Steve Update in Pictures

Steve recently accompanied his boss (who's English) on a trip.

Steve sitting in the Queen's chair (she wasn't on the plane :) ).

Getting ready for the flight.

In the helicopter.

Go Man U!

Unfortunately, Manchester United didn't win the Champions League today, but Jack was sure showing his Man U spirit! Charlton would sure be proud!




Jack and Uncle Jon sporting their Man U jerseys the day Man United clinched the English Premier League!




Even more exciting...Jack has his first tooth! I don't have any pictures because it just broke through and you can't really see it. And, his new favorite thing, playing "how big is Jack." He smiles and giggles!

Stroller, Wagon and Doggie oh my!

One of our favorite things to do after our dinner is take a nice walk around the neighborhood. We look like a parade. Beckham, my parents Westie is in the lead. Next is Isabella in the wagon (the same wagon that my brother and I rode in when we were little) and then Jack in his stroller.



True to Isabella's personality she has to "schedule" our walk. We must walk down one block, cross the street and head toward the "goose" pond. (This is affectionately known as "goose" pond because there was a very mean, and aggressive, goose that would traffic the sidewalk around the pond while it's mate sat on the nest). Next we head to the "big hill." I'm sure that when Isabella grows up she will remember the big hill as being bigger than it really is. After the hill is the bridge over the creek. While walking over the bridge we must "march really loudly Mommy!" We then pass another pond which I refer to as "snake pond." Here I thought I was leaving the snakes behind in Abilene! Then we turn the corner to head home, passing Jack Russel's' (the dog is a Jack Russel and we don't know it's real name so Isabella just calls him Jack Russel) house, the policeman's house and then on home.





Isabella loves riding in the wagon



Our "parade" was a bit bigger this day. Aunt Diane, Lydia and Lauren joined us for our walk.

I am blessed...part 2

A few weeks ago I posted on being blessed. I have decided that when I start feeling sorry for myself I need to remember how absolutely blessed I am. I have missed Steve a bit "extra" these past few days, be it because he's my best friend or that Isabella has been a bit nuts lately. So, these are just a few reasons I am so blessed...

-The weather has turned absolutely beautiful... I love the sun and a high of 75 degrees!

-Steve is doing really well. He's keeping busy which helps the days go quickly for him.

-We made it through the first month of the depl*yment

-My parents are STILL so incredibly supportive and helpful.

-My Heavenly Father has shown Himself to me in a new way since Steve left. He has given me a peace and been a comforter.

-I have started to get involved with my new church, volunteering in the awesome TinyTown kids program.

-Steve has a stable job. Before leaving Texas I was really frustrated with our military life and the stresses it brings, but since being in Indiana I have been so thankful that Steve at least has a job. And, I love all the adventures it brings and the awesome experiences the kids will have.

-Everyday I am one day closer to having Steve home!!

Armed Forces Day

Sunny Days, Rainy Days

What we do on sunny days...

The Zoo

A picnic on the back porch

What we do on rainy days...

Dress up and play cowgirl

It looks like she had a hard day on the ranch

Have Nana paint toenails

What we do when it's been raining for 3 straight days...

Bella climbs in her suitcase and Poppy pulls her around.

We need some sun!!!!

Don't feel TOO sorry for him

Yes, he has to sit at a desk, and not fly. He has to be away from his family for a whole year. He works crazy long hours. But...he did this a few days ago and went on a "cruise."

1 down 11 to go...

Steve's been gone one month now. The penny jars are a little less full...


April 10th May 10th


I had a WONDERFUL Mother's Day, including a very unexpected call from Steve. He had originally said he'd be unable to contact us for a few days, but was somehow able to get through to me. We had a nice dinner at my brother's house as it was also my sister-in-law's birthday.


Jack with all the girls around him...



Happy Birthday!



I love my kids!


Today Jack turned 10 months!

Reflections on Mother's Day

Five years ago I was sitting in the base chapel at Ramstein AB for the usual Sunday morning service...it was Mother's Day. The chaplain asked all the mothers to come up to receive a special candle to commemorate the day. Tears started streaming down my face, and I actually walked out of the service for a moment to compose myself. You see, I had just been through my 4th or 5th round of infertility treatment with no success. I wanted more than anything to be a Mommy. I wanted the child that I thought I deserved. Besides, wasn't it God's will for me to have children? Most girls are brought up with the presumption that one day they would be Mommys.

The Lord took me through a five year journey. At times I was restless and questioned God and His love for me. At other times I was at peace and knew that His plan was perfect. As I look back on our journey through infertility I am in total amazement how God worked the timing out PERFECTLY. God knew just the right time to bring both Isabella and Jack into this world.

On this Mother's Day I am in awe of God's faithfulness. Yes, He has blessed me with two amazing children, but they are not mine...they are His. He has entrusted them to me to nurture and raise in a way that brings glory to Him. Looking back I wanted kids for the wrong reasons...for selfish reasons. All my other friends at Ramstein had kids...I was the odd man out.

My heart does break today for those women who are unable to have their own children, those who are dealing with infertility issues, and those who have lost a baby. I know how difficult this day is for them. As we celebrate Mothers today, please pray for those who long to have children and become Mothers.

Thank you Lord for giving me Isabella and Jack. Thank you for your grace and love even when I was angry with you in the midst of my struggle to have children. Please be with C and S today and bless them. Please give them a peace that passes all understanding.

Update in pictures...

Jack (aka Little Steve) is starting to drink out of a sippy.



Jack just started pulling himself up today. He loves his wooden activity block.



One of Bella's favorite things right now is pretending to be a ballerina. I think ballet lessons are a must in the fall!



For those of you who are worried, no Isabella did not lose her craziness when we moved up north. She's pretending that she can't see me while I take her picture.

My most recent bouquet of flowers (for Mother's Day) from my wonderful husband.

Joys and Sorrows

What a day. This morning when I turned on my computer this message popped up, "Reminder: Rachel's Prayer Day." Tears started streaming down my face. My dear friend who prayed so faithfully for us, and especially for Steve as he's depl*yed, had volunteered to pray for Steve on the 7th of each month. Today. She was such an awesome Godly woman...the Proverbs 31 wife! As many of you know she tragically passed away unexpectedly on April 18th. Please join me in praying for her husband Scott and their three children today.

The joy of today showed up in the mailbox. I received a kind and warm letter from a complete stranger. The wife of an officer depl*yed with Steve (they are in a Bible Study together at their depl*yed location) wrote me a wonderful note, letting me know that she was praying for me and for Rachel's family. A lady I have never met took the time to send me such encouraging words.

Constant reminders...GOD IS GOOD!