Roller Coasters

Have you ever been on a roller coaster? Been through the jolts of every twist, turn, and loop and screamed because of either the excitement or because it actually scared you? I have. It has literally been about 15 years since the last time I was on a roller coaster, but I still remember the feelings. I liked riding roller coasters back then for the pure rush and excitement of the unexpected.

Life is like a roller coaster. There will be twists and turns and loops. There is no doubt that there will jolts of excitement, frustration, sadness, anxiety. This roller coaster of life will bring about its own roller coaster of emotions. We never know what lies ahead in life; nor, do we know what lies around tomorrow's corner.

This past week has had way too many ups and downs, extreme highs and extreme lows. But you know what? The God I serve -- Creator of all the universe -- the Savior of my life -- Jesus ... has been with me the whole time. I have held onto His hand even tighter this week and even tighter at times and have felt so much of Him comforting me. There is NO WAY I could go through this deployment without Jesus in my life. It won't always be easy, and sometimes I may feel anxiety -- especially while I'm waiting for a phone call or message from my dear honey; but, His (God's) promises are what I hold onto.

"Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved" Psalm 55:22 NKJV. 

Kiddie Conversations

There is no doubt that all of us parents have over heard our children talking with each other or with other children. And there's no doubt that some of those conversations make us laugh. Our boys had one of those "funny" conversations today.

Corey to Andrew: That cloud looks like a turtle.

Andrew to Corey: You look like a turtle.

Corey to Andrew: Well you look like a girdle.

*At this very comment I seriously burst into laughter (on the inside because I didn't want to interrupt their conversation). I knew that Corey had no idea what this meant, and was sure Andrew didn't either. Plus, I knew Corey was only rhyming a word to turtle, and girdle seemed like the perfect word ... evidently! HAHA. :)

conversation continues ....

Andrew to Corey: You don't even know what a girdle is.

Corey to Andrew: SooOOO ... you don't either.

*Now I couldn't contain the laughter at all. I asked Andrew if he knew what a girdle is and he said no. So after I told him (and Mariah and Corey were listening) ... we all laughed for the longest time!!*

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 ...