Easter 2013

Below are some Easter photos from Sunday (and a few from last Saturday when the boys opened an Easter box from Nana.) We had a beautiful day of church, lunch at our dear neighbor and friend Leigh's house, naps :o), an Easter egg hunt in the backyard, and a walk around the neighborhood. It is bittersweet that this was our last holiday here in South Carolina, but we are excited to celebrate the upcoming ones with our families!

Steve and I had been talking to Christian about what Easter means, about how Jesus died for our sins, was buried in a tomb, and rose on the third day...most importantly that Jesus is ALIVE! We weren't sure if Christian was listening or really understood the whole idea, after all, it is definitely a big concept for little ones, let alone adults. While I was planting some pink geraniums (Christian picked the color) in some outdoor pots, I was telling him that because of the cool evenings I hoped the flowers would stay alive. His response: "Like Jesus?"

Our First "Stay at Home" Christmas

The tree is up, there are snowflake lights sparkling in the windows, Christmas music is playing, and the official Christmas cookie list is beginning to take shape. Steve has been ready to decorate for Christmas for a few weeks now...he said he needs to make up for missing the festivities last year. Fine with me...I love Christmas! Last year, if you recall I decided not to decorate much, with Steve deployed and Christian and I going home to Colorado for a month. This year is entirely different, and it is fun to begin getting our home ready for Christmas as we will be unable to go back home to Colorado to celebrate with our families this year (something to do with a baby arriving around that time.) This is my first time in 28 years to not be home for Christmas, Steve's second, but it is a good chance to begin some of our own holiday traditions, and it has been fun to bring out the holiday decor that we haven't seen since Christmas 2008 (in December 2009 we were moving from Edwards AFB.) Thankfully, we will be celebrating with some family here, as Steve's parents will be flying out Christmas day through New Years! (A perfect time for baby #2 to arrive at 38 weeks...hint, hint.) Anyway, it has been fun decorating with Christian...he loves that there is a tree in our home and it has been fun going to the stores to see the holiday decor. He especially enjoys all the inflatable snowmen, lights, and moving reindeer. Such a joyous time of year filled with excitement and anticipation, but I am hoping that as we prepare for our new addition and the Christmas season, that we will remember and begin a tradition of treasuring God and his ultimate gift.

"The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

~Numbers 6:25-26

Willard Farms

Yesterday C man and I went to Willard Farms with a group of parents and children from our church for a summer children's ministry called "Wonder Wednesdays." (We have been wavering a bit on churches, but I think we will finally be committing to the one we originally attended last summer up until Steve's deployment.) Last summer we attended this same farm event, but this year it was so much more fun for both Christian and I since he can now walk and explore on his own. He especially enjoyed the "big pillow" jumper, the long slide (with mommy) in the dirt hill, and the cow train (all by himself!) We ended the outing with hot dogs and chicken salad sandwiches for the mommies and a nice time of fellowship. C was thoroughly exhausted by the time we got home and ready for a nice nap (and mommy was ready for a rest too.)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade- kept in heaven for you...."
~1 Peter 1:3-4

Wow! What a precious promise. The One who has called us toward a heart change has already given us everything we need for it to take place!

Weekend Links 3/11

Some weekend reading (as if you didn't have other things to do.)

Small Notebook:: Loosen the Grip of "More Stuff"

Passionate Homemaking:: Simple Steps to Declutter Your Home

Small Notebook:: The Man/T-shirt Connection: Why Guys Still Love Their Worn-Out Tees

Small Notebook:: Waiting to Upgrade: How an Ugly Couch Made Our Marriage Better

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2 - I'm "2" excited to even know what to do for today....Any ideas?

*Update...I decided to re-post an old video that I linked the other day to an old blog post about Christian, and how much he has taught me about love and God (kinda the same thing eh?).

I think this is such a great song, and I honestly cannot listen to it enough right now.

4 - I missed a day

Home is:

1. Home is safe, a place where you can feel free.
2. Home is rejuvenating, a place to rest weary bones and come together with those you love.
3. Home is a glimpse of better things to come. All the wonderful things about the homes we have here on earth give us a taste of the perfect and eternal home that is waiting for us in heaven.
4. Home is...something beautiful (My happy attempt to tie in one of the songs from my "home" playlist)

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7 things to be in wonder of:

1. The miracle of life. Welcome to the world Shepherd! May God bless you and keep you, you have been born into a loving and amazing family.
2. A child's smile, touch, laughter, the way they see the world and take it in.
3. The love between a man and a woman that can unite them at the very center of their being. A love created by an almighty God for us, his children.
4. The unconditional love between a parent and a child. Even better, that unconditional love from the Father who first gave it to us.
5. The fact that the creator of the universe is Love, and His love is perfected in us. (see 1 John 4)
6. "That we're living just to fall more in love with Him." (Lyrics from the song Deeper, by Delirious)
7. That somehow, in someway, separation can bring us closer to the important things in life. I have had a lot of time the past 2 years to wonder how healthy it can be to spend so much time away from loved ones. It has been a struggle learning the best way to communicate, and dealing with a lack of physical presence; the hugs, kisses, hand holding, baby carrying, just being around, that provides much of the experience in relationships. I am constantly reminded about how our connection to God lacks that physical presence that we so often desire. Another song on my "home" playlist reminds of this constant battle of holding on and letting go...

Light at the End

I was thinking: Steve has been gone over a year in the past 22 months, about 1/4 of our marriage, and 1/2 of Christian's life between his lengthy TDYs (Fort Bragg and Hurlburt Field) and this deployment. Needless to say, it will be so nice to have him home. Hopefully he can stick around for awhile. In some ways I don't remember what it was like to have him home...how sad is that? I guess I have just gotten used to the solo days and evenings. Setting up new routines in hopes that it will help Mommy and Christian get through the day. Sometimes we are just in survival mode. And in the end, we have nearly made it. I am not quite sure how some military families have been able to sacrifice so much of their life together. I am grateful that this was a shorter deployment compared to the year-long+ commitments, and I am thankful that Steve will (cross my fingers) not have to go back soon. God has kept him in safe territory and I am incredibly grateful that he is not on the front lines. No, this lifestyle is not ideal, but I am SO thankful that God has given us the grace to get through these rough separations. So...as we look at these last couple weeks, I am just so thrilled that there is light at the end of the tunnel. And can I just say, "Thank You" to all military members and families, past and present, who have served (in a multitude of ways) for our country. We have gotten just a taste of what that sacrifice looks like.

Thanksgiving

"I thank God for you."
~2 Timothy 1:3 (NLT)

I know that I do not spend enough time thanking God for all that he has blessed me with. I am glad that we have a day set aside to rest and thank Him for the dear friends, family, and the multitude of ways that He continually pours out His love for us. But what about the other days of the year? I pray that we will remember all year long that each day is a gift. I have written just a short, general list of things that I am thankful for. Just for fun, leave a comment with 3-5 things that you are thankful for too. :)

1. My incredible family. Both sides. So very supportive and encouraging.

2. Our friends and neighbors. Those who have called during these past few months or have made the effort to reach out and love on us.

3. My wonderful husband. Serving our country and sacrificing for our freedom.

4. Our "baby" boy, Christian. Who brings joy and awe before me every day.

5. Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, and ALL.

"I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

~Psalm 121

Keeping Focused

I will admit that this week has been a little rough. Thankfully, Christian has been a good boy, and everything is going smooth around here, but emotionally I have just been a little down. I really miss Steve, and I miss having a partner and a daddy for Christian. A group of pilots just returned from their deployments and instead of being joyful for them and their families I have regretfully been envious. I know our day will come, and it will be filled with celebration when Steve returns, but until then it is just tough being alone. Please pray that I will have a more heavenly perspective on hard days and that I will find my true contentment and hope in God alone.

While working on my Bible study last week, this verse just jumped off the page. How appropriate! My focus has been on my needs instead of a pure focus on Christ Jesus.

"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs- he wants to please his commanding officer."
~2 Timothy 2:3-4

Christian is One!

Happy Birthday to our sweet baby boy, who was born 1 year ago today! I cannot get over how incredibly fast the time has gone. Is he really One? Was he truly this small? It seems like just yesterday that we were anticipating Christian's arrival (which came as a big surprise) but here we are! And what a busy 12 months it has been with traveling across the country and living in 3 states (CA, CO, SC.) It has been such an adventure and we have enjoyed every part of C's life- we look forward to whatever may lie ahead. We love you buddy! Thank you for the indescribable joy that you have brought into our lives.In a letter I wrote to Steve about a month ago:

"Did you ever dream that you would love him this much? Must be just a glimpse of what our heavenly Father feels for us."

What a gift indeed.

To my darling wife

I have been missing you so very much. You are always on my mind, and when I think of you it brings joy to my heart, lightening my burdens and brightening my day. I wanted to share this joy and love, and I know that this song is one that we both enjoy so very much. It gives us a glimpse of the love that God has for us and the love we have been given to share with each other. I do hope this touches your heart as you hear it and know that though we are so far apart, God keeps us connected through His love. A love that has eternal roots, bridging the greatest of divides, and which connects on a level of more than just the love between a man and a woman, but rather the love shared through the joining of two souls.

I love you.

Daily Audio Bible

So maybe I am out of the loop and you all already know about this website, but while waiting at our local car care center over a month ago (Boo! My car had been there twice in 2 weeks. Cha-ching!) there were these cards for a website called "Daily Audio Bible." A very cool website that allows you to listen to readings of the Word straight from your computer or in Podcast form so that you can listen to them from your iPod. They even have a Kid version, as well as a Spanish, Hindi, and Japanese! Now there is no excuse- you can listen while commuting to work, cleaning the house, or even while eating breakfast with your baby (we like to listen to the kids' version.) It is easily broken down over 365 days and best of all its free! Simply click on the "Resources" tab at the top of the homepage for all the various feeds or if you want to listen from your computer, click on "Listen Now" on the right hand column.

My Little Teacher

Christian has decided the past couple of days that he doesn't need a nap. Yay. As you can imagine, this makes for a VERY long day, when some days just seem so long already. The following quote was a good reminder as I sat reading last night.

"We live in the midst of holy teachers. Sometimes they spit up on themselves or on us. Sometimes they throw tantrums. Sometimes they cuddle us and kiss us and love us. In the good and the bad they mold our hearts, shape our souls, and invite us to experience God in newer and deeper ways. Although we may shed many tears along this sacred journey of parenting, numerous blessings await us around every bend in the road."

~Gary Thomas, Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls

Praying for Our Husbands

"Praying for Your Husband" is a simple 31 day guide to help us bless our husbands in our daily prayer lives. It's in PDF format, so it is easy to print out and keep close.

I remember a very similar guide provided in a women's Bible study that I attended while at CSU, before I was married. We decided to use this handy guide to pray for our future and unknown husbands. (Isn't it such a blessing that even though we didn't know who that might be, God knew all along and was preparing us for our future husband?)

At this time in our lives, I am finding it even more important to pray for Steve while he is deployed and away from all the comforts of home.

How can you bless the man in your life today?

Here We Go...

Day 1.
And it begins.
I ask that you will kindly consider praying for us during this time.

For me: strength, patience, and selflessness.

For Steve: protection and comfort.

For Christian: love and obedience.

Also pray that we will be in God's Word unceasingly during this time. What a perfect opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with God and to make that a priority. I pray that we will be faithful and be a good example for Christian, showing him that even though things might be tough, we will pull through with God's grace.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
~Philippians 4:6

With all the changes coming up and so many little details to think about, I have certainly been anxious! On a more positive note, last night I bought my plane ticket to fly home to Colorado to celebrate Christian's first birthday with family and friends! We are definitely looking forward to coming home and visiting with everyone.