A few moments of memories

 Twelve years ago, right now, I was in California, about to fulfill my biggest life goal.
 I was about to become a mother.
 I had been attached to the little one growing inside me for months already, but I was finally going to get to hold him!
 He was a stubborn little thing, and waited until "tomorrow" to actually make his entrance though.

Before things got hard...

 May 15, 2003, just after 1 in the morning, he finally arrived!

 9lbs, 4oz, 20 1/2 inches

Proud grandparents

 One of my sisters got married just one month later, so he got to come to GA and meet a lot of my side of the family while he was very young!

 And his Uncle Josh on Daddy's side. 

 How could anyone resist that face?

Matching daddy

He was a well traveled little baby. 

 The Freeman grandparents took him to Lake Tahoe.

 My sisters took him to Florida.

 We visited my grandparents in Indiana, and stopped in Nebraska on the way home to visit wonderful friends. 

So for his first birthday we made him a cake of the USA, showing all the places he had already travelled. (If you count the ones we just drove through, he had already been to 9 states!)

He enjoyed it.

In the morning we will celebrate 12 years of loving him. 

I am so very glad that God allowed me to have my greatest desire. 

I am so excited to see the man of God he is growing into. 

 I miss those baby kisses, but the smiles I still get are just as sweet. 

I love you Canaan Andrew. 

Blessings my friends, 

Promotion time!

It's official. 

We had a party, so that makes it real!

Andy has been in Captain's Career Course since January, even though he wasn't technically a Captain yet. He has been training in anticipation. 

There were four other soldiers in class with him who promoted to Captain in May also.

We all joined together for a celebration.

 In alphabetical order :)

 Andy's parents came to visit and were able to "pin on" his rank. 

Happy times!

 I am so proud of my hard working man!

Such lovely smiles!

Sadly, I left my camera at home, the cupcakes I made were horrible, and my hair would not submit to me. 

Luckily, other people have cameras and are willing to share, other people made cupcakes that were delicious, and everyone is use to my hair. 

So, even with my less then stellar contributions, "A good time was had by all!" 

Blessings, 

Miller Cave

 Friday evening Andy and I met some of his classmates for dinner at a local bbq place. While we were all chatting one of the couples told us about a local cave, open to exploring, right here on post.
 She gave us the basic directions of how to get there and said, "If you come to a part that looks like you are about to drive off the edge of the earth, you have gone too far."

We found that part. :)

(This picture does not do it justice. It really does look like you are going to drop straight down!)

We turned around.

 At first we thought this lovely little overhang was the cave. 

 So we enjoyed the view for a while.

 But there was more!

 This lovely little window...

had a beautiful view!

 I adored this tree, and how it adapted to the situation it was given. 

So inspiring, and simply beautiful. 

There were two entrances to the "main" cavern - 

 Up and through...

or down and through.

We tried them both. 

I had to take the camera bag off in order to fit through, but I made it!

 I didn't get many pictures of deeper inside the cave. I don't have fancy enough equipment for that! There was a good bit of water, several neat little tunnels, and an unfortunate amount of trash. 

 Canaan "discovered" a part that Daddy didn't fit in, and Mommy wouldn't try to fit in. He got deep enough in that I couldn't see his light anymore! Fortunately for the sanity of mommy, there was a spider blocking the way and he came back. I am sorry that he inherited that fear from me, but this one time I was glad for it! 

Just a few hundred feet away was another cave,

 but it wasn't open for exploring.

 So I made my boys enjoy a few flowers instead.

I love my boys. 

I love their daddy. 

I love the adventures we discover, right around the corner, every day. 

Life is a little crazy sometimes, but life is good. 

Enjoy your adventures my friends!

Blessings, 

Longfellow

 I have been on a poetry kick lately. Over a year ago I found a book, copyrighted 1929, called 101 Famous Poems. We read more then half of it, mostly as bedtime discussion fodder. Some encouraged great discussion. Others were simply called "boring" at first glance. Almost all of them have stretched our vocabulary.
 When we moved the book was packed away and forgotten, until about a week ago. Zion was given an assignment, as part of one of his classes in our homeschool co-op, to write a poem. His trials with that inspired me to find the old book again and see what else we could learn from it. I am so glad I did, because "old" almost always makes me happy!

 First, Zion's finished poem.

Lazy Daisy

makes me crazy.

Sloppy, floppy

is really droppy.

Food goes everywhere,

along with her shedding hair.

I eat my food, there she begs,

jumping on her deer-like legs.

She makes Missouri furry.

Crazy Daisy is so Lazy.

 Canaan's quote is: "I COULD write a poem. I just don't want to". 

 Apparently I have not inspired him enough yet. 

 I would like to share last night's reading. It inspires me!

 A Psalm of Life

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Tell me not, in mournful numbers,

Life is but an empty dream!

For the soul is dead that slumbers,

And things are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest!

And the grave is not its goal;

Dust thou art, to dust returnest,

Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,

Is our destined end or way;

But to act, that each tomorrow

Find us farther than today.

Art is long, and Time is fleeting,

And our hearts, though stout and brave,

Still, like muffled drums, are beating

Funeral marches to the grave.

In the world's broad field of battle,

In the bivouac of life,

Be not dumb, driven cattle!

Be a hero in the strife!

Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!

Let the dead Past bury is dead!

Act,- act in the living Present!

Heart within, and God o'erhead!

Lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us

Footprints on the sands of time.

Footprints, that perhaps another,

Sailing o'er life's solemn main,

A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,

Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us then be up and doing,

With a heart for any fate;

Still achieving, still pursuing,

Learn to labor and to wait.

It was a beautiful way to end the day, and I thought a beautiful thought to start with also. 

 Leave footprints, my friends, footprints that will encourage those who come later. 

Blessings, 

                                              

Lost in the Woods

 I was re-reading some of my old posts, again. They really are more of a journal than anything. Watching my children grow, right on the computer screen, is bittersweet. When I started this blog Canaan had just turned 4 and Zion was not quite 2. Canaan will be twelve in just 5 weeks and Zion is now 9.
 When I first started writing, almost every word was "adorable", and worthy of posting. (of course!) Now, I think they would really prefer I not call them adorable...

 We live in base housing right now. The duplex itself is really nice, the neighbors are wonderful, and the street has lots of children. However, there is not much of a back yard, and what is there is NOT fenced in. So, Daisy has to be on a leash when she is outside.

 The up side (as well as the down side!) of that requirement is that I am forced to go outside with her. The snow days were really hard on this southern girl, but now that the weather has cheered up taking Daisy for a walk is a joyful experience.

Spring is here!

Color is popping up.

Things that were hidden now show their lovely faces.

And the promise of more to come shows prominently!

This base has a nickname.

"Fort Lost in the Woods"

These two pictures give an idea as to why it is called that. The top picture is about 100 yards from our back door. We come up with a different fun story on a regular basis about why a random concrete pad is in the middle of the woods.

This picture is a five minute walk from our house. 

Nothing in sight except trees! 

 But the beauty you can find while "lost in the woods" is unending. 

 Side note of proud mommy bragging: While on the above mentioned walk Canaan said "Mom, look at that interesting quadrilateral." When I quizzed his little brother as to what made the shape a quadrilateral and not a square, Zion answered correctly.
 My boys make me proud! Not so much "adorable" any longer, but definitely amazing young men.
 I am so very blessed!

Blessings to you, 

confirmation

God is so good.

 My diabetic supplies came today. I wasn't even looking for them today. I thought after my tears on Thursday things would hopefully start moving, but today was only Saturday! And yet, Express Mail arrived and everything I needed was included.
 I cried, again. But they were happy tears this time.
 And I changed my site tonight, just because it hurt, even though it wasn't the third day yet.

 Tomorrow is Easter, when we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. Trust me, I celebrate that! But right this minute, I am celebrating yet another confirmation that He hears. He cares. He is Risen, and a  part of daily life!

 Blessings,

Refuge

 Andy is currently attending the Captain's Career Course at Fort Leonard Wood. It is only a six month course, so settling in seems slightly pointless. We haven't hung any pictures and left half the books in boxes. We threw away the couch before we left Ft. Bragg, and have made do with bean bag chairs since we have been here. I don't even know where to look, in the stacks of storage, for Easter decorations.
 But still, when you live someplace, you can't help but settle in. I found a local market with fresh eggs and homemade jams. We joined a homeschool co-op, sharing classes like human anatomy and art. We even signed up for the Easter Play at the church we have been attending.
 I didn't plan on it, but I have settled.

 Yet, somehow, the military medical system has not joined me in that. In that area of my life I am not settled at all! It has taken over 2 months, 3 doctor appointments, and more phone calls to the front desk then I can even count - and I still don't have any of my diabetic supplies or seizure meds.

 I have met people here. Really nice people. However, I would not say I have made any friends. People I can talk to about homeschooling and military life - absolutely. Someone I can call and cry with - not so much. I can't say I have really tried, so I am not complaining - simply pointing it out.
 Last Thursday I was invited to a ladies Bible study. While chatting before hand I gave a quick summary of my complaints about medical help here, or the lack there-of. One of the ladies immediately pulled out her phone and texted a friend. That friend texted someone else, and I had new knowledge of who to talk to and what steps to take within minutes.
 This woman is not my friend. We barely know each other. But she took the time to make contact, find information, and pass it all along to me. She was the hands and feet of Christ in my life, right that moment, when I needed it. She was a friend.

 We talked about Psalm 2 that afternoon, and the verse that stood out to me was 2:12b. "Blessed are all who take refuge in Him."

 Refuge In: not refuge from. Refuge is not hiding. Protection does not mean unable to see, or be seen. I sometimes fool myself into thinking that when I find refuge it means I am not strong enough to shine His glory. That if I seek protection it means I am weak. But refuge IN Him does not mean refuge from everything else. I can have supernatural peace in the middle of extremely stressful moments and still be a shining light and a blooming flower.

 As the Message translation puts it, "if you make a run for God- you won't regret it."

 It has been over a week, again, and I still don't have the supplies I need. I talked to different people, made steps in the right direction, and still don't have the problem solved.

 Yesterday I was very VERY emotional about it. I cried on the phone with Liberty Medical, who actually mail me my supplies. I cried with Tricare, the insurance company. Then I called my mom and cried for her.
 What did crying accomplish? Nothing I guess... but I felt better getting it all out! And I was reminded, again, that I can take refuge IN my Savior, and still make noise and stand up for myself. Technically, I should be completely out of infusion sets. Should have been for days. And you cannot just walk into Walmart and buy them.
 But God works. I have gotten four days out of some, when usually I can only do three. I found two in a suitcase. Yesterday I remembered that I had one in the car (for emergencies!) They will not get here over the Easter holiday. But maybe early next week?

I take refuge in my God. I trust that He is involved, even when I cannot understand.

 I welcome your prayers. Yes, that this problem would be worked out. But even more so that I will remember to take refuge IN my God.

 Psalm 9:9+11 says "The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble... Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion; Declare among the peoples His deeds." NASB

 So I sing His praises and declare His deeds. He is my stronghold. His part of the promise remains true. I will follow through with my part too. I will "Tell the world about His unforgettable deeds" NLT

 Thanks for listening!

Blessings, 

Long long ago, in a galaxy not so far away...

When I started my senior year of college I really didn't know what I wanted to do with myself yet. I had "hurried", taken summer classes, and was going to graduate before I even turned 21. I had expected to have met my husband by then. I assumed God would have given me detailed directions about what the next step was. But when the fall semester started I was clueless. And worried.
 Just a few weeks in, I met Andy and only weeks after that he gave me a black leather journal. He bought it specifically for the mission trip I was taking to India in October, so I could record what I saw, felt, and experienced.
 And let me tell you, I recorded.
 Everything.
 Probably too much... no one ever needs to read it but me.

 But having stumbled upon it now 14 years later, I am so glad to have it.

 My senior year is recorded in detail. Lots of emotional ups and downs. Reading it now, looking back. I can recognize the reasons behind almost everything. But at the moment so many things seemed heartbreaking. Staggering.

 I certainly hope my emotions have calmed with age!

 I kept writing after I graduated. First full time job and apartment. The planning of the wedding. The terror of Andy's Basic Training - our first time apart. I vented through our first military move, and half way through my first pregnancy, then suddenly just stopped. One more entry, 2 1/2 years later while pregnant again.

 And that is it.

 Later, I spent years writing here in blogland.

 But now, where did the words go? Why won't they come out any more?

 I am seeking them.

 Until then, a poem I wrote just weeks after Andy and I started dating, at 3am, of course. I am highly amused that I felt the need to record not just the date, but the time also. A bit of my OCD coming out perhaps?


 Contained:
What an interesting word
A relationship cannot be 
   Contained
It frees itself
exposes itself

The elements: wind, rain, ice, sun
   they are harsh
 It doesn't care
 Un-contained

The people: supportive, accusing, condescending
   they are vocal
 It doesn't care
 Un-contained

The circumstances: time, place, responsibilities
  they are demanding. 
 It doesn't care
 Un-contained

It is new and amazing
yet frightening and stressful
It is beginning and end, light and dark, best and worst
  Everything
 Except contained


Lots of crazy emotions going on back then. :) It does not make me miss college! I am glad, though, that the "un-contained relationship" featured in this poem turned out so nicely.

 Anyone else want to share college memories?

 Blessings, 

Welcome 2014

 Strange really, how easily that flows. 2014. It seems such a short time ago that we were concerned that changing from 1999 to 2000 would cause computer problems around the world. (Or perhaps bring the end of time?) Now we are more then a decade into this "new" century.

 I guess that is always how it goes. Time flies, and all that jazz.

 I must admit that I am wanting time to speed a little this year. Just a bit.
 I promise to enjoy the moments as they come, but until April I don't think I will be asking time to slow down!

December was definitely full, and fast, but also fabulous! It always is a crazy month, not just because of the usual Christmas stuff, but because there are LOTS of birthdays in Dec in our family.

 Speaking of which, let me tell you a story. Mom called to tell me about a cute old movie she had started watching on TV and didn't get to finish. Gave me a few details and asked if maybe I could find out what it was called (!) and get it for her birthday. She never asks for anything so I was very eager to look. The details she gave were plenty for me to find the title, and it was actually available several places, but when I saw the cover I was surprised.
 On Black Friday I had picked up a four pack of Christmas movies, planning to give them to mom. Turns out, one of the movies in the four pack was THE ONE she wanted. What are the chances? Neither of us had ever heard of it before, I grab it on a whim, she watches part of it on TV and Voila, a very Happy Birthday was accomplished.
 The movie was called "It happened on 5th Ave", from 1947, and was part of this 4 pack if you want to check it out. Adorable!

 I would love to post pictures, but since my internet dropped me three times while I was trying to Skype with Andy I am thinking that uploading isn't a good idea right now.
 Hope your first day of 2014 has been wonderful.

 Blessings,