Update Part One (I'm Baaack!)

Well, I am back. Who knows for how long but here I am. I am going to post a series of updates in the next few days so bear with me. The last time I posted was nearly a year ago - yikes! Sorry about that. It has been a whirlwind of a year! T completed ODS (Officer Development School) and went straight to Chaplain School for 7 weeks in South Carolina. We actually got to visit him for 10 days (12 if you count traveling - I don't) and that was really fun. We were nothing but a big fat distraction but I have a feeling he didn't mind much! I thought I would share a few pics from that trip:

They were SO excited to see daddy!

Drama Mama  almost cried, she was so happy :)

Daddy reunited with The Bubs :)

Tater Tot had to show daddy his latest Lego creation

Daddy in his NWU's with The Bubs :)

With the whole gang

We got to go to the Columbia Zoo and had a blast!

Daddy even got to go with us once!

The girls with their daddy

Tater Tot on a ropes course with daddy

While in SC I got to see my best friend!

The girls aying goodbye to daddy :(

The boys :(

All in all we had a wonderful time and were so thankful to be able to visit him in the middle of school. What a blessing! Okay, this is just the beginning of our update. Stay tuned for more!

Update!

Well, we are approaching the 8 week mark of my sweet husband's training as a Navy Chaplain. The first couple weeks without him were a bit...er...hairy? Scary? Call it what you will but it wasn't pretty. It is amazing how such small things can make a person's absence so real. A car door that wont open on a snowy Sunday morning, a screaming preschooler in the middle of Chuck E. Cheese, children vomiting and waking up 15 times in the middle of the night with no one to tag team with. I can tell you, I have a whole new respect for single mothers. Being both mommy and daddy is HARD. AND, I don't even have a job outside the home! That in itself is a blessing. I cannot imagine trying to keep up with anymore than I have right now. So, props to all of you sweet single mamas trying to juggle all of your responsibilities. You are in my prayers, believe you me! Listen to me whine and it's not even that long of a separation! Just 12 weeks...nothing compared to how deployment will be, or so I hear... Ok. Moving on! In all honesty, it hasn't been so bad and the things I am learning are priceless and for those lessons, I am grateful. It helps to know that there are many others in similar or more difficult situations. I am looking forward to walking alongside others as we face similar challenges in the future. 

Anywho, we have finally settled into a groove of sorts. I was very fortunate to be able to go see my sweet chaps graduate from ODS (Officer Development School, for all of you who are military-lingo-illiterate - I don't even know what people are saying half the time! Ha!). Here are a few pictures from our trip. Only the Bubs got to go with me. Me and four kids on a plane...I AM crazy, but not that crazy. Yet ;) I am sure I will attempt it eventually. This mama likes to go and do things. Okay, pics:

Big Daddy is, well, the tallest one you see :)

There he is again. He is the one facing the left side of the screen.

Looking so somber. The third one back on the first row. 

In the airport, waiting to say goodbye and go on our seperate flights:
Me to Kentucky and the hubby was off to chaplain school in SC.

Future shipmate?

We had a wonderful time! So proud of this wonderful man of mine!

Also, my Bible reading is going well, I just have not taken time to post much. Hopefully I will get some recent "Bible in 90 Days" posts up soon. I have been feeling very icky for several months and was recently diagnosed with a chronic vitamin D deficiency and Epstein-Barr virus. Google these things to your heart's content if you'd like. I don't want to go into all the details because there's more good going on in my life than bad or uncomfortable. Basically I have a couple things working against my immune system, and, coupled with the births of 4 babies over the past few years, I am feeling pretty achy and fatigued along with other annoying and frustrating symptoms.  However, God has led me to some great friends who are battling similar issues although not identical, and have been a great source of encouragement. He is teaching me so much about who I am and who I need to be and so much about Himself as my Daddy in Heaven. I praise Him that it is something so simple and there is a solution! I will still have good and bad days but for the most part, within a year or two I should be feeling more like my vibrant, care-free self, and folks, that's excellent news! So enough about all that. 

The bubs is almost FIVE months old! He's going to be graduating high school before I can blink my eyes. Okay, I exaggerate much, but people constantly say things like, "Blink and you will miss it." Or, cherish every moment (EVERY moment? Really?). Makes me nervous that I am going to miss out on something really special, ya know? Or guilty that I am not spending ever single moment in some parenting-induced state of euphoria. I LOVE being a mommy and maybe one day I will look back and say, "you know? I really miss those moments when my two-year old would stick her hands in her dirty diaper and wipe it on the wall and burning dinner while I clean it up. I wish I could live those moments over and over and over." Maybe. People also say really encouraging things like, "Wait til they're teenagers! You'll wish you had toddlers again!" Thanks. Anyway, I digress...


The bubs is nearly five months old, can flip from back to belly, is ALL smiles nearly all the time, and is the sweetest baby boy. We are enjoying him so much! Wiggle worm is 2.5 and is sassy, smart, and so very funny. And she knows it! She is a joy and a challenge and I wouldn't change her one bit. Drama Mama is 4.5 and is still, well, dramatic but she is growing up and turning into such a lovely little girl. She loves to help. Help cook, help with the baby, help clean. She is my helper. She is super smart and loves doing school. We do butt heads because she is kinda stubborn but I think she comes by that honestly. Ahem. Tater tot is 6.5 and loves all things lego. Don't tell him, but we are seriously contemplating getting season passes to legoland when we move to So Cal. He will flip out! He is really doing well reading and he loves math. He is so silly and makes me smile. I love all my babies and I will never be the same because of them. In more ways than one...snicker snicker ;).


Well, I hope you have thoroughly enjoyed this update. Gonna go now. We just happen to be in South Carolina visiting Big Daddy T at chaplain school. More on THAT later!

Nine Years

Nine years ago today I said, "I do," to my best friend and partner in crime. Granted, nine years is not a long time in the grand scheme of, say, 50 years, but folks, a lot has happened in nine years! We have ministered in two different churches in two VERY different states, given life (with God's help) to four beautiful children, and now we find ourselves on this new journey toward military life. It's been a wild ride with many ups and downs but I can honestly say that there is no one else I would rather go through this life with than my husband. 

I am thankful for my wonderful man for so many reasons. Here are a few:

He loves the Lord.

He loves God's word.

He loves people.

He is genuine.

He messes up and isn't afraid to admit it.

He says, "I'm sorry." And means it.

He loves me for who I am, even the messy parts!

He plays tea party with our daughters.

His sense of humor keeps our marriage very entertaining. I can't help but laugh at him even when I am annoyed to no end :)

I can hear him talking to our children about Jesus and God and answering their sweet questions. It makes my heart just soar that they have a daddy who is sharing His love for the Lord with them. 

He is genuine.

He is humble.

He is an amazing counselor.

He appreciates my cooking :)

I love how my head fits right in the indentation in his chest and I can hear his heart beat.

I love how he rests his chin on my head when he hugs me.

He can sing - and I LOVE singing with my hubby!

He is honest.

He works hard for our family and for me to be able to stay home. 

He is the most handsome man I've ever known.

He has given countless "horsey" rides to our children even when his knees were hurting.

He likes to clean :)

He is a wonderful preacher/teacher.

He is resilient. Even in his failures, I've watched him rise above and learn from them - and come out better.

He watches chick flicks unashamedly.

I make him laugh. 

We often know what the other is going to say before they say it.

He is my best friend and we have fun together. I love him more than I ever thought was possible. Happy Anniversay, honey - Love you!

Daybook 9/19

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...a crisp cool night that makes me thankful for heat, thick blankets, and a hubby to snuggle up to.

I am thinking...about the fact that my husband leaves for ODS in just 11 days.

I am thankful...to be around family and friends during this new journey.

From the learning rooms...the kids are doing well. Apart from the normal subjects we are doing lots of reading aloud and I am working on incorporating some fun crafty goodness into our day. Especially for Drama Mama who LOVES crafty things.

In the kitchen...hopefully baking some cookies tomorrow!

I am wearing...a t-shirt and sweatpants.

I am creating...snowflake ornaments out of macaroni.

I am going...to the doctor soon to see if I have fibromyalgia.

I am wondering...what on earth the Lord has planned for my family...and I am really excited about the future :)

I am reading...the one year Bible and Educating the Wholehearted Child

I am hoping...for God's strength to make it through the next three months.

I am looking forward to...moving to California in April.

I am hearing...sweet little coos from my nearly three month old baby boy :)

Around the house...MUCH needs to be done but I am determined not to stress.

I am pondering...how Mary must have felt knowing she was carrying the Savior of the world in her belly. What an amazing gift! 

One of my favorite things...Target...I have an addiction!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hopefully a Polar Express Night with some sweet friends and then, of course, Christmas festivities!

Here is picture or thought I am sharing...

Love this shot of my three bigger kiddos!

A Much Needed Update

Ok, I have been horrible about keeping this blog. There's something about having four kids and a husband and a life that keeps one, well, busy! Ha! So, without further ado, I give you...an update :) I make no apologies for the "realness" you will read in this post. 


Little Bubs was born on September 30 at 5:17am. He was 8lbs. exactly and was 20.5 inches long with brown hair and blue eyes. I am guessing the eyes wont stay blue as every other child as well as their daddy and I all have brown eyes. Anyway, I was able to have a natural birth with no intervention for the first time ever and it was awesome! PAINFUL. I'm not even gonna lie. But awesome and worth it :) For those of you who enjoy the (not too graphic) details, this is for you. If not, skip ahead by all means! 

The Birth Story: 

I am pleased to tell you it went exactly as I prayed it would! It was fast and unmedicated and resulted in a precious gift! At about 1am Friday morning I took a bath because I couldn't sleep and I had been having terrible hemorrhoid (sorry, but it's true) issues for the past couple month so baths were very helpful for relieving pain. I must have been contracting all day and not noticed now that I think about it. My back had ben achy but it wasn't any more than usual. I was back in bed around 1:45am and just couldn't sleep so I started browsing the internet. At 2:20 or so I began to have contractions about 7 minutes apart. I was not concerned because I had been having braxton hicks and I figured since they were so far apart they would stop and I would go to sleep. After a few contractions, around 2:57am I felt a small gush and when I stood up I confirmed that my water had definitely broken. Travis sprung to life and I was really calm, thinking I had a while to go and so I was packing some last minute items and assuring him that there was no reason to hurry. I know, I know, this is my fourth baby so I should have expected it to go faster but I didn't think that part of my prayer would be answered (oh me of little faith!) haha! Still, T kinda rushed me along and it was a good thing! We got to the hospital around 4am and by then the contractions had gone from 7, to 4, to 2 mins apart in less than 45 minutes. The nurse asked if I had to use the restroom and I said yes. When I came out I told her that I couldn't get anything to come out but I felt pressure and needed to push a little. She said, "THAT'S not what I expected to hear! Come lay down and let's see what's going on!" I remember them asking me if I wanted an epidural and I said, "If I am only dilated to like a 2 or 3 and it's already hurting this much, then, um, YEAH." So they checked me and the nurse said to me, "You are at an 8, almost 9! You are ready to have this baby!" So I was wheeled into a delivery room and the doctor was called and I pushed my sweet baby boy into the world at 5:17 am after 32 minutes. I do remember asking for an epidural and then, at one point, a C-section HAHA! But I had assured Travis that when I started asking for pain medication that I was close to delivering the baby so just to be encouraging and assure me I can do it. It was painful but so worth it! I felt like a mighty mommy warrior after I had him :) I remember when they finally pulled him out the relief and the joy I felt. I am so glad I was able to go all natural although I recognize some may think I am a lunatic. I may be :P And yes, I'd go that route again. I loved being able to get up immediately and not have an IV and all that jazz. I also feel like my recovery was easier and quicker than the other three. I am so very thankful for our sweet baby boy! The End. Now all those who get the heebie jeebies when anyone says words like, "dilated," "gush," or "natural childbirth," you can breathe easy!

More updating: 

I am officially the wife of a US Navy Chaplain! A big congrats to my Lieutenant JG  - I am SO proud of him! We have been in this process of seeking and praying for God's will as T pursued this new ministry and I have to admit that I thought him a little crazy when he brought up Military ministry. Me. A military wife. Ummmm.... Yes. I. She who wrote a journal entry stating that she could never, I mean EVER be a military wife! And God chuckled yet again at my attempt to determine what I was or was not capable of. This has been quite a road we've walked down. At first I wondered if this was just an "easy fix" because it would be a good way for T to provide for our family. As we've pursued this we have also been working on developing a closer relationship to each other and the Lord. We have been healing from pain caused by communication issues and things that can be neglected in the business of family and ministry. Let me tell you guys - Satan prowls like a roaring lion. He devours. He does. Just when you think things are good to go and you can coast a little. There he is. And he thrives on seeing godly marriages suffer and break apart. I've watched it happen over and over again to many friends. If you are having marriage issues - even tiny ones - seek help, cry out to the Lord, and get it taken care of. Those tiny things all add up and can create a mountain before you know it. Chisel away at the small things to prevent a mountain from forming. Ok? Now, I will step off of my soapbox...but it's not the last you've seen of me on this topic :)


Many of our loved ones have expressed concern about going this route in our lives and have questioned if it is God's will. I mentioned my own skepticism above. Yes, this will be difficult. Yes, there will be times of separation, starting with T leaving in January for ODS (Officer Develpment School). Yes, we know there will be stress and hard times, but, let me tell you - oh how we have prayed! Together and separately, we have prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed some more. My heart's cry was that if this was not the right thing that God would shut the door so tight that we couldn't walk through it no matter how hard we tried. Well, friends, God continued to throw doors wide open. As T and I have had heart-to-heart conversations about this journey, I have come to complete peace that this is indeed God's plan for our family. I believe with all my heart that this is a calling placed on T's heart. He has always enjoyed volunteer chaplain ministry in the past but never imagined he could be in the military because of the reconstructive knee surgery he had several years ago. Looking back and recalling some conversations and things that T said, I believe God was working on him for several months before we left the youth ministry. My heart was already being gently tugged away and I was wondering why. It wasn't easy. Especially with a husband so very convinced that we would be in Arkansas for several more years. But God, in His sovereignty, has VERY graciously given us the opportunity to serve the armed forces and we cannot begin to express our gratitude to Him. I can also tell you that the past six months have provided much healing and problem solving in our marriage. I feel like I have my best friend back and T feels the same. We both feel that we are in a better place than we have ever been before. To clarify, we were never on the brink of divorce. That option never was an option or a thought for us. We simply needed to take time to communicate in a healthy way to get to know each other again. Our identities had become whittled down to being minister and ministers wife, mommy, and daddy, provider and homemaker, but friends, we are so much more than our roles - we are children of THE living God. We are coheirs with Christ and we are LOVED. We are called to live life abundantly and we so often settle for much much less. Remembering who we are in Christ helps to put everything else into perspective. When you lose that perspective, things fall apart. I am thankful that when things fall apart they CAN be put together again, contrary to the story of Humpty Dumpty :) 


Anyway, I am proud of my Chaplain and am looking forward to supporting him as we begin this new journey. After ODS and Chaplain school we will be heading to serve the Marines in Twentynine Palms, CA and we are very excited! My dad lives about an hour and a half from where we will be and I have other family members about 2.5 hours away. Super happy that I will be close to some family when T and I have times apart. I don't think that was a coincidence ;)


Thanks for enduring this long post! Much love to all of you and God bless!