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Leaving something or someone you love is hard to do. For 17 years we have been a Marine Corps family. My husband has been flying F-18s most of that time. It has been a great time for us. We traveled all over the U.S. and he traveled all over the globe. We have met so many great folks and stayed friends with many of them. We have parted company and reconnected many times. It just seems that we can pick up right where we left off with friends we made along the way. But now it is time to say good-bye. VMFA-142, the squadron my husband went to Iraq with, is closing its doors. Thanks for a great time, USMC. We will all miss it!
I am proud to be married to be a U.S. Marine, but never prouder than on Memorial Day. He has taught my children and me to deeply appreciate the sacrifice of those who have given everything for the freedom of others. How can we say thank you enough?
This past week we have helped a family in crisis. Although an extremely sad and difficult situation, it was wonderful to watch the Body of Christ work so beautifully to serve this precious family. Those gifted in resources gave abuntantly. Those gifted in hospitality hosted and brought food. Those gifted in mercy showed it to the fullest. Those who pray with out ceasing, prayed. The men protected and provided. The women loved and cared for up to 23 children at a time. Everyone gave time, energy, money and gifts and it was the best investment any of us could have made. It was an amazing thing to watch and be a part of. Now I know what Jesus meant when He said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." I will never be the same.
My husband and I couldn't be more different. He is like a cave dweller - I love to be outside. He is a saver - I am a spender. He is naturally neat and organized - I am naturally NOT! He feels loved when I do stuff for him - I like to receive gifts. He made fabulous grades in college - I...well, no comment. We always joke about making a commercial for "E-Harmony" as an example of what happens when two people who are completely incompatible get married. What happens? A wonderful and visible sign of God's grace! God has taken two completely opposite, sinful people and made us learn to love unselfishly. I know when my husband stops and buys me something on the way home (usually a coke!) it is really love, because giving gifts doesn't come easy to him and he doesn't like to spend money. When I go out of my way to make sure the house is picked up, his clothes are cleaned and I have planned dinner it is truly an act of love because it is not easy for me. What can I say? I love my husband! He is the best man I know. He is smart, brave, generous and fun. He is a man of integrity. He is my hero!
Maybe it was because I was the youngest of a big family, maybe I was naive or maybe it was true, but I always felt like my parents' friends were my friends, too. They always talked to me like I was a real person. I don't ever remember being asked to leave the room so they could have "grown up" conversations. I looked forward to being with "family friends" just as much, if not more, than friends my own age. I lost a friend today...her name says it all- O'Joy. She was one of my mother's dearest friends
and mine too. I will miss her easy smile, contagious laugh and the greatest southern accent I have ever heard. I love you, O'Joy!
Yesterday my children were having a post-breakfast discussion about who was the worst baby. My daughter (now 13) quickly admitted that she cried a lot and was probably the worst. I informed her that it was probably my fault since I was such a "stressed out" mother of one. Then the discussion turned to my middle boy's babyhood, which was wrought with wild antics. (Mostly because by the time he was 1.5, I had another baby!!!) The discussion went on with blessing #4 claiming that all the things his big brother had done were mistakes, to which my 13 year old quickly pointed out that opening a bottle of nail polish then painting your fingers, toes and the chair were not "mistakes". "Well, Katie" piped up #4, " Yee (Lee) had a yittle brain den!"
At "The Farm" fall 2007
It's official! She is the cutest baby in Cobb County! Recently my father-in-law entered my youngest in the "Cutest Baby in Cobb County" contest. The only problem...the votes were $.50 a piece. Needless to say she didn't win, but we all still think she's the cutest! Thanks, Papa!!!
It was one of those days...even if I hadn't gotten this picture, the memory of that day would have been etched in my mind forever. My parents, now in their 70's, have upsized to a 300+ acre "farm". The only animals are the wild ones. (except for a couple of dogs) There are no crops to be tended. (Except for the hundreds of flowers, shrubs and trees they have planted.) There are just lots of fun times with two people who love to welcome their 5 children and 20 grandchildren!
(Maybe just not all at once!)
Easter weekend at "The Farm" 2008.
I was talking to my "bosom friend" one day telling her how I was feeling irritable. "Every little thing is getting on my nerves and I feel like I am going to "snap" at my children." I told her. She wisely encouraged me to look around me and begin thanking God for everything I could think of. I wasn't sure this would work, but I tried it anyway. She was right! Pretty soon I was seeing my children as a blessing again and my ungrateful heart changed! "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 I always thought that was a interesting saying, but had no idea I had a choice in the matter.
Now I know! When I choose to obey God and be thankful, my dried up bones jump up and begin to dance about inside me. "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19b-20
Are you feeling a little irritable today? Take a little "Thankfulness Tonic". It will do you good!
This is one of my 6 blessings. She is darling to look at, but sometimes, well a lot of times, she only cute to look at! Her Gran gave her the shirt she is wearing (it says "sweet" on it) as a "subtle reminder" to her father and I that she is sweet. Gran thinks we are too hard on her. I am afraid Gran has been put under the "spell" of this little blessing. As you can see, she is a little fairy and has that ability. As her sister says, "Gran only thinks she is perfect because she doesn't have to be around her all day!" Don't look too long...you may be the next to fall under her spell!
