There's A Lot Going On These Days

Lots. And lots. And lots.

Let me just try to remember all that has happened this past week.

We moved into TLF (temporary living facilities) on base on Wednesday. It is a fairly nice place to stay. Except for the bed situation. We have a three bedroom apartment style house. There are two full size beds and one single size bed. One full bed and one single bed are very high off of the ground, which is not good for small children. So, Nathan and I are on the high, full sized bed. It is snug. Brianna is on the low, full sized bed. That is fine. Nate is on the mattress of the single sized bed, but it is on the floor of Brianna's room. Kinley is in the room of the single bed, but in the pack-n-play. And, the walls are thin. So, if one person is awake, we all are. Loads of fun! But, in all honesty, we are thankful that we have a nice place to stay. The kids stayed at my friend Olivia's house that day so that we could get some packing done as well.

Thursday was the big day. We were to have the trailer (a 45 foot ocean-going trailer) delivered that morning. They called to say it wouldn't be until 10-11am. Later than we wanted, but do-able. We had hired some young guys from church to come and help us. The trailer didn't get there until 1:30pm. Frustrating, but we just got right to work loading it up. Nathan, the two guys from church, and another gentleman from church, and my brother-in-law Josh loaded the entire trailer of all of our household goods in about six hours. It was amazing!!! They worked so hard!!! Of course, we had a lot done beforehand, but that is still remarkable. The kids stayed at my friend Nicole's house during all of this chaos.

While we were waiting for the trailer to be delivered, we got a phone call from a couple who were interested in renting our home. They came by for a second look, and told us that they did in fact want to rent our home. YEA!!! We are still waiting on some of the legalities of it all, but it looks like they will be renting from us by the end of the week.

Friday I had my last MOPS meeting, which was a really good time. I love that group of ladies and I am sad to have to leave them. After MOPS, the kids went to my friend Candance's house, where she said they both took really good naps- I wonder why??? Anyway, after MOPS, I went back to the house to clean and work on a lot of things. I ended up repainting Brianna's room, because when I went to do the touch up paint, I realized I would have had to touch up the entire room. So, it was easier to just roll it out.

Saturday, we had to get up early and get back to the house to meet the carpet cleaning guys. And, we had to make sure that the carpets were completely cleared, so we had a little work to do. After that, we tried to take it easy for the rest of the day, but back at TLF, it was a wreck, and laundry needed to be done. Oh yeah, and Nathan had to go into work for a little while. So, while it was a more relaxing day than what we had been having, it was still busy.

Sunday...ahhh...our day of rest. Kinda. We went to church, grabbed lunch on the way "home" and then put the kids down for nap. Except, Nate wouldn't nap. Nathan had already gone to sleep, which left me to deal with Nate. I got Kinley down, worked on Nate, and an hour later when Kinley woke back up, Nate still hadn't napped. So, I was so frustrated, I just told Nathan to take the big kids to church that night, and I stayed home with Kinley and just rested.

Today, Monday, I still had to get the bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room and entry way cleaned. And, I still had to finish painting the edges in Brianna's room. Too much for me. I sent Brianna and Nate to my friend Megan's house, and I called a friend who cleans houses, and she came and did most of that for me. I did the painting, and she did everything else. Worth every penny. Probably should have paid her double.

So, up to now, that's all folks. We still have a lot to do, but at least it is more paperwork type stuff instead of actual hard, physical labor.

So, I just have to say a big thank you to all of my friends who have helped me out the past week, especially those who watched my children for me. We totally couldn't have done it without you!!!

Life and Death

Life is precious. I believe that with all of my heart.

I recently had a friend lose her unborn child at about 8 weeks gestation. I mourned with her.

I recently had a friend find out that she is expecting a child. I rejoiced with her.

"I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born." Isaiah 44:2

Today, one of my dearest friends here in Alaska went in for her 20 week ultrasound. She was so excited to find out if she was having a boy or girl. Instead, they could not find a heartbeat. My heart breaks for her today. To me, she is a women who is an example of strength. I have watched her survive one year long deployment of her husband in Iraq. He is now in Afghanistan, on his way here as soon as possible now. Ginger always smiles- even today in her home during this tragedy, she smiled. Please pray for my dear friend. Pray that the Lord will continue to rain down his peace over her. Pray that things go smoothly in the hospital tonight and in the days to come. Pray that her husband makes it home as quickly as possible. Pray for her three other children, who were so looking forward to having another sibling. Pray that even when her strength is gone, God's strength will hold her up.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

One of my greatest fears has always been to lose a child. My husband is always so good to remind me that the children that we have are the Lord's, not ours, and He can take them home when He sees fit. But my flesh fights that. I am selfish and I want them with me as long as possible. I honestly don't know what I would do if I lost one of my children. Either before or after they are born. But, I know that God's grace is sufficient. God always provides the amount of grace that we need. I may not be able to fathom what Ginger is going through right now, because I haven't been there. But Jesus suffered and died for us. He felt every pain that any of us can feel. HE KNOWS. What a comfort that no matter what we go through, God is with us and feels our every pain. He will never leave us or forsake us.

I love you Ginger! Know that I am here for you, and I am praying for you.

Nath Came Home!!!

Early!!! With the military, that never happens! But, I am so thankful for the blessing of a couple of extra days for Nath to be home with us and help us pack up the house.

I made a lot of progress while he was gone, thanks to some wonderful friends from church who helped out with the kids. On Monday, my friend Lily came and watched the kids for a few hours while I worked in the garage and downstairs on some stuff. Wednesday morning, my friend Olivia watched Brianna and Nate while I packed up the entryway and coat closet. Thankfully, Kinley cooperated and slept the whole time. Wednesday evening, my friend Karen and her two girls came over, brought dinner, played with the kids, and helped my pack, repair my walls, etc. Ginger came and got Brianna and Nate Thursday morning to take them to play, and I met them later, after the plumber left the house. Nicole came over Thursday afternoon to hang out and I finished getting everything off of the walls and repairing the walls and touching up paint. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends. I am going to miss them so much. TEAR!!!

Nate had a completely different personality with his Daddy gone. I was at my wits end with him several times. And, since Daddy walked through the door, he has been almost normal again. I guess little boys really do just need their daddy.... a lot!

We still need to sell our home, or find renters. Pray that the Lord provides that in the next three weeks.

My dad has a new blog. You should all check it out. It is alertingamericans.blogspot.com. My dad has been a teacher at a christian school for my entire life, and has been a pastor for several years as well. He is putting his knowledge and passion for our American Christian Heritage into this blog, and it is really interesting. For those "CHA-ers" out there, it is a great reminder of what we learned at school, and for those who have no idea what I was just talking about, it will be a great education on the foundations of our country and our responsibilities as christians. Seriously, go there now.

I'm off to bed now...didn't get much sleep last night, but that is another whole blog.

Quick Updates

So, I don't have much time, but I thought I would update you on what has happened since I last posted...

Last week, Kinley was sick, Brianna was sick, and then I was sick. It was not fun.

We listed our home with a realtor, but the market isn't that great right now. We are considering renting our home. Pray that the Lord will give us wisdom.

The volcano continues to erupt. Kinda puts a dent in some plans.

We sold Nathan's truck...and got more money than we thought we would. Praise the Lord!!!

We shipped my vehicle to GA...so you might ask what we are driving right now. We borrowed my dear friend's vehicle, because her husband is in Afghanistan, and it was just sitting in the garage. The Lord always provides. Thanks Ginger!!!

Nathan has to leave us for a little more than a week for work. BAD timing. I really just want to scream or cry or something like that, but I won't. I will just diligently pack everything that I can, and I know that the Lord will help me through this very busy, very difficult week. And, my children may get to go play with friends a lot while I try to get everything packed this next week.

I am trying to get everything scheduled and taken care of both here and a few things in GA. Plumbing issues here, inspection there, cancel this service, plan for that...it never ends. There is a lot that goes with moving across the country. TONS of fun...let me tell you.

I won't have the computer for the next week, because Nathan needs to take it with him on his trip. So, I will have to check my email and blog at a friend's house sometime this next week. Candance??? Ginger??? Nicole??? Anyone???

Pray for me this next week. Pray that I keep a level head about all of the stuff that needs to get done. Pray that I am patient with my dear children, because it is always hard when Daddy is gone, and the added stress of moving isn't their fault. Pray that our home sells. Pray for my sanity. And, pray that Nathan has a safe trip and gets to come home when planned, on Easter Sunday.