Christy's Thoughts

Last Update

2008-10-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

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!

It's going....

2008-09-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

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!

A Nation In Crisis

2008-09-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

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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Taking a Stand

2008-09-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

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."

Sleepless in Germany

2008-09-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Emma's 1st Year...In Pictures

2008-09-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

Sad

2008-09-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Home Sweet Home

2008-09-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

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

Hi again! :)

2008-08-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

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

An Update

2008-08-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

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

They're home

2008-07-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

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

Children's time

2008-07-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

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

21 Reasons Why I love My Husband

2008-07-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

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!

So Tired

2008-07-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

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!

Prayers

2008-07-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

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

Wahoooooo

2008-07-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

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!

11 months

2008-07-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

Our 4th

2008-07-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Busy Day Already

2008-07-03T04:58:00.000-07:00

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!

Count Down to "Homecoming"

2008-07-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

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.

Stupid is as Stupid Does

2008-06-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

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

Update on Jacob

2008-06-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

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!

Jacob

2008-06-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

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!

Tomorrow

2008-06-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

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.

6 mile hike

2008-06-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

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!

This and That

2008-06-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

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!

Weight Loss Update

2008-06-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

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

Tornado's, Flooding, and Shopping

2008-06-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

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

Czech here I come!!!

2008-06-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

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! :)

Update on Jacob

2008-06-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

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

Oh What a Day!

2008-06-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

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

Here I go!

2008-06-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

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!

Goodbye Aunt Shirley

2008-06-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Heaven gained one of the most precious women in my life. A woman who told me stories of a Grandmother I never was able to know, who loved me as much as she possibly could, who was a devoting wife, mother, and grandmother to her own. Who until the end came in every Friday and took care of her own mother until her passing. She praised GOD on the day of her husband's funeral as she knew he was with our Lord that day and that one day she'd join him. She gave some of the best hugs I've ever had. She also introduced me to "The Sound of Music"! (The movie).

I had planned to spend a couple days with her when the kids and I went back to the states, I wish so much she could have met Emma. I know she's in Heaven though, with my Great Grandma and Grandpa, her sister and 3 brother's who died before her, and most of all her adoring husband. Please keep her 3 children and her grandchildren and great grandchildren in your prayers, as well as the rest of our family. She has 3 siblings left alive...Uncle Raymond, Aunt Phylis, and Uncle Tom.

Computer stuff

2008-06-05T03:05:00.000-07:00

There's no secret website, we have a HP Compaq Presario computer and I just went there, if you have issue's with your computer you should go to the maker first, follow their instructions and it "SHOULD" (may not) work, it worked for me. I just followed directions that is all.

I did it!!!

2008-06-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

My sound hasn't been working for a few days. I made sure the speakers were ok and then well I was scared. The "technical" stuff is Chad's thing, I do internet stuff, he does everything else. So he told me the website to go to but that was it. I followed the directions which were well stupid proof, uninstalled what was corrupted, installed a new program and tadaaaa... I have sound again! Wahoo!! I'm so excited none of you have any idea! Plus I just pushed the button for my burner which has not worked/opened for quite some time and it opened! Wahoo! It's my night!!!!

Well, I'm off to bed soon!

Emma Grace is 10 months

2008-06-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

So here she is...all in her 10 month old glory. I can't believe my baby is already 10 months old. The time has just truly flown by since she entered our world and graced us with her smile. How blessed we are! She was being silly on the couch today when I snapped the majority of them. She gave me a few serious looks and then decided she'd had enough of sitting and stood, crawled away, etc. I also made spaghetti for dinner tonight and the girl loved it. I'm not one who takes a lot of pictures of my babies with food, because well it's rather gross, but you have to have a couple. She of course got a bath after dinner since she was so covered in sauce! LOL

Lil' Update

2008-06-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

Wow it's been over a week since I last wrote. Life is just going along, busy to a degree. We finished up baseball with the end of the season party, last Wednesday. We've been going on walks almost everyday and trying to suffer through the heat and humidity that took over at least our area of Germany the past week. On Sunday we went to the pool off post and the kids had a great time. They have a great kiddy pool that Jack and Emma both love. Jacob prefers the bigger pools, the wave pool and another that's connected to the wave pool. He was thrilled to discover that he now can walk flat footed in the other pool, where last year he was going under if flat footed! Starting today it's cooling back down to the 70's and when I looked the other day it's supposed to stay in the 70's for the next week or so, so we are definately going to enjoy the cooler temps!! Lots of time outside walking, going to the parks, etc.

My friend and I are going to hire sisters to watch the kids while we go to the gym 3 days a week. We're going to have them watch the kids at the park so they can burn energy. If it's raining they'll obviously been either here at my place or at hers, but hopefully it'll be nice so the kids can all burn their energy off at the park!!! :) :)

My goal is to have 20 lbs off by the time I go home and I can do it, I figure the 3 days at the gym, plus walking 2 miles a day at least the days in between, and watching what I'm eating I should be able to obtain that goal or very close to it!! My hope is that by Christmas I'll be inching closer to another 30 lbs off if I keep up the diet and excercise. We don't know if Chad will be home over Christmas for R&R, if so I think he'll be very happy with the wife that he comes home to! I'm absolutely determined to get this weight off, get healthy and most importantly STAY HEALTHY. I'll take any and all prayers and encouragement you have to give!

The boys are doing well. Jacob's school works has went down to about 20 - 30 minutes a day at this point. We're just keeping him sharp on math and reading. I have to make a final decision on the curriculum for next year and get it ordered soon. I want it here before by the time we leave for the states so that when we return once we've recovered from jet lag, we can get a jump on it for both boys and get a schedule going for all of us, including Emma.

Speaking of Miss Emma, she's 10 months old TODAY! I will get a picture taken of her in alittle bit (she's having a late nap) and put it up later. I can't believe she's 10 months old already. It seems like she was just born, yet I can't imagine our lives without her! She's talking more and more, says bubba for the boys (mostly Jacob though), bye-bye, she waves hi and bye, mamma, dadda, meow (for our cat Whiskers). She's cruising the furniture and has been letting go here and there and on Sunday decided to try and take a step, as she stepped she went down, so I do not count it, but I know it's only a matter of time!

I've talked to Chad a few times via phone and IM, hoping he gets to call today or else tomorrow. It's hot there for sure! They've been dealing with 115 degree's give or take a few degree's since arriviving and it's only going to get hotter! They're still not where they will end up for the duration of their deployment, they're doing some training and then will head North, which should be soon. Thank you for the prayers. I am writing on our deployment journal (links on the left) so stop in and read. Hopefully once Chad's up there and in his room, we're hoping they have internet in their rooms and hopefully he can journal some too while deployed and share his thoughts on things.

Oh one thing I've started doing since Chad has left. Cooking breakfast. That's always been Chad's thing. I'm the cereal mom, sometimes toast, etc...but all but 2 mornings since he's left I've made breakfast! I found a wonderful recipe for oatmeal and the boys and I all loved it! Pancakes, Bacon, French Toast and Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, life's been very enjoyable for the kids! I have to say that I've actually enjoyed making it for them too! So I'm now on the search for various breakfast idea's. I am also going to get me a waffle maker. I LOVE homemade waffles, I detest frozen ones. The boys honestly only know frozen, so I want to let them know what TRUE waffles taste like! So I'll be searching for a good waffle maker!!

I'm also in the process of decluttering. That's a much slower process and laziness wins out more than it should. I have Emma's room pretty well done. I still have a couple things to do, but for the most partit's done. My room is my biggest challenge, but the oneI want done the most. The kitchen is the 2nd room I want done the most. I'm going to the PX tomorrow to buy new rubbermaid bowls, a small set and I'm getting rid of all the ones I have right now. That mess will be gone!! I'm going to get rid of a few other pots that I don't use (I have a nice pampered chef set now that I use and LOVE!!). Go through the rest of our small appliances and get rid of what we simply NEVER use. I also am going to go through all the mugs (coffee mugs) and get rid of most of those. We're not coffee drinkers so we just need a few for Hot chocolate and hot tea and the rare occassions we do have a coffee drinker here. I don't need 30 coffee mugs!

I set up a chore chart for the boys and that's going well. Some chores they do because they're part of this family and that's just simply what they do. Some chores they earn an allowance for, some they earn an award (movie and choice of dinner, game night/snacks,etc).

***The pictures are from the the night/morning Chad left as well as the days after.

Van update

2008-05-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine took me and the kids (and her kids) down to where the van is (almost to Munich/Munchen) so I could get the rest of our belongings out. It's about a 2 hr drive down there and of course we hit a good amount of traffic, saw an accident, and were in a stau (traffic jam). There was a lot more stuff in the van than what Chad said was in there, but we got it cleaned out. The manager of the shop called our insurance man while I was there and came and said they had DEFINATELY totalled the van out and that I'd be getting a check in the mail. Up until that moment I'd actualy been doing ok, but when he walked away I just started crying again. I felt stupid, it's just a piece of metal, but as my friend pointed out....it carried my family, my most precious of cargo to and from all over the place, heck all over the world. So in another of my silly/stupid moments as we were leaving and I did one last check over, I said "Goodbye and thank you for taking care of my family up until the end". The van had some issue's, but ultimately it was a good and safe van, got GREAT gas mileage, most importantly my family had always remained safe, even in the accident. So it's done, the van is officially "gone" you could say. I do think the tears were more of just what's happened to our family in the last week. The accident, then dealing with the insurance (which was actually not a bad thing), looking at a new van, deciding to wait for a few months, and then Chad leaving 2 days later. Oh and lets not forget a messy home, and 3 kids to continue raising without losing my mind, being an example of a Godly mother, showing grace and firmness, giving hugs and discipline (sometimes all at the same time), it can be a lot.

One our way home we stopped at an indoor play area that we've taken the kids to before. It's great because there's an area for even Emma to play safely in, and I don't have to follow the boys around with every step. It definately wore everyone out and we were heading home by 5:00.

Once home I heated up left overs (Taco Soup), and cleaned up the kitchen which was necessary. I have been bad and hadn't done dishes in 2 days. So I emptied the dishwasher, loaded it, and dished up dinner for all of us. Once that was done we sat down and cried through Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Now keep in mind that our shows are NOT on the same timeline as yours in the states, we're a few months behind. Tonights was about a Marine living in Kansas City, Ks (I started crying when they showed the country side....aka HOME). I just sobbed watching that show. I actually haven't cried much this season watching the show, tonight was a big boo-hoo one.

As I end this, I hope each and every one of you took time to Thank GOD for being an AMERICAN. For the men and women who died for your freedoms. For your right to gripe about our government, gas prices, the economy, what ever your gripe is...it was given to you because of the blood of soldiers. Be thankful that because of the willingness of brave men you have the right to worship GOD.

We are a nation full of luxuries that many see has necessities. We are a nation that is honestly VERY spoiled, who complains easily, and praises rarely. We are a proud nation, a wonderful nation, and a nation that needs to imo be more thankful for the blessings we have, most of all our Lord and SAVIOR Jesus, and our Soldiers who are willing to die for a cause that ultimately is greater than they are. Today remember. Stop with the BBQ'ing, the opening of pools, and just all around getting ready for summer and REMEMBER what today is being marked for. Remember that the TRUE Memorial Day, or more accurately Decoration Day is on May 30. Don't forget. Don't get too busy, self-involved, distracted, etc...remember the TRUE meaning.

Come on over

2008-05-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

I'm blogging over here for all things deployment:

TalesfromtheFrontandtheonesleftBehind

Come read the ups and downs of this 15 month deployment from my side of things of being left behind and "hopefully" Chad's side of things from being on the Front. (His connections not the greatest where he's at right now and they're not even where they'll ultimately going to be so we'll see how good it is once he's there). It's a public journal, so feel free to share the link.

Steven Curtin Chapman

2008-05-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Even if you don't listen to Contemporary Christian music, please be in prayer for The Chapman Family. Steven Curtis Chapman's 5 yr old daughter who was their 3rd daughter they adopted from China was accidently killed today when his son was backing up in his SUV and did not see her. The shock and disbelief the family is going through is one many can only imagine. The guilt of his son is one none of us would ever want to bear. Lets pray for all of them.

CMT : News : Steven Curtis Chapman's Daughter Killed in SUV Accident

Update

2008-05-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Well the insurance company told us the van is totalled, so we're now in search of a new van. Well I should say we've picked out what one we want and we're now dealing with the joys of finance. Please be in prayer over that. Pray that God will lead us to the right lender, that he will make this process as gentle as possible. We are truly on borrowed time with all of this since tomorrow is our last day with Chad. I'm just giving it to God and I know he'll work it out the way it's supposed to be.

So far the insurance has been working with us easily. I have a rental car for the next 3 weeks. I'm blessed with friends to help me out if I need a minivan to use as well. So although things have not happened the way we planned or hoped, hope is not lost. I will NOT let Satan take this and run.

Thank you for the constant prayers.

We were in a car accident

2008-05-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

tonight on our way home from Edelweiss, it was raining really hard. The car in front of us slammed on her breaks. Chad slammed on ours and veared to the right (where there were no cars), unfortunately he still hit the right back corner of her car, which spun her and led to her getting hit full on her drivers side by another car. No one was hurt, just shook up. Jacob bumped his head, but he's ok. My van is in really bad shape. The tie rod, the strut, the stabilizer bar, the break line, the steering gear shaft, and the drive gear shaft was bent. We got towed and when the KID (he looked like he was 19) was lowering the van off the truck, he managed to rip tire/gear drive off the van completely. The kid actually was laughing. I was sobbing at that point. It's all the front drivers side corner. I took pictures at the scene of the accident of our van and Chad took a picture of the can he hit. The accident happened just past Munich/Munchen.

We rented a car to get home. We're hoping that our insurance will pay to have the van towed back here. We're not sure what's going to happen with the van, and of course Chad leaves in just a couple days.

Please pray that God will show us his plan with all of this mess. Satan is definately fighting to take control of this deployment and we will not let that happen. We've definately had issue's with the van this past year, and Chad thinks maybe it's just time to say goodbye and get a new one. I'm not sure about that, but will do what he thinks is best at this point. I just want a safe and reliable and obviously driveable van for our family. I am thankful we have our little reliable BMW, it's crowded for the kids, but it will get us safely from point a to point b.

I can say with all honesty that I'm still really shook up and in a bit of shock at all of this. We did have a good weekend in Garmish/Edelweiss. Thank you for your prayers over this as well as our impending deployment for Chad.

Heading Out

2008-05-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

We're heading out for the weekend back to Edelweiss in Garmisch. Chad leaves next week. It just really seems surreal to me. You'd think it wouldn't this is our 5th deployment and 3rd OIF, but it does. Keep us in your prayers.

God Bless

New Pictures

2008-05-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

We had family pictures taken last week, and at the same time Emma's 9 month pictures.

2008-05-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

Jordyn's Heaven Anniversary was one of the hardest I've had so far, besides the first one. The whole week leading up was awful and the day of was just the topper you could say. I can say with all honesty I don't recall being so teary. The tears came almost constantly throughout the day and evening. It's a week I prefer not to go through, and if I could just sleep through it I would. I really wanted to sleep all day on Thursday but of course that's not possible when you have 3 small children.

Tomorrow/Monday marks the date Jordyn's funeral and burial was. It's just such a blur in ways and as clear as today at the same time. I just can't get into it anymore than this, because I'm so emotionally and physically drained.

Today/Mother's Day was not good. The boys were ugly, which in turn I was equally if not more so ugly. I can easily say I could have slept through today and woke up on Tuesday and it would have been better. Instead I had to drudge through the miserable day. Chad and I argued as well, it was just a delightful day I'm telling you. Chad did get Emma's room painted. He has a very small section left, but has to get paint, just a section of the last wall didn't get much paint and he ran completely out and he has to get the edges done, it shouldn't take him much time at all tomorrow to do it. I did paint one wall. I'd never painted before so that was interesting. I can say that I didn't enjoy it at all. LOL. It wasn't awful, just not a lot of fun obviously. I'll let Chad continue that job.

I'm watching a friends son in the morning. I needed to get more cleaned up around here, but it didn't happen. The place isn't that great right now, but it's been worse. The sad thing is, I just don't care. I don't have the energy and I'm going to bed here soon. I should have went an hour or so earlier.

Oh since this is just a downer of a post I have another little rant. Emma was supposed to be dedicated today, but the chaplain who was supposed to do it, FORGOT! I'm pretty ticked off. He apologized to Chad. I didn't get close enough to him to even talk to him. I left the sanctuary after the service was over and went and got the boys. I have talked to him about th is since before they went out to the field in Feb. we were supposed to have it done in March. I talked to him when they returned from the field and he told me we'd do it that following Sunday, it didn't happen. Chad talked to him and he said 2 weeks from then, and again it didn't happen. Then went on block leave. Then we talked to him again about it, and he said it'd happen. It was posted in the handout we get before service, so I just assumed that he'd talked to the head chaplain, but when we got to chapel (Emma all dressed in the dress I had bought that I thought was perfect for her to be dedicated in and me dressed up extra special) I find that only ONE baby was being dedicated and it was NOT Emma. I was so hurt I was in tears. I told Chad and he talked to the Ch. that we'd been talking to and he said "oh I got so busy this past week, I forgot to tell Ch. W.. Well he's NOT dedicating my child. We have a friend in the chapel who's an ordained minister and we're going to ask him to perform her dedication next Sunday. We have to make sure it's ok with the head Chaplain. This will most likely be Chad's last Sunday at church so if we're going to get this done before he leaves it has to be this Sunday or not at all. To us a baby dedication is just our declaration that we'll be raising Emma in the church, as a child of God, and will teach her the truth that Christ is our Risen Lord. The congregation promised to keep us accountable and help in teaching Emma about Christ.

So it wasn't a good Mother's Day. To be honest this hasn't been a good year at all when it comes to days that I am "supposed" to be the focus in any way. My birthday was a bust not even a card and today although I got gifts, most were last minute (yesterday) gifts, other than 1 thing. I know I'm sounding really ungrateful and I wish I didn't sound that way. I'm just so numb and angry right now. Life's not fair and I get that more than ever. It is what it is.

I'm tired and going to bed. I hope your day was a lot better than mine, if it was as bad as mine I'm sad for you.

Remembering Jordyn

2008-05-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of Jordyn's life. I had written so much out, poured my heart out actually and before I could hit save AOL signed me off. God allowed me to get it out, but did not allow me to show it for all the world to see. I'm positively emotionally drained. I just ask that you keep Chad and I in your prayers. I am not sure yet what we're going to do to mark Jordyn's Welcoming into Heaven day, it's a very bittersweet day, to know she fell asleep in my arms and woke up in Jesus'. I wish I could say I gave and give all the glory to Jesus, but I can't. I'm a selfish, sinful mom/woman who aches for her child in her arms. I weap, I've screamed, I've kicked, and wailed. I know where she's safely at though and I rejoice for her. I would NEVER want her to leave Heaven to return here....just wish she wouldn't have went to Heaven quite so soon. I wish she'd have had another 80 yrs, with never having had deal with cancer, but that's not how life is for her or us. I will definately take quite time tomorrow at 5 AM EST., which will be 11 am CET and just think of Jordyn. I ask that each of you, if you're awake at that point to pray for me and Chad and remember Jordyn.

Feb 10, 2000..Jordyn and Mommy

I miss you, I love you, I can't wait until we're together again.

Clarity

2008-05-04T14:33:00.000-07:00

First thank you for so much love, kindness, and prayers from you all. I've had some sleep and well with that comes clarification, and I was also able to have a REALLY GOOD CRY and that brings on a whole new ability to see clearly as well. So I want to say that I do have really awesome and very good and close friends, to be honest this season of my life, this place here in Germany that God has brought us, has brought me some of the dearest and closests friends I've ever had in my life. I have my best friend T who is in the states and my Emily who's more often than not a saving grace to me, then I have B who lives here and I'm with everyday almost, well now I am everyday because I'm watching her daughter while she's at work for 4 hrs a day, and so many others.

The problem is absolutely not with them, but with me not speaking up and saying I need YOU. That's an issue. I wish that I didn't have to say it, I wish they were mindreaders because the reality is I know all I have to do is say "I need to talk, I need to cry," and they'd be offering their shoulders/ears. But I'm stubborn, prideful, I don't know what but when I need them to be there for me I just need to say it. I think we all go through times where we are different things in our friendships and I've been the one who's been there to listen and that's a great thing because it allows me to be silent which is something I really do need to do more of, but this week isn't a week I can be totally silent and I have reached out.

B called me yesterday and I was able to just get it out and let me tell you it felt good. Such a release, to just sob, say what I needed, and to hear someone on the other end not say a lot, but just enough and continue to remind me that Jesus has me and of course Jordyn. God has absolutely blessed me in the friend department and I'm thankful for that. I am sorry if I put it that I'm not blessed there, because honestly I'm more blessed than I probably should be!

Oh I have to share this. Another friend of mine J has VERY long hair. It's beautiful, red hair, it's own to the top of her waist. Well she's cutting 10 inches off, for Locks of Love!!! And...are you ready for this, she's doing it on Thursday...the day Jordyn went home to Heaven. Let me tell you that's the most precious gift God's given me this week. She didn't know that Thursday was Jordyn's Heaven date..so there we were hugging with tears in church this morning. How GREAT is our GOD?!!!!

We had a really awesome day today. We had church, went to a beer garden (beer is not the only thing served) They're very family friendly actually...cheap, but AWESOME food, cheap drinks and trust me normally pop (soda) is not cheap, but this was. There's normally a park/play area for the kids and this one was really nice. We had a great day! Once we left there we headed to another post to look for a few things, which of course they didn't have, then once we got back to our town the carnival was going on and it was the last day so we took the kids and had a great time! We got home about 9 pm! The kids got into the shower, and got to bed quickly and were out in no time!

I would like to ask you to pray for me during this week. Pray that this week will be as gentle as possible.

2008-05-03T02:15:00.000-07:00

I was so close to deleting last nights entry this morning, actually I started feeling panicked about it, feeling I'd written too much, or that what I wrote could be read by someone I'm close to and they would feel hurt, but then I read Julie and Betty's comments and thought otherwise. The reality is I'm not the only person who feels this way, who feels surrounded but alone. I'm not the only one who needs certain things, but has a hard time vocalizing them, who's struggling with things beyond words, who's heart hurts. One thing I know that's effecting my mood and heart is that Thursday will mark 8 yrs since Jordyn died. Let me tell you this something so humbling (not sure that's even the right word but it's the one that continues to come to my head) at the thought that it's been 8 yrs since I last held my little girl. To hear her sweet voice one more time, most of all to feel her snuggled up to me. She has this way of laying her head in my neck and she'd be facing my neck and her warm, sweet breath against my neck and the way she'd play with my hair...oh how I miss that feeling. Almost 8 years and 3 more children later and my arms STILL ACHE for Jordyn. Don't let people fool you who've lost a child, to say the ache goes away, it does not. You still can ALMOST feel them, but yet you can't. Your arms are still empty of THEM. I'm at a point where not a lot of people are willing to see the true depths of the pain. Most days I can sincerely put on a smile, but there are days where I want to just cry and hurt for Jordyn. I miss her. A mommy is not supposed to bury her child, it's just that simple, yet I and thousands of others day everyday. Anyway's...missing Jordyn definitely has to do with my previous post.

then there's my best friend .We have not been talking as much as we used to. We used to talk everyday and now sometimes a week or two will go without talking. I miss her so much. We live in two parts of the world, 6 hours differing in time zones, we both have kids, we're both busy with kids practices, games, play dates, the list goes on. I probably talk to her answering machine more than her and I hate that. There's lots of perks to living in the US and being only 1 hour time difference is one of them.

I was up last night until after 4 am, I only went to bed because Emma woke up and wanted to nurse. Chad took Jacob to the theater, he has a play today, they had to be there at 11 am to do one last rehersal, get in make up, and costume. He was running to the commissary to get Jacob a snack to eat, get things for dinner tonight, return Jack's new sketcher sandles, which the strap broke the very first time he wore them, and get me some essentials, oh and he has to bring lunch home and well he probably won't be home until noon and I'm starving. He just called actually, he's going to run to the book store here on post and get Jacob a card and book as a congratulations for a job well done in his play!

Ok, I have to get off of here and get dressed for my day, etc. I feel like a bum right now.

Thank you Julie and Betty for letting me know I'm not alone in these feelings.

2008-05-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

I've attempted to write this 3 times now and everytime I've just deleted everything. Being completely open and raw here is not my nature. I always thought I was a very open person, that I could share things easily, but I'm finding that as I get older the less I share even with those closest to me.

More often than not I find myself the one sitting and listening quietly, adding a comment here and there but other than that, not much else. Then praying. This goes for face to face as well as phone and internet.

Part of the being quiet is obeying God, simply listening and doing all I can to be a good friend and not one upping, etc. The other part is I'm simply not asked how I am, what I need to talk about, etc. It's beyond just one or two friends too, it's pretty well everyone. I'm not sure why either. For a couple I know why and it's fine, we all have times in our lives where we are required to just sit back, shut your mouth, and listen and be a friend....but other times shouldn't that shoe be on another's foot? Maybe right now I'm supposed to be that quiet friend, to everyone. If so and I'm being honest here, it's not easy, it's very hard, and makes me sad and really lonely. No one and I mean no one truly knows ME. A few know a fair amount about me, but no one knows except for Jesus knows all of me. But let me write it right here, a select few could know a lot more about me because I want them to know, but it's not an issue right now.

Are you ever surrounded by people, people who care and love you, and still feel alone? Feel like no one really wants to hear what you have to say?

It is what it is I guess and I just need to suck it up and accept it.

We're about to face a 15 month deployment and the one person that I tell more to than anyone else is about to leave for Iraq. I'm sad. There's a song that continues to go through my head:

"Does Anybody Hear Her" Casting Crowns

She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even knows she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her

He is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction

Casting Crowns - Does Anybody Hear Her

EXHAUSTED

2008-05-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

I'm so tired, tonight is the latest I've been up in a few nights and I am absolutely not sure why I'm still up because I've been dosing off for the last hour, so once I'm done here I'm done! A lot has been going on here so let me get you caught up.

Jacob's really enjoying the play. He's very good at memorization and he's told us nearly everyone's lines from the play! I am looking forward to seeing him on Saturday. He has a couple solo lines and he's excited about that! He was singing us a song from it tonight too! He's so thrilled and can't wait for us to see him!

I started watching my friend's little girl yesterday. My friend is working at the school cafeteria, so I watch her daughter for about 4 1/2 hrs which really works out great for both of us. We're both earning extra money and we're both saving it for the same trip, we're going to Italy this June! We're going to go to Vicenza for a couple days then on over to the American Beach at Camp Darby (in Lorvino) for a few days! I'm calling tomorrow to book our rooms! I can not wait! She's my best friend here and we have so much fun together, talking, laughing, crying. I'm truly blessed to have her in my life!

Jack had his first tball game tonight. I didn't get a lot of pictures since I had to help. Trust me with 3-5 yr olds they need A LOT of help! One of the teams we played their coach has only had 1 practice, they were supposed to have 3, but cancelled 2 because she thought it was too wet or too cold. She coaches a team in the same league that Jacob's in and actually my friend from the above paragraph, her son is on this coach's team and they've had practices cancelled for it being too cold, too wet, and any other excuse she can come up with. She's VERY prissy, and honestly has no business coaching since if it's in the slightest inconvient to her. Oh and she "banned" snacks after the game for her teams! Is that insane or what? If she doesn't want her kids to have snacks, fine, don't let them, but to tell parents they can not bring snacks....of course my friend said "forget her, I'm bringing snack next week!" ROFL!! I know it's spiteful additude, this lady just annoys the daylights out of me! I'm not really a prissy kind of girl, so being around one just grates on my last nerve!

Chad's doing ok. He's been busy with work. He told us last night the deployment may be pushed back a couple more weeks, which is good and bad. The good is obvious, we have him for a couple more weeks. The bad is that at this point you want them to go so they can start inching their way closer to coming home and all this does is delay their return home, plus you get yourself emotionally prepared for a certain time frame. Hurry up and Wait...that's the Army's Motto.

I've been dealing with unusual exhuastion in the evenings. Really unlike me. I normally have to FORCE myself to go to bed and here I am fighting with all I have to keep my eyes open.

Emma will be 9 months old on Saturday too. My how time has flown with that baby girl. She's just so wonderful. She's definately back to feeling like herself again too. She crawls like a speeding train, pulls up on everything and is cruising the furniture, laughs and smiles are abundant, just over all true deep down happiness is happening in that baby girl!

Well, I can't do this anymore....good night!

Our Day

2008-04-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

It's 11:59 pm so just one more minute and Chad's birthday will be officially over here in Germany. He had a good one he said! He got from us 3 new games for his ps2 (it was a box set), a new shirt, new khaki shorts, and new sketcher sandels that are like Crocs. He said he really liked everything! :) I took pictures so hopefully I'll get them up here (still working on the Ireland pictures!). Anyways we went out to eat. We went to a Tex-Mex resturant and it was GREAT. Well for everyone but Chad. Poor guy he ordered a steak and they can NOT make steaks worth a hoot over here. It was really tough and chewy and had gristle throughout, which normally doesn't bother him, but it was to the extreme tonight. I had Chicken Fajita's which was AWESOME. Jacob had Quesadilla's and he LOVED them! Jack had taco's, there was 4 of them, he ate one! They were huge! Emma had beans! I ordered what sounded like to be sopapia's, but they sure didn't look like them to me, we'd ordered them to go so we knew no ice cream, but they put them in some rasperry sauce. That ended it for me. I'm NOT a girl who likes sauces that much, unless I order it knowingly like that and it said nothing about rasperry sauce on the menu (it was in English so it's not like I missed it!). Chad and the boys liked them.

I did not get his cheesecake made today unfortunately. I felt bad, but he said it was fine. He actually doesn't know what I'm making him. I'm going to make it tomorrow once I'm home from PWOC. By the time he gets home from work it should be ready to dig into! :)

Jacob has play practice tomorrow. He doesn't have to be there until 6, so we can have him fed at least before dropping him off and we'll pick him up at 8:20. It's going to be a long evening for him. I admit I already am looking forward to the week being over with. I do NOT enjoy being really busy. I'm such a homebody is so many ways, so having to run from this to that drives me insane sometimes. I just want to be at home snuggled up to Chad or one of the kids.

Oh..last thing. I'm in the process of planning a romantic dinner for Chad and I. He knows I'm planning it, I just have to pick the place. There's this resturant that I've wanted to go to since moving here, I'm going to go and look at their prices and see if they offer a candle light special ( a lot of the resturants here do). The building is actually built up in the middle of the river, has spectacular views. I'm hoping it's in our price range and we can do it! I have to decide what night, life is so crazy right now feels like we're being pulled in every direction and I HATE that. I just want to relax a little before he leaves. I just don't think that's going to happen.

Well I'm off to bed, I'm absolutely EXHAUSTED.

God Bless and Good night!

Oh and thank you for all the birthday wishes for Chad and well wishes for Jacob. I will pass them onto them tomorrow.

Chad's birthday and Jacob's in a play

2008-04-28T17:17:00.000-07:00

(Chad in the Gardens of Muckross House, Killarney, Ireland)

It's the 29th here in Germany and Chad's officially 33 yrs old today! :) I already told him Happy Birthday as he made his way to bed about 30 minutes ago. I know this sounds terrible, but I haven't been able to take the kids out shopping for him yet, so we're going tomorrow when the PX opens. I don't have a clue what to get him, but hope to find something for him! We are going out to eat I believe, will have to double check with him if that's what he still wants to do if not, then I'm going to make his favorite...my lasagna, home made bread, and a salad. I got a Cherry Cheesecake to make for him (Jello). It's his favorite and he's not huge on cakes, but this will thrill him to no end! I'll make it for him while he's at work. I'm also going to have the kids make him homemade cards, too. They'll be far more special than any store bought one (which of course I bought him one of those! LOL).

(Chad enjoying a TRUE Guiness in Glendolock, Ireland)

So as the title says Jacob's in a play. The Missoula Children's Theater comes here every year and offers a free opportunity for the kids to perform. This year it's Robin Hood. Jacob will be one of the Foresters. We are asked to drop the kids off, we can stay if we feel we should, but they do suggest leaving them because then the kids are not distracted and trying "perform" for their parents while learning their parts. It works out well that we can drop him off because Wed. Jack has tball practice and Thursday Jack has his 1st game and although Jacob will not be there Chad has to coach Jacob's team (he's the assistant coach) the head coach will be at Jack's game (same coach for both boys and Chad's the ast. for both teams). It works out perfectly because depending on the date of when Chad leaves he may not miss any of the boys games, which is awesome! Anyways the fact that we can drop off Jacob makes life easier. We were asked to have the kids bring dinner with them. I'm going to take Jacob to subway and let him get a cold sub. He has practice from 4-8:20 starting on Wed. through Friday. The play is on Saturday, they have 2 performances. I want to go to both, but I'm not sure how Emma will do with both of them, I guess we can go to both and if I have to leave I can. I need to make sure my video camera battery is charged up, because I want this on video. I need to pull it out and tape the kids more often. I'm the picture taking queen, but haven't been too hot about videoing. I need to step it up while Chad's deployed. I of course want DVD camcorder, so that's something I plan on getting while Chad's in Iraq, so I can send him video's of the kids and he can watch them on his laptop. I'm just I guess too stupid to figure out how to do video's online, I've tried and have yet to be successful. It's really annoying that I can't figure it out! I need to ask around to friends here and see if someone can come and show me, maybe I'm doing something wrong, well I KNOW I am, just don't know WHAT part I'm doing wrong! Well anyways...I'm off to bed. Lots to do tomorrow. Jacob HAS to get done with his school work at a decent time, take out the recycling, so we can go shopping for Chad.

(Chad and Kids in Dublin)

Gas prices and Bingo

2008-04-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

So I've been meaning to write about the gas prices for a while, and not to complain...I know shocking an American not whinging about gas prices...why because I'm priveleged enough to live in Germany and although we're paying $3.63 at station here on post, it'd be far worse if we HAD to pay off post why you ask? Well because if I had to pay their prices I'd be paying over are you ready for this? Are you sure? I mean come on American's are complaining about gas that's less than $4.00 a gallon.....ok here goes...for the cheap stuff gas is over $9.00 a GALLON. Did you read that people? NINE DOLLARS A GALLON. The gas here is in liter's, but Chad and I figured it out. Do you get it yet? American's ARE BLESSED. WE ARE even with the price of Gas, it's still cheaper. Do I like paying what we do for gas, no, but I get that nothing's going to change at least not that much. It's not the President setting the prices, although I do wish the Government would step in and put a stop to how prices are set, because it could be cheaper at least for the US.

Now Bingo! I went to a bingo where the prizes were various baskets filled with items. I normally don't win, actually I've only won once since living here and playing bingo. It seems it's always the same people who not only always win at Bingo, but often win multiple times! So tonight my friend Bobbie wins, either the first or second game, I can't remember. She picks hers which is a cooler filled with all these awesome things for traveling. It was/is really awesome! The next game someone else wins and then the next game...I won! I picked out a basket full of games, I know our family will have fun with it! Then a couple games later I got a Bingo again and so did another friend of mine. When there's more than one winner and you both have Bingo they take a deck of cards and you draw and who ever has the highest card wins...I pulled out a 6 of spades and so I just knew I had lost and then she pulls out a 4 of spades! Score!! I took the cooler with various items for BBQ'ing! Bobbie came close another game, she was 1 away and of course the next game that starts that "one" was the first number called! Go figure! We had a blast though! I left the boys home with Chad and Bobbie's son stayed here too (and now he's sleeping over). I took Emma and Bobbie took her daughter and they were both good. We walked, so a lady we know took our stuff for us and will bring it over in the morning! When I get them here I'll take pictures and post them!

BTW, I'm still working on Ireland pictures. There's seriously just not enough time in the day! LOL One of these days I will finish editing and renaming them, etc! I'm off to bed!

Count Down Has Begun

2008-04-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

Chad leaves in less than a month most likely. I don't know if I'm ready or not. Wait I know I'm not. It sucks. I know ugly word, but it's the only appropriate one there is. Right now, he's in bed with Emma snuggled up in his arms. I hate the fact that she's going to miss out on having her Daddy here with her and that he's going to miss out on so much of her, 15 months of her as a matter of fact. I know I can "make it" with him deployed, but I hate doing it. I hate being in that weird role of "single parent" but not single parent. Where we're being told over and over "don't tell your husband this or that" yet when you don't tell them, they want to know why you didn't tell them. The reality is, I tell Chad most things. I think it's a load of tar to keep them in the dark and pretend that everything's constantly beautiful, easy, and when you do that's when you get ignorant comments from your spouse like "you have it so easy at home" ROFL!!! Seriously if you're not a military spouse and have not been through a deployment you do NOT get the hillarity of that comment. Chad said it his 1st TWO deployments the first to Bosnia and the 2nd in Kuwait, before he headed off to Iraq the first time though he got to see what it's LIKE. Our neighbor's husband was deployed and she was pg with their 3rd children (we had our babies...who for me was Jackson....on the same day actually). Anyways right after her husband left to go back to Iraq right after R&R the Army messed up their pay. Her husband had bought a laptop while home and set up an allotment to pay for it, of course the Army sent ALL their money to the bank to pay for the computer and just left C with about $100.00, it'd gotten things backwards. Chad took her up to finance and got it all straightened out. Then a few days after that, which was the day before she was leaving for California (from Kansas) the back window of her van exploded! There was just thousands of cracks all over it. We'd all been outside in our backyard when it happened.) So that helped him see that when something goes wrong, it's always when the husband's deployed! So that deployment, he was really awesome. The last one he was great too, never make that stupid comment, and he even "disciplined" the boys via webcam! ROFL! I will say this....GOD BLESS technology! Seriously how awesome is it?!! But....he's still not here.

He will not be here to hold Emma when I'm so exhausted I can't hold her for one more second. He'll miss out on hersweet hugs, kisses, and as more and more words grow in her vocabulary. He'll miss her first steps, possibly first tooth (which has yet to show itself), her first birthday, etc, etc, etc.

He'll miss Jackson's first year of kindergarten. Of all the great things he'll be learning on a daily basis. Of soccer and any other sports he may play while he's not here. Of days at the park. Of him turning 5.

He'll miss out on Jacob turning 8, cub scouts, pine wood derby races, camping trips, sports for the year, his 2nd grade year, learning division, performing science experiments, learning about the planets in more details.

As a family he'll miss out on our trip to Italy and the beach this summer, trip to Belguim, and Czech Rep. He'll miss out on our trip back to the states and seeing everyone meet Emma for the first time and for Jack and Jacob "remeeting" our family and friends who they've not seen in 3 years. He'll miss lots of laughter, thousands of smiles, holiday's, birthday's, anniversary, hugs, kisses, long looks, holding each other, watching our babies grow, new joys, possible heartaches, walks holding hands, the list goes on and on.

But what he's doing over there is important. What he's doing is changing the world, saving lives, giving hope to the hopeless, and most importantly sharing Christ's love and compassion, and truth with those who don't know it or who've lost it along the way.

I must hold onto the truth. This is with in God's will, with in his control, and that he will not allow anything to happen to Chad that is not with in his will. I know I'll have down days, but I will do all I can to focus on the positive things. I may share heartaches, but I'll share just as much if not more joy. Come along with me on what is our 5th over all deployment, and our 3rd OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) deployment. I'll be writing once again here: TalesfromtheFrontandtheonesleftBehind I don't know if Chad will get to write there too, hopefully. Now that AOL has changed things and more than one person can write on a blog I'm hoping he'll find the time to write here and there, to give his perspective of being away from us. He's limited on what he can write about as far as the deployment itself goes and really I'm not that comfortable with him sharing that information, but his perspective on being away from his family, being in a war torn country, etc would be good to share.

Thanks for walking this journey with me, it's going to be our longest yet at 15 months.

God Bless

There's only one way

2008-04-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

I dislike this woman immensley and believe with all my heart that she's the most dangerous woman in the United States, if not the world and I am not exaggerating in that belief. Too many people have given this woman far too much credit and control in their lives, through their own tv sets and by the books they read because of her own suggestions. It's sad and frightening. She's left the TRUTH. She has sealed her own fate by Denying Christ is the only way. She's completely new age and it's sad and frightening. Let me tell you now, there is only ONE WAY to Heaven and that's through the BELIEF in Christ, as the Savior of our world, as our King of Kings. He is GOD, there is absolutely no other way to Heaven without Jesus.

A little survey

2008-04-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

Your best friend tells you she is pregnant. What is your reaction? I'd be thrilled for her!

When is the last time you wanted to punch someone in their face? The day before we left Ireland! :X

What is the last thing you spent money on? Dinner

Do you think you gained or lost weight this past month? Lost!! Wahoo (while in Ireland too! It was all the walking we did!)

Crunchy or Puffy Cheetos? Both!

Congratulations! You just had a son. What's his name? Not sure possibly Nathaniel or Jonah, but who knows!

Congratulations! You just had a daughter. What's her name? Hmmm...well here's a few names we had for Emma: Abigail, Maggie, Aubreigh

What are you craving right now? Chocolate

What was the last thing you cried about? It was good tears, but update on my friend Heather

When you buy something and your change is 2 cents, do you keep it or tell the cashier to keep it? Tell the cashier to keep it.

What color is your tissue box? White with flowers printed on it.

Do you have a ceiling fan in your room, and if so, is there dust on that fan? Yes and yes! LOL

Scariest thing you've experienced in the last year? I guess knowing Chad's deploying again, although that's not really scary to me, because I know it's all in God's plan.

Do you wear a name tag at work? No, they know me as Mom :-)

Have you ever had a garage sale? Yes

What color is your iPod? Don't have one (I know gasp)

What is the last alcoholic beverage you had? I had a sip of Chad's Guiness when we were in Ireland (it was good, straight from the tap)
Are you happy right now? Yes

Who came over last? Bobbie and her kids

Do you drink beer? When I'm not breastfeeding I'll have one here and there, we are in Germany...the land of Beer! LOL But really not very often, not a big drinker.

Have your brothers or sisters ever told you that you were adopted? Yes, my brother and I used to tell each other that all the time.

What is your favorite key on your key chain? My apartment key.

What was the last movie you watched at home? We Are Marshall (Great movie btw)

What is in your pocket? no pockets.

Where do you hurt? no where right now

Has someone ever made you a Build-A-Bear? No

What's something fun you did today? Went shopping with Bobbie for another friends belated birthday gifts.

What is your favorite aisle at Wal-Mart? Oh I miss WalMart....

When is your birthday? Feb 9

Is there anything hanging from your rear view mirror? Airfreshner

What kind of milk do you drink? 2% organic

What is something you need to go shopping for? Goodness quite a few things...groceries of course, we're getting little love seat and matching chair for the boys bedroom, all kinds of things for Emma's room...bedding, wall art, curtains (for the boys too), lamps. Some of that is more wants than need of course! :)

Some Pictures

2008-04-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

I'm still sifting through all the pictures I took and am actually working on our 3rd day, so there's still tons of pictures to go! I will not be sharing ALL the pictures here, there's just too many for one and there are just some that are special and will only be shared with close friends and of course family.

Things are busy here. Chad's still on leave and today he and the boys started working on the playroom. The playroom will no longer be, it's being turned into the boys bedroom. The toys are being weeded through. If it's broken it's going to the trash. They're having to decide what they want to keep, only what can go into the storage unit we bought when Chad was home for his R&R during his last deployment and some bigger toys that can fit into their toy box. We're going to be buying them a love seat for their room this week and just getting it all moved around. We're also going to paint what is currently the boys bedroom and making that into Emma's room. It's going to be pink or lavender, what ever of those two colors self-help has. I'm hoping for lavender, but if all they have is pink that's ok! Then I'll be looking for curtains for her room or will have my mom make some if I don't find what I want. I'll also be looking for a new, pretty carpet for her room too, so she has a soft place to play as she grows. I'm looking forward to decorating the room all pretty and girly! I've waited a long time to get to do this again! :) Once it's all done I'll take pictures! LOL Hopefully we can be pretty well done, other than small details by this weekend. Friday we will probably not get much done because Chad and I will most likely be driving my friend Heather's parents to see her, and we'll get to see Heather!!!!! I am thrilled over that prospect!

Hope you enjoy the pictures. They're are some from Dublin, Glendalough (pronounced Glendolock), Rock of Cashel and Killarney National Park, oh and Sally's Gap which is in the Wicklow Mountains. They're between Dublin and Glendolough. It was truly stunning! It's taking a lot of work to edit them, label them, etc. So bare with me!

Also if you haven't been, go check up on Heather there's so much that's happened.

(Link's fixed!!)

www.caringbridge.org/visit/pray4heatherjackson

Also sign her guestbook!

God Bless

Christy

PS Emma is 8 months now! She turned 8 months the day we flew to Ireland!

Tags: Ireland

Back

2008-04-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

Hi I'm back! We had a wonderful time in beautiful Ireland! It barely rained the whole time we were there, which was awesome! We loved all of it and I wish I had pictures to share, but I haven't downloaded them yet! I took seriously aprox 1,000 photo's! I can't wait to download them, edit them, and share some! :) It was really a wonderful trip and we're so thankful we got to go! A week definately was NOT long enough, and we're planning on going back when Chad's home for R&R! Chad thanked me so many times and that I have to say was awesome! :)

I'll hopefully download the pictures tomorrow and have edited in the next couple of days!

Turning off alerts

2008-04-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

I'm going to turn off alerts tonight before I go to bed, until we get back. If you have something major happen, please email me so I can read it when I get home. I have a lot to do tomorrow and most likely not near enough time, isn't that how it always is? I got laundry done (the last of it's going into the dryer in a minute), and got all the floors swept, and the boys have been working on the playroom.

Tomorrow they will finish the playroom (unless Chad gets them to finish it while I'm at my FRG meeting tonight), they also have to clean up their bedroom. I need to vacuum all the rugs in the living room, dining room, the bedrooms, and the playroom. I have to change the litter in the litter box. A friend is going to come over daily and spend time with Whiskers, make sure she's fed and scoop her box as needed.

I'm going to finish cleaning my bathroom and kitchen tonight once the kids are all in bed. So not a lot to do really just everything! LOL Oh and we have to pick up the rental car that we're taking to the airport tomorrow too.

Goodbye Pounce

2008-03-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well today has been a lazy day and turned into a sad one. The kids slept until 9 am! Oh that was soooo nice. Germany had their time change, springing forward Sunday. It's been ugly as I think it is for everyone. I'd love for it to continue (the sleeping in that is) but I have a meeting in the morning and PWOC on Wednesday and then on Thursday we're flying to Ireland! We'll be there from the 3rd to the 10th. We got a minivan reserved! So excited I tell you!

So onto the sad.....I had our cat put down. Not the one we got the kids for Christmas, but the one we got back in 2005. He's suffered with UTI's since we got him, he's been having some bleeding issue's recently and it started back today and he got another UTI today too, so I called the vet office and they said they could take him today. I dropped the boys off with my friend and Emma and I took Pounce to the vet. They were very kind and loving and so gentle with him and me included. He was 10 yrs old and honestly I think he spent a great many of his years in pain from constant UTI's, I hope he felt loved while he was with us and knew we decided to do this with love and compassion for him.

The boys took it hard. I just let them cry and get it out and am prepared that there will possibly be more tears. The evening's been pretty quiet. Whiskers has no one to go torchure (Pounce) so she's hung out in the living room and just slept.

Tomorrow I have a meeting in the morning, will come home throw some clothes into the washer, then head downtown to get a couple pairs of jeans for Jacob so he has more than 2 pair (his others all have holes in the knees).

Thank you for all the loving comments for Jordyn's birthday, they mean so much to me.

God Bless

Christy

Jordyn's 10th birthday

2008-03-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

This was her last "birthday" picture (professional) taken. Her 2 yr old picture. It's hard to imagine a little girl that's locked in my mind and heart as forever 2, that today she'd be 10 yrs old. To think that 10 yrs ago I became a mother for the first time, she cried her first cries, took her first breath of air. I could never have imagined the beauty and wonder this child would and continues to bring to my life. 10 yrs is relatively a short time span when you look at the "average" life span...but when she only lived for 2 of those 10 years they seem to have gone on forever in ways. Sometimes I feel like it was just yesterday that I had her, then other times it seems like it was so long ago.

My heart is filled with joy. Today I had a message and I got to share Jordyn with the lady doing it for me. I shared my beautiful girl and her story and that although I miss her I know she's safe in the arms of Jesus, that her work on this earth was fulfilled in just 2 years 1 month and 8 days. How precious and amazing it is that she could do everything God had planned for her so quickly! What a miracle she was and always will be to us! To know that she was perfected in such a short time and to know that God's probably got a lot of imperfections to still work out of me, wow how humbling! He allowed ME, Christy, to bring such a precious, beautiful, amazing child into this world. He allowed HER to make ME a mother! He allowed her to show me how deep love is, and that in the end only love matters. In the end she left my arms for his. I NEVER have to worry about her. I know she's safe. I have such security and peace in that FACT! Most momma's don't have that for a lifetime. I don't and won't have it with my other blessings, but I have it with/for Jordyn.

God gave me this precious child 10 yrs ago today. I labored with her, in so many ways, but let me tell you my friends it was worth it. It was all worth it! To have had her for just those 2 years was more than I deserved and God allowed me to, I am by and far the luckiest mother in this world. I brought her into this world and I was allowed to hold her as she left it. Not a lot of Momma's have that. I held her tighter than I might have because of her chemo. I gave her to GOD in more ways than one, and I KNEW he had her and I was right! Tonight as March 30 ends and a new day begins I rejoice in the fact that for a moment in time God allowed me to mother this beautiful child. I'm forever grateful. I'm always humbled, and I feel so loved.

If you have a moment I ask that you go outside, look up towards Heaven and wish my baby girl a Happy 10th birthday.

Jordyn Ashleigh, I love you baby and I do miss you. Happy Birthday sweet girl.

Tags: Jordyn's birthday

Busy Day

2008-03-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and got Jacob started on his school work, he was almost done before breakfast!! That was nice to see him just jump on it today. I started on laundry soon after breakfast and got all, but towels done. Actually the very last load is in the washer and I need to throw it into the dryer before I head to bed and get it out in the morning, it's just some throw blankets.

We're heading out of town in the morning and will be back on Sunday. We're going to Garmish. We have a chapel retreat and I'm looking forward to it! It'll be nice to have the little break. I told Chad that when we come home, to just take the suitcase directly to the laundry room and I can just get everything washed that we wore over the weekend, because on Thursday we're heading to Ireland!!!!! I have no plans to go out anywhere, I'm going to just live in my sweats Monday-Wed! I'm going to clean the apartment those 3 days so that when we come home it'll be in good shape!

Tonight as I was putting clothes away, I fixed the boys closet. It was a disaster, now it's nice and orderly. I still have a basket of clothes to put away from last week (I HATE putting away laundry), so I'll do that probably on Monday.

Sunday is Jordyn's birthday. She'd have turned 10 yrs old. It seems so unreal to me that the little girl who MADE me a mother could be 10 already. In ways it does seem like that long ago, but in other ways it seems like just yesterday that I was holding her in my arms for the first time in awe of the beauty I'd just brought into the world. I truly do not know how anyone can bring a child into this world and deny God. It's nothing short of a miracle that we can create life, and such beautiful life at that! God is good and gracious that's for sure!!! I miss Jordyn and would love to have her here, but I know she's safe in the arms of Jesus and for that I'm so thankful. I got to have her in my arms for 2 yrs 1 month and 8 days and that's the absolute most precious gift next to my salvation that God gave me, following with Chad and our other children.

Update on my friend Heather. She had surgery today on her lungs, to get the infection out. It went well. They now need the antibiotics to do their job (that's all we've been told). So please keep her in your prayers and feel free to sign the guestbook with your prayers. I print off the guestbook entries and they're taken to Scott. I'm going to drop off the pages from this week to Heather's parents in the morning before we head out, so they have the latest ones.

Well...I am off. I have to run down to the laundry room quickly and then I need to get to bed. It's already 2:20 am. Oh and I'll be losing an hour of sleep this weekend, because we Spring ahead here in Germany. Yes, Europe also does Daylight savings time, a great many countries throughout the world does, it's not just a US thing.

God Bless and Good Night

Anniversary

2008-03-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

First thank you to Lori who sent me an anniversary card today! Today Chad and I marked 11 years of marriage. I'd like to say we got to celebrate, but we didn't. Now when I say I understand that so often the Army has to come first, I really say that with understanding, but let me say this right here, right now...the Army has ticked my butt off tonight. Chad's actually HERE for our anniversary and we had a stupid deployment meeting that went on for nearly 2 hrs, then after the meeting they (just those in leadership positions in his platoon) had to go back and work on counceling statements that were not due to be turned in until the close of business tomorrow (aka 4:30 pm). He got home at 11 pm tonight. I have held my tongue a lot, well his platoon sgt is getting a GOOD tongue lashing. It's just absolutely rediculous and most of all it's because this particular "leader" had them sitting around doing NOTHING all morning long, they had 2 hrs of their New Sgt. Major talking to them, this afternoon, and then our meeting this evening. There was no reason they couldn't have done these this morning or waited until tomorrow. Honestly I'm just furious. I've been fuming. It turned into a horrible night of me losing the car key, the kids and I walking home in the SNOW, thankfully I had my sling for Emma so I was able to wear her that way and kept her warm as best I could. Jack shivered the whole way home. It's about 1/2 mile from the bowling alley where I lost the key to our home. Of course I called Chad and the man found the key in less than 5 minutes, it was on the floor between the door and the seat, which I'd looked but must have just missed it. I looked for the key for a good 20-30 minutes, all the while Emma's SCREAMING and Jackson was crying and Jacob was "helping me" (HA) look for the key (if looking straight ahead means looking on the ground then I guess you can say he helped), then our food which was wrapped up and placed in a box, fell off the car. It was just not a good way to end.

Chad hasn't gotten me anything yet, he said this weekend I'll get my gift, so we'll see what I get. I got him a parallel bible, he's wanted one for a long time. I had his initials on the cover. It's a King James, NKJ, NIV, and NLT. He loved it! I told him to start marking it up and using it!! :)

Pleasego to Heather's site and be in prayer for her. She's having surgery in the morning on her lungs, hopefully this will be what needs to be done and she can be taken out of sedation and start her way to healing and get home.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/pray4heatherjackson

Well I'm off to go cuddle up in bed with my hubby.

Nine Years ago yesterday

2008-03-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

Nine years. Yesterday marked 9 yrs ago that Jordyn was dx with leukemia. I don't know if it makes sense to others, but being over here in Germany feels like we've come full circle in many ways. I can't really explain it in words, because it's more of what's in my soul and heart.
I can say that at this point 9 yrs ago I was sitting in the German hospital literally scared out of my mind preparing for my baby girl to just die at any moment. We still had so much to learn. Tonight at 6 pm (CET) is when she started her first round of chemo. It's amazing to me in ways that I can still remember that. There are just some things burnt into your brain that you'll never forget. The reality is that yesterday was the beginning of the end for Jordyn's life as WE knew it. God knew exactly how it'd all play out, but we sure didn't.
I never dreamt that 9 yrs from yesterday I'd be the mother of 4, raising 3 of them, and in total awe of all the ways God has blessed us. I was a 22 yr old first time mother who thought she'd be raising her daughter, watching her grow up, I "thought" that at this point I'd be preparing for her to be turning 10 on Sunday. Instead I have a 7 yr old, 4 yr old, and 7 month old and I'm preparing for my husband to head to Iraq for the 3rd time.
Life is never what we imagined it'd be and I've met very few people who's lives have turned out the way they thought it would...for the good and for the bad.
The biggest change in the last 9 yrs has been my relationship with Christ. I didn't have much of one up until March 24, I was just really starting it. We'd started going to church regularly, but I didn't even own a bible. When I was asked what I wanted the only thing I wanted was the bible. I wanted to read his word, I wanted to be comforted by my father, even if I didn't know exactly how to express that, at the time. I see it now though. God has changed me so much and how grateful am I!
We have choices in this world, even during times when we feel like we don't. We can choose to be bitter or better. We can choose to seek him or turn our backs on him. We can choose to feel vs turning them off.
The thing is though, that even when we choose the one that is obviously not the way we should, we can change our minds. I went through being bitter, I choose to be angry with God for a while, and I even turned off my feelings to certain things for a while...yet in the end God had my heart and I could not deny that.

As I write this I hold Emma in my arms, where I once I held Jordyn, writing entries right on here. God's holding Jordyn and I know she's in the best arms she could possibly be in and I'm so thankful for that.

( All the pictures were taken with in the first two weeks of Jordyn being dx)

Easter and sick baby girl

2008-03-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter. Chad and I taught children's church for ages 1st-2nd grade. They had a lot of fun, and we were able to share about Christ's resurrection to about 4 or 5 kids who didn't understand what Easter truly was. I think we had a total of 23 kids in our class.

We came home and I worked on dinner a little, then we started dying eggs, and we took some famiy pictures. We didn't get any of all of us together, but got lots still of each of us with the kids. Emma wasn't feeling good still, so she wasn't thrilled when Daddy took her from me for a picture of him with the 3 of them. Not a happy girl in that picture! Emma ended up getting sick again in the evening.

Today/Monday she seemed like she was finally feeling better. She was smiling and laughing and wanting to be put down on the floor for a good portion of the day. Of course Daddy was home since they had a 4 day weekend, and he threw her off of nap schedule. By tonight though she was not feeling good again and only wanting me. She was sitting in my lap and the next thing I know, I'm getting thrown up on again, for I think seriously in the last 3 days this is about the 15th time, at MINIMUM! I got her cleaned up, cleaned myself up, and had Chad start Emma and I a bath. We climbed in and she perked up a bit, splashing around, smiling, and even a few giggles. Chad took her and I got out, he got her dressed and then she just wanted to snuggle with me. I just feel terrible for her. She's nursing and not throwing up every time so I'm not worried about her being dehydrated since I know she's keeping it down at times.

Tomorrow is a new day and I hope Emma's completely healthy again. I think Chad's getting a touch of Emma's flu bug too. We're going to Garmisch this weekend, so we all need to be HEALTHY. I want us to enjoy the pool and hot tub, since this will most likely be the last time we're there before Chad heads off to the big sand box.

I'm sharing pictures of Easter and you can see the couple pictures Chad took of Sweet Emma not feeling good, too.

He Has Risen!

2008-03-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

I think I used this last year, but am too lazy to go look. I got reminded of it via Emily. The video is hard to watch, but I think our sinning is so much harder on our Lord, our Savior. Look at what he did for us. He went to Hell,Came back for 40 days, and Ascended into Heaven. I can tell you this, I do NOT deserve all that he went through. I'm a sinner, my heart can be ugly, dark, and just awful at times. Yet, he loves ME so much that he went through being beat, being nailed up onto a cross, and died for ME and for YOU my precious friends. If you do not have a personal relationship with Christ, I pray you will seek it. There is only ONE WAY into Heaven. It does NOT matter how many good works you do, they WILL NOT get you to the feet of Jesus. You MUST believe that Christ is our Lord.

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the commercialization of holiday's, Easter included. We do the Easter bunny (I'll be getting baskets ready here shortly actually), but our focus is and must be on Christ, on his death, and most importantly on his RESURRECTION.

Tomorrow I will be teaching children's church. We are not doing the planned lesson, because I feel it's important to talk and teach about what this day is. I want our focus to be on Jesus and his promise he made and kept to us. We'll come home and dye eggs, have a little indoor hunt, and I'll make our dinner. I am going to print off some coloring pages for the boys and found some online games and activities that actually are about Jesus and the Resurrection, so the boys can do those while we're waiting to eat.

I pray you each feel Jesus and his blessings.

2008-03-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Hey so today we went to my friends house for a little Easter party. It was just us, our friend, and another friend. It was fun. The kids had an Easter egg hunt, we had finger food lunch, the kids played games, colored, the kids played hot potato for the first time and they LOVED it! It was so funny watching them!

Emma woke up this morning, throwing up. She was fine for a couple hours and when I got home from the commissary she threw up again, then nothing while at my friends until we were ready to leave and she threw up all over me, thankfully my friend lent me some sweats to wear since my capri's were soaked. Anyways, we got home and she threw up 3 more times. Poor baby just felt awful. After the last time we got her changed, changed our bedding since she'd gotten sick that morning and Chad didn't get it changed. Anyways, we got her in bed, Chad layed with her and I took a shower. She was out by the time I got out. It was the first time today she let Chad do anything with her, all day it was just me. I'm praying she's feeling better in the morning.

Tomorrow is the community Easter Egg Hunt. If it's raining or snowing again, they'll just hand out the eggs. We have lots of laundry to do, and I am hoping we can get the bedrooms cleaned up, the boys room is a disaster zone and so is ours. I also have to go through the Sunday school material that I'll be teaching Sunday. Sunday when we get home from church I'll be cooking our turkey (just a turkey breast), mashed potatoes, homemade noodles, my mom's stuffing (it's the best!!), home made bread, and corn. I think I'll make some cookies and/or from scratch brownies! ;) We'll do our own little Easter Egg hunt here inside if it's wet out. I'm hoping tomorrow we can get the eggs dyed so it's done and we don't have to deal with that on Sunday too. I want Sunday to be relaxing and enjoyable. Dinner is just going to be us this year, which will be nice. It's the last MAJOR holiday before Chad leaves.

Oh! I don't think I blogged about this, but we have our confirmation for our flight to Ireland! We're flying to Ireland on April 3!! We'll be there for 7 days! We can't wait! A friend of ours sent us two options for the iternary so we'll decide then next week I'll start calling B&B's to make reservations for accomadations, and we'llalso reserve a rental. We're planning on getting a minivan so we have plenty of room for the kids and our luggage.

Well, I need to head to bed. Good night and God bless

Christy

First Day of Spring

2008-03-20T17:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring y'all! We got snow this morning, well we've been getting snow every day, but the ground is too warm for it to stick around. The snow flakes this morning were the size of quarters. They were so beautiful. The wind picked up at some point and Jackson said it looked like a snow tornado! In the afternoon our FRG (Family Readiness Group) had free bowling, so we went. The boys had a blast. I bowled too it was fun, I'm not good! LOL When we were leaving we were standing out talking to a friend and it started to hail. The boys thought it was FABULOUS! LOL It was no bigger than pepples, so it didn't hurt, but I made them get in the car none the less. It all stopped by the time we got home 5 minutes later.

It's supposed to snow tomorrow and Saturday and hopefully that will be it. Of course in the last few days it's snowed more than it did all winter, not that it stuck, but still more! LOL In Southern Germany they got a lot more snow, just east of us they got more, it's just where we are at it often doesn't snow much here. Our first winter here was just a fluke I think because of all the snow we got that year.

I updated Heather's page, so please go and send love and prayers. I print off the guestbook entries and we're compiling them into a notebook that Scott then takes and he reads them aloud to Heather. She may not be able to hear him since she's sedated, but if she can then that's awesome and if not then when she wakes up my will she have lots and lots of reading to do! So far just short of 300 people have signed her guestbook, over 2200 visitors to her page! It's just awesome I tell you how God's moving through her, around her, and because of her! Our God is an AWESOME GOD I tell you!

Well, we have an Easter Egg hunt we're doing with a friend tomorrow, plus I have either a soup or sandwiches I need to make tomorrow for the Hospitality House. I'm wanting to make a soup, just have to decide what kind. Maybe a wild rice, it sounds good to me!

God Bless

Easter Facts

2008-03-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

I got this from Danielle (thanks girl!!) so if you read her too, you can skip over this entry! LOL

Easter Facts

DID YOU KNOW................

We all realize that Easter is early this year.

The
celebration, as you might know, is always held on the 1st Sunday after

the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (this year the Equinox will
occur on March 20).

This dating of Easter is based on the same ancient lunar

calendar that the Hebrew people use to identify Passover, which is why
it moves around on our modern calendar. Easter can only be one day
earlier (March 22) but that is rare.

This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the
rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever
seen it this early. None of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day
earlier!

The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be
the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was
1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around
for that!).

The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in
the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was
1818.

So, remember this day: no one alive today has or will ever see it any
earlier than this year!

Snow

2008-03-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

Two days until it's officially spring and we got snow! It snowed off and on from noon until about 3 pm and they're calling for snow everyday through Saturday. It's way too warm for it to stick, but the kids love it! Since we barely got any snow this year, it's a nice little tease before spring. It's really not that cold here either so the snow really does not bother me at all!

I got the boys their Easter shirts, both little polo shirts and one for Chad as well! I hope it fits Chad, I'm going to have him try it on here in a few minutes (he just walked in the door!)

No update yet on Heather, once I get one I'll be updating her page. The last report from last night was improvement, but still needing prayers for her lungs to be healing.

Well, I'm going to get off of here.

Have a wonderful day. God Bless

Pictures

2008-03-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

No pictures of Jackson in these because this was for Emma's 6 months and Jacob's 7 yrs. Jack had his taken back in September and there were none of Jacob then. We're going to have family pictures done at the end of April. Since we homeschool, I like to get Jacob's picture taken around his birthday, I was pretty late with Jacob this year, but they got taken at least. He was really goofy the day of pictures and kept doing all these really goofy poses! I keep saying I'm going to take the kids in and just let them be as goofy as they want, dress up in the costumes they have there, but haven't done it yet...I need to really need to. I think they'd be some of the most cherished pictures I would ever have taken!

Ok I'm going to bed. BTW if you haven't been today, go check up on Heather! I wrote an update a few hours ago and I got some pictures of Heather and her beautiful family posted!!!!

www.caringbridge.org/visit/pray4heatherjackson

God is Good, All The Time

2008-03-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

I love that song and oh it's so right!!!!! God IS good, he is good indeed! Go check out the update I was so thrilled to make today on Heather's site!

www.caringbridge.org/visit/pray4heatherjackson

So awesome!

As for us, we had a good day! We went to Atlantis, which is a water park near us (about 40 minutes away). The kids LOVED it, all 3 of them. It was Chad's first time there and he enjoyed it. We just had a great day! We're hoping to go back again soon. I grabbed my camera before I left, but took no pictures, it's just not that easy to take pictures there. Maybe next time I'll have things together enough to feel like I can snap a few, but don't hold your breath! LOL Emma loved it. The kiddie pool area has so many shallow area's that it's just perfect for her to sit in front of me and just splash and crawl around, she loves being held and kicking and splashing in the deeper area's too. My back is really sore from going down the slides about 15 times! They have 1 slide for innertubes and 2 to just slide down and then this awesome wall to slide down. We went down everything! Well except for Miss Emma! :) Jack does not like to go fast and he went down the big regular slide with Chad and Jacob and they went FAST. He went down with me and Momma goes SLOW and he liked it A LOT more! Chad and Jacob actually set a speed record (they have timers on the slides!) on the big slide, they got down it in 12.05 Seconds...my fastest was 41 seconds...Chad and Jacob must have been FLYING! The previous record was 15 and some odd seconds!

Well, it's almost midnight and I actually have 4 loads of laundry done in the washers that I need to go and transfer over to the dryers, Emma had 2 loads of clothes and we had 2 loads of jeans (we're out of jeans so it was a MUST) and Emma's in her last clean sleeper so that was a must as well! I still have lights, darks, and towels to wash, I'll try to get at least one of those piles down tomorrow after church and before Awana done, I'll finish up washing tomorrow after Awana.

Well, I better head to the basement to transfer clothes and then I'm heading to bed, I'm EXHAUSTED!

New Update

2008-03-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

Well we're start off with the newest prayer need. Heather was life-flighted to another hospital, because they were able to pinpoint the infection in her lung and our hospital here could not properly treat it, so they sent her to one that can! (That also falls into a praise since they've pinpointed the infection!).

Ok so this morning we had our Prayer Hour for Heather. It was wow! I woke up this morning with so much peace when I thought of Heather. What I found was God working on my own heart, and he did! I'm emotionally exhausted when I think of it, but praise him for the changes he's making in me. Anyways, for those who don't know when you are sick your blood sugar goes up, when you're stressed it goes up, and if your medication is not the proper amount, it can not keep it level. Well Heather has been sick (the lung infection which started off as a cold) and her husband left for a 15 month deployment (MAJOR Stress!),she has a 12 yr old and 3 yr old and homeschools (Hmmm...MORE STRESS), when she got to the hospital Tuesday night her blood sugar which should have been between 80-120, it was at 600. Yes that is right SIX HUNDRED! They were able to get it down to 200 pretty quickly.

The infection she had in her lungs spread throughout her body, into her blood stream, and her body went into septic shock and her kidney's and liver went into failure. They put her on dialysis and it's been working, this morning they took her off dialysis and from what we were told is that her kidney's are functioning without it! HUGE praise! Her body is also responding to the medications fighting the infection throughout her body, so another HUGE PRAISE!!!!

Her son does not know all the details, how close she was to dying she was. Her husband has spent a huge amount of time with Heather and a good amount of time with the kids as well. Her parents got here this morning, so please be in prayer over that as well, since they'd only been here maybe 2 hrs at the most before they had to lifeflight Heather.

Prayers for the friend who's taking care of the kids, Jessie is a young army wife, and does not have children yet. She's shown grace, love, patience, and wisdom beyond her age and experience.

I'm making them dinner tonight. I'll be making them a large salad full of wonderful various veggies, topped with grilled chicken, and pudding for dessert.

With permission from Scott I've set up a caringbridge website. Please go share your prayers, bible verses, love, and concern. Be mindful that Daniel may read it so please do not divulge too much on Heather's condition. I'm going to print off the guestbook for them every night so if Scott wants he can take it and read the words to Heather.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/pray4heatherjackson

Thank you for the continued prayers.

God Bless

Christy

Update

2008-03-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

I'm VERY tired, but wanted to give you an update on Heather before I had to my bed and drift off to sleep. She had slight improvement, praise JESUS! Scott also made it back this morning. Her parents fly out tomorrow, there was issues with her mom who's on oxygen, but we've been told it's all been worked out.

We pray that tomorrow there's more improvement...what ever God will give, we're GRATEFUL for! God is the ultimate Physician and with him anything is possible. We believe God is going to show our community an AMAZING Miracle through Heather and oh let me tell you friends, I can NOT wait to see it! I can't wait to see her beautiful face, smiling and her her laugh! He WILL do this, we're proclaiming it in Christ's name!

Tomorrow we're having an hour of prayer. We have the sanctuary at the post chapel booked from 10 am to 11 am, with childcare provided...so we can pray specifically for Heather. If you happen to be up at that time (I believe it's 2 AM on the West coast, I KNOW it'll be 4 am Central and 5 am Eastern), even if you can't pray for the full hour (although if you can please do!) any amount of time you have to pray for Heather and for her family is much appreciated.

God Bless

Christy

Immediate Prayers

2008-03-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

Please be in prayer for a friend of mine, who's here in Germany. Heather went to the ER last night at the German hospital (klinikum). She's been sick with a cold, which had led to a lung infection. She took her two kids to her next door neighbors (and good friend) and called another friend to take her to the hospital. This morning Jessie/neighbor called me to let me know Heather was in the hospital and her son who normally keeps Jacob on Weds while we're at PWOC (bible study) was up most the night worrying about his mom, and so he wouldn't be able to watch Jacob. At that point Jessie said she/Heather was doing ok, her blood sugar was off, but they were hoping she'd come home today. With in a half hour of us talking, Heather slipped into a diabetic coma. Heather's husband had just left on Monday for a 15 month deployment. Thankfully he wasn't at the end stop, so they're bringing him home.

Heather is in CRITICAL condition. They lost her twice and were able to bring her back, but it does not look good. The drs have said they're just trying to keep her holding on until Scott gets home. This just truly seems absolutely unreal to me. How does a woman who's in the prime of her life, with a 12 yr old son and a 3 yr old daughter go from laughing with me on Sunday to possibly dying 3 days later? It just simply can not be.

Heather's husband is a chaplain. He's just a kind man and Heather is absolutely wonderful. I just love her to pieces. The world hasn't stopped, but our little corner here in Germany absolutely has. We've spent a great deal of our day in prayer already and I know for me I've spent my afternoon there and intend on spending my evening in prayer. I feel sick to my stomach and my heart just is absolutely aching.

I know God has this all under control. I also know we need to be in prayer at all times and I'm asking all of you to pray for my friend. Pray for Heather and her husband Scott. Pray for their children Daniel and Belle. Pray for Heather's parents, her mom is working with Red Cross to get over here to be with her. Pray that the Army for once expedites paperwork and gets Scott on a plane TONIGHT. Most of all pray that our Lord, Jesus will heal Heather's body, allow her to wake up, and allow her to come home to her family and friends.

Thank you so much for the prayers. God must hear us storming the heavens with our prayers for Heather. I'm selfish, I want my friend to stay here for as long as possible.

Heading to Bed

2008-03-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

Before I drift off to sleep thought I'd share some pictures over the last couple of weeks. Emma turned 7 months last Monday and on Monday I got the box I'd been waiting on...with her new bows in it! I LOVE them! I'm a rather girly girl when I want to be and I WANT to dress my baby up and have her looking all girly too! There's some pictures of the boys in here too! We spent Monday outside most the day (yesterday), it was nice in the 50's, the sun was shining! We grilled some burgers and ate at the picnic table! Oh Emma is officially crawling on her knee's, pretty well all the time. She's also taken up to sucking her thumb. I've NEVER had a thumb sucker. She went through a phase of sucking on her fingers, then quit and now does the thumb. She ONLY sucks it when she's tired and after she's nursed, right before she falls asleep. I'm hoping that if she continues this little habit I can get her broke up it by the time she's 18 months old, I don't want it to mess with her teeth (when she finally gets them in). Everyone's been enjoying having Chad home. We're planning on going to an indoor water park this weekend. Chad wants to do something every weekend until he leaves, which is good with me! We're thinking in mid April we're going to go to Czech Rep!!! It's less than 2 hrs driving and they have flea markets with so many awesome things, but most us women go there for 1 thing...NAME BRAND purses and wallets! I'm talking Coach, Louie Vutton, Gucchi, not the knock off's either and for less than $10.00! I'm so going to get me a purse and hopefully matching wallet and prob. pick up some as gifts too!!! :) My sweet wonderful friend Bobbie (I'll use her name since I'm private now) her twin (identical) sister is coming over in mid April for their birthday and we're all going (Chad too)! I can not wait! I can't wait to meet her sister, I'm so excited! Bobbie and I are so much alike. I just absolutely LOVE her! There are not a lot of people that I want to just stay with throughout our military career, but Bobbie is one I do! We're hoping our next duty station is together, we're all looking at going to Alaska! I told her the only way I'd go is if she's there with me!! I don't know why Alaska freaks me out so much. I know it'll be beautiful, we'll be outside A LOT, I just really want to be able to go there and already know I have a friend there! We see each other almost everyday. She's the sister I never had! I'm her "triplet"! ROFL!! Anyways...I'm excited to meet her sister and I know it'll be just what SHE needs right now, with her dh deployed right now.

Ok, I'm off to bed! I'll try to write a decent entry tomorrow or Thursday!

God Bless

Growing Babies need to slow down

2008-03-10T04:46:00.000-07:00

Right now, Chad has the car and Emma's diaper bag is in it and so is my camera. Just a moment ago my little 7 month old was trying to pull herself up on the dining chair. She's by no means the earliest of my children to attempt this feat, she's right in the middle actually. Jordyn was cruising furniture at this age, as was Jacob starting to, although Jack was in no hurry. I just want Emma to slow down. I'm in absolutely no hurry for her to accomplish all these tasks ahead. I know I can't stop them and I haven't been trying to lately either, LOL...I just wish she'd remain a baby longer than she will. I know reality is she has to grow and I DO want her to, but can't the babyhood stage just stick around a little longer than it does? It's this beautiful, precious time that goes by in the blink of an eye and before you know it, you have a full fledge toddler running circles around you, as you collapse in exhaustion wondering what happened to your sweet little baby. I'm no stranger to this, Emma is my 4th, I've got a clue as to what's happening, as I watch her crawl on her KNEE's, in the hunt to find something that she most likely shouldn't have, but thinks she needs! LOL As she sits and looks at me with those bright blue eyes, and jabbers away the whole time, saying "dada" among other things, I think of how it feels like just yesterday I was bringing home this helpless little baby who did more sleeping than even eating and now she does more moving and shaking than anything. This time is precious my friends. I get that. I know how precious life is, I've been blessed to give birth to 4 children, I was honored to be the one to hold my Jordyn before anyone else and was honored to hold her as she took her last breaths. I GET it.

I see God in everything in my home. I see the life he's created over and over, the grace he's shown ME when I have deserved anything, but grace. As I listen to the songs from my children, their sweet innocent voices, the giggles, and even the tears I know that I'm more blessed than I deserve. Why God has allowed ME of all people to be who I am is nothing short of a miracle in and of itself. Yet here I am. Life's not easy, there are hardships that at times are almost more than we can bare. None of us dream of having a child and then turning around and having to bury them, yet it's what happens to some of us.

I never dreamed I'd have the life I have. I never thought in a million years I'd marry a man in the military, that I'd live not once, but twice in Germany. I NEVER dreamed I'd ever feel so at HOME anywhere but Kansas, but have found that Home is where not only the Army sends us, but where most of all God places us and for now that home is here in Germany and I absolutely love it! I never imagined I'd find such joy and peace in my life after Jordyn died, yet here I am!

Babies are born and babies grow, too fast, they turn into toddlers, then into these little children that when we go back in our own minds remember being that age. I worry constantly that I'm doing it right. I want my children's childhood memories to be full of laughter, joy, and most of all God. They will look back at hardships I NEVER had to face as a child myself. As a military kid, as kids who's dad is gone about every other year, who's lives have the knowledge that even for them tomorrow is not promised by the death of an older sister who they never got to meet here on this earth, yet know in their hearts because Chad and I have done what we can to keep her alive to them in the best way we know how. Life is full of twists and turns in ways we never imagine...both good and bad. It's what we make out of those twists and turns though, how we praise God, even in the storm...that's what matters.

I hope your Monday is full of Praises for our Almighty. I pray you see him even in the storms that life throws at you.

Thought of the Day

2008-03-08T15:37:00.000-08:00

I wrote this out in another place, but decided to go ahead and share it here as well.

" Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the
morning, Satan shudders & says...'Oh no....she's awake!!"

Isn't this just how we should live everyday? Shouldn't we be living as the Lord tells us to? That we should be walking every step of our days as Christ would have us? But how many do? I wake up and so many days my first thoughts are NOT of the Lord, my 2nd thoughts are not. Instead I get consumed by the daily tasks that lay ahead of me. I allow Satan to get into my head and "busy" me. I went through a wonderful phase where every morning I woke up and started my day in prayer. I did not get out of bed, I stayed right there with the sun shining through my curtains and I layed there and praised God, asked him to guide me throughout the day. When I was doing that my days simply went the way God intended them to go. I know that not every day was not perfect, it was not easy, but I KNEW it was just as God had intended. I need to be back there, I long to be there and starting tomorrow I will. This is a necessity of life. If we don't start our day WITH God, who ARE we starting our day with? Satan. He leaps on us immediately if we don't cry out to GOD to take hold of our day.

Don't we as Christians, have a duty to make Satan shudder? If we don't, then where's our walk with Christ? How are we doing? If Satan does not feel the least bit worried about us, then are we truly walking with Christ as Christ calls us to? I don't think so. I think that when we are at our closest with Christ is when Satan is working the hardest to get into the middle of our lives. When we don't feel or even see Satan's works of trying to disrupt our lives, is when we should be worried. When we're complacient in our lives, when we feel like we have things all figured out, is exactly when we need to be digging deeper into the word, seeking God harder than ever, stepping outside of our box. When's the last time you stepped out of your box and followed God? Don't think that because you stepped out of the box last week, last month, or last year, that that is nearly good enough. We need to be working to step out of that box every single day. We need to be seeking God's will for our lives everyday. When we don't, what ARE we doing for Christ? What are we doing for ourselves?

It's been a good day!

2008-03-04T08:34:00.000-08:00

He walked in the door about 8 pm last night. I suggested making a rare treat of Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy, he said that sounded GREAT...so about 5:30 I started on that, and was hoping he'd be home by 7, but as luck would have it it took forever for everything to get done....mostly because I cook the chicken VERY slowly, to make sure it gets cooked thoroughly and we were literally sitting down at the table just as he walked in! So we had dinner together as a family. Everything was great. The boys jumped up from the table so fast and Emma looked at him very cautiously! She wasn't too sure about Daddy, he looked a little different (he'd shaved his head while he was out in the field and that changes his look a little. She was warming up to him by the end of the evening, but still kept coming back to me, I'm sure by the end of the week she'll be back to being crazy about him! :)

Today has been good, Jacob got his school work finished and then I had to be up at the chapel by 11:30 for registration for a retreat the chapel's hosting down to Garmish at Edelweiss ( it's a military resort that we LOVE!). We'll be there over Jordyn's birthday actually, so I hope we can do something very special down there on her birthday, not sure what yet, but we'll make her birthday special for our family. She'd be turning 10 yrs old and that is just so hard for me to imagine.

Chad has to work late pretty well every day this week, they are cleaning weapons, vehicles, and getting everything turned in that needs to be turned in! Tomorrow we have a FRG meeting, not sure if he'll make it home before I have to head over for that, so most likely the kids will go with me, thankfully there's a playroom there. He does have a 4 day weekend this weekend, to make up for the one they lost while they were out in the field (President's Day weekend) so on Friday we're going to go to Schweinfurt to go to their Spring Bazaar! I'm so excited there's somethings I wanted to get at ours, but didn't have the money for it and wanted to talk to Chad first before I got it!!

Tomorrow is PWOC, then the FRG meeting in the evening, Thursday the boys have dentists apts both of them. Saturday we're going to a place called Tuckerland's. It's by Nurenburg Airport and it's just a play place. They have all kinds of things for the kids to do, they love it, it's close, and cheap! Sunday is church and Awana, Monday I hope we can get some things done around here.

Not sure if I'll have a chance to get back on here. I'm going to be spending less time on here, at least while we still have Chad so I'll try to update once a week.

He's Coming Home Early!!!!!

2008-03-03T01:41:00.000-08:00

Chad's going to be home in a few hours! I'm so excited I can't stand it, you'd think he's been gone for monthS or a year or something the amount of giddiness I have going on, but no, just 1 month! LOL Anyways, I have so much to do. The boys are cleaning their playroom. I'm about to start working on my bedroom putting clothes away, vacuuming, getting rid of things we don't need/want. I'm then moving into the kitchen and going to clean the floors, I won't say how long it's been since I swept. Actually the length of time it's not been swept it's impressively not as horrible as you'd think! Then I'll be vacuuming the rest of the apartment, then cleaning the bathroom...I mean a good deep cleaning! Jacob has recycling to take out, and I have more laundry to start washing. I don't expect to have the current dirty clothes all washed by the time he gets home, but I'd like to make a decent dent in it!

So have a FABULOUS Monday, I am going to!!!!!

Oh and today my baby girl is 7 months old! I'll take pictures later! I can't believe she's 7 months old. A little story really quick. Jordyn was 7 months old to the day when we arrived in Germany, Chad hadn't seen her since she had been 7 weeks old....and here he is coming home on the day Emma's 7 months old, 9 yrs later. So much has changed in our lives there's the obvious of Jordyn going home to Heaven, having the boys and Emma, but there's the other things like the fact that we're a family walking with Christ. We're much older :), hopefully a LITTLE wiser, in some ways gentler, while other ways harder. A lot bigger! :X It's kind of a bitter sweet day thinking of it. I can still feel that excitement of getting off the plane and literally not being able to see because I had to leave a bag with my parents (too many oops!) and stupidly left the wrong one...it had my contact solution and glasses, so my contacts were so dry and messed up I had to have a flight attendant actually help me because I couldn't see more than a few feet in front of me, she walked me through customs and into Chad's arms! Back then the military post that was right off of Frankfurt Airport was still open, so we stopped at the shoppette and got me contact solution and a new case and I was able to wear my glasses on the way home...which felt sooooooooo good! I still remember just being so giddy to see Chad....crazy that's how I feel right now!

God's good. He gave me a wonderful husband! He loves me so much and I thank God for that!

God Bless

Feeling better!

2008-03-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

Over the last 20 minutes it's like I've done a complete 180! I feel so much better. I am still tired, but I think that's normal after being sick! I'm working on dinner right now and have been able to get up and walk around, hold Emma, and even play with Jacob a little! I'm so thankful what ever this was is over!

A little update

2008-03-01T06:07:00.000-08:00

I'm still sick, I just had to get off the couch for a few, I'm so sore from laying the past 2 days. I actually left the apartment today. I still feel horrible, but took a shower and then had to run to the commissary to grab a few groceries. I wanted to get some milk for the boys to have cereal and some things for lunch and dinners for the boys. I grabbed me some soup, but it tasted terrible to me. I was in and out of the commissary in about 10 minutes, had to sit in the car for a few minutes for my head to stop spinning so I could drive, once I had my balance I was fine to drive. The boys brought up the groceries because it literally took all my strength to climb the 3 flights up stairs to our apartment.

I'm still fighting a fever, so what ever is going on in me my body's doing it's job. I still have been going between the chills to sweating. I am praying I feel better tomorrow, so I can go to church and Awana. If not, I'll see if my friend will take the boys to church and Awana.

On happy notes, Emma is feeling good still, and is a happy baby girl. Jacob and Jack are doing good. I feel overwhelmingly blessed that feeling so poorly my kids can behave and be helpful.

Thanks for the prayers, keep them coming.

SICK

2008-02-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

I had to get on here and clear out some emails so my mailbox wouldn't remain full, yes I know insane as it is with a limit of 1000, it was full when I got on here. I have this terrible habit of saving emails, thinking I'll go back to them, but rarely if ever do. I NEED to just delete it all, but not tonight.

If you'd say a prayer for me. I'm not positive what I have. This morning when I got up at 7, moved out to the livingroom and was laying on the loveseat and just could not stop shivering, and was covered with 3 blankets. I took my temp and it was 102. About 10 am I started sweating buckets and thought maybe my fever was finally breaking, no such luck. I have just horrible all day, fought a migraine all day as well. Then add on the sinus infection I have, and no I have not been able to get into the dr for it either, and I'm just not dragging 3 kids to the ER with me over it. This evening Emma and I took a bath together, she's been fussy all day, I think she feels fine honestly, just a reaction to Mommy not being able to hold her as much as she normally does. She absolutely loved the bath, as she always does, but it wasn't so relaxing for me...trying to keep her sitting up and keeping her toys right by her, plus I was dealing with chills while in the tub. The boys were very helpful today, well Jacob was with Emma especially. He did all he could to keep her entertained throughout the day and evening. I am wanting to get him something special for being such a great brother and helper to me.

Chad comes home on Tuesday. Oh I can not wait! I miss him so much and have not talked to him in days. I miss hearing his voice. I am blessed with my husband. He's a great man who loves me and adores me, far more than I deserve. He puts up with a lot from me, and then turns around and gives me even more! He's an excellent father. If I could have looked at the future and picked a Daddy for my children, it would have been him.

I am praying I feel better tomorrow. I really need/want to get our bedroom cleaned up. I have tons of clothes to put away, I need to vaccuum, want to get rid of things that are nothing but clutter, and make it more peaceful. I am hoping before he leaves we can paint the room. I plan on getting us new bedding once he's deployed and just making our room a place to rest and feel relaxed...it's absolutely NOT that. My mother would absolutely be aghast if she saw my room right now! LOL :) Anyways, I have things I really want to do so I NEED to feel better, plus it's really hard being a Momma when you can barely lift your head up at times throughout the day.

Ok thank you for the prayers. I'm going to take another bath here just me alone, and then off to bed.

Ready

2008-02-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

Today has been one of those days I just really miss Chad. It's silly really because he's only out in the field, yet I guess it's because I KNOW what's coming. I know he's leaving for 15 months and I'm not ready for him to leave. I'm looking forward to his return in early March. I can say this field problem has felt like forever. Normally they go pretty quickly, but I think that since I've been sick almost the whole time he's been gone and at least one of the kids has been battling something too, it's just made it feel longer. Just a little over a week and he'll be home again thankfully!

My mom called me tonight to tell me she got all my birthday gifts finished and they're going out to the mail on Monday. She has an embroidary machine and so she makes tons of awesome things. I am getting a couple shirts and then a couple framed items, one being one that has "Recipe for an Army Wife", she actually started crying as she was reading to me what it said! Let me tell you first off that in itself is really huge. My mom has never really gotten what it is to be a military spouse. She's always tried to compare the 3 yrs my dad had a job where he traveled as similar. There were times he'd be gone for a week or two at a time, but reality is he was never off in a war zone! I still don't think she "Gets" it, and part of it is because she's not a military wife, never has been, never will be...the other part is she just simply does not WANT to get it. Let me say that Chad and I could not be more opposite from my parents! We're both very conservative, Republican's....mine are moderates and that's being kind and although they both say they're "idependent" and vote for who they like the best no matter what party, the reality is they're Democrats. The ONLY time I've known them to vote Republican is for the local Sherrif election! THE ONLY TIME! They've never been big in the whole "support your troops" thing. My brother was in the Army years ago, but even if he were still in, I don't really see them being much different. When Chad deploys he will get a card here and there, some emails, maybe one or two care packages (aks birthday and Christmas gifts!). That's it (oh and his family is just as bad, if not worse!!)...but anyways back to my point, my mom's never acted like the fact that we're an Army family is anything out of the ordinary, etc...it's just simply our life. While it is just that, our life is anything but ordinary at times! Like deployments! We're about to embark on our 5th deployment. That's no small feat. So anyways, the point that my mom actually made something that has anything to truly do with our life, is HUGE to me. The fact that she got emotional, is even bigger. When I get the gifts, I'll take pictures and show them off! :)

I can't remember if I wrote about it or not, but basketball is over! Yippee!! Jacob did not have a good coach this year. He was young, single, inconsiderate, and just got on my last nerve. He didn't show up to 2 of their practices and never informed anyone! He also argued with another parent/friend over the snack issue, which in the grand scheme of life, not a big deal...but in pee wee basketball HUGE! LOL He had to be put into his place over the snack thing. He also was caught lying, by me and that just was really the clincher of the season. I still had Jacob thank him for coaching. Baseball starts up next month, we already know who his coach will be so it'll be better that way! Chad was Jackson's coach, so no complaining there! LOL Well other than about our child who decided he really didn't want to play, only wanted the jersey! LOL To be 4 I tell you! LOL Both boys are playing baseball so hopefully it all goes well!

Emma's great. She's still not fully crawling, although she can get anywhere she wants with her little army crawl, lunge thing she does and she's now discovered how to crawl up us when we're sitting on the floor! She did it to Jacob today and he was freaking out! She crawls up you and then gets herself into the standing position. She's so tiny, she just does not look like she has any business doing all the things she's doing. She's my smallest baby yet in height and weight! I can't believe she's 6 1/2 months old. Where has the time gone? It's truly just flown by.

I'm including pictures, some are from Valentine's Day, some are from a day we went out the the lake, etc.

Tags: Army Wife

Whisker's is Home!

2008-02-22T03:54:00.000-08:00

I called the Vets office first thing this morning to see if anyone had informed them they either had her or brought her in, and no one had contacted them. They took my info though and I described what Whisker's looks like and they said they'd call if she was brought in or called they found/had her. So then I told Chad to go knock on our neighbors doors, don't ask me why I did not do this last night, but I didn't. So he did and our 1st floor neighbor had found her! They had a friend over and they took her home with them last night. They had asked my 2nd floor neighbor and he told them we didn't have any pets, which is why they didn't bother knocking on our door! :) So 1st floor neighbor called their friend and over lunch my 1st floor neighbor (the husband) and their friend (soldier) brought her home! The guy who kept her overnight said she scared their dog! ROFL! I said "yes, she beats up our other cat" and he said he could believe it, she's a toughy! LOL!

The boys both said they were so happy she's home and Jacob said he was trying not to cry, so they're not heartless boys! LOL Whew! I'm so relieved that she's home and she's ate, and actually now that I look at her, she's tracking down Pounce, I'm sure to start a fight. Speaking of Pounce he was so happy she was gone last night! ROFL He was actualy social!

Well, I'm finishing up lunch! Thanks for all the kind words so many of you gave!

Tags: Whisker's,

Private

2008-02-22T01:37:00.000-08:00

I'm private, so you may need to reset your alerts, but it's official. If you're here it's because 1 you're a good friend or I'm giving you a chance. If you don't leave at least a few comments so I can get to know you in the next couple weeks, I'll be removing you (if I don't know you that is). Also if you have a journal, leave me a link and I'll go visit.

I am going to be more open now that I'm private, will share more personal things, and more pictures of my babies.

God Bless

Last Entry before going Private

2008-02-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow morning (Germany morning) I'm going private, so leave me a comment if you want to remain a reader. There's a few of you that I do not know, you've never commented, and I don't know you from anywhere else, so I am debating on you. It's nothing so much against you persay other than I just simply don't know you...so if you do come along, my request is that you comment from time to time, let me know who's reading. Honestly it freaks me out a bit to think I have people reading and looking at my pictures who never comment, even once. I do get it, there's been journals in the past that I've read and never really commented, but if I'm going to "let you in" let me know who you are ok!?! Then there's some friends ;) who read and never say a flippin' word and freak me out because I didn't even know you knew I was here! LOL (CoughMelissaCough) ROFL! Love ya girl!!

Anyways it's been a crazy day. Chad called, twice today actually which was great. I don't know if we'll get to talk to him again before he comes home from the field, he said he'll try, but we'll see. Also Whisker's, Santa's present...she got out. I have been doing laundry all day and and at one point the door got left open and she must have gotten out. I'm so absolutely sad over this, the boys seem to care less, which really ticks me off, but maybe they're just being optimistic and reality hasn't set in that she may not come back. We looked up and down the apt building stairwell, in the basement, and of course I've called for her outside. She is chipped, but I hadn't went to the VETS to update everything, but my hope is she is either hanging around outside tomorrow, or she gets taken into the VETS office and they let me come and get her. B knows she's missing, so she said in the morning when she takes her son to school they'll be looking out for her. PLEASE will you all pray that she comes back. I really love this cat. She actually will cuddle with me, plays with toys, lets the kids touch her, etc. If she'd just get along with Pounce she'd be perfect. I'm really hopeful that she returns. I'm going to knock on my neighbors doors tomorrow too and see if they happened to get her.

Well, I need to get to bed soon...;)

I've done so good this week at going to bed earlier and I've actually been falling asleep at a decent time, which is amazing in and of itself. I want to stay in this habit so when Chad comes home I'm going to bed not too long after him. He'd appreciate it I know.

Going Private

2008-02-20T14:27:00.000-08:00

Ok so I've decided to go private. Mostly because of all the pictures I share here of my children, and just really feel it's time. So if you want to keep being a reader email me or leave a comment. I'll leave it public until Friday or Saturday morning. The deployment journal will be public, but no names other than mine and Chad's will be used and no pictures of the kids there ever.

If you're a lurker and haven't commented, leave me one or email me and I may let you remain with me! :) I'm a pretty nice girl most of the time!

Monday

2008-02-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

Today we had a great day. We went to this place called Tuckerland's. They have these totally enclosed tramploline's, go carts, rock/wall climbing, ball houses, things to climb through, a baby area, pedal cars, tractors, etc, basketball and soccer area, oh and freakishly fast slides! The kids had been before, Chad took them (the day after we returned from Venice), but Emma and I had stayed home, since I couldn't bare to put her back in her hated carseat! LOL It opened at 2 and around 6. The kids ran themselves ragged. They had so much fun, and that includes Emma! We went with my friend B and her 2 kids. When we got home I read the kids a story and they went to bed. No talking, just went straight to bed! They were asleep before 8 pm! That may be a new record! LOL This week is filled with a couple different drs apts, PWOC, a baby shower, and Hospitality House.

Basketball is over with!!!! I admit I'm totally thrilled that it is. It went I guess well over all, just did not care for Jacob's coach. He was young, single, and very inexperienced. I've NEVER complained about a coach (even when it wasn't Chad! LOL) but this guy just simply didn't show up to 2 of the practices and on the 2nd one I was standing there with one of our Sports guys called him and the next night at the game he totally lied. He got called out, but that in itself just speaks volumes. I don't want someone who can't just own up and admit he made a mistake...having influence over my child. It's over though and I'm glad. Next up is baseball. We already know how the boys coach will be...my friend and Chad is going to be her assistant! Chad will leave before the season is completely over, but this still lets Chad coach which he enjoys, while not having to worry about being there when it's time for him to leave, plus we get a coach's discount and hey every little bit we can save I'm all for! I'm going tomorrow to sign the kids up for that!

Chad's out of contact for the next 2 weeks. It stinks, but the Battalion Commander said no cell phone use for these next 2 weeks. It stinks, but we'll suck it up. It'll be good preperation I suppose. It does annoy me though. The reality is, they're going to be gone for 15 months with limited contact, so when they're less than 2 hours drive from us, let us at least be able to recieve a phone call from our soldier to tell us hi when they DO have downtime. I don't expect a phone call during training, that's unnecessary and dangerous possibly, and distracting. But it's not like they're going 24 hrs, they get down time to eat and sleep so if they want to use some of their personal time to call home and talk to the kids and/or wife/husband let them. I am selfish and want to hear my husband's voice everyday, if possible. The fact is my kids, well Jackson just does not understand why he can't call Daddy, when he's just in the field. I tell him the truth, that Daddy's boss said no one can call home. He asked me "Does that mean he can't call home either"? "I told him, it better!". ;)

Tomorrow isn't too busy outside of the home. Jacob has a drs apt. I think his allergies are messing with him, so hopefully they can get him on some meds and get that sorted out. Otherwise it'll be cleaning and laundry here! Oh the good times never end I tell you! LOL

News

2008-02-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

I know a few of you know, and some of you may have guessed, but this is the first time I believe I've officially written here....Chad's heading back to the desert. He'll be leaving late spring. We've known for months. Really we've known since they returned Oct. 2006, it was just a matter of it coming down "officially", it officially came down a few months ago (before Thanksgiving). We have not told the boys yet, we'll tell them next month when Chad comes home from the field.

This will be his 3rd trip over there. He's actually going to a different post than he's been before...so that's a perk (he says! LOL). He's slated for 15 months. Now I am asking you all to please do NOT Say a few things in the comments.

1. Maybe he'll only stay for 12 months.

a. We're realists. We've been married for almost 11 yrs and Chad's been in for almost 14. What we've learned is this...don't count on anything until it happens. Even if we were told 12 months throughout it, I would absolutely NOT believe it until that man was standing in front of me in the gym at the Welcome Home Ceremony. It's the Army, this is just how it works. I don't live on "maybe's or what if's". It's a delusional way to live and it's a naive, young Army wife way to live and all it does is set you up for pain IF you convince yourself of something that's not 100%!

2. DO NOT SAY "When we get a NEW President they'll come home, because that's what so and so says". Ok one, learn how the government works. It's Not JUST the president's call. It has to be over-viewed by the military intelligence, advisors, etc, go to senate/congress, etc. It's not going to JUST happen because we have a new President. Again this falls under the first, it's living in delusion.

3. "Well it should be easier, you've been through it before". You send your husband off to a foreign war-torn country and let me know how easy it is for you ok? Do I know what to expect, yes. Have I been through it before...yes! Does it make it any easier, in some ways, but not in so many others. I'm prepared for what I'm/we're about to go through and again....I'm prepared for what we're about to go through. NOT easy people!

I'm sure there are other things, those are my top 3 though! LOL I'll be starting posting back up in our deployment journal once he's gone again. No idea if Chad will be able to write or not. I really, really want him to, but I'm not holding my breath! LOL

So what do I need/desire?

Your prayers

Your Love

Your support

When Chad's deployed if you'd like to send him letters, that'd be so wonderful. Carepackages are nice as well, but I'm not asking for that...just words of encouragement. Hand written notes to let him know he matters, you're praying for him, etc.

So....there it is! I'll keep you updated as time goes.

God Bless

What's REALLY Important

2008-02-16T12:39:00.000-08:00

You stay up for 16 hours.
He stays up for days on end.

You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.

You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.

You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.

You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.

..

You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.

You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.

You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.

You rollyour eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.

You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.

You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.

You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.

If you support your troops, the click "reply to poster" copy all the codes, and repost the bulletin.

If you don't support your troops well, then don't re-post. You won't die in 7 days, your love life won't be affected, and you won't have the worst day ever. You don't have to repost. It's not like you know the men and women that are dying to preserve your rights.

To copy, just hit the reply button and copy and paste

Still Sick

2008-02-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

My body is aching, my throat is raw, coughing constantly, sneezing a lot, eyes are dry, itchy, and hurt as well. I'm going to bed here very soon. I'm thankful I'm not vomitting or anything, but dang. Oh and my voice comes in and out.

My friend B bought me some Cranberry juice, it's my favorite and I also feel a UTI coming on, so hopefully I can ward it off.

Emma is nursing like a maniac, which is why my back is killing me I know. She's not sick and neither are the boys which I'm VERY thankful for. Today I also had the chills so although I desperately wanted to open a window to get fresh air in, I just could not do it. I was sitting there shivering, covered up with a blanket and kept debating on getting another one. I ended up taking an insanely hot shower (yes I know not actually good for you, but it did feel soooooo good!) I'm thinking of taking a hot bath before heading to bed for the night to help ease my back pain, and see if I can find my heating pad...I haven't used it since before I was pg with Emma!

Speaking of Emma, she had her 6 month well baby today. She's up to 16 lbs and 26 inches long...exactly in the 50% on both. Absolutely perfect and wonderful. The dr who saw her just loved her, kept laughing at how expressive she is and was amazed at all she's doing.

Well, I'm off.

Thank you for the prayers.

Update

2008-02-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

I'd like to say that I'm feeling all happy and stuff, but I'm not. Not just because Chad's out in the field and once again missed my birthday and Valentine's Day (I'm use to that really). Before I get into that though...thanks for the birthday wishes. I had a nice birthday. The Women's Conference went great both Friday night and Saturday morning. After the conference my friend B and I with our kids walked down to the Bazaar that was going on over the weekend. We spent the whole day and evening together. We left B's home at 11:20 that night! Got home and had messages from Chad, my parents, and my nieces. Got sang two via the phone from Chad and my nieces, so that was sweet. B gave me a gift cert. to the day spa and she got me a little star from the bazaar. The next night the kids and I went back to her place after Awana, because she made a cake for me (plus after Church she took my boys...that was the best gift...I had a break).

So, Chad's been out in the field and still is. I've been an emotional mess. I know part of it is stuff that's coming up in our lives and I get like this, but there's just more to it. I'm also sick again. I haven't been sick so much in a season in so long. Since I lived with my smoking parents actually. A friend and I were talking about how we wonder just how damaged our bodies are from years of being exposed to those toxins and how much of it has late effects on our bodies, weaking our immune system, etc. Anyways...I have a cold. Losing my voice..again. My throat is killing me, I'm coughing up a lung, my head is hurting, eyes are sore and tired. I'm going to bed here in a few promise! :)

I wish I could find the words how I've been feeling. It's just so raw. Not knowing just who reads here, I'm hesitant to write too much too. This is my journal, but well there are just a lot of freaks in this world. I'm probably going to go private here soon. DO NOT email me right now if you want to be a reader, because I'm not doing it right now and my email box is full of enough. I'm probably going to wait through the weekend and then will put up the private post and collect names and go private a few days later.

Well...I'm off to bed. God Bless

Tonight

2008-02-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

The first part of the conference went great tonight! Let me tell you that if you've never just FELT GOD in a room with you, you're truly missing out. I could just feel him all around me tonight in chapel. Oh what an absolute blessing! First we had our local choir sing, well the ladies of the choir. They sang one song, then one of the ladies sat down and the other 2 sang a duet and it was beautiful. I just had chills and goosebumps all over my body. I just got them again thinking about it. One of the ladies just has the most amazing, beautiful, and powerful voices I've ever heard! What a loss the Gospel world has by her not being a recording artist. Yes she's seriously that good. Everytime I hear her sing I am just touched to the core. After they finished we had scriptural reading, then "C" played the piano. She and her husband who's a chaplain are both Korean. They were both born and raised there and actually had an arranged marriage. They DO love each other and had known each other since they were born. We definately live in culture! :) She plays just so beautifully. I always wanted to play piano and listening to her, it's testimony of WHY. When it's done well, it's just amazing. After she finished there was another scriptural reading and then I sang. No music was played...just me and the microphone and Emma who was being held by "B" was singing too! LOL I sang, Promise of a Lifetime by Kutless. I had just sang this on Wed. as my devotional for PWOC. I was supposed to sing "God of Wonders" but just really did not feel that was the song God meant for me to sing tonight. I prayed with my friend T who's the one in charge of the Conference and God made it VERY clearn during our prayer that this was the song I was to sing. So I sang it. Let me tell you, on Wed. in front our our intimate group of women who I'm friends with almost all of, my voice shook at various times, I got choked up a couple times...I did well, but it wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. Tonight though...my voice never shook. I kept hearing Emma and just found myself smiling and praising GOD while I was singing. I wanted this song to be all about Jesus. All about him, all about how he promised us he'd never leave us, that he's here always, that we can always count on him...I sang that song not to those beautiful women sitting in the chapel tonight, but I sang it to Jesus. I sang it to my savior, who has held me when I've been down on my knee's with my face in the floor. I sang it to him,as he held me when I couldn't hold myself up. I sang it to the one who has loved me through all my ugliness and still did not turn his back on me. I sang it to the man who holds my child in his arms and keeps her. Wednesday I sang it to the ladies, tonight I sang it to Christ and oh what a difference it made! After me, another scriptural reading and then the ladies who come to PWOC but go to the Free Gospel service did a Dance to a song called "Yes". WOW! Many of us were crying. I plan on getting this song, it's just amazing. The ladies danced this song as words. Four beautiful women, dancing for Jesus! We had a Poem read by our Board president and it was also beautiful. It was about being Quiet and just hearing God, listening to him. It was perfect. Then we had a Christian band. The lead singer is our Area Vice President. The bass player is OUR Ch. Assistant, so we all cheered quite loudly for him! ;) The band was great. Tomorrow the lead singer will be the guest speaker.

Oh, I forgot! We all got surpised too! One of our sisters and a precious friend of mine, they moved a week after she had her son, about 3 hrs away. (To another Army Post). Anyways, she came! She's going to be here until Wednesday! She walked up to me and I actually screamed out of Joy! I was so thrilled to see her! She wanted to surprise me! Her little boy has grown so much! He's almost 3 months old and just so beautiful! I just grabbed him from her! She couldn't believe how big Emma's gotten! She held her at the end of the evening and couldn't believe how active and vocal she is either! LOL!

Anyways, tonight was wonderful. Sorry no video of me singing to the one (I think Janis??) who asked! But here's the words to the song!

Promise Of A Lifetime Lyrics
Artist(Band):Kutless

Review The Song (1)

Print the Lyrics

I have fallen to my knees
As I sing a lullaby of pain
I’m feeling broken in my melody
As I sing to help the tears go away
Then I remember the pledge you made to me

Chorus
I know you’re always there
To hear my every prayer inside
I’m clinging to the promiseof a lifetime
I hear the words you say
To never walk away from me and leave behind
The promise of a lifetime
(2nd Part of Chorus)
Looking back at me
I know that you can see my heart is open to
The Promise of a lifetime

Will you help me fall apart
Pick me up, take me in your arms
Find my way back from the storm
And you show me how to grow
Through the change
I still remember the pledge you made to me

I am holding on to the hope I have inside
With you I will stay through every day
Putting my understanding aside
And I am comforted

I'm truly looking forward to tomorrow! Oh btw! Tomorrow is my birthday!! :) I'll be 31! :) I am finding I'm enjoying getting older, enjoying my birthday's! It's a blessing really. God has allowed me to live one more day, one more year. What a blessing that is! Have a fabulous evening!

PS, please keep Emily in your prayers. God knows what is going on, it's a good thing, it's TRULY a GOD thing...but just keep her in them if you would!

Tags: PWOC Women's Conference, Promise of a Lifetime, Jesus

Women's Conference

2008-02-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

I'm leaving in about 10 minutes for our Women's Conference that our PWOC is hosting! All the area PWOC's are going to be here. It's tonight and tomorrow morning! It should be good! I'm excited and praising GOD that we can share his Glory with our sisters! I'm singing a solo tonight, Promise of a Lifetime...acopela too! Pray for me if you would. Pray for my friend who's in charge of this and who's worked so hard on this event.

I'll try to update and write more later tonight!

God Bless

Christy

Give away!!

2008-02-06T14:06:00.000-08:00

**SCRAPBOOK GIVEAWAY! ENTER NOW!**

Danielle's at it again! Go visit her!! :)

It's almost over

2008-02-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

The weekend that is! I'll be watching the Superbowl here in an hour! I don't care really who wins. Either is fine with me. I would prefer it be the Chiefs, but well they hardly showed up this season so that wasn't going to happen! Of course those of you in the states don't have to stay up half the night just to watch the game..us on the other hand do! The game starts as 12:10 am and since it's the Superbowl it lasts forever! LOL We don't get the commercials during the game either. :( We're supposed to get them afterwards, but I can't remember when they are airing, so I'll watch them online, although if they're like last years I don't want to waste my time, so those of you watching...give your thoughts on the commercials (don't ruin them for me though ok...if they're good!!).

Yesterday was Jacob's party. He had a great time! He invited 6 friends and they all ended up coming! One of them was late, but he ended up getting to stay the night. One of the boys who was iffy on spending the night, went home and then decided he wanted to stay the night so Chad picked him back up! They stayed up really late, but had a great time! They were all really great kids and I feel really blessed that Jacob has such good friends! He told me that it was exactly what he wanted! Let me tell you, this was much easier and cheaper than a big party and without a doubt Jacob enjoyed it far more! No theme...just home made pizza, cake which Daddy drew a dragon on, ice cream, and junk food! LOL They played PS2, played with his new presents, and watched movies. Chad aired up the airmattress in the playroom, set up the tv and ps2 in there and let the kids watch their movies in there. Lots of whispering and laughter! These are memories that Jacob will hold onto.

We had church today, the sermon was great. This afternoon/evening we had Awana. It was store night so the kids had a FABULOUS time! We came home, I made dinner...the kids are all in their beds and Chad's snoring on the couch! Life's as it should be right now.

No pictures from his party. I don't post pictures of our friends children here. They had a great time though!

God Bless

Nice Matters

2008-02-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

Terry honored me with this award. Sooo nice! Thanks hon! So my job is to nominate 5 others. I know that quite a few blogs that I read have already been nominated so there's a chance I'll nominate someone who's been nominated...if so must been you're super dooper nice! LOL

Ok so here's my five, I hope you'll go read them if you can!

Kelly: I have been friends online and IRL with Kelly since our children died back in 2000. Joshua was a beautiful little boy who MADE Kelly a mother and she mothered him well! She's been my saving grace more times than she knows, she has made me laugh harder than should be allowed. She makes me think, laugh, smile, and at times cry. She's got a beautiful heart. She's an AMAZING Mother to her "Princess" who I adore as well! I've been lucky to have met Kelly in person a couple times. I love her and she knows it! Go check her out!

Kelly's Green Olives & Pickle Juice: This is my "other Kelly". She IS private but if you email her she might let you come on in and read her! She's sassy, brassy, and so funny! This is a woman who so often makes me laugh, who is preparing me for when my kiddo's turn into teens (because she shares those oh so fun stories!). She's a great person and wonderful friend! She's a Texas girl, so be ready for a ride!

Lori is Private also. Again email her and she might let you come on in..she might not either! Lori is in Ohio so automatically she's crazy! LOL (My husband is too, I have rights there!). She's a fabulous mother who shares great stories of her two beautiful and adorable girls. She is honest and most of all she's a coutry girl and I mean COUNTRY as in music. She likes other types, but she LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVES Country! She's funny, sweet, and well deserving of this reward!

Traci is a Northern girl living in the South, Tn to be exact. She's a homeschooling mom, real woman trying to balance life as it comes. She's got one of those journals that you just can curl up to and read! She's multi talented when it comes to hobbies. She's a woman who shows Christ through her words well.

Amanda is a wife, mother, and most of all Child of God who's doing the best she can to balance life as well as be an example to non-believers and/or those who are early in their walk with Christ. She loves to share her family and Christ! She's quickly became one of my favorites!

Once you have picked up your award from above ladies...pick 5 of your favorite blogs/journals and tag them!

Jacob

2008-01-31T17:25:00.000-08:00

Seven years ago I delivered Jacob via planned c-section. My first son, 2nd child. I was so scared during my pregnancy that I would not be able to love him. Trust me when I say it was NOT the same fear as most soon to be 2nd time mom's have about not having as much love, I mean I was terrified of not loving him. Jordyn had died 8 months earlier, the pregnancy was shocking for Chad and I. I was grieving, fearful, scared, etc. etc etc. Then he cried....all my fears were eleveated and I was IN LOVE with him, before I'd even see his face! He showed me I COULD love again.

The pictures above...some are from when he was born and first came home. Jacob was born on my Maternal Great Grandmother's 91 birthday. She had prayed and vocalized many times how she wanted a grandbaby born on her birthday...Jacob was the one and only! She ABSOLUTELY adored him. He was her "birthday baby" and for the next 1 yr 10 months she loved him with all her heart and now is in Heaven. There's a picture of her holding her best birthday present EVER :)!! He's not a baby anymore, he's truly a little boy.

Today was a good day! He woke Chad and I up at 4:20 this morning to tell us the Tooth Fairy had came and left him $5.00!!! He was THRILLED! We sent him back to bed after telling him Happy Birthday and that we loved him! During Chad's lunch he opened his presents! We got him a whole big kit for his PSP, a memory card for his PSP. Chad got him a Pirates of the Carribean little set and a pirate bag with various things in it. I got him the book "Where The Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein". Jack got him a Playmobil pirate thing and Emma got him a Bionicle! LOL I took some pictures of him putting together his playmobil set and of him playing! There's pictures of us at dinner..he chose Greek! The food was wonderful as always!

He had a double header basketball game tonight. He got to play in most of both games. We made cupcakes this afternoon, he insisted on green icing. We took cupcakes to his teammates for after the game and they all wished him a happy birthday! After dinner we walked over to the Eis Cafe (Icecream Shop). Jacob got speghetti ice (vanilla ice cream that looks like speghetti with strawberry topping as the sauce), Chad got that too (his favorite). In one of the pictures at the Eis Cafe, you see Jack beside Jacob looking absolutely miserable! ROFL! The little guy was stuffed, as he should have been!

Saturday evening he's got friends coming over. Two or three will be spending the night while at least 2 will just come for pizza, cake, and a movie. Tomorrow will be cleaning day. The boys will be getting that playroom spotless, so that on Saturday Chad can bring the tv and dvd player in there and get it set up, along with airmattresses and the boys little couch (Spiderman couch). I want their room cleaned up too. I'll be putting laundry away and vacuuming our bedroom. I got the living room and dining room vaccumed today. I also need to take the bird cake down since Whisker's killed our bird. The recylcing has to go out. We'll be making the cake on Saturday. Chad's going to draw a Dragon on there and we're going to put on of his Playmobil Knights on it. :) It should be hopefully pretty simple compared to last year's Tank Cake (which wasn't too hard, but this will definately be less work and far cheaper! LOL). We do need to go buy the cake for his party and get some ice cream too and a few other snacks for the kids and get everything for the pizza's.

My mom called him today as well as my brother's wife and daughter's. He talked to Chad's mom last night.

Time just goes by so fast. I am so thankful I can be a SAHM. I love my children so much. I love that I can homeschool them. Our life is crazy enough being an Army family so the fact that I can be a source of stability for our children and knowing that they don't ahve to switch schools with every move is a blessing.

Well this Momma is tired and I obviously have lots of cleaning to do tomorrow, so I better get to bed.

God Bless and thank you to those of you who wished Jacob a happy birthday! Mine's next! Feb 9! :) OF course Chad will once again be gone! I think he's been home for maybe 3 of my birthday's in 11 years! LOL That's the Army life! :)

Tags: Birthday, Army Life, Homeschool, SAHM