One moment at a time

 I'm still here.
 I'm still alive.

Some days "alive" would be the strongest classification I would have given.

 Other days I remember to live to the fullest.

 I think that every time Andy deploys I have to learn, again, that I cannot let him be the center of my world. He is not just my husband- he is my best friend, the father of my children, my teammate for the nitty gritty and the plain and simple.

 But you know who I had before him?

 My actual best friend, who amazingly enough, loves me even more then Andy does.

 I have a tendency to take Jesus for granted. I have no memories that don't include him. He has been the central part of my life for as long as I can remember. I trust that He will continue to be there every step, every moment.
 But that doesn't mean I should stop trying to get to know him better!

 He has the amazing ability to remind me of his presence at the exact moment I need him the most.

 Somehow, that never ceases to amaze me.

 Those moments when He simply steps in, puts his arms around me and reminds me that He cares about Every Thing- those moments get me every time.

 I suppose that is the point?

 When I have gotten distracted by my loves, hates, fears and joys, He always nudges me, just enough to get my attention, and reminds me that He was here first.

 Andrew Ian was a gift to me. I continue to be thankful for him. But Jesus was a gift first, and was my best friend long before I ever met Andy.

 When missing Andy seems like more then I can stand (like in these moments before family gatherings and when every single person in the world seems to be playing "I'll be home for Christmas") I have confidence that before I reach the breaking point my best friend will shake me, like only a best friend can, and snap me out of it.

 My words have been lacking this deployment. This use to be where I found my peace but this time not so much. The words are there... they just aren't coming out. Maybe next year?

 Right now we are celebrating and remembering the birth of The Best Friend who was willing to give all. And every single moment of life is appreciated.

 May you have joy in all things and find peace in His presence my friends.

 Many blessings, 

Easter

As promised, Canaan's new and improved story. Improved, not perfect! (I am typing it with spelling and grammar errors included)

"Oh, no! The Easter Bunny slept late! Now he has to...
 ...hurry out of the hole and get in to his jet-bus and drive. Mrs. Bunny was in the pasenger seat and Jr. Bunny in one of the back seats and Bob Bunny in one of the other back seats and Hunny Bunny back there too.
 Then they stoppped at the first house and as fast as you can say "egg", poof! the Bunny family had alredy made it to house two thousand one hundred and fifty-nine. That is like the whole town of Adairsville. Very soon he was done and stopped at the toy store and got bob and Jr. action bunny figures and hunny a bunny doll. Next, off they went to bunnymart and got Mrs. bunny a new flowerpot, and went home. the end
 And the writer fell asleep zzzzz"

He needs to work on capitalization, and a few spelling errors, but we can fix that. I love that he felt the need to add the sleeping to the end. He had to tie the old story in with the new!

Zion wrote an Easter story too.

 "The Easter bunny brought me a chocolate egg. Right as I went to take a bite out of it....
... an alien popped out and flew to the Easter party and said, "My name is E.T. and I love Coke."

 Andy wants to know if it is Coca-cola or the other stuff. But he says that both our boys are aware that "crack is whack"!

 While speaking of Easter - we had some fun!

 Church party

 3rd Group Easter party

 Look at that jump! (and in cowboy boots too)

1st place in his age group for the obstacle course!

 Canaan got a pretty good jump in too, but Andy was running the camera at that time so there aren't as many pictures. He was running the camera because...

it was time for the 3 legged race- it's all about the teamwork, or if you are a big army dad, picking your kid up while you run! (see below)

 Canaan had to work with someone his own size - great way to get to know someone!

 Daddy's car, painted on their faces

 "Bethany - get that camera away from me!"

 Tug of war!

My prize winning boys- all worn out, but they had a blast. 

And we still had a fun ride home...

As Andy explains it, "The mistress is back!"

Here we go again!

December simply flew by. I truly don't know where it went.

 Well, that isn't completely true.
 "It" went to D.C. for three days...

 Air and Space Museum:

Flying Tigers! 

Andy was in the Flying Tiger unit for about 4 years. It was fun to see an old patch on an old uniform.

My little robots

Female astronaut dolls. Girl power!

The space shuttle was chasing them down the runway! Ahhhh

And last, the beautiful sunset view from the tower.

National Zoo:

Do you see them? It was so much fun to watch them wrestle and play, but still almost blend in too.

A little bit of scruff coming in- he enjoyed having some time without shaving.

A day of exploring...

 Think they captured his look? 

 My big man holding a big load on his shoulders!

 It was foggy and cool, but still soo beautiful.

 The end of a long day with lots of walking. Getting a picture of them in any sort of good mood was difficult. But at least we made it!

 "It" had a wonderful Christmas here in NC with Andy's side of the family.

This is our niece Britton's first Christmas that she is old enough to be interested in presents. 

She was so much fun to watch!

 

 New bow and arrow set! Canaan is big stuff. 

The ever popular Lego... I think sometimes that I may die of Lego overload. 

But they love it, so, such is the life of a mother.

Isn't she precious!!

And our Ani, and her giraffe. I love the "bed-head", and the excitement in her eyes. 

All three of the big kids got art supplies, and Canaan has been drawing away. He comes up with some pretty amazing creations. Maybe when I finally write my book I'll have him be my illustrator!

 Next "It" went "home" to GA and saw a whole crew of people.

Twas the night before Christmas...

And santa brought some wonderful stockings...

awe-inspiring, really!

 Little preggo, sister #3

 Matching glasses, matching smiles -

The big gift of the day? Humungous Nerf Guns.

Which led to a full on war in the backyard, with all the uncles and even one of my cousins. Good thing "Santa" warned us so that we packed extra guns and darts to defend ourselves with!

Last, but not least, "It" even had a baby shower for sister #3, Kelsey.

 The five girls -Emilee's belly is fairly well hidden there, but she was about ready to pop!

 I found this onesie and I couldn't resist!

 And, the adorable party favors.. I have such a creative sister and mommy!

 However... "it" did not include a new nephew. I had hoped that Emilee's second would make an appearance while I was there, but he decided to be stubborn. He was born yesterday, at 8:30 in the morning. I would show you a picture... but so far she won't let me post pics of her kids. You will just have to take my word on it- He is adorable!