Kids and Deployment Conversations

As we were driving home today, our three kiddos started talking about family togetherness and Christmas. The conversation went something like this:

Andrew: You know what? I think the best part of Christmas is being together as a family.

Mariah: mmHmm, I agree.

Corey: I agree, too.

Me: I couldn't agree with you more, Andrew.

So, all the kids agree that being together as a family during Christmastime is very important to them. What breaks my heart is that this Christmas we won't be a complete family ... again.

Andrew: Remember that one Christmas where dad was gone and we opened two gifts on Christmas Eve and then three gifts on Christmas day, and all the rest were saved for when dad got home in January? That was a lot fun!

**I'd just like to say that we picked dad up at 1:30 a.m. and dad okayed them opening up presents after we got to the house. This meant we didn't go to bed until 5 a.m!!**

Mariah and Corey: I remember that.

Me: Yep, I remember that, Andrew. Those two gifts came from the squadron.

Mariah: I don't like that dad isn't going to be here, again.

Andrew: Me, neither.

Mariah: Even if we get to see dad on Skype, it's not the same. We can't hug him or anything.

You wanna know how hard I was pushing my tongue to the roof of my mouth to divert those watery particles from coming out of my eyes?! H.A.R.D!

Mariah: I wish dad didn't have to be gone during any holidays.

Me: I understand. I feel the same way you do. He'll be home soon after Christmas. And then we'll have our own FAMILY Christmas. <--- yes, I was talking in a very light, happy, and joyful tone to ligthen the mood. *sigh* I think it worked.

Soon to me is however long you want to make it. GRANTED, in reality soon means soon -- not too long and not too quick. Just right. When you have a loved one deployed, soon takes on a whole new meaning. Soon means soon ... that we don't look at the BIG picture. If we did, then it would be too long. We take each day at a time. Now with each passing day, daddy coming home now means "he'll be home soon".

At times it does become too hard to be so positive, encouraging, and uplifting ... especially when you're talking to children who 1. Completely understand what's going on. 2. Nothing you say will make them feel any better because that "missing dad" feeling does not go away until dad comes home. 3. I retract the beginning of my comment in number 2. because as I recall, Mariah said some very encouraging words in Heart.Breaking.Reality.

God always gives you the strength to be able to comfort your children, even when all you want to do is bawl your eyes out. Where God has given you comfort, it makes it easier to comfort others.“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).

Randomness: Pants on the ground

This is so random. I can't help it but to post this because I read this news article about a city in Georgia having the RIGHT idea .... PULL THOSE PANTS UP BOYS and keep your pants up girls!!

Then I went to my Facebook to post the news article and a friend had post a super funny pic:


I laughed so hard! HA HA. Seriously, though, how many sons would stop dressing this way if they had mature fathers who did just as their sons were doing to show how disgusting it is, instead of condoning them to keep showing the colors of their underpants or boxers to the world? In the words of our dear daughter: "That's so GROSS!!!"

Who all remembers this audition on American Idol?

Okay ... I promise I won't do this ALL the time. I just couldn't help it. Laughter is good medicine.

Vol. 3: The Weekly Does It

Weekly Wisdom: "... you can be right but wrong at the top of your voice" (taken from Love & Respect page 11).

Inspiration: "Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God.  I'll give you strength. I'll help you" Isaiah 41:10.

From the Book Shelf: Still reading in Love & Respect. Something that I can recall doing in the first 7 years of our marriage was yelling (and cussing) almost daily; either at my husband or at our children. I don't necessarily yell anymore, but I do raise my voice to be heard -- and typically lower it almost right away once I have (the kids') attention. However, even this is something that needs work. I CANNOT stand yelling or even raising my voice. *Can you believe I was a drum major in high school?*

In all reality, this is something that I grew up hearing and always said I was not going to do it. That phrase is so right: "...you can be right but wrong at the top of your voice". There is most certainly other POSITIVE ways of getting the attention of others.

Soundtrack: Not sure what my favorite song is this week. There's many that keep playing through my head ... Hold Me is one of them because there is no way I would have made it this far without God's hand AND heart in my life. Another is Hold Fast because I have some friends that are going through things, but there is one thing that I know: GOD is FAITHFUL and will reward their steadfastness. One more is Not A Moment Too Soon. because my awesome husband definitely came into my life (pre-marriage days) at the right time and is my "saving angel". God was right on time ...

Appointment Book: Not too much going on this week. We have a FULL week of school ahead of us; post office visit; swimming at the pool; and yard clean-up at the end of the week. Yep ... kind of easy going, but much to keep us busy.

**FYI -- this was a test of a blog series that I wanted to try out. I may continue something like this, but shorten it down to a blurb. Something where you can grab a quite word of Wisdom, Inspiration, or Insight from something that I've read. This will be the LAST of The Weekly Does It. I am going to another weekly blog post -- this one I am sure will hang around. Stay tuned to see what that is.**

Have a GREAT last week of September friends!!

COMING SOON: New weekly blog post

I will begin a once a week post about different things that catch my eye. Possibly just random snapshots of the week .... so you'll get to see what I see.

Not all of my photos will be of animals. I promise.

Any idea on what I should title the blog?

1. Snap Happy

2. Snappy Happy

3. Through the EYES of the beHOLDer


4. Point and Shoot

5. Now You See It

Any ideas from you would be much appreciated! Thanks for the help friends!!

Facebook Status Updates

WARNING: I apologize for the interruption of your scheduled blog posts and all other blog posts in between.

With all of the recent Facebook changes, I have some updates of my own, here, on my blog. Please keep reading, as you'll find a complete list of Facebook status updates. You won't be able to find these updates on my Facebook profile (all but one). They are here, for your viewing pleasure, in one place, no games, no extra news feeds to get through, or anything. Aren't I nice to provide you with this convenience?

Friday, 9/23/2011 @ 3:52 p.m:
Facebook, why do you keep changing things? I understand that it's to keep up with and maintain a "competitive" edge. I appreciate that this social network if FREE 99, but sheesh, I don't EVER plan to be technology savvy, just be at the point of using a computer and being able to navigate around web pages. Sooo ... if you wouldn't mind, stop making such HUGE changes all at one. THANK YOU!

Friday, 9/23/2011 @ 9:20 p.m:
Umm, so I'm usually Skyping with my sweetness at this time; however, he has not come online. I'm hoping and praying everything is okay and that just possibly he is getting some MUCH needed rest.

Friday, 9/23/2011 @ 9:45 p.m:
Still no call. Trust me. When you're a military spouse and when you're use to hearing from your military man (or wife), there is no doubt that a thousand thoughts race through your mind, your heart beats a thousand times a minute, and your eyes stay on the watery side. Really praying that he's resting and will wake up soon to let me know he's okay ... praying that he is actually sleeping and nothing else is going on -- in Jesus Name.

Friday, 9/23/2011 @ 10:15 p.m:
Well, still no word from my dear husband. I'm still going stir-crazy, but am feeling a little better on the inside. There is no doubt he's okay. Certain we'll be talking soon. If not, I'm calling the command post here to be transferred there in 45 minutes.

Friday, 9/23/2011 @ 10:30 p.m:
My heart is calm. Thank You, Jesus. There is no doubt that Mr. Sweetness is sleeping. I know he's been tired, so I'm thankful he's getting some much needed and deserved rest. Thank You, LORD, for that!

Friday, 9/23/2011 @ 10:45 p.m:
YAY!! Honey just sent me a text message from his email apologizing and asking if I'd like to Skype. I'm getting on Skype now. Just found out that he got off work 2 hours early, set his alarm clock, and went to sleep without turning the clock on. I know he feels bad for causing me to worry. All is perfect, again ... well, almost. It'd be perfect if he was home.

Saturday, 9/24/2011 @ 7:30 a.m:
Woke up this morning feeling ultra tired, achy, sore, face hurting, and I have a headache. Back to bed I go after Instant Messaging with my Sweetness and getting some breakfast and water.

Saturday, 9/24/2011 @ 12:30 p.m:
No real relief from that so called rest. You know what? Quite frankly I'm tired of not getting any real rest. Maybe I should start sleeping on the couch. Maybe this loneliness-sleeping-in-our-bed feeling is what's doing me in?!

Saturday, 9/24/2011 @ 2:00 p.m:
I'm going back to sleep. I can't handle the aches. Maybe I should just go soak in a HOT bath instead? Maybe that would help? I think my dear sweetness should HURRY UP (as if he has any control of it) and get home. Just MAYBE I'll be able to get that awesome rest ... maybe?

Saturday, 9/24/2011 @ 7:00 p.m:
Not feeling too bad. Maybe the shower will help with some of the aches and pains.

Saturday, 9/24/2011 @ 7:30 p.m:
God, YOU amaze me!! You're always right on time with encouragement! I am truly grateful for my "other" best friend, Amber. No matter the miles that separate us, I will be forever thankful for the sisterhood we shared when we were stationed near each other!! And I know that no matter what, we can always pick up where we left off, regardless of how long it's been! :)

Saturday, 9/24/2011 @ 11:50 p.m:
Cannot believe that I'm going to be asleep before midnight after all of the resting I have done today! I am sleeping with a heating pad to help with some of the aches in my lower back/hips.

Sunday, 9/25/2011 @ 7:50 a.m:
What a WONDERFUL sleep I had last night!! THANK YOU JESUS!! I feel so rested, I couldn't go back to sleep if I wanted to!

Sunday, 9/25/2011 @ 9:00 a.m:
Straightening my hair. It's almost time to Skype with William. Yes, I NEED to look nice for him, even though the video quality on Skype hasn't been so great lately. BUT, we do still get to see each other.

Sunday, 9/25/2011 @ 10:00 a.m:
Are you ready for some football?! I am .... and it's even better to Skype with William during the games. It "feels" like he's "right here" with us.

Okay ... so that's the end of a 48 hour run on status updates. We now return you to your scheduled programming ....

Have an amazing end to the weekend and enjoy the last week of September friends!

We now return to your scheduled programming ...

Desert Heat

I have learned over the past two months NOT to complain about the weather. I'm always trying to find the 'brighter' side of how the weather is acting at the current moment. Sure, I'll be honest: it pains me to see that our temps are still close to or a degree or two over 100 degrees ... and it's the first day of my favorite season: AUTUMN!

Desert living is for the birds. Or, for those who like it dry 98% of the year. I don't mind the humidity because when there's a breeze or it's flat out windy, the air actually feels good. On top of that, though, humidity makes you sweat. Maybe that's the only downside, but then again ... Hmm ... not such a bad thing when you're wanting to lose weight, I guess.

Anyway, the kids and I went to the park on base, since I don't feel safe enough taking them on my own to one of the public parks here in Vegas. We went to the park to 1. Have some playtime. 2. Do some homeschooling. 3. Enjoy some time away from our home. We ended up staying there for a mere 2.5 hours because the breeze felt HORRIBLE! You know the heat that pops you in the face after you open the oven or when you open the dishwasher after the drying cycle has finally ended ... at many points towards the end of our stay at the park, this is the exact feeling we kept getting. Oh -- and the wind was picking up ... so it felt like someone had turned on a hairdryer and was pointing the thing right at us.

First of all, I am NOT complaining about the weather. When we arrived at the park, the weather was BEAUTIFUL! Secondly, there is no way I'm going to complain about the weather KNOWING that so many soldiers sweat their hineys off deployed to the desert. After finding out where William was going and seeing that the temps in the summer (during the time he would be there) get up between 116 and 120 degrees .... do I have any right to complain about the weather at all? NO WAY! It's like that saying "put yourself in someone else's shoes because more than likely they have it worse off than you do anyway" ... so I'm NOT complaining about the weather here.

At the same time, leaving the park at 12:30 p.m. with the temperature at 102 reminded me that the military, who serve and protect our country are still in temps close to 110 degrees or more!! On top of it all, many are wearing gear consisting of 40+ lbs of extra weight. I have lost 16.5 lbs since William has been gone, dressed in a lightweight top, thin capri pants, flip flops, hair pulled back in a ponytail, and I couldn't stand the 102 temp that was blowing me in the face while sitting in the shade.

Seriously, it was a reality check when I found out my husband would be in the desert (just as I was), but his temperatures were going to be hotter and at times more excruciating than what we (living in Vegas) would experience. Just remember, if you don't like your weather, you could always move somewhere else that has the weather you're wanting.

Fruit Leather

A few weeks ago, I got an email in my inbox from HomeMade Simple. The email was "7 steps for making a homemade fruit snack". Sometimes I don't even bother opening these emails due to the limited time in my life right now. However, since my sweetness is away from us, and care packages are a weekly must, I had to check out this email because it had the word "snack" in the title.

In a care package that I sent my husband last week, I made a special treat. I made two kinds of these fruit leathers. He received the package and did a taste test on Skype with me. First up, the Cinnamon Apple Fruit Leather. He liked this one. The second one: Strawberry-Banana Fruit Leather. His expression was priceless!! I wish I would have taken a picture because the expression cracked me up!!  So -- the Strawberry-Banana Fruit Leather is an absolute NO. NO. NO. HA HA!!

I ended up using a different recipe than the one at HomeMade Simple. I wasn't for sure about using some of those ingredients at first. So, I used this recipe instead. The one adjustment to the recipe that I made was I put 2 teaspoons of honey in the mixture, instead of 1 teaspoon. Can't go wrong with honey, right? That's the name that I call my sweetness, too, by the way. Honey is a perfect sweetener. Yummy!!

The ingredients and directions:

• 2 cups applesauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• cooking spray

Preheat oven to 150 degrees.

1. Mix the first 3 ingredients together.
2. Spray cookie sheet.
3. Spread a THIN layer of the mixture on the cookie sheet.
4. Leave oven door open a bit and cook for 6-8 hours.

My changes because I had 4 pans in the oven are:
I preheated the oven to 175 degrees and about halfway through the drying process I moved the temp to 200 degrees. I did NOT spray a cookie sheet. Instead, I used parchment paper and sprayed that with cooking spray. I think the parchment paper helped me take the fruit leather off of the tray -- like the plastic from a fruit roll-up. Everything else in the directions pretty much stayed the same. What you're looking for is the fruit leather to NOT be gooey to the touch, but the sticky consistency of a fruit roll-up.

I cute the piece of leather in half and then half again (so quarters). Each 1/4 section I cut in half. Then I rolled them, and wrapped them plastic wrap.

Will you try this recipe? I'm thinking about doing a fruit punch flavored fruit leather next time. Let me know what you do for ingredients and if you like it or not. So far anything strawberry (and with those little seeds) is out of the question.

Vol. 2: The Weekly Does It

Weekly Wisdom: When the going gets tough, the tough get going ... and not in the opposite direction. Face whatever it is that comes your way head on.

Inspiration: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" Psalm 73:26 NIV

From the bookshelf: I am slowly getting through the book pictured. The last week was crazy busy. However, I promise to share one thing that sticks out at me, each week, until I finish the book. This week's advice comes from Part One: The Crazy Cycle: Without Love she reacts Without Respect he reacts.  Chapter one's title is "The Simple Secret To A Better Marriage".

*Personal thought: Umm ... are there really any secrets? Or is it that many choose to ignore what is necessary to keep a marriage going? Sit down and think about days of old. Literally, at least 75-100 years ago. If you were to watch one of "those" old movies you'd see women respecting their husbands and the husband showing love to his wife. Have you females out there ever said "You just don't understand me!" Translate this to "You're just not showing me love!" Have you men out there every said "I pay the bills. I put food on the table. What more do you want?!" Translate this to "I want you to respect the stuff that I do for you and our family."*

From the book: "Dad was left feeling that Mom could get along fine without him, and she would often send him that message. She made financial decisions without consulting him, which made him feel insignificant, as if he didn't matter. Because he was offended, he would react to her in unloving ways. He was sure Mom did not respect him" (Eggerichs, 2004, pg. 8).

**Ask yourself if your actions are causing your significant other to act in a way that you don't like. What can you do to change YOUR actions? We should not be looking at others and wanting to change them. God's word says: "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3-4.

I can remember in the first 7 years of our marriage how much I would pick William apart. He wasn't doing this right, or wasn't helping with this, or didn't do this anymore, etc., etc., etc. In reality, if I would have taken time to look at myself, there were many things that I wasn't doing that I use to, or didn't show my appreciation or get excited about the "little" things anymore, etc. I am truly thankful that God held us together, without us evening knowing it. From the time we came to Christ as a couple (I in Sept. 2005 and William in July 2006), things have grown on a grand scale. God is bigger than your situation. Trust Him to change it FOR YOU. Watch what happens.

                            

Soundtrack: We were flipping through the radio stations the other day and Smile by Uncle Kracker came on. I'm always telling William "You make me smile" ... so this is just fitting since I'm talking husbands and wives. Another song that I love is Hold Me by Jamie Grace (feat. TobyMac). I couldn't make it with the LORD. Ever.  

Appointment Book: So, last week was payday and it was the FIRST time that I did not get a headache after paying bills. I did very well ... so thankful for that! :) We did assessment testing in our homeschool last week. This Monday is the "official" start date of our 2011-12 Homeschool Year. Kids are excited and looking forward to learning new things. I'm looking forward to it, too. Can't wait to show dad what the kids have learned. It's exciting!! When time allows these are the things that I am wanting to do: strip more paint off of the railing/banisters; start a cross-stitch stocking project; paint; bring the PowerFlex in from the garage; do some rearranging; umm ... yep, the list is endless. YMCA trips with the kids. Post Office to mail box #5 and at the end of the week a baby shower! :) WOOHOO!! Busy, busy week!! 

Share with me: 

What are you reading? 

Do you have any words of wisdom you'd like to share? 

What's your favorite song(s) at the moment? 

Are you working on any projects? What are they?


Have an amazing week friends!!

Heart.Breaking.Reality

I sat down in the family room tonight checking emails on the laptop and taking care of other things. While updating the NFL game scores and family points, I heard sniffles from our baby girl's bedroom. I quietly sat the laptop down and walked into her room, flipping the light on. Her little nose was so red and her pretty brown eyes were filled with tears.

I softly asked her "What's the matter?" and she replied through the hard sobs and big tears with "I miss daddy so much!" And broke out in a hard cry, again.

I walked over to her, sat down on her bed, and leaned over and gave her a hug. At the initial moment I couldn't say anything because I would have bawled my eyes out. You see, for me, it is so hard to go day-to-day without my best friend here with me, but God's grace is sufficient each day. What makes it extremely difficult is when you can see the pain and the hurt of your child's heart on their face.

So a couple moments pass and I wipe a tear away and say to her, "Would you like to take a couple pictures for daddy?" She agrees and says, "I really miss doing stuff as a family" -- her little chin quivering.

We took a few photos in black and white so you couldn't see our red noses or the redness around our eyes.

This is one of the photos she wanted to send daddy.

Before leaving her room, she said one more thing to me: "I just feel like this time is going by really slow and I don't like it. I want the time to go by faster so he can come home faster."

I completely understand how she feels. I feel like if September would just get over with, then the rest of the year would speed by. I mean, there are no holidays or anything "big" to look forward to in September. There's plenty of things in October, November, December, and then we have a month of "preparation" after that. September, two more weeks to go and you'll be history. At this point in our life, thank goodness!!

I gave her a kiss on her forehead and assured her "You know what? Daddy misses us, too. As much as you're thinking about him, he's thinking about you." She smiled. That smile made it feel like all was well, again.

About 20 minutes later she came out to the family room and says to me, "Mom. When you talk to me when I'm feeling sad, it always makes things better." I felt like God gave me a big hug at that moment to remind me that I'm doing things right. When you're use to being a two-parent family, and because of deployments it takes you to being both mom and dad, it's difficult to feel like you are doing a good job.

So, LORD, thank You for being here with us. We could not get through this without You. *smiling through the tears*
 

Flutterbyes

Okay ... I've been playing around with Blogger titles. I've had:

1. WAGS (Air Force) Family

2. THIS & THAT of our life in ...

And now:

3. FLUTTERBYES

I really like flutterbies... I mean butterflies. A. LOT. They're one of my favorite winged creatures that God created. I love how they flutter here and there ... and when they pause to take a break, it's like they're taking in the scenery or planning their next move. Butterflies represent new life. Consider the process of becoming a butterfly. It's amazing -- They're amazing!!   GOD. IS. AMAZING.  

Self  needs. Death. New Life.

The caterpillar  focuses on its needs. Then it appears dead in the cocoon, emerging into a beautiful butterfly. Taking its rightful place as it was meant to be.  

2 Corinthians 5:17(NKJV)

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

So what do you think about the new blogger title: Flutterbyes? I purposefully spelled the ending "byes" because many things in life come and go -- they're fleeting, fluttering here and there, taking its rightful place in our life. Those fleeting moments, seasons, and times in our life become memories -- those are what we hang onto.



The Weekly Does It

Here is the first edition of The Weekly Does It. In these editions you will find my happenings for the week, insight, and going ons. I won't get too specific with my "appointment book" because I don't need any stalkers. HA. Okay, that's just kind of creepy! YIKES! Anyway, without further ado.....

Weekly Wisdom: When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry (and right now in my life I have at least a handful), show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile (and I know I definitely have more than a handful here).

Inspiration: "Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions (mercies) fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness" Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV).

From the bookshelf: I went to the bookshelf on Friday night (9/9/11) to see what book or books jumped out at me. My heart was feeling a bit saddened -- missing William. I really wanted something about military or husbands and wives. That's what stood out to me most. So, first up is: Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires and The Respect He Desperately Needs by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. I've wanted to read this book for quite some time, so this is what I will start off reading.
                            

Soundtrack: Casting Crowns really does have some great music. There's many songs that have gotten me through different times. In Me happens to be one that is my favorite right now. Another one that I typically listen to almost every day is: I Love You This Big by Scotty McCreery. It makes me smile  and reminds me of my honey bunch. We're so crazy together. God totally made us perfect for one another. Like my sweet husband said last Wednesday: "We compliment each other nicely. That's one thing I love about us." 

Appointment Book: First off, pay day is this week, so of course paying bills is on the agenda. Strip more paint off of the railing/banisters. I can tell this is not going to be an easy task and pretty sure it'll take me at least two to three weeks to finish the whole stripping paint off and sanding down the wood BEFORE I can actually stain the wood. But that's okay ... it passes time. YMCA trips with the kids. Start the new, but finish the old homeschool year. Post Office to mail box #4!! :) YAY!! And I think that about covers the big things.

What are you reading? Do you have any words of wisdom you'd like to share? What's your favorite song(s) at the moment?

Have a wonderful week friends!!

Seasons in the desert ...

Image from: Me.



We have always felt that living in Las Vegas is not for us, but we have always said: God always has a plan -- so we are here for a reason. We have gone through quite a bit while here with churches, primarily, but we have grown to know something about God. It really is quite elementary you see, but when you're in the desert, something that some of the Israelites didn't learn, and some did: He NEVER leaves you. No matter what. Even if you can't always feel Him right next to you, He's ALWAYS there.

Sometimes when life gets rough and bumpy, it's most definitely VERY EASY to throw your hands up, maybe even shake your fist at the sky, and say WHY?!

The cool thing about living in the desert is that there's still seasons, even if the seasons like winter and fall seem short, the season is still there - nonetheless. Personally, I have gone through seasons of new growth (spring), drought (summer), weeding (fall -- shaking off old things), and waiting (winter) in the almost three years of our time here in Las Vegas. The most awesome thing is that I can feel myself being in a new season of .... new growth ... oh and waiting (for my sweetness to return home, but that doesn't count ... well, sort of). HA. :)

Deuteronomy 11: 13-14 says:
13. "And if you will indeed obey my commandments that I command you today, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, 14. he will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain [spring] and the later rain [fall], that you may gather in your grain and your wine and your oil."

Image from: http://www.chrisgibbs.net/2011/06/desert-seasons.html

The LORD is the supplier of everything that I need. Notice I said NEED. Not want, yet He does supply some of my wants, too. He ALWAYS supplies what I N.E.E.D. I do love the LORD with all of my heart and soul. I would be absolutely lost without Him. I know there are times when Tina gets in the way and wants to figure things out on my own. I imagine God shaking His head at me, tapping His toe, and waiting for me to stop. being. me. through my own strength and trying to figure things out on my own agenda. He may even chuckle ... because I laugh at myself, too. HA HA. Nevertheless, He's always there. I am truly grateful.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) says:
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Image from: http://notstrictlyspiritual.blogspot.com/2011/01/unexpected-moments-of-grace.html

His grace is and always will be sufficient for each new day. Each day I will have struggles, but each day it is my goal to let Him work in and through my weaknesses. I am human and will fail over and over again, and actually just had one of those failing moments on Wednesday morning. The awesome thing is that there was a lesson learned from that fail. Not only a lesson, but a new growth happened. Will there be more fails? No. doubt. about. it. Will His grace abound? ABSOLUTELY!

Anyway, in my rambling, what I want to say and hope that you get out of this is 1. that no matter what, God is always there -- even when you can't seem to feel Him near -- He's there. Period. 2. We all have seasons in our life. Mine just so happens to have a couple seasons going on.

Here's a couple questions for you:
1.What season(s) are you in?
2. Are you letting God's amazing grace be sufficient for your each new day?
3. Can you feel God's strength being made perfect in your weakness?
4. Do you love God with all of your heart and soul? 

Holidays on Mondays

I have another blog post going, but have to interrupt that one to bring you this one ....


Can you believe we are H A L F W A Y through the week ... already?! Is it just me, or does a holiday landing on Monday make the week seem to go by a bit faster? 

So, as your friend, sister, daughter, mother, and wife: I now declare that every holiday, all the way through February, actually, let's make that clear through March (for some of my friends) ... ALL holidays will now land on a Monday of their respective month!

Our weeks will now go by even faster! WOOHOO!!

Bzzzzz ........

While looking for a new blog template, as you can see I have bees for my background. William is the reason that I chose this template, and this song is what came to mind.

I miss him so much

and am literally counting down the days until he comes home!! Most days are not filled with tears, even though

the other half of my heart is halfway

around the world.

Most days are filled with smiles ... especially when something reminds me of

my sweet "honey bee".

Honey Bee by Blake Shelton

It's been a while ...

WHOA! So it's been a very. long. while since I've posted anything in this blog. Since I've been pondering on writing 1. to keep me occupied 2. to put my thoughts and feelings onto a page and 3. because sometimes for some unknown reason it's nice to write and then read what you have written. I have to be honest: even though I may not always write every day, I do plan to start writing again.

There seems to be many things that I want to share. Here's what I promise: 1. Sometimes the blogs won't always be so serious. 2. Sometimes they'll be short and sweet. 3. Sometimes they may show what we do day-to-day while we wait and 4. Sometimes they may be just flat out silly. After all, laughter is the best medicine.


And let the new blogging journey begin .......