Well, we have made it through our first week of deployment...hooray! As anticipated, the goodbyes were harder than the actual separation, so far anyway. :) It's been so long since Josh had to go away for a sgnificant amount of time that I almost have forgotten what it's like. I've been spoiled the last couple years!
Bailey, my sister's dog, has been also living with us for over a week now, since she deployed. That's been pretty good....unfortunately for Bailey, her stay is coinciding with Henry's recent hitting streak. I slap his hand every time; sometimes it brings remorse, sometimes he just ignores me. Fortunately for him, Bailey is a pretty tolerant dog and hasn't bit him yet, she usually just runs away. Poor little girl!
We've been so busy lately. Today is the first day in awhile that we don't have to go anywhere until evening, and even that isjust to a park to get the kid's pictures taken...assuming it doesn't rain more today. I painted the downstairs bathroom last week. I was going to do the master bathroom this week, but I already did the first coat last nght because I was bored. I might do the 2nd coat tonight, butI"m not sure. I really look forward to seeing how everything looks all done. Once I start a project I just want to finish it so I can see how it will look! :)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
And the week of pain begins!
I keep getting mysterious bites on my legs. We were at Andrea's house over the weekend and Becca and I both got several mosquito bites on our legs, which is a usual thing at her house. But even after returning home I've gotten some smaller ones. One is on the bottom of my foot which is the most annoying and, naturally, the most itchy! My foot is a little tender to the touch today, but I'm not sure if that's because I wore unsupportive sandals all day yesterday...but I'm a little nervous it's a poisonous bite or something. Doubtful, but who knows. So I'm going to just keep an eye on it...it's also a possiblity that it's not a bite but an infection. I had MRSA (a severe staph infection) on my finger a few years ago and thought it was a bite. By the time I had it checked by a doctor I was in tremendous pain, you could see the red lines of infection moving all the way to my shoulder, and the doctor said I was within hours of contracting blood poisoning, which can be fatal. So that "bite" looked like this at first too. Maybe I'm a little paranoid....
In other painful news, I'm getting all 4 wisdom teeth out next week, 2 of which are impacted. Nothing like right before deployment for everything to go wrong!! :) I could wait until Josh is gone to do the surgery, but I'd rather do it when he's still here and can help me. Unfortunately he can't take off work to bring me, so I have to find someone to drive me. But he will be able to leave a bit early anyway to come take care of me. I'm going to end up with 4 less teeth than all people, and 8 less teeth than some people. My brilliant childhood dentist removed my 12-year old molars for the purpose of making room for my wisdom teeth so I wouldn't have to have them taken out. The problem with this, is that it apparently doesn't make any sense. The wisdom teeth don't just shift over into the other molar's spot, they just grow in sideways or crooked (1 of them has) or have a gap between the wisdom tooth and first molar (2 of them are) and 1 of them is completely impacted. The sideways one and the ones with gaps are prime candidates for tooth decay and all kinds of gum problems since there's no way to keep that area clean. I have to be checked for decay and cavities once the sideways one is removed because they can't see behind the molar next to it. It's very complicated, and sounds very painful. And would be very unnecessary if my childhood dentist made a better decision 14 years ago.
Well, I get up at 5 or 5:30 so I can get some cleaning done, do my devotions, and enjoy my coffee. And it is 6:06 and so far I've only enjoyed my coffee and Facebook.
In other painful news, I'm getting all 4 wisdom teeth out next week, 2 of which are impacted. Nothing like right before deployment for everything to go wrong!! :) I could wait until Josh is gone to do the surgery, but I'd rather do it when he's still here and can help me. Unfortunately he can't take off work to bring me, so I have to find someone to drive me. But he will be able to leave a bit early anyway to come take care of me. I'm going to end up with 4 less teeth than all people, and 8 less teeth than some people. My brilliant childhood dentist removed my 12-year old molars for the purpose of making room for my wisdom teeth so I wouldn't have to have them taken out. The problem with this, is that it apparently doesn't make any sense. The wisdom teeth don't just shift over into the other molar's spot, they just grow in sideways or crooked (1 of them has) or have a gap between the wisdom tooth and first molar (2 of them are) and 1 of them is completely impacted. The sideways one and the ones with gaps are prime candidates for tooth decay and all kinds of gum problems since there's no way to keep that area clean. I have to be checked for decay and cavities once the sideways one is removed because they can't see behind the molar next to it. It's very complicated, and sounds very painful. And would be very unnecessary if my childhood dentist made a better decision 14 years ago.
Well, I get up at 5 or 5:30 so I can get some cleaning done, do my devotions, and enjoy my coffee. And it is 6:06 and so far I've only enjoyed my coffee and Facebook.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Fires and Sparks and Leave, Oh My!
Well, I have finally acquired a new battery for the computer. Since the battery has been dead (over a year) we leave the computer plugged in all the time. The cord was bent near where it plugs into the computer and the rubber coating had cracked a little bit. A few weeks ago I couldn't get the computer to turn on and couldn't figure out why. I kept pushing the power button and noticed puffs of smoke and sparks coming from the tear in the cord. (This was almost as scary as when I was trying to clean the oven and the spilled turkey juice in the bottom started on fire. A real fire. With very big flames.) So I obviously unplugged the computer and contacted the warranty company and eventually received a new cord and battery! This will make blogging more convenient and enjoyable since the computer won't turn off and the te slightest movement...which means I might actually update it more than once a month.
Josh had 2 weeks of pre-deployment block leave recently. Yesterday was his first day back to work. It was so wonderful to spend some quality time together as a family. It strengthend the bond he has with Becca and Henry, especially Henry, and our bond as well. I think it will make us miss him more, but ultimately that's a good thing. I'm a bit anxious for the deployment, but really I'm grateful for it. Not only financially, although that's obviously a plus, but I can already see how it will help us to appreciate one another more. I'm trying to not compare this deployment with his last one because things are so different now, but I do remember feeling that way before. But even more important it will teach us to rely on the Lord more. It's so easy to get complacent and get in a day to day routine and treat our Savior as merely an addition to our lives and not the focus of it.
Josh had 2 weeks of pre-deployment block leave recently. Yesterday was his first day back to work. It was so wonderful to spend some quality time together as a family. It strengthend the bond he has with Becca and Henry, especially Henry, and our bond as well. I think it will make us miss him more, but ultimately that's a good thing. I'm a bit anxious for the deployment, but really I'm grateful for it. Not only financially, although that's obviously a plus, but I can already see how it will help us to appreciate one another more. I'm trying to not compare this deployment with his last one because things are so different now, but I do remember feeling that way before. But even more important it will teach us to rely on the Lord more. It's so easy to get complacent and get in a day to day routine and treat our Savior as merely an addition to our lives and not the focus of it.
Monday, June 20, 2011
"The clouds are being crazy!"
We only have a few short weeks left until deployment. I've tried to not count down, but now that it's this close it just seems to automatically happen when I look at the calendar. Not to mention trying to figure out how much time we have to get all the things done that we need to before Josh leaves. I'm really looking forward to block leave, which is the 2nd two weeks of July. But in a way I'm also dreading block leave, because he will leave so shortly afterwards. Sometimes it's difficult not to mope. When I find myself moping I try to remember to pray for the Lord to grant me peace, and to remind me that this is his will for our lives right now. I also need to remember Romans 8:28, "and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Henry has been taken off walking. His first steps were just a couple weeks ago and now he just all over the place. He doesn't even bother with toys now most of the time; he just walks around the house. He is a stubborn little fella though. If he doesn't want to be put down and I try, he lifts his legs up to his chest and makes them like spaghetti. If I set him down anyway he crumples in a little ball and cries. It's really quite pitiful and would make me feel bad if he didn't look so silly doing it! I thought it would be more fun to play outside now that he can walk, but the grass isn't always so greener. The other night he got grease all over his hands from playing the door jams of Josh's car, then was eating a large chunk of potting soil, some grass, and ended his spree with getting covered in cob webs. Wow.
Last night Becca was so funny too. We (finally!) had a big thunderstorm in the middle of the night. She was really scared of the thunder so we let her climb in bed with us (though we are usually not approving of this). I tried explaining what the thunder was by saying that the clouds in the sky are moving around and not watching where they're going and they run into each other and crash! I tried making it sound funny, so she wouldn't be scared. She laughed and after another big thunder said, "Wow Mama! Are the clouds being crazy up in the sky?!"
Tonight we're going to a birthday party at the pool at the O Club for one of our friends from church. Henry and Becca simply adore Brooke, the birthday girl, and her two sisters. All the kids they love from church will be there, so it will be a good time.
Henry has been taken off walking. His first steps were just a couple weeks ago and now he just all over the place. He doesn't even bother with toys now most of the time; he just walks around the house. He is a stubborn little fella though. If he doesn't want to be put down and I try, he lifts his legs up to his chest and makes them like spaghetti. If I set him down anyway he crumples in a little ball and cries. It's really quite pitiful and would make me feel bad if he didn't look so silly doing it! I thought it would be more fun to play outside now that he can walk, but the grass isn't always so greener. The other night he got grease all over his hands from playing the door jams of Josh's car, then was eating a large chunk of potting soil, some grass, and ended his spree with getting covered in cob webs. Wow.
Last night Becca was so funny too. We (finally!) had a big thunderstorm in the middle of the night. She was really scared of the thunder so we let her climb in bed with us (though we are usually not approving of this). I tried explaining what the thunder was by saying that the clouds in the sky are moving around and not watching where they're going and they run into each other and crash! I tried making it sound funny, so she wouldn't be scared. She laughed and after another big thunder said, "Wow Mama! Are the clouds being crazy up in the sky?!"
Tonight we're going to a birthday party at the pool at the O Club for one of our friends from church. Henry and Becca simply adore Brooke, the birthday girl, and her two sisters. All the kids they love from church will be there, so it will be a good time.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
My Latest Excuse
I really would like to write more often. Here's the reason I don't. Our laptop battery died so it must stay plugged in constantly...however, the cord doesn't fit well in the plug anymore, so if the computer is moved the tiniest bit it will turn off! Extremely inconvenient. It also makes it difficult to get in a comfortable position for typing. It takes too long to turn the computer back on. We can get a new battery under our warranty; I tried calling once and they asked me for information that I didn't have (Josh had it somewhere, but I don't know where) and I gave up. I think that was about 3 months ago. Maybe I shouldn't have admitted that...
Having not written in 2 months, a lot has changed. Henry turned 1, we went to Myrtle Beach with my parents and sister, Andrea, in April, I turned 26 (still in my mid-twenties unlike my soon-to-be 27 yr old husband), along with all of the day to day excitements 2 children under 3 who are 18 months apart create...which lately, is a LOT. Apparently my son is part goat. I'm only half kidding, by the way. If there is anything that could possibly be climbed, Henry WILL find it. A box or plastic tub on the floor...into the cupboard...on his changing table shelf...and my favorite, on the play kitchen's oven door. When opened, it's about 3-4 inches off the floor. He opens it and then stands on it and bounces. How the thing hasn't snapped yet, I have no idea, must be pretty durable plastic! Becca is all about letters lately, which is fun. I'm teaching her the alphabet slowly, so she is able to identify each letter by sight. Right now we're working on "D". We work on each letter for a few days and then move on. But she has been seeing letters everywhere we go! Driving, in the store, the library, you name it and Becca can find an A, B, or C! I'm so proud of her and almost as excited as she is when she does it.
Well, here's hoping I get around to calling about the battery today. :)
Having not written in 2 months, a lot has changed. Henry turned 1, we went to Myrtle Beach with my parents and sister, Andrea, in April, I turned 26 (still in my mid-twenties unlike my soon-to-be 27 yr old husband), along with all of the day to day excitements 2 children under 3 who are 18 months apart create...which lately, is a LOT. Apparently my son is part goat. I'm only half kidding, by the way. If there is anything that could possibly be climbed, Henry WILL find it. A box or plastic tub on the floor...into the cupboard...on his changing table shelf...and my favorite, on the play kitchen's oven door. When opened, it's about 3-4 inches off the floor. He opens it and then stands on it and bounces. How the thing hasn't snapped yet, I have no idea, must be pretty durable plastic! Becca is all about letters lately, which is fun. I'm teaching her the alphabet slowly, so she is able to identify each letter by sight. Right now we're working on "D". We work on each letter for a few days and then move on. But she has been seeing letters everywhere we go! Driving, in the store, the library, you name it and Becca can find an A, B, or C! I'm so proud of her and almost as excited as she is when she does it.
Well, here's hoping I get around to calling about the battery today. :)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Farmer's Market opens April 1!
I recently mentioned to Josh that I would really like to learn how to cook vegetables. When I was a kid, my mom was terrific at preparing superiorly delicious meals except for one minor thing. She is a serious lover of vegetables, whether fresh or frozen or canned. Being the busy mom she was and the only one in the house who like veggies, she generally prepared canned, which, to be frank, seriously gross me out. I'm sorry to you canned veggie lovers, but they are just not good. So, I've come to the realization that I'm a vegetable snob! I used to think I didn't like vegetables at all, but I don't think that's actually true. I like them fresh, roasted, grilled, etc., but I really don't know anything about them. Anyway, after this long digression of my history with vegetables, the point is that Josh bought me a vegetable cookbook! And it's fascinating! The beginning talks about different things to pay attention to when buying veg's, different ways to cook and store them, and finally, a lot of really tasty sounding recipes! So I'm pretty excited to try some out. The only problem is that a lot of the veg's in the recipes are not extremely common...which means they will be difficult to find in this area. The grocery options in Jacksonville are less than ideal...Wal-mart, Food Lion, or the commissary. Maybe I should grow my own...
With Josh's first deployment since our wedding (nearly 4 years ago already) approaching, I've been feeling anxiety. This deployment will be significantly different than the last one. On his first deployment we were dating, so although I loved him, my love for him was different than it is now and I was not as dependent on him as I am now. We weren't married, didn't have children, lived near family, etc., etc. In those ways this deployment will be more difficult...however, this time he will be on a base, not patrolling. I still struggle with putting the last time out of my mind. For those unaware, Josh was injured on his last deployment. He was shot in the left arm and back, with the bullet traveling all the way through his abdomen and out the front by his belly button. In the process he lost his spleen and left kidney. So, although I'm aware this deployment is far safer, it's still difficult sometimes to move beyond the past. I praise God that he saved Josh's life and I know that I need to trust Him for Josh's safety in this upcoming deployment. "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7. I am grateful that there is so much uplifting scripture dealing with anxiety and fear.
With Josh's first deployment since our wedding (nearly 4 years ago already) approaching, I've been feeling anxiety. This deployment will be significantly different than the last one. On his first deployment we were dating, so although I loved him, my love for him was different than it is now and I was not as dependent on him as I am now. We weren't married, didn't have children, lived near family, etc., etc. In those ways this deployment will be more difficult...however, this time he will be on a base, not patrolling. I still struggle with putting the last time out of my mind. For those unaware, Josh was injured on his last deployment. He was shot in the left arm and back, with the bullet traveling all the way through his abdomen and out the front by his belly button. In the process he lost his spleen and left kidney. So, although I'm aware this deployment is far safer, it's still difficult sometimes to move beyond the past. I praise God that he saved Josh's life and I know that I need to trust Him for Josh's safety in this upcoming deployment. "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7. I am grateful that there is so much uplifting scripture dealing with anxiety and fear.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Becca's Good News
Evidently I'm not much better at journaling electronically than I am traditionally. Oh well. :)
Today when I was laying next to Becca for a few minutes when she laid down for her nap she whispered in her sweet little girl voice, "I have good news". This was surprising, because I didn't know she knew what that meant and I've never heard her say that before. I responded, "You do? What's your good news?". She said, "I'm going to sleep." Haha, and after the way lunchtime went, I could only agree with her that it was indeed good news!
Henry's birthday is on Saturday. I wonder if life moves faster with each child you have. His first year went by far faster than Becca's so I have to wonder...will the next baby's first year go even faster??! To clarify that sentence, there is no "next baby" coming yet...ideally that will happen in a little over a year, after Josh's return from Afghanistan. Henry's going to be having surgery in April. According to the doctor it's a minor surgery...but let me tell you, when it comes to your sweet baby boy who is barely 1 year old, there is no minor surgery! Surgery is surgery, and general anasthesia is general anasthesia. However, I am glad that the doctor is confident in his abilities. He has had a blocked tear duct in his left eye since birth. The poor little guy frequently wakes up with his eye crusted shut and it's almost constantly goopy. If one more person tells me they think he has pink eye....I understand people mean well, but the response, "He's not sick or contagious, it's a blocked tear duct" is getting old.
Today when I was laying next to Becca for a few minutes when she laid down for her nap she whispered in her sweet little girl voice, "I have good news". This was surprising, because I didn't know she knew what that meant and I've never heard her say that before. I responded, "You do? What's your good news?". She said, "I'm going to sleep." Haha, and after the way lunchtime went, I could only agree with her that it was indeed good news!
Henry's birthday is on Saturday. I wonder if life moves faster with each child you have. His first year went by far faster than Becca's so I have to wonder...will the next baby's first year go even faster??! To clarify that sentence, there is no "next baby" coming yet...ideally that will happen in a little over a year, after Josh's return from Afghanistan. Henry's going to be having surgery in April. According to the doctor it's a minor surgery...but let me tell you, when it comes to your sweet baby boy who is barely 1 year old, there is no minor surgery! Surgery is surgery, and general anasthesia is general anasthesia. However, I am glad that the doctor is confident in his abilities. He has had a blocked tear duct in his left eye since birth. The poor little guy frequently wakes up with his eye crusted shut and it's almost constantly goopy. If one more person tells me they think he has pink eye....I understand people mean well, but the response, "He's not sick or contagious, it's a blocked tear duct" is getting old.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Bread is rising :)
Poor Becca is sick again. She has not had the healthiest of winters. She made it almost 2 and a half years with only 1 ear infection and now had 2 within 2 months. Now she has a horrible cough and laryngytis (no idea how to spell that, but she totally lost her voice!). As Josh pointed out though, it does limit the whining...somewhat. Henry is still not conventionally crawling, but he is definately a mobile little man. He pulls himself (we call it slithering) all over the place FAST and of course is still rolling everywhere as fast as he can.
We went to Charleston, SC for the weekend and got back on Sunday. We met Andrea there which was fantastic...I wish we could see her more. But I'm grateful for the time that we had. She and I ran a half marathon, which was painful but satisfying. I'd like to do another one in the spring and see how I can improve my time. I would really like to do another full marathon at some point; I just don't have the time to train for one. It was difficult enough finding the time to train for a half marathon! I suppose we'll see what happens.
I've been thinking lately about my attitude towards my children sometimes. They are my greatest blessing in life and I love staying home with them. Sometimes when I talk to other people though I realize that I sound like I don't enjoy it like I do. I say things like how much I love nap time (though what stay at home mom doesn't) and have a negative tone of voice when I mention it's time for them to wake up. I'm not sure why I do this, but I really need to be careful of my tone. Not only does it give a misconception of how I feel about staying home with them, but eventually they will pick up on my tone and hear me say something like that. How could I bear hurting them by saying something I don't even mean? If you've heard me say something negative about how I spend my days, please know I love being here with them day after day. I wouldn't trade my days with Becca and Henry for any job or income I could ever be offered.
Becca has transitioned her favorite movie to "Charlotte's Web"...an excellent choice, I think. Not the cartoon version, but the 2007 live-action version. Dakota Fanning is Fern, Julia Roberts is the voice of Charlotte, and many other celebrities are the other animal's voices. Having watched it countless times, it's rubbing off on me I guess. Fern's mother and aunt are inspiring!! Yes, I realize they are fictional characters so let me explain! Their characters are similar to the stories my mom has told me of her grandma...a farm wife. Farm wives (at least what I've learned of "olden days" women, I know nothing of current ones...) had so much work to do, but they were always baking and cooking and sewing and creating and caring for others. I'd like to learn how to be more creative and most of all, motivated! I need to continue exploring the gifts God has given me and learn how to apply them to the circumstances I'm given.
We went to Charleston, SC for the weekend and got back on Sunday. We met Andrea there which was fantastic...I wish we could see her more. But I'm grateful for the time that we had. She and I ran a half marathon, which was painful but satisfying. I'd like to do another one in the spring and see how I can improve my time. I would really like to do another full marathon at some point; I just don't have the time to train for one. It was difficult enough finding the time to train for a half marathon! I suppose we'll see what happens.
I've been thinking lately about my attitude towards my children sometimes. They are my greatest blessing in life and I love staying home with them. Sometimes when I talk to other people though I realize that I sound like I don't enjoy it like I do. I say things like how much I love nap time (though what stay at home mom doesn't) and have a negative tone of voice when I mention it's time for them to wake up. I'm not sure why I do this, but I really need to be careful of my tone. Not only does it give a misconception of how I feel about staying home with them, but eventually they will pick up on my tone and hear me say something like that. How could I bear hurting them by saying something I don't even mean? If you've heard me say something negative about how I spend my days, please know I love being here with them day after day. I wouldn't trade my days with Becca and Henry for any job or income I could ever be offered.
Becca has transitioned her favorite movie to "Charlotte's Web"...an excellent choice, I think. Not the cartoon version, but the 2007 live-action version. Dakota Fanning is Fern, Julia Roberts is the voice of Charlotte, and many other celebrities are the other animal's voices. Having watched it countless times, it's rubbing off on me I guess. Fern's mother and aunt are inspiring!! Yes, I realize they are fictional characters so let me explain! Their characters are similar to the stories my mom has told me of her grandma...a farm wife. Farm wives (at least what I've learned of "olden days" women, I know nothing of current ones...) had so much work to do, but they were always baking and cooking and sewing and creating and caring for others. I'd like to learn how to be more creative and most of all, motivated! I need to continue exploring the gifts God has given me and learn how to apply them to the circumstances I'm given.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
(Early) Spring Cleaning
We were in Michigan for 2 weeks for Christmas. It was soooooooo BUSY, but so wonderful to spend some much needed time with our families and friends. It was strange though being away from home for so long. That's the longest we've gone on "vacation" since moving out of Michigan almost 2 years ago (has it really been that long?!). Needless to say, although we greatly enjoyed our long visit, it was nice to be back home. Since returning we've been working hard at clearing out the clutter. I really didn't think there could be any left because I've done it every time we moved, 3 times in 2 years, but I keep finding things we don't need or use anymore. I'm grateful that we have so much excess that I have to get rid of things. It's sometimes hard to remember to look at our excess as a blessing and not a burden.
I've been working on potty training with Becca this week. She pretty much always tells me when she has to go, but is scared to actually "go" on the potty. She has no problem sitting on it, but when it comes to the actual act, she won't do it. Which is frustrating, because she used to do it! So I'm just trying to be patient with her; she'll figure it out when she's ready. (Sometimes easier said than done!)
We're going to Charleston, SC this weekend. Andrea and I are doing a half marathon which I'm pretty excited about. I'd like to do another full marathon eventually, but I just don't have the time for training right now.
I've been working on potty training with Becca this week. She pretty much always tells me when she has to go, but is scared to actually "go" on the potty. She has no problem sitting on it, but when it comes to the actual act, she won't do it. Which is frustrating, because she used to do it! So I'm just trying to be patient with her; she'll figure it out when she's ready. (Sometimes easier said than done!)
We're going to Charleston, SC this weekend. Andrea and I are doing a half marathon which I'm pretty excited about. I'd like to do another full marathon eventually, but I just don't have the time for training right now.
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