I'm melting, I'm melting....

First, a quick update on the look of the blog. I have had problems with comments not working lately, so I have added Discus. I am still working out all the kinks, but hopefully it will solve the problems. The nice thing about it is that you can reply to other's comments. Talk to each other, as well as to me. Please, communicate! But that's not what I got on here to say...


The weather has had so many ups and downs lately you never know what you are going to get. Beautiful one day. Pouring down rain the next. Short sleeves one afternoon then pulling out the extra blankets that same night.
 Totally unreliable.

 But on one of the not raining and not too cold nights recently we pulled out the fire pit and made a campfire.

 And proceeded with our torture....

 We had marshmallows left over from Christmas - poor, little gingerbread men marshmallows. 

 And goodness gracious with three "boys" sitting around a campfire, those poor little men didn't have a chance.

 Daisy watched in awe - or was it horror? 

 And their poor melted bodies turned chocolate and graham crackers into a delicious s'more. 

At least they could die knowing that they served a purpose. 

 Did anyone else grow up listening to Psalty the singing song book? "Sitting round the campfire as it blazes.... sing His praises". Even though I can't remember all of the words I hum it every time we have a fire!

Eventually Daisy's watchfulness paid off. We were down to plain white marshmallows by then, but one got dropped and she pounced. I'm not sure she knew what to do with it once she got it! "Why do you people eat these weird things?"

Hope you are enjoying the weird weather this winter too!

Blessings, 

Truth

If you notice, the "quote of the month" has been changed. Truth seemed a good theme this month. Although, truth is always a good theme. I have loved that Sherlock Holmes quote for years. I have actually had the Sherlock Holmes and Albert Einstein quote as well as Isaiah 45:19 written in lovely pink ink on a pretty flowery paper for years. It has survived multiple moves, two toddlers, and emotional turmoil beautifully.
 And still, truth remains.

 That is the beautiful thing about truth. It is absolute. Unchanging. Dependable.

 I have had a lot of change lately.

 I have struggled with some things that were not dependable.

 There are definitely some portions of my life that are not proving themselves to be absolute, or complete, or fulfilled. (Don't everyone start getting all freaked out - I have just had a ton of problems, after not really going to the doctor as I should have during all the moves, of getting my surplus of medical 'gifts' worked out)

 But I have some definite truths that I get to cling to.

 My Savior loves me.

 My amazing family loves me and need me.

 I am not allowed to give up or call it quits.

 Some of the new medicines I have been on had me thinking that calling it quits sounded like a good idea. Just giving up, laying down and begging God to never make me have to move again.

 Anti-seizure drugs have often made me "down". But nothing like this.

 However, Finding the silver lining in this situation:

 1) It wasn't every day, so I was able to come out the other side, without Andy even knowing. He was able to settle into his new job without trouble or distraction. The bad part of that is that he is quite frustrated with me, that I didn't tell him then.

 2) It made me able to say that I truly understand what depression feels like, so will be able to have true empathy with others.

 3) I feel better now! So much better that I appreciate so many little things. Even though the weather has been dreary and yucky I like seeing the clouds blow by in a hurry.

 Truth hurts sometimes. Truth, in all of it's gory details is hard to accept. And perhaps it is too much?

 But it remains truth.

 And I am so thankful for it.

 Blessings,  

Star Wars, Yellow Paint, and Love

 First, a story about Canaan, because he came up with a "witty" reply on his own, and he is so very proud. I can't remember if I ever wrote about his abysmal record with shoes. He went an entire week with two left shoes, no rights. For almost an entire day his third pair, which was the only one he had left, was down to only a left shoe also. He was going to be reduced to wearing rain boots just to go to the commissary. 

 He has a habit also, once the shoes are off, (and somehow separated and lost!) of removing one sock as well. Just one. I continually find him tromping around the house, and even the back yard, in one sock. I am sure you can imagine what that does in the laundry. 

 When we were at my parent's house last week my mom was fussing at him, and asked, "Canaan, where did you leave your other sock?" He responded, without pause, "I gave it to Dobby". 

 I guess I shouldn't have let him watch the second Harry Potter movie!

 He is now so proud of himself for thinking up a silly response that he had faithfully made sure to tell almost all of the family. I love age eight! 

Also while we were visiting my family last week Canaan and Zion could not find their Star Wars toys anywhere. They have a special stash they keep in the basement, just for visits there, and they were desperately needed.

 You see, when Mom and I were digging through the attic for decorative items to use at Mary Faith's shower we also discovered our old dollhouse. Beautiful, 3 story dollhouse, hand built, painted and shingled by my grandfather. We had bought furniture and dishes with our Christmas money through the years. Wallpapered and decorated. And yet, there it was, lonely in the attic, 10 years after the youngest child had outgrown it. (and that's pushing it, since Mary Faith is 24...)

So we pulled it out. We opened the boxes of furniture. The decorated Christmas tree with handmade Christmas gifts. The cross stitched blanket for the master bed.

 And my boys declared that their Star Wars men would fit perfectly in there. Canaan justified it nicely, saying in his best 8 year old tone, “It's okay for us to play with it, since it's yellow.”

 I guess if it had been pink it would not have been okay. But yellow passes the gender allowed test in 8 year old dollhouse playing. Especially if you are putting Star Wars characters in it, gleefully making them use the porcelain toilet.

But ...they could not find their Star Wars characters.

The hunt was on.

Who, who do you think was the one to find them?

Why, mommy of course.

When I discovered them buried underneath a stack of pillows I teasingly asked Zion, “Who's the best Mommy in the world?” He replied, “You (dramatic pause)... except for Nani.”

 For anyone who doesn't know, Nani is what he calls my Mom. And really, how could I argue with that statement. As much as I would like to be the best Mommy in the world, I certainly can't imagine taking that title away from my Mom! So I just ruffled his hair, gave him his Star Wars characters and sent him up to create the coolest yellow Star Wars meeting room ever. (complete with a replica of a foot pedal sewing machine.. but I digress)

 One of the devotionals I am reading this year is “The heart of a Mother”, compiled by Wayne Holmes. It has stories from famous Christian authors and speakers talking about their mothers, and how they affected their life.

There are some beautiful stories, encouraging ideas of how to lift up my children and teach them to love our Savior with their entire heart and soul and mind, and to love their neighbor more then they love themselves.

I was blessed with a mother who did that for me. Who taught me how to love from the moment I was born.

But there are so many who didn't have that. At least, not from their mother. And yet, that love is still there. That desire to give love, and to receive it in return. We have a job, a calling, not only to love our children and our husbands, our friends and our neighbors but also the people whom we have absolutely nothing in common with. The people we would argue with about politics, and how to raise children. The people that in our opinion are wasteful or miserly, too serious or too nonchalant.

Even the people that hurt other people.

We have love. 

They want love. 

God told us quite clearly to give love.

Matt 5:44 says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons (and daughters) of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous.”

Not everyone grew up with the best mommy in the world (like I did) but everyone has a loving Daddy. They just need to be introduced.

That's our job.

Share His name.

Be His arms.

Shine His love. 

 Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. Love is in the air. While it is on your mind, remember to share not just human love, but God's love too!  

Blessings, 

Home sweet home

 That heading, that title up there... it can be taking two different ways.

 You see, I have been "home", with my parent's and sisters all this last week. Mary Faith, the baby, (and yes, at 24, she is still the "baby". I believe she always will be. She'll just have to deal with it!) Anyway... where was I going... Oh yes, Mary Faith is getting married at the end of March. There are details to prepare. Shopping to do. Parties to plan.
 This past week has been full! I LOVE this "home", and the people in it.

 But that other "home" is calling my name. Andy is my true home - I can't quite claim that North Carolina is calling me yet. I haven't gotten attached to the location yet. But Andy is there, and Andy is home. Home, Sweet Home.

 Can I be any cheesier?!? You may be thinking "gag".

 But I certainly miss that man!

 In other news... Andy has been making fun of me for saying "awesome" entirely too often. However, as I thought through the available vocabulary for expressions of excitement and approval, well, not many came to mind. "Cool". "Neato". Shall we return to the "Rockin" phase in time?

 So I think I shall create my own new expression. "XP" That is what I am going to start declaring when I am excited. It stands for "Exclamatory Proclamation". "EP" just doesn't sound cool though... so "XP" wins.

Announcer: "You just won a million dollars"!

Me: "XP"!!!!

 Can't you just hear it now?

 I was actually mulling it over (yes, I am that much of a dork) and was thinking that "XP" would make a perfect word of unhappiness too. Andy makes fun of my "fiddlesticks" too. Perhaps "Exclamatory Proclamation" would be a fitting answer to moments of disgust too. Hmmmm

 Something to consider.

 In the meantime, I need my sleep. I have to look my best tomorrow. I am off to see the man of my dreams!

Blessings, 

Light at the end of the tunnel?

 I had been very frustrated with myself since we lived here. Where was all the time going? The first few weeks I could blame it on unpacking. Then Andy took some time off and he always keeps me busy. We had Thanksgiving, then Christmas. Both 3rd grade and Kindergarten are slightly more time consuming when you put them together... but still, how in the world was it that I truly and honestly did not have any time. Until this weekend I had not read a single book since we lived here. My Bible and devotional greeted the morning, but beside that a few quick glances at BH & G, Parents, and Southern Living had been then sum of my word consumption. For TWO MONTHS! I had barely blogged, or even read the blogs of others. We don't have cable, I practically never get on FB and even the world's new addiction to pinterest has only touched me minimally.

 But then I remembered that we are in a new place - I have had to meet all new doctors, again. That was where all my time was going. Family doc to get all my referrals. Endocrinologist, twice already. Go get bloodwork done, more then once. Neurologist - all the way in Sanford. Then try to find the special building on post to schedule the MRI (because new doctors are never happy with the one taken 18 months ago by a different doctor. It has to be new). Fill out all that paperwork. (This time it wasn't by choice that I had to find the place either - it couldn't be done over the phone.) Schedule an EEG. Find a new dentist, then find out that both kids have cavities so have had to go back twice for fillings. I have lost entire days to doctor appts! Over and over!

No wonder I haven't had time to read or blog!

Well, that's not exactly true.

I could have given up sleeping.

Or teaching my children.

Or cleaning the house and cooking.

But I don't think any of those were good things to give up....

Now, here I am, with all the cavities filled, and the doctors met, and the major tests scheduled.

So I allowed myself a little free time the end of last week and over the weekend to read a novel. Just for fun. It was wonderful.

But, back to work I go. Today I have to figure out how to get my prescriptions transferred from MO to here. That 90 day supply is on it's last few days. Sigh. Off to the post pharmacy we go! I swear, but I sometimes think that just staying alive is a full time job!

 Eventually I will have a normal schedule again, right?

 Until then, enjoy your normal, or not so normal, day my friends!

 Blessings, 

The colors of fall

The end of the year sort of escaped. Truly. It just disappeared. The three months between Missouri and now are slightly blurry. 

 I know a few things...

We went to the pumpkin patch.

We enjoyed the Thanksgiving celebration with Andy's side of the family first.

 This is our niece Britton. Aren't those the most delicious lips you have ever seen?

 I did an entire photo shoot with these three. I got a few decent shots, but this one, despite it's terrible lighting and silly faces, continues to be my favorite. 

 Zion however decided to be a model. Look at that pose! 

Of course you have football on Thanksgiving, but you can't forget the all important Thanksgiving wrestling match too! 3 against one, or course. (don't tell, but sometimes, just sometimes, the camera gets set down and certain other people join in... )

Next came Thanksgiving with the Binkley clan.

 I love this picture of my sisters, inspecting the photo shoot we had just attempted. It is really, really hard to take a good picture of 13 people, especially when 3 of them are age 8 and under. Since, obviously, I was taking this picture, my camera was not the one taking the family picture. I am so glad to have been removed from that pressure! However, that means I don't have the originals or easy access to posting them here. Bummer!

 Canaan was simply sitting there waiting, but he looked like such a poser. I couldn't resist a picture!

 Perhaps my favorite picture of Andy all year. 

He had wrapped his scarf around his head, just being goofy, waiting for the next "pose" for the family picture. But I love that look of mischief! 

 Aren't they beautiful? These are they amazing example I have had my whole life, showing me how to live my life for Christ- My parents. 

 Zion, once again, posing. 

 Canaan threatened that if he was forced to take another picture he was going to give himself bunny ears. Just because. 

 The "good" family picture is probably on FB somewhere. Or in the files of Snapfish. But it is late, and I am exhausted. And I have only caught up as far as Thanksgiving. 

Seriously, where did December go? 

I hope yours was full of joy. Worship. Fun.

 I'll post some pictures of mine soon! 

Blessings, 

Trust

 Santa came early here. We are sort of borrowing from the Jewish tradition and celebration the 7 nights of Christmas - culminating with one big morning on the 25th. It makes for a bit of confusion, but being able to have presents under our own tree here, as well as be with family in two different places makes the confusion a small inconvenience.

 On the first night of Christmas Santa brought... Legos, of course. This santa shops all year and loves Target's mark downs. Both of these were in storage in GA the entire time we were in MO, but getting them half price was worth it!

But what is this? 

Why, sandpaper, of course! To go with their very own sanders. 

Isn't there a law somewhere, (perhaps the child labor law) about giving things like this to your children?! Just kidding! 

Now they are equipped with their own face masks, goggles, sandpaper and sanders. Ready to work on the Fairlane with Daddy. Yeah!! 

 Despite everything, Zion insists on believing in Santa. His faith in something bigger, something that can't be explained - it is inspiring. I suppose what it all boils down to is that he trusts that he will have something to be happy about. At his age, Cars, Legos and Schleich figures are about all it takes to create happiness. But he trusts those will be provided for him. Even if they aren't fancy or expensive. 

 This morning I was reading about Trust. I started in Romans 9, where a devotional I was reading was talking about our inability to earn our salvation. Thus, we just have to trust Jesus for his redemption. And since we already have no choice but to trust Him for the most profound thing in our lives, truly, can we not trust Him more with the little things?

 Zion memorized Proverbs 3:5-6 while we were in MO. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."

 Habakkuk 3:17-18 says, "Though the fig tree may not blossom... and the fields yield no food. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Yet, you say. Yet... still I will rejoice. Not just trust, rejoice. Job says, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." (13:15) Fig tree not blossoming... bummer. Fields yielding no food... that starting to hurt. SLAYING! That's getting serious. "Yet will I trust in Him."

 I suppose, that like Zion, we will have to boil it down to something simple. I think 1 Peter 5:7 sounds good. "Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

 That about sums it up.

 Trust isn't always easy, especially when there are so many amazing things, new ones springing up every moment, to worry about. I guess that is why we have to choose to trust, and "lean not on our own understanding."

Blessings, 

Antiques

Andy and I both bought Antiques today.

My new friend Kirsten and I escaped for a few hours this afternoon. A small mommy escape, just girl time. There are some adorable antique, boutique, and even thrift stores in the small town just 20 minutes north of us. We shopped, ate fried pickles, and talked each other's ears off.

 I found these amazing turtle bookends. Heavy brass. Early 1930's. Who knows what they say though.... Anyone want to interpret the Korean for me?
 Spur of the moment purchase.

$20

Andy has been talking about his purchase for years. And years. Perhaps his entire lifetime. I have always said "someday". It seems that this is the year of "someday". (If you recall, the dog was a "someday" thing too, and sure enough just a few weeks ago she joined the family)
 Anyway, Andy bought himself an antique today too.

100 x $20

Andy says that this picture is unfair. We actually have a lot more parts then shown here. They are just not currently on the vehicle. In case you can't tell, it doesn't even have wheels. Or an axle. They all exist. It's just that none of them are actually attached to it. And lots of the parts are not precisely in working order. Or at all in working order. For instance, the motor. 

 I had agreed to the project. He had brought home several rubbermaid containers of "extra parts" a few days ago, partially filling the garage, and getting me use to the idea. But today when the trailer with that thing backed up into my garage, well, I almost didn't take it well. 

 I have had time to cool off a bit since then, or perhaps a better term would be "warm up". I have looked at some of the fun parts: the cool rear windows that roll down at an angle, the round tail lights that are just classy and the fender skirts that "dress it up" a little. In a year or two when everything is sanded, painted, rebuilt and upholstered... she will be beautiful. Something like this - 

1963 Ford Fairlane 500 Sport Coupe - 

Probably not red for us... but since he changes his mind every two seconds, we'll just see when the time comes. It's still a looooong way from needing painted! 

 Antiques. 

 I really want something pretty to display my depression glass in. An antique glass front cabinet. However....

 I think I'll stick with a finished project. It will be awhile until Andy is available to help with any woodworking around here! 

Blessings, 

 

My baby is 6

My baby is turning 6 today. My, how time flies. The hard drive that has baby pictures is still packed, but here are a few pictures from old blogs. I wasn't a camera person yet, so you will have to excuse the fuzziness.
 I enjoyed the trip down memory lane. You are free to skip it, but he sure is cute, so I don't know how you can resist!

 My little pirate

 

His 3rd birthday

This story about him makes me cry every time, but is just so beautiful.

A backyard builder

He just keeps growing up. But he is growing into an amazing little man. 

I am so very proud to call him mine. 

Happy Birthday Zion!!

Blessings, 

Who's this?

I was on the phone with my friend Amanda this afternoon. With the Thanksgiving travels, then trying to settle back into school (we both homeschool) we hadn't talked in almost two weeks.
 She called me up to ask a quick question about yeast, since I'm "the one who makes bread". (Someone please remind me of that more often - maybe I will actually get around to making it again soon!)
 Anyway, as we were chatting about bread, and rising possibilities, I heard a call for help. As I ran down the stairs to discover the source of the anguish...

 It was just that the dog had escaped.

 Yes, the dog.

 I think that Amanda nearly fell over laughing.

 I have a dog.

 Me.

 A big dog. A young, bouncy, slobbery, big dog.

 And I absolutely adore her.

 You see, I am not really a pet person. I like our frogs, because they are nicely contained. The crickets they require for their breakfast, lunch and dinner are not much fun. But they are (usually) contained also. Somehow bigger pets have always just seemed unnecessary. I had children to fill my quota of slobber and hyperactivity. I didn't mind changing their diapers when they were little, and am still prepared to clean mud and throw-up as needed. But animals are another story all together.

 Which is why Amanda nearly laughed her head off. Because she knows me well.

 But Daisy seems to fit right in. She is already crate trained, sleeping there, and staying there when we go shopping, etc.  She encourages us to get out of the house more. Even though it is cold she still needs her daily walk. She is working on Canaan's pitching arm, as he practices throwing tennis balls for her to fetch.  She sits quietly at our feet while we work on school, just content to be close. She is warm, so warm, and my cold blooded self appreciates her as an extra blanket cuddled up against me on the living room floor.

 We have only had her since late Sat. afternoon, but already she has become part of the family.

 Who knew?

 Certainly not me!

 My broom, mop and vacuum are going to get more exercise then they use to. Although I sweep up after every meal, I use to be a vacuum once a week type of girl... I don't think dog hair is going to agree with that. Sigh. But in all honesty, I don't think she actually sheds that much more then I do. And she has a far greater percentage of her body covered in hair. So, my super long curly hair and her tiny short and straight hair will compete for room in the vacuum bag. They can co-exist quite peacefully.

 And our Daisy? She will be teaching us something new every day. (for example, getting a good picture of a furry baby is just as hard as a good shot of a toddler)

Mommy, the flash is in my eyes!

Enjoy your family, in whatever shapes and sizes they come in!

Blessings, 

Find a penny, pick it up...

 I grew up listening to, and now repeating for my own children, the old sayings. "Look before you leap." "A penny saved is a penny earned."
 It seems I have either an old saying or a Bible verse that springs to mind in almost any situation. Of course, words are sort of my thing.

 The one that has been the theme around here lately is that we have been "nickel and dimed" to death. Of course, that isn't exactly how the saying goes. I think it originates from the idea of getting a good deal on a big purchase, then all of the little details that are charged in relation to it - a nickel here, a dime here - adding up. Andy has been muttering under his breath about nickels and dimes for months now.

 The move to MO, and then this one immediately following, were both on a really well planned budget. We took very little with us to Missouri so we could take a little trailer; only had one car while we were there, saving on gas; rented a basic little duplex. But... because we brought so little with us, we kept finding things, little things, that we needed. $5 here, $10 there. (actual nickels and dimes are completely out of the picture now people!)

 Same goes this time. We had amazing volunteer labor, a great deal on a truck, and gas even took a couple cent dip the weekend we moved.
 But on the other side of things- My mom gave us one set of curtains, but I had to have a second with these completely different windows. Plus curtain rods. And a new rug for the back door. And I have no idea what happened to the trashcan for the boy's bathroom... And....

 Nickel and Dimed.

 I look at the house and see how many things there are still unfinished. How many things I have to do until it looks "right". Then again, I suppose the little details really don't matter. Red curtains on one window and blue on another - hey, they are all the way across the room from each other, right? After all,

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

 I will continue to "look at the world through rose colored glasses" and hope to always see a "glass half full" - even if there are nickels and dimes strewn around making a mess everywhere!

Blessings, 

Thanksgiving, a week early

We're here! Our caravan of vehicles were loaded, driven, unloaded and returned to their proper locations. The bulk of the boxes have been unpacked and their contents put away. School books have re-emerged from banishment, much to the chagrin of two little boys.

 This afternoon Andy and I were working on one of those last projects. One that makes it really feel like home, but truly, truly is not fun.

 Hanging pictures.

 I don't know. Maybe some people enjoy hanging pictures. But I can never decide what goes where; which color frame matches the other decor, what size is needed to fill a certain wall.

 Then there is the actual hanging. Argh!

 I must say though that moving, and hanging, and re-hanging pictures has been fabulous for our marriage.

 Not so much right at the beginning.

 But I think we have gotten the hang of it. Maybe.

 Those old rules about "measure twice, cut once"... it is the same for "hammer once". We went thought a lot of putty in our first few houses. We have gotten better about discussing every picture first.

 At one of our first houses he hung all the pictures, and they were so high up that I could barely see them. There was some disagreement about that. The next house he was still deployed when we moved in, so my mom and I did most of the decorating before he even came home. There was some disagreement about that too.

 Today we took it one picture at a time, enjoyed a rainy afternoon, and measured everything at least twice.

 Until the measuring tape broke in half. Literally.

 We decided it was time to take a break after that!


 I read somewhere recently, "What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you remembered to thank God for today."

 Thankfulness has been on my mind a good bit lately. As we unpacked and I opened boxes of things I had not seen in a year, in this beautiful house that I never could have imagined- I am reminded of how much I have to be thankful for. Loud, rambunctious boys that run up and down the stairs every day. Food, that I love to make, in the amazing array we have available to us here in America, and that fits beautifully into the pantry here. My beautiful addiction who gets up at 5 every morning to go to PT, and the fact that he can. The proximity of a fully stocked and free to use pharmacy. Internet access, which I took for granted before Missouri. People to love, and be loved in return.

 Thanksgiving is coming, and most of our nation will spend the day stuffing themselves, watching the parade, and preparing for a day of shopping early the next morning.

 But hopefully the name of the holiday will stand out just a little and remind people why we take a rest on that day.

 To THANK God for their amazing blessings.

 Everyone has them.

 Different then mine. That is what makes them their blessings. But blessings none the less.

 Start practicing now. Thank Him tonight too.

Blessings to you, 

Scheduling

 I have spent entirely too much of the last few days in a whirlwind of stress. I have managed to get a lot accomplished, I think. But truthfully, I probably would have gotten more accomplished if I had calmed down a little.

 It has been a long time since we have had to move in from a long distance location. I never thought I would say it, but the people in MO were so much easier to work with! When we moved in they had the water and electricity already running and just asked that we get it transferred to our name within the first 2-3 days.
 In Fayetteville the house has no electricity or water at all, and before we can get the keys we are required to provide them with an electric "account number". Like I would want to move in without electricity?!

 So, as much as I hate the phone, I have had to actually break down and use it several times. Most of the prep work could be done online, but the actual setting up of an account required speaking to a person.

 I am so very loquacious on here, and in "real" life - why do I struggle so much with the phone? Sigh.

 Words are such an important part of my life. I would say that I struggle with the phone because I cannot see the person I am talking to - but I certainly can't see whomever is reading my blog. It is open to the entire world, if the entire world happens to stumble upon it. Maybe it is because the words on the phone seem so unfeeling. Face to face with someone you can make eye contact, apologize if you say something that is taken the wrong way, interact with hand gestures, and even the tone of voice (which is vitally important in a conversation) is so much easier to hear in a "real life" conversation.

 Here, in the big wide world of blogging I have a chance to think my words over before I hit "post". I tend to have a lot to say, so I prefer to re-read them before I share them with eyes that are not my own.  As with the phone, tone of voice, hand gestures and eye contact are impossible - but at the same time, I have so much room for italics, quote marks, Exclamations, etc. Similar to "real life", it doesn't take long to get to know someone, and to understand their way of talking, their way of typing, their style of communicating.

 So, talking and blogging I can handle. But phones still scare me! How sad is that?

 But... Supposedly all is well and we will have water, sewer, electric and keys (Thanks Kelly!) when we get there on Saturday. And a truck, with a matched bid from several companies (go me!) will be ready to pick up on Friday afternoon.

 In other, very happy news, God threw in a little bonus for me. We already had friends from college that are stationed at Bragg. Fabulous treat to move somewhere and already know someone. We also found out that a friend of the family, recently returned from a tour in Germany, is at Bragg right now. But it just keeps getting better!
 Anyone who is friends with me on Facebook knows that I am not really a FB girl. I tend to be a once a weeker. But with Andy's first jump I really wanted to get the prayer request out there. So I posted. And what should God provide? Another military friend stationed at Ft. Bragg! We were neighbors about 4 years ago when we moved to Moody AFB, but they left soon after we arrived. Now we are both Army instead of AF, and about to be living in the same town. We haven't really talked in 3 years, but the link of FB was there to reconnect us. Small, small world! I have never been a huge fan, but today I am thankful for Facebook.

 Lastly, words about my sweet addiction.

 Andy is supposed to be finishing up his last jump right about now. He had a night jump, in full gear, tonight. I hate the jumps with gear because it is so heavy, but he is use to lugging around lots of equipment. What is the difference? Lugging it around or falling out of the sky with it?

 Tomorrow he out processes. Friday he gets his wings then skedaddles, hoping to get up here and the first loading done that night.

 Saturday we load the rest of the truck and leave town, doing our best to make it all the way "home" that night.

 Sunday is unload, and our fabulous family of volunteers who are coming to help unload head back to their regular life.

 Truly, Andy and I both have amazing parents. Amazing! Dropping everything to drive up for the weekend, just to help us out. I think we might be spoiled.

 But don't tell them that. Shhhh

 I hope your life is smoother, calmer, and just as full of blessings!