A whirlwind weekend

We had a really full weekend that ran over into Monday.

Our old neighbors from Moody AFB came up to visit. Her DH is in Afghanistan right now too, although not anywhere near Andy, and they were needing a change of scenery. I was happy to provide a place to stay, and selfishly received a distraction for myself as well. Anything that helps the time go faster is welcome, and when it is good friends willing to have a good time, well then, all the better!

When we first moved to Hahira I use to provide childcare for Emma while Amy worked, so I feel especially bonded to "my" little girl. She turned four last week, and I missed her birthday - we had to make up for that when she came to visit.

We spent Sunday at church, and just hanging out, being silly girls. Mary and Emilee decided to make t-shirt skirts, and we were all involved in that project.

Here are the three of us in the finished projects. Please, ignore the shirts - we just tossed the skirts on with what we were already wearing, and it created quite a rainbow of color.

It might be slightly nausea inducing if you are not careful!

On Monday Amy and I got up, loaded up the kiddo's and headed to the Zoo. The beautiful thing about having an annual membership is that I can spend 2 hours at the zoo, see just the few things I have an interest in that day, and leave without guilt. I don't have to stress about getting my money's worth, spending hours trudging around, exhausted beyond belief. I even get to take a friend with me!

As always, you have to start an Atlanta Zoo trip off with a visit to the Flamingos.

Aren't these some beautiful faces?

We got up close and personal with the pandas.

When I saw the adorable family time these Warthogs were having, I commented that they really were beautiful. A man walking by laughed and said, "If those are beautiful, I would hate to see what you think is ugly!"

Truly though, their actions were so lovely, that their appearance couldn't help but be admired also.

After the zoo we went to Ikea for lunch. I had never been to Ikea, and I fell in love! The food was wonderful, the play area was so convenient, and the organization tools were AMAZING!!!

We were pressed for time, and very much on a budget, but I think a second trip is definitely called for when both time and money are in more abundance.

After Ikea we had to beat Atl. traffic back to the north side of town so that Dad could pick me up and get back "home" before Canaan's T-ball practice, and so Amy could head out of town toward her family in N. Carolina for a little visiting before she had to be back at work in a few days.

I am so very grateful for such a good friend to spend the weekend with, passing the time while our husbands are far away.

Family - all sorts

My Grandmother Binkley wakes up every morning and reads the Wall Street Journal from cover to cover. She then cuts out the articles, comics, and coupons that remind her of different people in her life, writes a quick note, and mails them out.

My parents receive a letter at least once a week with various clippings - they are instructed to pass the coupons along to me, since everyone know that I am the coupon queen.

The comics adorn the refrigerator for a week or two, usually until one of my boys manages to get ahold of it, which means certain doom or until the fridge simply gets too full and must shed some of it's outer layer.

You never know what sort of articles are going to emerge from the depths of a Grandmother Binkley envelope. Foreign policy - check. New vitamin suggestions for diabetics - check. A beautiful commemorative on the anniversary of Curious George - check. Warnings about false labeling on food - check.... but I digress. Perhaps more about that later?

My grandmother isn't very good at saying the words "I love you". It just isn't her thing. But I think the fact that she has been consistently sending comics we find amusing, and articles we find interesting, and coupons we find useful for ALL MY LIFE - well I think that is her way of saying "I love you".

Actions speak - yes? I struggle with them speaking louder then words - I am the type of girl who really likes to hear the words. (ask Andy, I beg him for words of all sorts on a regular basis, to no avail - but once again, I digress) For me, words would have made life easier. I would have reached a place of comfort and assurance in my grandmother's love much sooner in my life if words had been used - but actions do speak. I have learned to believe them, trust them, cling to them.

This is my grandmother sometime during her teen years - isn't she amazing?

She has a birthday coming up soon - an important birthday - and we are going to all be together as a family to celebrate. All three of her children. At least five of the six grandchildren (maybe all six, we're working on it...) Several spouses of the above mentioned children and grandchildren. Even the two great-grandchildren (my boys) are coming for the big hoopla. A large group got together for my Grandfather's big birthday several years ago, but I couldn't make that, so I haven't seen the whole crew since Emilee's wedding, 6 years ago.

I am excited!

I started this blog planning to write a deep and thought provoking comment about the articles she sent me, - a very interesting set of thoughts about the spelling bee, and immigrant families, and what makes America beautiful - but now, all I can seem to think about is how very glad I am to have this article in my hand at all.

Don't get me wrong, I am so very glad to have read it, and broadened my mind. But much more importantly then that, I am so glad to have a grandmother who takes the time to think about me, cut it out, stick it in an envelope, and even add a post-it note explaining more details.

Family, even the family you don't always understand or agree with, is wonderful to have.

This was us with my grandmother, back in Feb. Poor dad, with his eyes closed....

It's the simple things...

I think it is time for something light and cheerful.

I know just the thing!

What could they be staring at so intently?

Why, a "tractor" of course!

My boys were fascinated by the workmen cutting down a tree across the street last week.

Zion was still in his pajamas, but that certainly didn't slow him a bit.

They stood, or sat, in rapt attention in the front yard and watched the tree come down.

They also picked some lovely flowers for their very appreciative mommy.

It's the simple things...

Sitting Still

I have to admit something -

I am still struggling with faith.

I daily work at a positive attitude.

I seek to live life with JOY, no matter the situation or circumstances.

But some days are harder then others.

Yesterday, even when I was mailing Andy's package south I still felt "heavy". Weighed down for some reason.

Now I know why.

It seems that Andy's commander has advised him that, as much as he approves of him, he does not think he would make the final cut in the OTS program. The latest numbers say that only 13% of applicants are getting accepted, so only those with the highest scores, best history, the "shining stars", need apply.

My love is a wonderful worker, who has absolutely nothing negative on his record. But he really only has two or three brilliant things on his record too. His commander feels that the competition is too stiff, and with his record it just isn't worth pursuing.

That hurt.

Especially after the miraculous arrival of the package, and the convenient handling, so that I didn't have to drive south... It just seemed as if God had his hand in it, and was leading us in that direction.

To have the door slammed so emphatically in our faces was disconcerting - confusing.

But - I have been reading Job lately. My worries cannot compare to his, and my knowledge is much greater then poor Job's. I have the word of God, right at my fingertips, to sustain me.

Job cries out, "Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night?" Job 35:10

I found a fabulous quote that expands on that thought.

"The strength of the vessel can be demonstrated only by the hurricane, and the power of the gospel can be fully shown only when the Christian is subjected to some fiery trial. If God would make manifest the fact that "He giveth songs in the night," He must first make it night." William Taylor.

So, right now I feel like it is night. I got a glimpse of what I thought was daylight, but was only a shooting star. That star has gone, and now we will wait for daylight to come.

Sometimes the darkness seems scary. Sometimes it is hard to tell which way to turn, because the path is hard to see in the dark. There are so many paths, all of them with their own little bits of light shining at the end - it is really hard to tell which one is daylight, and which ones are just lightning bugs, or well lit billboards, or perhaps heaven itself.

So right now, we wait, in the dark. And we trust that He who gives a song in the night, also gives a light at the right moment.

When no light is given, perhaps just sitting still is what is asked of us?

After all, "we know that all thing work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purposes". Rom 8:28

Sitting still really is one of the hardest tasks ever asked though...

Answered prayer

 Yesterday was a day full of answered prayer. 

 The translation of our adoption homestudy came in. We now have it, in French, ready for the government of Benin to read and approve. Now I just have to figure out exactly whom to send it to. 

 It will still be a waiting game, but at least we will be on to the next step of waiting. 

 Then, Andy's Officer Package, which he had mailed from Afghanistan over two weeks ago, finally arrived. It was all filled out, signed and initialed, and ready to be handed to his commander at Moody. I just had to add a few other papers which were waiting here. 

 I was planning to load up the kids and head south today. This morning I called the education counselor on base to set up an appointment with him. When he heard that I was driving down there (over four hours drive, with two kids) just to walk to several different offices, get signatures and turn around and drive back again, he very generously offered to do it for me. I am so very grateful! 

 I overnighted the package to him, after making copies of everything... just in case! 

 I tend to stress, so thought that a preventative measure seemed wise. 

 

 Both of those things, the homestudy and the officer package, were things that I had been stressing about for awhile now. 

 God had really impressed on me the need to LET GO of them. When I finally was able to give them up, the stress went away. I had to remind myself that I wasn't the one in control. 

 

 Then, lo and behold, they arrived! 

 I am beyond blessed. 

My crybaby day

 I cried several times today. 

 It was a very full day, and I must admit that I am exhausted. But I wasn't exhausted when I cried. I cried because it was worth crying over. 

 First things first....

 An apology to my husband comes first. He pointed out after my last blog that my favorite companion should NOT be books, but rather, HIM. I have to agree. When he is available, I will choose him any day. 

 But since he is so often not available, I am very glad to have books around to keep me company, and to keep me from losing my mind. They make very good middle of the night bedmates, keeping my mind full (rather then stressed) without making him jealous! 

 So, Andrew Ian - Yes, I love you more then books, and will gladly chose you as my favorite companion any day. 

 But until you return, be very glad I have books to keep me company... 

 Today we went to see "UP", the latest Disney/Pixar feature film. It was absolutely precious. Touching. Tearjerking. 

 And that was just in the first 10 minutes. 

 Of course, I cried in the previews too, so perhaps crying was just my theme of the day? 

 Let me explain why though... 

 We were at the Disney store before we went to the movie, and as we shopped, I was reminded of something that I had noticed last time I had entered their realm. None of the Disney characters are dark skinned. Aladdin and Jasmine are about as dark as you get. So I asked when they were going to get a black Princess. 

 The saleslady said "soon", but I didn't think she really meant it. But... when we were sitting in the theatre, waiting for "UP" to start, there was a preview for "The Princess and the Frog". I just started crying. It comes "to theaters everywhere" Dec. 11th. I should have my little princess by then. I so desperately want to have my little dark skinned princess home with me by then. I am going to claim that, and I would like you to claim it with me. 

 Please Lord, let me have my princess home by then! 

 I started the movie out already crying. For any of you who have seen the movie, you know it is emotional there at the beginning anyway, so tears were just streaming down my face for that. 

 Of course I laughed a lot too. It is a Pixar, and made for children. Canaan loved it. Zion spent some of it slightly afraid, and sitting in my lap with my hands over his ears, but overall he loved it too. 

 Disney has not thrilled me in awhile. This was probably a little too adult themed at times, (completely over my kids head) and slightly violent, but overall, I was pleased. I was not expecting to be pleased, so color me surprised. 

 I even cried during the closing credits - talk about going out with a bang. 

 Good job Disney. Keep up the good work. 

The wonderful world of Literature

There has been a lot of talk about books around here lately. 

 Of course, I am an avid reader - most people who read this blog know that about me already. Ever since I was a child, books have been my favorite companion. Through every move, across many states and into several foreign countries, books have always been my friends. They have come with me, and remained faithful, no matter what. 

 Pretty much my entire childhood, as soon as we got in the car, I stuck my nose in a book and didn't emerge again until we got where we were going. For a long time Mom thought that I had no sense of direction, because I never knew how to get anywhere - Emilee always had to be her navigator. She finally figured out that I had no idea how to get anywhere because I was never paying attention. There are plenty of times more recently when we will drive past something and my sisters will say, "remember when we drove here, etc etc etc ...?" and I will just respond with a blank stare. They have learned to just say, "You were probably reading!" 

 I suppose I missed out on some "real life" moments, but I have so many experiences in the world of literature, I truly have no regrets. 

 

 Last night my friend Carrie took me up to Chattanooga to McKay's used bookstore. You can see her blog about it here. What cracked me up was that another blogger friend, Autumn, chose to blog about books yesterday too, and my friend Nikowa blogged about the summer reading program at the library. I guess books are just on everyone's mind right now. 

 Before I went to McKay last night, I had stopped in at the used book sale fund raiser for the local library. 

 I went just a little crazy there. 

 At McKay, I held myself to a budget - plus they had some freebies in the bin out front, so I grabbed some of those too. (like the Nancy Drew one shown down below  - I wouldn't pay for that at this point in my life, but for free - why not?) I got a whole stack of Nora Roberts and almost the entire Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn. This should last at least until Andy gets home...

 

 All in all, I spent $52, including tax. 

 I brought home 57 books total, between the two stops.

 Of course, some of those are school books. Math, Science, Social Studies, Geography, and a Handwriting workbook for 1st grade. I love getting Abeka for less then half price, and Highlights workbooks for .20 cents. 

 I'm also a part of two different book clubs this summer. Like I said, I love to read. A little later, I will be reading two different Francine Rivers books. 

 Now, don't get me wrong, I love to read EVERYTHING. I am not at all particular - there are many books that I read, and promptly put on the shelf that is expressly forbidden for my unmarried sister to touch. But I am happily married (with a deployed husband - so I am certainly not getting any right now) so I don't mind an occasional love scene. Or murder mystery. Or vampire, or zombie. 

 I got Pride and Prejudice and Zombies for my Birthday. 

It was HILARIOUS. If you like the original, and can take a joke, you will probably like this too. 

 But I do especially love to read things that are historical, and things that bring me closer to my Savior. 

 So when I can read things that fit both those criteria, I am thrilled. Which is why I am looking forward to both of these book club reads.

Read more about Redeeming Love (one of my favorite books ever) and Unafraid at Francine Rivers website. 

 

 But right this very minute, I am reading this....

 There are all sorts of interesting comments out there about this book. I already have some interesting comments of my own. 

 I am not the personality type to be extreme. I don't usually despise or adore things. I often just find a nice middle ground - but this might require a stance... We'll see. 

I am only just starting chapter 8, so I can't say I am an expert yet, but I must say I am very excited about the book club meeting in which we will discuss this book. I have already talked two of my sisters into reading this book so they can discuss it with me, and hopefully attend the meeting with me too. 

 Anyone else out there read it yet? Any comments? I want to discuss it more, but I have to finish it first. Please, my blog world friends, read it, so you can discuss it with me. 

More cuteness

 Today when I was out running errands it was dreary and wet. With the rain drizzling down, I decided to leave Mom and the boys in the car. Mom had a book. The boys had crayons and their coloring pages from the Buzz - free kid's meals from Fuddruckers with purchase of an adult meal - so no one minded being left in the car. 

 When I returned to the car after errand number 2, running through the rain with my poor curls now a giant ball of frizz on top of my head, I happened to glance into the backseat. 

 Oh, how I wish I had my camera with me at that moment. Zion's face was covered in - well, color. That is the best way I can think to describe it. I exclaimed, "Zion, what did you do?!" Upon a closer look, I was pretty sure what he had done, so I asked with disapproval in my voice, "Zion, did you eat a crayon?" 

 In perfect seriousness and with great cheer, he responded, "No - - - Two! A green one and a blue one!"

 I could not help it. I burst out laughing.

 I think that as a mother I was probably supposed to fuss at him, and tell him that eating crayons is not a proper activity. But honestly, all hopes of trying to stay upset with him when he so truthfully and seriously responded with "No - TWO"... well, all hopes went out the window, and washed away with the rain. 

 Canaan watched all this, then informed me that he was pretty sure that Zion hadn't eaten the crayons, instead, "He just ate the skins". I assume that means he ate the paper off the crayons? I just told them to finish their coloring pages so we could go into Fuddruckers and eat some real food! 

 

 Now, as to why my camera wasn't in my purse where it belonged... 

This morning Canaan decided to do Yoga with his aunts Kelsey and Mary (and their friend Lindsay). I couldn't resist getting a picture or two of that. 

During this particular position, he exclaimed "Don't we ever get a break?" 

 Oh, life is good!

 

T-ball

 Canaan had his first T-ball practice on Monday.  He looked so very grown up, out there holding his mitt, or bat, standing at attention. 

 The funniest moment was right at the beginning. The coaches asked the boys to line up, an arms length apart. 

 This picture shows how successful they were....

 After a few failed tries, they gave up on a line, took attendance, then circled up to pray. 

I am so grateful to have found a Christian league. 

 Canaan's friend Noah is on his team. They are going to have such a great season together. 

 Canaan hit the ball off the T several times, but he also hit one of the pitched balls. 

That made me really proud! (not this one, as the picture clearly shows...)

 Katie Grace was the cheering squad, sort of. 

 Here they are practicing their throwing.

 I am very excited about Canaan's first ever sports experience. It's going to be a fun summer! 

Silly smarts

 Yesterday evening when I was at my book club meeting, Canaan and Zion were being watched (and put to bed) by a whole crowd of people who love them. 

 That tends to lead to spoiling... just a little bit. 

 After talking his way into a dessert with our friend Kelli, Canaan was pretty happy. His Noni was fussing at him a little, telling him that it really been too late for dessert, and that he shouldn't have asked for one. Kelli defended him, teasingly saying, "He hadn't had dessert yet, and he deserved one. He knows his rights!" 

 Canaan proudly responded, "Yeah, Left, Right." 

 Oh, what am I going to do with that boy? 

 At least he went to bed happy - and knowing his rights... and his lefts! 

Meeting Grant

 I was in TX this weekend. My youngest sister, Mary Faith, had an end of the year dance program, and needed to move out of her apartment and into a storage unit. So, as much of the family as could drove down there to be with her, and be her personal slaves...

 Luckily for her, several of our cousins already live in Dallas. This is Collin, his wife Alicia and their amazing son Grant. I had not been able to meet Grant yet, so I was super excited to take this trip. You all know how I feel about babies... and ones that are related to me are even more adored!

My cousin Meredith is lucky enough to live in the same town as her new little nephew, and gets to spend time with him quite often. Can you tell that she adores him?! 

Here is Mom with Grant. She loves babies as much as I do.

 I never could get a picture of him smiling, but there are some really cute ones on his mommy's blog, if you want to check them out. 

Collin and I are only a few months apart in age, and have grown up doing things together our entire lives.

From infants....

to elementary school...

to teenagers (I skipped those pictures- I've got them, but truly, I don't feel the need to share them tonight)

My wedding (almost 8 years ago now!!) 

to his wedding. 

(I had a 4 week old baby, a 2 year old, and a deployed hubby, plus I lived 14 hours away. Getting to this wedding was LOVE - but it sure was fun once I got there!)

We have tried to be there for each other. 

He obviously already knows what to do with boys...

My boys loved having someone to wrestle with after Mary's dance program was over. They were very tired, but found enough energy to play for a few minutes! I think having sat still for two hours at a dance program helped them have some extra energy. 

Aren't these some beautiful girls?

Here is the whole group of us. I just love my family... have I said that enough lately?