Katrina

Ok, I will be gone for a bit. Not sure how long. Katrina is headed our way. Going to shelter on base with Zach. Not sure when I'll be back. Will go to the shelter sometime tomorrow (Sunday) and the storm is supposed to hit Monday. My birthday is Tuesday, so what a wonderful birthday present. Just pray for the safety of my family and I. Pray our home will be unharmed. Looks like we'll be on the eastern end of it and that's the worst side.

Update: The Trash

I thought I would give a quick update. We finally bought a new garbage can. To me it looks smaller than our old one (maybe because its not round like the other one was), but we agreed on it. I have yet to do the garbage;) Thanks, honey:)

Birthday Boy!

My Gift, My Son

You were woven together inside of me,
A secret place, only God can see.
It took some time, nine months in fact,
To mold you together, all in tact.

At last the day upon me arose,
I held you, kissed you and counted your toes.
Instantly I fell in love
With my new babe sent from the Father above.

How can it be that a year has passed?
The time has flown so utterly fast.
I have watched you grow and watched you learn,
Yet vividly remember that day you were born.

Thank you, dear Jesus, for this year with my son,
It has been a year of learning, laughter and fun.
His cuddles, his antics, his giggles, his cries,
His 'woof, woof', his 'mama', his 'hi', his 'bye-bye'.

I watch him nestle against my breast,
I smile and am awestruck at how I am blest.
As he depends upon me as his mother,
May I depend upon You, Father, and not on another.

Lord Jesus, I ask for patience and gentleness,
As I mother my son, Lord make me selfless.
May I be an example of humility,
May I obey You and may he see You in me.

I pray he will come to know You, Lord,
To study your Bible, to make it his sword.
May all that he does reflect your face,
I pray that he is led to your saving grace.

Lord, thank You for this gift, my son,
Thank you for this day he's one.
Guide him each and every day,
To be a holy man, to pray.
May he serve You and obey,
May he walk in Your steps and never stray.

Happy 1st Birthday, my dear son, G. I love you so much!
Mommy

Ever Feel Like Chopped Liver?

Well, today I decided to take the little ones to a playgroup on the base. This is not an easy task, especially when they meet at 9:30 and I live about 20 minutes away from base. I decided to go because I know the lady who 'runs' it and she has invited me numerous times. They were also supposed to be having some sort of 'lessons' on knitting or crocheting and I'm trying to learn how to knit. So, I decided I would drag my butt out of bed early, fight with the kids and be out the door at 9! I'm usually not even showered by then! But, it was a fairly smooth morning.

I almost get hit by some old people on my way there, not once but twice. I haven't been to an actual 'base' playgroup in awhile. I went religiously in Minot when H was a baby and would sometimes go in North Carolina. I was feeling a bit apprehensive but was excited, if nothing else, to get some pointers on knitting. Plus, my friend Canaan was going, so I would know two people- her and Robin, the lady who 'runs' it.

I am making this quite long...sorry:) So, I am walking in and there is another lady with her baby walking. She says hi and holds the door for me and my 3 children. I walk into the room and there are mostly little toddling babies all about. No problem, after all one of mine is a toddling baby. So, I stand there, as other ladies are, waiting for somebody to introduce themselves or something. I stand...and stand...let the baby out...stand...plaster a fake smile...talk to my children...fake smile... By this time I am wanting to know where the nearest phone is to tell Zach to come and rescue me on his lunch break (his lunch is at 10:15). Finally Canaan and her children arrive! Phew. Now that there's 2 of us somebody will surely come and say hi. Well, we stand, fake smile...You get the idea. Normally I am one to just start talking to somebody, given their body language or something about them is inviting, but they were not even acknowledging that we were there in any way! It didn't take long for us to decide to just head to the nearest playland with our children. They must be officers wives and I must have ENLISTED written all over me or something. It was pretty rude and ridiculous. We won't be attending that playgroup again!

As we were getting our things together to leave (meaning gathering our brood of children), Robin walked in. I don't think she saw me, otherwise I know she would have said hello. I didn't stick around for her to see me, but tried to squeeze out before she could and before I was more embarrassed than I already felt (and she is NOT an officer wife!). And dear Canaan gave me a few knitting pointers as we watched our brood get all full of germs on the playland;)

But, what a way to feel like chopped liver...

The Trash

I have always had this 'struggle' with the trash. In my mind it is a man's job to take out the trash, so I always harp, nag or get frustrated when its well overdue and I can't stick another thing in the can. For the past year, at least, I have struggled with wanting to be a help meet to my husband by doing the trash myself (I have struggled with being a help meet since Day 1 of marriage, in this I'm referring to the trash). I know that it would be a great help to him. And I know that I am his help meet, not the other way around. But knowing this and acting upon it are two entirely different things. I have this good book called Created to be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl (www.nogreaterjoy.com). It took forever for me to read it as it was very convicting. I recommend it, but be careful! It will change you, even if its little baby step changes, like with me. One of the first chapters dealt with the trash issue and I knew if I was convicted on that 'little' thing that I was in trouble for what was yet to come;) I have many areas that need work, as we all do, in regards to being the type of wife the Lord is wanting me to be. Anyway, this is about the trash...

Zach has never cared for our garbage can. He wants a big hefty size one. We had one once, when we lived in North Dakota. It was nice. We put in the the basement-way, so it didn't look hideous in our kitchen. Well, we have three additions to our family since that garbage can, and no longer do we have a basement. Yesterday the spring on the lid of the garbage can fell somewhere inside of it. Now it doesn't close all the way, although it mostly does. Zach thought this was a great time to get that big hefty garbage can he's been wanting. I fussed and cried. I said there is no way a garbage can like that is going in my kitchen! He said he'd put it in the garage. Not a bad idea, but every time I need to throw something away I don't want to go to the garage! I like the convenience of my garbage can in my kitchen, especially when I'm cooking. We went to Wal-Mart to see what was available and couldn't agree so walked out empty handed. Zach hates having to do the garbage pretty much every day or every other day. He thinks that with one of those big ones he won't have to take it out as often, but it stinks bad enough now at times (poopy diapers), imagine letting it sit for a day or two longer! I keep saying that with 5 of us in the house there is going to be more garbage, and wait until we have 14 in the house (he wants 12 kids)! The garbage will need to be changed daily! But, by that time it will be one of the children's responsibilities.

So, on our way from Wal-Mart I broke my anti-trash barrier. I told him if we could get one of the dainty, regular kitchen garbage cans that I would take the trash out. I did it! I guess if that is what its gonna take for me to get my act together and do the trash like I've been convicted to do to help my husband (and also to get a regular garbage can), then by golly I better just shut up and do the trash myself!

Note: I am not saying all you ladies need to take your trash out:) This is something that *I* have been convicted upon and I'm not saying all ladies need to do this!

Garage Sales

Well I was finally able to have my garage sale today. I did considerably well. I didn't really advertise besides on some groups I'm in online and I put a few signs out by stop signs. I was worried I would get no business, but I did. It was a bit frustrating though, because after like 9:30 or 10 I rarely had any business. I sold alot (about $60 worth), but I still have LOTS left! I am thinking of trying ebay or something. One egroup I'm in is having a 'garage sale' this weekend so I'm trying to sell some things on there. As far as clothes and baby items like blankets I will probably try the ebay thing. I'm a bit nervous as I've not sold on ebay before, but I have certainly bought plenty:) I had alot of toys and kids books. Thankfully I was able to sell some of those. We'll just see what happens from here... At least I made a bit of money. I had things priced so cheap, otherwise I probably would've made more. Anyway, it was so hot while doing it. And, it seems some cute kitten tried to adopt us. As I moved the van this morning he darted out from under it and followed me all around. He ventured into the garage and backyard and when I would come in the house he would cry at the door. He really is a cute little thing but we all HATE cats (plus Zach's allergic to them). So, I had a bit of company in my downtime out there:)

While I'm on the subject of sales, I printed this coupon from the net for Bath & Body Works (buy 5 hand soaps for $10). I was wondering if it was legit and headed there last night. They had a sign that said buy 5 hand soaps for $15 but the coupon was valid! What a great deal! If you're interested let me know and I can email you the coupon. Expires 8/21.

There's Something About This Place...

Well, we found out the other day that we're here for a year longer than what was originally the case. I guess the Air Force changed something or another and instead of Zach's tour here being 3 years it is 4. I am indifferent about the whole thing. At least we bought a house, so it gives us more time in our own home to do what we want with it. At least I like it here and don't mind having to stay. I sure hope we find a church home by the time we leave though. I don't think I'll feel completely at home until I find a church family. I have to admit there are things I don't like about living down here, but obviously this is where the Lord wants us.

Speaking of being here, tonight we were eating at Ruby Tuesdays. They're located right on the beach and we got to sit outside and eat tonight. Well, a storm started coming in and before we knew it it was lightning, thundering and pouring. When it rains here it pours. I don't think I've ever seen just a drizzle here- it rains buckets! So, we're finished with our meal and getting ready to leave and I see this huge streak of lightning and the next thing I know I hear the LOUDEST boom of thunder I have ever heard in my life. I must have jumped a mile in the air and left streaks in my drawers;0 The kiddos started to cry- they were terrified. It was quite freaky and I'm not quite sure I'd like to hear thunder that loud again. And that reminds me of the fireworks here...they are so LOUD. Now, I grew up by a HUGE lake (Lake Superior), but our fireworks were never that loud. I'm not a scientist so I'm not sure if its got something to do with the water or not, but it makes me wonder. I think maybe they ricochet off of the big casino buildings too, but boy they are loud. I even hear them all the way at my house and I'm not ever near where they go off. It's pretty weird.

But, there's something about this place that I love. It is where God has my family at this time and I will accept it and make the most of my time here. It is the place where G was born, where I will first begin to homeschool. It is the place where we own our first home and where we will continue to make lasting memories. I thank God that He has me right where He wants me. And that is why I love it like I do- because He brought me here and I am right smack in the center of His will.

My Blessings & I


Ok, I tried to put this where my profile is. I have NO idea how to put a photo there, so any help or advice would be wonderful. This is my kiddos and I and was taken on the 4th of July.

The Decision

After much thought, prayer, research, prayer, thought, research, prayer I FINALLY have decided which homeschool curriculum to go with for the year. For awhile it was between two, Bob Jones University Press (www.bjup.com) or Christian Liberty Press (www.christianlibertypress.com). I know my sister-in-law, Amie is going with Christian Liberty Press and I really like the beliefs and all that they teach (plus they are cheap), but my first instinct was Bob Jones so I stuck with it. However, with Bob Jones you only get Phonics, Math and Bible for Kindergarten so I did buy History and Science from Christian Liberty. I know a Kindergartener doesn't need History and Science, but I thought it would be fun to throw it in one or two days a week. I finally decided we'd start school August 29. The schools down here started yesterday, but there is no way I was starting this early! It is hard to know when to begin with G's birthday and my birthday at the end of the month. But finally, the decision is made and I feel a huge burden lifted. I am so excited to begin our homeschooling venture, or should I say adventure!

How Inconsiderate!

One of the many things that annoys me the most is when people fail to tell you that their children are sick and here you all are sharing the same air, meal, room, etc. To me it is plain common sense when my children are sick to let somebody know before I meet with them. Chances are we will postpone our time to get together until the children are better. But how some people totally fail to mention their sick child is beyond me! We have some people that we get together with from time to time and it never fails that every time afterwards one of our children gets sick. And I happened to notice one of their children with a bit of a runny nose after awhile... I am so tired of it! Just had to vent a bit...

To Sleep or Not to Sleep

HELP! You would think by having three children that I would have this parenting thing down, right? Wrong! We have been doing things with G a bit different than with the other two. We co-sleep, nurse on demand, etc. Well, it is REALLY wearing on me now. He'll be a year at the end of this month and I feel like all I've done for the past year is hold him! Lately he's been attached to me all night long it seems. I feel like calling him 'Booby Boy'. I really love the bond we have but I am tired of sleepless nights. I am so ready to put him in his crib! It is in our room though! It is so hard to let him cry for very long- and much harder for Zach than for myself! I am at a loss of what to do with him! For naps he sleeps on the floor in my room and he doesn't go to bed at night until I do. Well, I NEED some time at night for me- without him clinging to me! He slept in a playpen for naps while in Michigan. Any advice???