel better in the morning.

Well, I'm off to bed, should have went an hour ago and got "trapped" on here!

 

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Weight Loss Update

Well I went and weighed myself tonight, and at 9 PM it showed a 2 lb weight loss, I'll weigh myself in the morning and see what it says. When we go to the gym on Monday I'll weigh myself there, it's the "official" scale I'm using, but I'm thinking I've probably lost about 3 lbs when looking at tonight's time! I'm thrilled. It's coming and will come off.

We will be going to the gym on Monday's and Friday's at 9:30 am and on Wed. at 1:30 pm. Monday's and Friday's will be our cardio and Wed will be our Weights day(s). Tuesday of this week, we'll start serious walking too. Just off post we have some nice walking paths we're going to start walking, we're also going to walk to downtown. I need to get a pedometer. A friend (thanks Cindy) sent me a website for some very nice pedometers, so I need to get one ordered from there, so we know just how far we're walking. I think we're planning at min. to walk at least an hour if not longer. I'm all for walking 2 hours, just not sure how much the kids legs will be able to go. It'll be great for them though, they can ride their bikes, run, and play, just walk as well and burn that energy (another plus for me! LOL). I plan to push Emma in the stroller as well as take my Baby Bjorn, I know she gets tired of being in the stroller and just wants to be close to me at times, I figure either way it's extra weight and that's good, makes me work harder. I bought me some new shoes just to work out in at the gym and while in Czech bought some KSwiss that I'll be using just for our walking.

I will ask for a paritcular prayer request. The heals of my feet have just been killing me. My right one is the one that hurts the most, but the left can and does often hurt quite a bit and quite often. It hurts normally when I've been up and on them for an extended amount of time (walking straight for a couple hours, doing housework, etc). I am going to get a drs apt and just make sure everything is ok. Since moving here I've had some issue's with my feet and have just not went and seen a dr for them. I don't want my feet getting in the way of me losing weight, so if you'd pray that if there is an issue/problem it can be an easy fix. Thank you!

Today the kids and I walked down to the Commissary to pick up a few items for lunch and dinner. I am also proud to say that I skipped the desire to just go and get fast food today for lunch and ended up making it. It was definately not the "healthiest" thing I could have made, but it sounded good and I made it as healthy as I know how to. We had BLT's for lunch. I bought turkey bacon. It was my first time at trying it and it was really good! I had a GREAT tomato and cut them nice and thick and added a lot of lettuce, used whole wheat bread, so although the bacon was still fried, there was a SIGNIFICANTLY less amount of grease, I was honestly stunned at just how little grease there was. I made sure to dab off the grease as the bacon finished, so there wasn't any "extra" grease just sitting on it. I made chili for dinner. Had a medium size scoop of it, it was good and hit the spot. Drank a lot of water. I had 4 pepsi's today, definately my worst day with Pepsi. I found myself drinking 2 of them out of stress (just normal aggrevation with the boys cleaning up their room and me just grabbing the pepsi). I'd had a Pepsi with lunch and then one sitting here too. Tomorrow I'm back to my goal of 2. I did that already and can say I was very proud of myself for that and plan to get back to it. I can't fix what I did today, so I just have to do better tomorrow. I also have been up front with my friend who's working out with me on the Pepsi front, she's been very encouraging to me on the days I only had 2. I haven't talked to her today, but will see her at church tomorrow, so I'll tell her there.

Monday we actually have to make an adjustment to our gym time because we're going to an indoor water park and are supposed to leave post at 9 am. The group we'll be with their bus is heading back to post at 2 pm, so if that's the case we could go the gym at 3:30. I know this is completely uninteresting, it's more of me thinking outloud in my typing so I know what I need to do, etc.

Ok, so I'll let you know what my real weight is tomorrow! Oh I did eat breakfast today, and I'm planning on making breakfast in the morning for us before church. Breakfast has been something I've not done well with, and know how important it is. So I'm working and really making an effort to eat something at least for breakfast. I need to get some banana's, because at least on those mornings when I just simply don't feel like making breakfast and/or am short on time a banana is easy for me! I'm going to go to the Farmer's Market this week and get some more fresh fruits and veggies too, so we have plenty of foods to snack on.

Oh! Here's a big one too. We have a cabinet that's pretty well always been our "snack cabinet". It's always been FULL of various snacks. It's almost empty! I've made the effort to simply NOT refill it! I went through it and threw out a lot of stuff. I set stuff out to mail to Chad, then some things have just simply  been ate, but not replaced! I'm in no denial that we will have snacks here, moderation is absolutely key, but to not have 20 items to choose from and now have 3 or 4 things instead, is so awesome and just simply amazing to me! That's really been a big thing for me. At this point part of the cabinet has hot chocolate, popcorn (we do use the air popper, so it's not microwave junk) and there's also cake mixes and pudding mixes. The cake mixes are not ones I'd just make up, they're ones I have for special occasions so they're not ones I really "count" you could say. I do plan to make up pudding so when I  have a chocolate craving I can get a small bowl and satisfy it. When I go to the farmer's market, I plan to make up a fruit salad too, so I can just go the fridge and get a bowl of fruits and satisfy that sweet tooth in a much healthier way!

So, we're making changes!

Well I'm exhausted, it's time for bed.

 

Oh please keep Emma in your thoughts. She has a horrible rash down below. She's been dealing with diarreah today. She got her first two teeth in and I am sure the diarreah is from the excess drooling she's been doing. I let her nap today without a diaper and that helped a lot and I also used a natural remedy of breast milk (it really is a cure all!). I sprayed a little milk on her and with in 15 minutes there was a huge difference! But, she's still very red. Over all she has not been cranky consdiering, so I'm thankful for that. I just want HER to feel as good as she can!

Ok, I'm really off! Good night and GOD Bless

Friday, June 13, 2008

Tornado's, Flooding, and Shopping

I'm going to try to tackle all 3. For those who may or may not know, I'm from a small town in Kansas. Tornados are just something you get used to, well warnings and watches that is. I've heard tornado's and I am here to tell you they are absolutely frightening. Sadly the town where 3 of my cousins went to school and friends of mine live, a great deal of it was destroyed. Chapman, KS. Please be in prayer for the all who live there who've lost their homes, livelihood, and the one individual who was killed in this small Kansas town. Then even closer to my hometown, Soldier. It's not even on many maps, it's a blink of an eye kind of town. My dad's parents owned a farm outside of Soldier, so many friends who I grew up with live in or in the surrounding area of Soldier. One woman was killed in Soldier as well. Then my college, Kansas State. I saw the dorms I lived in on a website, tree's fallen all around. There were buildings damaged on the campus as well. The Kansas State University campus is one of the most beautiful, thankfully no one was killed. They were in another tornado watch or warning last night. It's Kansas, bad weather is just part of living there, but it doesn't mean it's any easier when you have to live through it, so please be in prayer for all who were effected in one way or another.

The flooding in Cedar Rapids is heartbreaking as well. One of my best friends from my childhood/high school, went to Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids. She now lives in Hawaii, but has so many, many friends who live there and a few of them have lost their homes because of the flooding. Let us be in prayer for all in Cedar Rapids.

Now onto "happier" things. We went to Czech today. We went to city of Czeb. It was fabulous! We managed to miss one of our exits, but still go there and once we did I started haggeling immediately! I got a pair of KSwiss tennis shoes for about $7.00! I bought 8 bags and 5 wallets, I paid no more than $35.00 for any, less than $20.00 for many, and almost all the wallets less than $5.00! I got 3 coach bags, 2 Louis Viottons, 1 Channel, 1 bag that I'll be using as a diaper bag, and one large over night bag (didn't take a picture of that one yet). I got one LV wallet and the rest were Coach. Coach was definately the most "common" bag there, they were honestly in all the booths that were selling bags. When I go back I'm going to get a Coach overnight bag, they were beautiful. We had a lot of fun. Lunch was great and CHEAP!!!!! We are looking forward to going back.

The kids had a great time with my friend. Just the boys and my friend B's son stayed with her, the girls went with us. The boys had so much fun. They walked about 5 miles today going to a farm, to a lake, down by the river, climbing the mountain, climbing dirt mounds, playing with her dogs, riding her dogs, etc. They just had a fabulous day and were very well behaved! (Thank you, Lord!!!) So it was truly a good day for all of us. Oh I also got my dad and my grandpa each a bird feeder, for the two of them total less than $40.00! They're really beautiful, so I'm excited for them to get them!!!

I'm adding pictures of the purses. We were not allowed to take pictures of the actual flea market, so no pictures of it but here's the link so go take a look! It was huge and we did not get to cover the whole market in the 3 hours we were there. But we were/are absolutely EXHAUSTED! I'm going to bed in a few minutes!!!

ASIA DRAGON BAZAR | Bargain Shopping Centre Cheb

 

God Bless

 

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Czech here I come!!!

In the morning my friend B and I and our girls are going to Czech Republic to do some shopping!! It's about 1 1/2 hrs to Cheb (the city) that we're going to and will be hitting the Dragon Market! We're both so excited!!! I'm going to be buying purses and matching wallets for friends and a few family members and of course for myself! I can not wait!!!! Just 9 hours and we'll be leaving here, dropping our 3 boys off at another friends house, and then we're off for the day!

I had a good day. Founds some bargains at the thrift shop, Jacob got a new pair of jeans and jean shorts, I let the boys spend their allowance. Jack got a clay making machine, Jacob got a game, and I got Emma a Fisher Price toy that she can stand and play with or sit with, and I know I got a couple other things but I'm just drawing a blank right now. I also bought me some new tennis shoes, for me to work out in.

I'm definately feeling the results from the weight room today. Just a little soreness, I feel great though! Did good with the pepsi and snacking! I did have 3 pepsi's, so I went over by one, and hardly snacked at all. Had a healthy wrap for lunch today, and had a taco salad for dinner with B, it was home made.

The boys are spending the night with our downstairs neighbors again. It has been so quiet the last two nights. I do miss them and will miss them tomorrow. B's son wants Jacob to spend the night tomorrow, but it all depends on how they are tomorrow while at our friends. We'll just see.

Well, I'm off to bed once I update our deployment journal! (Link is on the left side).

I'll be taking my camera and taking pictures, will post them soon! :)

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Update on Jacob

I'm so exhuasted, so I hope this makes sense, if not I'll edit it tomorrow. Jacob's knee is better. The swelling is completely gone and he's having no pain what so ever! God is good and gracious.

Today was a busy day. I had PWOC this morning, came home, fed the kids lunch, got my friends daughter down for a nap, who I have just one more day and then B is done working for the summer and if she returns to work, she'll be going to FCC.

B and I then went to the gym. We went to the weight room today. That was great. I LOVE the weight room. Years ago when I was in high school, one of the classes offered was weights. I was very althletic so it was really a great class for me in that deparment, plus kept me very fit. It felt so good to be in there and truly feeling like I was doing something for my body. Cardio just doesn't make me feel that way, well not the same way anyways. Monday we did the eliptical. The plan right now is this: Monday's and Friday's we do cardio and Wed. we do weights. To increase your metabolism and build muscle you have to lift weights, cardio will not cut it. I think this will really make a huge difference for both of us. I've done really well on my snacking the last few days. Today I've had 3 Pepsi's, that's a lot better than normal. Tomorrow my goal is 2.

Tonight B and her kids came over for dinner and she helped me with working on the boys room. It's a mess, so ALL of us cleaned. B noticed a little, inexpensive entertainment center just sitting out, so I went and checked it out, it was in decent shape so we grabbed it and I put it in the boys room. They were given a little tv with a built in dvd player, although I have yet to get movies to actually play on it, so I'm not sure if it'll play American dvd's or not. Anyways, the boys will be allowed to watch ONE movie in there when they have company. I'm actually very anti tv in my kids room, but since we only have the tv in the living room and we're in an apartment we're limited when friends are here and the kids are all friends and want to watch a movie, so this will be nice. It's also just a 13 inch tv, so it's VERY easy for me to remove it. I've told them they will not be allowed to keep the dvd's in their room. Tomorrow I'm planning on cleaning the boys room the rest of the way, so that'll be a nice change.

Ok, well I can't keep my eyes open any longer.

 

God Bless, thank you for the prayers for Jacob, and good night

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Oh What a Day!

The day was going along, then came lunch and I determined that without a doubt the dishwasher was down for the count. I called and got a work order. Of course because the works must have a 5 hr window to come and I already have things planned for tomorrow, they can't come until Thursday. I now have to empty the stinky dishes, wash them, and wait.

Then we're off with my friend B to walk up to the school and pick up her son. We were just about to cross the street (about a half a block from home) when I see a running Jacob drop. He manages to cross the street and tells me that it hurts with every step. I ask him how bad it hurts and he says "it's the worst pain I've EVER felt". So I tell B I'm taking Jacob to the clinic, she keeps Jack with her and off Jacob, Emma, and I go to the clinic. We amazing were able to get in, and Jacob sprained his knee. It was very swollen (twice the size at least). He wrapped it, put ice on it, and told him to stay off of it and keep it elevated...not an easy task for an ACTIVE 7 yr old boy or his Mom! It was accomplished though. While in the room with the NP, he says "so you know Jacob has a heart murmur, right". I said "no". (When he was born he had a slight one, did the normal tests and came back that it'd closed). He feels it's an innocent murmur and I personally can say I have complete peace about it. He did say that he does want to make SURE it's innocent and since no one has ever said anything in the last 7 yrs, we got a referral to a Pediatric Cardiologists and Jacob will have an ultrasound done on his heart to check things out and make sure all is ok.

While in there he asked if he had any issue's with his allergies and I told him he was, so he changed his allergy medicine and we're hoping this works. His teeth/gums had started hurting even with the meds he'd been on, so a change was necessary. One of his meds is a nasal spray, the other is a pill, and he said if they're really bothering him I can give him sudafed and also benedryl at night if necessary. I don't see me needing those last two, but knowing it's ok with the meds he's on to give him the others is nice to know we have more options in keeping him comfortable and pain free.

Oh and....Emma got her first tooth! It popped through. Top right (if looking at her) finally popped through. I'm trying to get as many gummy pictures in as possible since I know in the next few days that tooth will be shining through and more will come to follow. She's almost 10 1/2 months old, she is my oldest to get a tooth through. I will say she's not been that cranky and I'm VERY thankful for that for her most of all as well as me and well everyone else who has to be around her!

Jack's doing good. He's definately having the hardest time with Chad being gone. He's almost 5, understands just enough that his sweet little world has turned upside down and there's nothing he can do about it,  but cry and get mad and whine, pout, through temper tantrums that he isn't allowed to get away with (no matter what).

I did get to chat with Chad this evening, so he's all caught up in our family drama! Poor guy is over in Iraq sweating buckets and I know he feels totally helpless.

Any and all prayers are appreciated.

 

God Bless

Monday, June 9, 2008

Here I go!

Well my friend and I went to the gym today! We hired two sisters to watch between the two of us our 5 children and off to the gym we went! We worked out on the eliptical machine for 20 minutes with an additional 5 minutes of cool down, then went and did crunches, leg lifts, and various stretches. Then we walked home. We felt great, a little tired, really sweaty, but great because we both did it and together which was soooo much better than alone! We'll be going to the gym Monday's, Wednesday's, and Friday's for an  hour and then the other days we'll be going for at least 1 hour walks, if not longer! We're also going to be eating together a few times a week to help keep us on track.

I'm here to say that I'm a Pepsi drinker and it is absolutely my vice. I'm working on cutting back to eventually not be drinking it at all except on the RARE occasions we go out to eat. That's the goal, I'm not there yet, but will be hopefully by the time I go back to KS! So please pray for that one right now, it IS a struggle and a strong hold for me.

So here I go. I'm on the way to lose weight. I'm on the way to get healthy again. I had thought about writing about this in my old weight loss journal, but I just don't have it in me to keep track of another journal, so it'll be written here!