Where did the sun go?

Having lived in Abilene for 3 1/2 years, where it rained maybe once a year, I am really not use to all this rain...and either is Isabella. It seems like it has rained all week. It does make things nice and green, but it really stinks being stuck inside! Maybe that's why we had the day we had today. Jack was fussy, Bella practically gave herself a black eye with one of Jack's toys (we'll see how it looks tomorrow), and I am TIRED! We were able to get out for a walk in between rain showers, but had to rush home as the sprinkles started again.

On a very positive note, Steve is doing really well. He's still enjoying his job. He works really long hours and it doesn't look like he'll get a day off until the end of May, but he's not complaining...it makes the time go quick for him.

I can not explain how the Lord has blessed me since Steve left. I thought I would be a complete wreck for weeks after he was gone, but the Lord has blessed me with with a calm heart. Don't get me wrong...I miss him TERRIBLY. I just know that we are in God's will...His plan A (because with God there is no Plan B)!

Besides...this is what I received from my wonderful husband this week.

Jack's 9 Month Photos

He's growing up WAY TOO FAST!

I am blessed

-I have a loving husband who wakes up early just to Skype me...even if he's only had a few hours of sleep that night.

-Even when my children, ok Isabella, misbehaves, we always end our "discipline" time with a hug and I love you.

-My parents have opened up their house to the kids and I...and we've taken over...and they don't complain.

-I have an awesome brother and sister-in-law that help in anyway they can and are always offering to do things to make this year as easy as possible for me. Diane brings Isabella home from her "school" for me so that I don't have to get Jack up from his nap...this is just a small example.

-I have wonderful friends! Thank you Erin for helping me get through this week and for taking the time to drive into town to attend Rachel's viewing and memorial service with me.

-I have 31 committed family members/friends that are praying for Steve each month.

-I have two amazing churches. The people at South Side are still thinking about us and praying even after we've moved. The Pathway congregation has been so welcoming and loving. God has blessed me with two great pastors to strengthen my relationship with Him.

A Promise from God

Why?

I lost a dear friend last night. Rachel was an AMAZING Godly woman, wife and mother. She has three wonderful children, Aleah, Bruce & Caynah (born just 10 days ago). She was an awesome wife to Scott. She was very hard working, conscientious, and loving.

We serve an awesome God. That is the only way I can comprehend what has happened. But, I can't help but ask why He choose to take her home. The answer that goes through my head and to my heart is that God is sovereign. His timing is perfect, with joys and sorrows.

I am so thankful that I have so many wonderful memories with Rachel. I'll never forget "meeting" her (she was an MK and lived in Indonesia for a long time) at church. We had become pen pals when she was in Indonesia. We attended the same church and had so much fun in Youth Group, including CDYC. Rachel and I went to Russia together on a mission's trip when we were in High School. It was during the school year, so there weren't many school aged kids on the trip. We had an AWESOME time! I was honored to be a bridesmaid in her wedding and she participated in mine as well. Despite the distance between us when I moved we always kept in touch.

A testament to her friendship & sacrifice is that she volunteered to be part of a prayer ministry for Steve while he's depl*yed. On the 7th of each month she took the time to pray for Steve, along with Isabella, Jack & I. She knew she would be having a baby, and already had two children to consume her life, but she was taking the time to support our family.

Thank you Rachel for all you meant to so many. I will greatly miss you!

It's been a week...

...it's ONLY been a week. Steve has been gone 7 days, which has gone fast AND slow. It seems like we just said goodbye to him at the airport, yet FOREVER since he left.

We've kept busy, making craft projects for Daddy, playing with lots of Playdoh, reading books and playing with the cousins. Jack has changed so much just since we arrived here. He's "commando" crawling, sitting up, and trying to get at his sister and my parents dog. It has been interesting since the kids starting sharing a room. Jack definitely doesn't like to sleep as much as Isabella, but thank goodness Isabella can sleep through anything.

One of the favorite things Bella did was paint pictures to send to Daddy. His walls are way too plain and were in desperate need for some Bella art. I purchased some painting canvas' and some red, blue and red paint. A rainy Tuesday was the perfect day to create a masterpiece. They'll be in the mail to Daddy on Monday!

Steve is doing well. His living quarters are awesome and include a living area, bedroom, bathroom and small kitchen. The best part...wireless internet so that he can Skype from his room. It has been wonderful being able to not only hear his voice but see his face. It is definitely a highlight of my day. He loves his job and really likes the people he works with.

The weather is turning into Spring here. The trees are budding and the daffodils & pansies are blooming. I am looking forward to the kids being able to get outside and play, for the zoo to open, and for pool time to start!



Bella's masterpieces



Smiling Jack



I have NO IDEA how she was able to get inside this box!

A truly blessed Easter day!

To be honest, I really wasn't looking forward to today. I should have been excited to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. It's only been a couple of days since Steve left, and this was the first "holiday" without him. But, the Lord blessed me today! The message at church couldn't have been more perfect. Pastor Ron talked about relinquishing control of our past, present and future to our Savior. One of the reasons he died for us is so that we don't have to carry the burdens of our lives. I am the type of person who likes to be in control and not ask for help. With Steve being gone I mentally fought relying on even God, as I don't want to appear weak or not capable of taking care of Isabella and Jack. God is able to carry me through this next year, I just need to let go!

The day was also made extra special when I received the surprise of Steve skyping! He arrived safely and is getting settled into his new room. Since he'll be there for a whole year he has a suite, including his own living room, bathroom and kitchenette. And the best part, he has wireless internet capabilities so that he can webcam from his own room!! It will be a special part of each day for the kids to see their Daddy!! Steve was able to take his computer around his new living quarters, showing me each room, so that I can better visualize where he lives. He starts his first day of work tomorrow, which he's excited and ready for!

Thank you to each one of you who has been emailing, texting, etc to see how the kids and I have been doing. You are each such a blessing! We love you!

Here are some pictures from our day:



The kids.



Isabella really does love her brother.



Jack is sitting up more and more each day!



Isabella opening up one of her gifts from Nana and Poppy.



The cousins.

Not goodbye...but till I see you again

Today has been one of the hardest days of my life. Yes, I've been through depl*yments before, but never for this long. Knowing that this depl*yment is 3 times what any of Steve's other depl*yments have been makes it very difficult for me to get my mind around. I can truly say, though, that I have felt the presence of the Lord today in a way that I haven't in a while. Over the next year my blog will have happy posts and sad posts, and probably a few more personal comments from me in addition to the normal "how the kids are doing."

Isabella is asking a few questions, and I am encouraging her to ask as many questions as she wants. It will be good to start our new "normal" routine. I am so glad that Spring is starting to show up here! How will the kids be counting down the days? They'll be putting a penny in their "Bunny Bank" and "University of Texas Piggy Bank" each day until Daddy comes home!

Here are a few pictures from the day...



At the house before leaving for the airport. I'm excited that we were able to get a family picture before Steve left that had both kids looking at the camera and happy.



Isabella and her Daddy.



Sleepy Jack.



Bella having fun at the airport. It's amazing what you can get away with (running around the airport) when you're saying goodbye to your Daddy for a year.



I love Steve so very, very much!



The kid's jars of pennies...365 in each!

Isabella's 3 Year Pictures

What a difference a year makes! Last year when we tried to get Isabella's 2 year old pictures taken she just cried and cried. This year, with the help of a little bribe, she did very well. Of course, a lot of the pictures were taken with her Daddy, but even the ones by herself went well. And the bribe...a trip to Build-a-Bear.

What do you say...

when your precious 3 year old daughter asks you where her suitcase is because she needs to pack so she can go to the desert with her Daddy? You tell her how much you love her and give her too many hugs and kisses to count. What do you say when she asks you why someone new lives in her old house and asks why we had to leave Abilene? You tell her how much you love her and give her too many hugs and kisses to count.

Yes, that's the kind of day we've had.