A Challenging Week

This has been a particularly challenging week for me. For one thing, Nathan has been working extra hours this week getting ready for exercises during the next couple of weeks at work. That means that I have been with my children pretty much all day every day, without any breaks. Brianna especially has missed her time with her daddy, even to the point where she was crying yesterday asking to call her daddy to have him come home. So, today, when Nathan had to go into the office this morning, no one, including him, was to thrilled about it. But, he came home just in time to put Brianna down for nap, and let me go grocery shopping without two children (all you moms out there know how much of a blessing this is). Then, this evening we got to go out as a family, and well, I got to do a little retail therapy. I think everything I bought was on sale. :)

Anyway, all of this just makes me appreciate every minute we do have together as a family. I guess because my husband is in the military, I often contemplate what I would do if anything ever happened to him. And I know that the Lord could choose to take him, my children or myself home to Him at any time. I also know that the Lord has a plan for us, and whatever happens is His plan for my life. I say all this to make the point that even through all of the frustrating moments this past week, I am so thankful for my children and all the time we were allowed to spend together this week. Even when Brianna had to do everything by herself and I was running late, or Nate just wanted to have me hold him, so I didn't get my house cleaned, I had to stop myself and tell myself that they are the priority, they are what my "job" is, and the moments that I take to train them and love on them is the most important way I can spend my time. And then it is totally worth it when Brianna crawls in my lap and tells me that she loves me, or when Nate gives me one of his huge smiles.

So, the next two weeks Nathan will be working even more than he did this past week. I pray that I can keep the proper perspective during this challenging month. I am sure that there are going to be many laughs and smiles to keep me going.

My Family

So, this is my family. We live in Alaska right now because my husband is in the Air Force. This picture was taken at Portage Glacier, which is just a little south of Anchorage. It is usually a pretty nice hike, but it was a little rainy on this particular day. But, we still had fun.

Like I said, my husband Nathan is in the Air Force. He just promoted to Major a couple of months ago, and he is only two chapters away from having his master's degree completed. I am so proud of him for all the hard work he puts in just doing his job and providing for us. He is a pilot, he loves fishing, and most importantly, he loves the Dallas Cowboys.

Brianna is our most precious little girl. She is two years old (twenty-nine months) and she is trying my patience at this very moment. Even so, she is such a sweet heart, and most of the time she really is just trying to help. She is at the stage where she wants to do everything herself, without any help. Now, I know that this is good for her to learn to do these things, but it makes everything I do take twice as long. I am sure that she will be the subject of many posts.

And finally, Baby Nate is my little man. He is so cute and fun right now. He is nine months old, and he is changing every day. His latest accomplishment is waving hello and clapping his hands. He is definitely getting a little personality, and his smile can light up the room.

So, about me. Well, I just keep up with the rest of the family. I work out almost every day (for my own sanity), I am involved in spouse's groups on base, MOPS at church, and I have a home based business selling Premier Designs Jewelry (again, to give me a little time for my own sanity). I am a huge OU football fan (Go Sooners!!!), much to my husband's dismay (he is from Texas). But, I also love the Dallas Cowboys, so we have some common ground there.

My First Blog

So, I guess I am going to jump into this blogging thing. I have thought about doing this for some time, but didn't really know why I would do it, other than it seems kind of fun. But, a couple of weeks ago in church I was convicted to do more to share the love of Christ with others. The emphasis that day was on world hunger, and they really meant feeding the poor and less fortunate. So, here is my list to help feed others physically:

• Make four Christmas boxes for Operation Christmas Child (one representing each member of our family)
• Buy some stuffing to donate to the local food shelter for the Thanksgiving baskets
• Keep our change to give to the World Hunger Offering
• Clean out our garage and crawl space and donate a bunch of stuff to the Salvation Army or Bargain Shop on base.
  

But, we also need to feed others spiritually. So, after much procrastination I decided that I would start this blog so that I can hopefully be an encouragement to others. I don't know if I will be any more of an encouragement than anyone else could be, but hopefully I can touch a few lives through this endeavor. Of course, there are the added benefits of getting to share with everyone what my husband and my children are doing (I will be posting pictures as soon as I figure out how) and getting to hear back from family, friends and strangers too. My prayer is that all who read this will be encouraged in the Lord.