After Brady was born, he was jaundiced like many babies. My mom and I took him home to Eric's and my apartment. We enjoyed every peaceful moment with him while we held him near the window in the sunshine. The whole process of becoming a mother for the first time was incredibly amazing to me. But I particularly remember looking down at him and seeing the sunshine highlight the teeny tiny vessels and veins in his ears. It was at that moment that I truly realized that something else was in contol of this world and my baby didn't just happen but was created by God.
Most of you know that I have had trial after trial during the last few months. We are unfortunately not unfamiliar with trials in our lives. Everyone goes through trials. But it just seems that everything that could possibly go wrong while Eric is serving has gone wrong. I have had more car issues that I can remember in 25 years of marriage. In fact, I can talk a pretty good car lingo now which is something I never aspired to do. I would have never imagined that I would have a fire in my house during deployment or that my furnace would break down not once, but twice. If you remember, I only received the "how to change the furnace filter instructions" pre-deployment.
The one thing I thought I would never have to think twice about was my new Ford Edge that Eric bought for me before he left for just that reason....no stess, no thought..just a nice car to drive while he was gone. But amazingly enough I have learned that even those earthly things you think you can trust are still just that; earthly things. My car has now been in the shop for the third time since the accident. I can't tell you how shocked I was as they towed my car away on Monday evening. But as I watched with sadness, I started to think of how perfect God's timing was in all of it. I had just gone through my planner and decided to keep all of my phone numbers to my insurance agent, Noble Ford, and Enterprise. I had also taken my planner with me to run my errands which is something I don't normally do. I dropped Ayden at the gym and proceeded to Breedings to get a quart of paint mixed and that is where I decided to idle while I talked to my sister. Had I not sat and idled my car wouldn't have had the chance to heat up and explode like it did. I quickly shut off my car, reached for my planner, and called Noble Ford who was still open for one hour. They sent out a tow truck and my car was gone by 6pm. If I had decided to exercise first, Noble Ford and Breedings both would have been closed. And I still would have been unaware and would have taken off on our trip Friday with a car that had no fans to cool the engine. I can't put everything to coincidence. I was not in charge of my timing, God was.
There are things that happen that forever change your heart. I can't imagine how the people of Japan feel. What I have experienced is miniscule compared to what they are going through. So while it has been difficult and I've shed some quiet tears as I've climbed into bed at night, I continue to realize my one constant in my life: my faith in God and in my Savior Jesus Christ. Nothing changes for me in this aspect ever on a daily basis and I always know He is the only constant for me even in light of the disaster in Japan. Whether big disasters or life's daily trials, if life didn't have them would we look to God for any reason?
Psalm 20:8 Some rely on chariots, others on horses, but we on the name of the Lord our God.
Love,
Monica
Prayer requests:
1)Please pray for my car to be fixed and for travel safety this weekend.
2)Pray for peace of mind for Eric and Brady as they try and finish these last few months.
3)Pray for Eric's fellow soldier who was evacuated with suspected Malaria. All of the soldiers overseas take medication daily to prevent them from contracting the disease. Pray for protection for all of them.
4)Please pray for protection for our family from any further trials at this time.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
How to Renew Your Driver's License
This deployment has been riddled with how-to lessons for me. I have learned how to remove a large limb from a large tree and I have learned how to act quickly and put out a fire. I even have learned more big words about car repairs than I ever want to know. But over the last two days I learned how to renew your driver's license the long way.
We were all very sad to see more snow after having everything melt away. But despite the weather, Ayden still had his pops concert Thursday night. So we headed to the school, parked my car on the street like usual, and joined all the others jr. high families for an hour of never-to-be-forgotten entertainment.
Except I didn't get to see much of the concert. I was tapped on the shoulder from behind and told my car had been hit and the cops were outside. I actually went out in a very calm manner...because at this point how else was I to be? A car had slid, another car swerved and hit the parked car in front of me and that parked car hit the front end of my car. Okay. Stupid snow. Cops did their job and information was taken and police report was given.
I called my insurance company promptly in the morning. I told them it appeared to just be front bumper damage because that's what I was told and all parties involved were reported and documented. I went to work an hour later and received calls from Enterprise and the Ford dealership on my way. And right after my shift, I headed out to get the estimate in the next town.
Upon inspection, the collision guy noticed almost immediately I had a transmission fluid leak. It was red fluid. So he took it into the shop where they pronounced it non-driveable! The transmission cooler thing-a-ma-whatsahoochey (that's one of the big words I've learned) was cracked from the hit. Apparently, in my Edge there are a lot of things down low there in the front that are easily damaged in a collision. I tried very hard to keep my composure. But after everything that has happened this year, I did get a little choked up. But I recovered and while we waited for the Enterprise guy, I chatted with the collsion guy and receptionist about the deployment, etc. I also mentioned it would be really nice if my rental car was a Ford Mustang!
Will arrived. We're on a first name basis now. He's the Enterprise guy. He took my license. I asked him what he brought me. He said, "An HHR". What is that? He took my military ID. And then he said, "Well, I can't rent you this car because you are not a full-time military member and your driver's license is expired". What? *!x*? Not only was it expired, it was almost a year expired! I would possibly have to take the test! The other three of us in the office were silent. It's 3 o'clock on a Friday afternoon. I have to work at five. I am 25 miles from my home with no vehicle and no valid driver's license. You just can't make this stuff up.
Collision guy suggested a trip to the driver's license station considering we were in the county seat and he called to make sure they were open. They were until 4:30pm. So Will, just like the Enterprise commercials we see on TV, took me to the Driver's License station. We chatted a bit on the way. We arrived quickly and there was no line. I said I needed to get my license renewed. She looked at my old one. She said, "You made it just in time..you were close". I said, "What does that mean?" She said, "You don't have to take the test." And I cheered and said to Will, "I don't have to take the test"! Woohoo! And then Will said, "Do you mind if I get mine renewed, too"? And I said, "Nope. Go right ahead. This is making for a great story and you are going in my blog"! So Will and I made a memory...I don't think I'll ever forget this how-to lesson in driver's license renewal.
BTW..they don't let you smile..I looked pissed on my new picture. Funny since I was actually laughing. And an HHR is a Chevy flexfuel vehicle and I am not impressed and really miss my Edge. Her name is Genesis and I'm sure she is really lonely. HHR doesn't talk to me either like Genesis. We'll see you soon Sis...and it will be another new beginning for her and us...which is how she got her name in the first place.
God Bless,
Monica
Prayer Request
1) Pray for Eric to continue to adjust after an arduous 10-day trip half-way around the world.
2) Praise and thanks for time well-spent with Brady for spending his birthday with him. He hasn't been around on his birthday for many years so we'll spoil him for the day today.
3) Praise for one more testing of my wisdom and knowledge. But maybe we should pray for things to stop before my head explodes with too much wisdom and knowledge. Not sure how much more I can take.
4) Praise and thanks for time never stopping and melting snow..two things we continually look forward to as they work together..God is good and spring is on the way.
5) Pray they find everything wrong with my car and fix it in a timely fashion.
6) Praise for Will the Enterprise guy and the Noble Ford people who were such helpful strangers in a very stressful moments!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
We were all very sad to see more snow after having everything melt away. But despite the weather, Ayden still had his pops concert Thursday night. So we headed to the school, parked my car on the street like usual, and joined all the others jr. high families for an hour of never-to-be-forgotten entertainment.
Except I didn't get to see much of the concert. I was tapped on the shoulder from behind and told my car had been hit and the cops were outside. I actually went out in a very calm manner...because at this point how else was I to be? A car had slid, another car swerved and hit the parked car in front of me and that parked car hit the front end of my car. Okay. Stupid snow. Cops did their job and information was taken and police report was given.
I called my insurance company promptly in the morning. I told them it appeared to just be front bumper damage because that's what I was told and all parties involved were reported and documented. I went to work an hour later and received calls from Enterprise and the Ford dealership on my way. And right after my shift, I headed out to get the estimate in the next town.
Upon inspection, the collision guy noticed almost immediately I had a transmission fluid leak. It was red fluid. So he took it into the shop where they pronounced it non-driveable! The transmission cooler thing-a-ma-whatsahoochey (that's one of the big words I've learned) was cracked from the hit. Apparently, in my Edge there are a lot of things down low there in the front that are easily damaged in a collision. I tried very hard to keep my composure. But after everything that has happened this year, I did get a little choked up. But I recovered and while we waited for the Enterprise guy, I chatted with the collsion guy and receptionist about the deployment, etc. I also mentioned it would be really nice if my rental car was a Ford Mustang!
Will arrived. We're on a first name basis now. He's the Enterprise guy. He took my license. I asked him what he brought me. He said, "An HHR". What is that? He took my military ID. And then he said, "Well, I can't rent you this car because you are not a full-time military member and your driver's license is expired". What? *!x*? Not only was it expired, it was almost a year expired! I would possibly have to take the test! The other three of us in the office were silent. It's 3 o'clock on a Friday afternoon. I have to work at five. I am 25 miles from my home with no vehicle and no valid driver's license. You just can't make this stuff up.
Collision guy suggested a trip to the driver's license station considering we were in the county seat and he called to make sure they were open. They were until 4:30pm. So Will, just like the Enterprise commercials we see on TV, took me to the Driver's License station. We chatted a bit on the way. We arrived quickly and there was no line. I said I needed to get my license renewed. She looked at my old one. She said, "You made it just in time..you were close". I said, "What does that mean?" She said, "You don't have to take the test." And I cheered and said to Will, "I don't have to take the test"! Woohoo! And then Will said, "Do you mind if I get mine renewed, too"? And I said, "Nope. Go right ahead. This is making for a great story and you are going in my blog"! So Will and I made a memory...I don't think I'll ever forget this how-to lesson in driver's license renewal.
BTW..they don't let you smile..I looked pissed on my new picture. Funny since I was actually laughing. And an HHR is a Chevy flexfuel vehicle and I am not impressed and really miss my Edge. Her name is Genesis and I'm sure she is really lonely. HHR doesn't talk to me either like Genesis. We'll see you soon Sis...and it will be another new beginning for her and us...which is how she got her name in the first place.
God Bless,
Monica
Prayer Request
1) Pray for Eric to continue to adjust after an arduous 10-day trip half-way around the world.
2) Praise and thanks for time well-spent with Brady for spending his birthday with him. He hasn't been around on his birthday for many years so we'll spoil him for the day today.
3) Praise for one more testing of my wisdom and knowledge. But maybe we should pray for things to stop before my head explodes with too much wisdom and knowledge. Not sure how much more I can take.
4) Praise and thanks for time never stopping and melting snow..two things we continually look forward to as they work together..God is good and spring is on the way.
5) Pray they find everything wrong with my car and fix it in a timely fashion.
6) Praise for Will the Enterprise guy and the Noble Ford people who were such helpful strangers in a very stressful moments!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Payback can be fun
I haven't written for quite awhile. Not because I haven't had anything to write about..I think I've probably had too much to write about and I just couldn't choose. I have also been very busy with visitors. :) And the kitchen clean up really took some time. I had been working on this entry about my boys as a little payback..but I'm probably just fueling the fire as I'm sure I'll leave my facebook logged on yet again.
My sweet boys... I can't believe time has passed so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was taking a ball of boys everywhere. Well, it just seemed like that because with five of them all together they were just really busy...they were good boys..just busy all the time no matter where we went. And they couldn't really leave each other alone which is why I felt like I was toting along a ball of boys. But this picture is for them since they can't seem to leave my facebook status alone. And, yes, I dressed them alike as often as I could and THEY LOVED IT!!
This one isn't payback but I had to include it.. it's one of my favorite pictures I took one afternoon on a whim. It was summer time. I love their dirty little feet and hands in contrast to Ayden's sweet baby feet and hands. And I love how they have Eric's feet and my pinky fingers. This was back when I could still sort their socks and knew whose was whose. Socks remain my nemesis in this house. However, we no longer have a sock basket to dig through.
And then there are times when I just need back up in this house with all of the male-ness and military stuff going on around me... that's when a snowwoman comes in handy...and yet another great way to payback the boys for all of their shenanigans and fun they have with me. I'm sure someday, when they have their own children, I will hear them telling about how grandma used to embarrass them when they were teens by building a snowwoman complete with boobs and a booty in the yard. Just for the record, I have only built one snowwoman ever in their lifetime. Because I'm sure they will embellish and grow the story.
We received quite a surprise on Sunday when we were able to pick Brady up for his leave and all be together for a couple of hours. We used the self-timer on Eric's camera to get this picture of us all. I wish I could post all the pictures of the progression to get just this one good one!
And while just a couple days ago we were all together, Eric and I said good-bye yet again this morning. I am really thankful God timed their visits so they could tag-team. It
made Eric's leaving a little easier..not much..but a little.
Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers. It really blesses our family to know we are supported by so many! More to come soon!
Love,
Monica
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
And then there are times when I just need back up in this house with all of the male-ness and military stuff going on around me... that's when a snowwoman comes in handy...and yet another great way to payback the boys for all of their shenanigans and fun they have with me. I'm sure someday, when they have their own children, I will hear them telling about how grandma used to embarrass them when they were teens by building a snowwoman complete with boobs and a booty in the yard. Just for the record, I have only built one snowwoman ever in their lifetime. Because I'm sure they will embellish and grow the story.
We received quite a surprise on Sunday when we were able to pick Brady up for his leave and all be together for a couple of hours. We used the self-timer on Eric's camera to get this picture of us all. I wish I could post all the pictures of the progression to get just this one good one!
And while just a couple days ago we were all together, Eric and I said good-bye yet again this morning. I am really thankful God timed their visits so they could tag-team. It
made Eric's leaving a little easier..not much..but a little.
Love,
Monica
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Angels and baking soda
I am finally to the point this evening where I am able to write about last night. I debated writing about it at all but I decided it could be a huge reminder and learning moment for all of my family and friends.
Eric has always told me I have a very intense gut instinct. We haven't always followed it but we have learned to follow it. For the last couple of months I have been having fire moments. I don't know what else to call them. Ayden and I worked with his window and fire escape ladder a couple of months ago. I had checked smoke alarms in September. Ayden has been busy watching Mythbusters which prompted me to place a very large opened box of baking soda under the sink. And I've been having funny candle moments where I just decided to blow them out in the house, including the one we have kept lit for Eric and Brady in a very safe location. Christmas morning Ayden had lit a candle for mood lighting, I guess, and Logan had set something too close which really frightened me. But still all was well.
Brenden and Sarah came for Christmas day and stayed over to Sunday. After they left in the late afternoon we all relaxed and I fell promptly asleep. Logan went to work and Laramy went to a white elephant party. I woke up and watched a movie. When Logan came home around 10:15, he was hungry so he lit the oven for bacon. And at 10:30ish Ayden headed to bed but a short time later came down for a drink and stopped in my room. He asked me if I smelled 'that'. And within just a minute he was yelling fire. I ran downstairs to the kitchen to find Logan with the fire extinguisher and flames shooting out of the stove to the ceiling and thick choking smoke filling the room. I can only tell you that what happened in the next few seconds was guided by God.
I flew around the island and grabbed the box of baking soda from the already open cupboard and proceeded to fling it with apparent perfect aim at the fire. It dropped down immediately and I aimed twice more and then blew with all my might at the remaining small fire. Laramy and Ayden had gathered the dogs and were on the deck and Logan shot it with one last shot with the fire extinguisher. I grabbed my land line and called 911. We had gotten the fire out but the house was full of toxic smoke. And within a few minutes three of our local firemen were standing in my kitchen and taking charge. I had also called Melody out of complete fear and panic and she came running over too.
We are fine. No one was injured. I only lost my range. The front melted right in front of my eyes. There was no structural damage to the kitchen just a lot of soot clean up to do. Had I not had the baking soda or my land line things would have been completely different.
So here are some things to think about. Everyone is getting rid of their land lines and I have considered it. But when I took off running I left my cell on my bed. If I hadn't had the soda and no land line, I would have had no way to call. And as fast as it went up and if I had to run to my neighbors or back upstairs I would have lost the kitchen if not more.
Many of you keep soda by your stove. If my soda would have been there, I wouldn't have been able to get to it. And this was a grease fire. By the grace of God, the firemen said I couldn't have done a more perfect job...I did not plan for this in anyway..it all just happened this way. God has perfect timing and, apparently, aim.
So I ask all of you to please check your fire extinguisher location. Go out and buy one or two boxes of large baking soda for under the sink or at least away from your stove. Double check your smoke detectors. The one I have by the kitchen did not go off and should have. It had a new battery. It just didn't work anymore. Your test button tests the battery function..not the function of your smoke detector. If you teach your children to cook, teach them how to put out a fire. I was very proud of Logan getting the fire extinguisher to work. Then sit down with your family and make sure they know a plan and where the extinguisher and soda are located. Reconsider a land line. When I called, she knew my location.
I am so thankful for God's protection and his angels around me and the boys. He guided Ayden to the kitchen at just the right moment. I am also so thankful to the firemen who arrived, checked us all out, and cleared out our house of smoke. And also to my two neighbors who have been helping me out so much, Rich and Myron, by unhooking my burned up stove and replacing my smoke detector. They have been so helpful and kind to our family in many ways since Eric left.
Psalm 91:11 For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
God Bless,
Love,
Monica
1)Praise for our safety and no real damage.
2)Praise and thanks for homeowners insurance even with a deductible.
3)Pray I find the right stove in my price range.
4)Praise for Eric and Brady's Christmas time together and safe travels for Eric.
Eric has always told me I have a very intense gut instinct. We haven't always followed it but we have learned to follow it. For the last couple of months I have been having fire moments. I don't know what else to call them. Ayden and I worked with his window and fire escape ladder a couple of months ago. I had checked smoke alarms in September. Ayden has been busy watching Mythbusters which prompted me to place a very large opened box of baking soda under the sink. And I've been having funny candle moments where I just decided to blow them out in the house, including the one we have kept lit for Eric and Brady in a very safe location. Christmas morning Ayden had lit a candle for mood lighting, I guess, and Logan had set something too close which really frightened me. But still all was well.
Brenden and Sarah came for Christmas day and stayed over to Sunday. After they left in the late afternoon we all relaxed and I fell promptly asleep. Logan went to work and Laramy went to a white elephant party. I woke up and watched a movie. When Logan came home around 10:15, he was hungry so he lit the oven for bacon. And at 10:30ish Ayden headed to bed but a short time later came down for a drink and stopped in my room. He asked me if I smelled 'that'. And within just a minute he was yelling fire. I ran downstairs to the kitchen to find Logan with the fire extinguisher and flames shooting out of the stove to the ceiling and thick choking smoke filling the room. I can only tell you that what happened in the next few seconds was guided by God.
I flew around the island and grabbed the box of baking soda from the already open cupboard and proceeded to fling it with apparent perfect aim at the fire. It dropped down immediately and I aimed twice more and then blew with all my might at the remaining small fire. Laramy and Ayden had gathered the dogs and were on the deck and Logan shot it with one last shot with the fire extinguisher. I grabbed my land line and called 911. We had gotten the fire out but the house was full of toxic smoke. And within a few minutes three of our local firemen were standing in my kitchen and taking charge. I had also called Melody out of complete fear and panic and she came running over too.
We are fine. No one was injured. I only lost my range. The front melted right in front of my eyes. There was no structural damage to the kitchen just a lot of soot clean up to do. Had I not had the baking soda or my land line things would have been completely different.
So here are some things to think about. Everyone is getting rid of their land lines and I have considered it. But when I took off running I left my cell on my bed. If I hadn't had the soda and no land line, I would have had no way to call. And as fast as it went up and if I had to run to my neighbors or back upstairs I would have lost the kitchen if not more.
Many of you keep soda by your stove. If my soda would have been there, I wouldn't have been able to get to it. And this was a grease fire. By the grace of God, the firemen said I couldn't have done a more perfect job...I did not plan for this in anyway..it all just happened this way. God has perfect timing and, apparently, aim.
So I ask all of you to please check your fire extinguisher location. Go out and buy one or two boxes of large baking soda for under the sink or at least away from your stove. Double check your smoke detectors. The one I have by the kitchen did not go off and should have. It had a new battery. It just didn't work anymore. Your test button tests the battery function..not the function of your smoke detector. If you teach your children to cook, teach them how to put out a fire. I was very proud of Logan getting the fire extinguisher to work. Then sit down with your family and make sure they know a plan and where the extinguisher and soda are located. Reconsider a land line. When I called, she knew my location.
I am so thankful for God's protection and his angels around me and the boys. He guided Ayden to the kitchen at just the right moment. I am also so thankful to the firemen who arrived, checked us all out, and cleared out our house of smoke. And also to my two neighbors who have been helping me out so much, Rich and Myron, by unhooking my burned up stove and replacing my smoke detector. They have been so helpful and kind to our family in many ways since Eric left.
Psalm 91:11 For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
God Bless,
Love,
Monica
1)Praise for our safety and no real damage.
2)Praise and thanks for homeowners insurance even with a deductible.
3)Pray I find the right stove in my price range.
4)Praise for Eric and Brady's Christmas time together and safe travels for Eric.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
One of those movie moments
I went Christmas shopping today. I had one of those moments that I thought only happened in the movies..yes, I'm still chuckling about it. Actually, just trying to type this, I am laughing out loud. Unfortunately, I was by myself. I dropped Ayden off at Toys R Us and went to JoAnn's fabrics. I found what I wanted and headed towards the back of the store to the cutting table. No one was there. In fact, no customers were even around. I plopped my fabric down and walked around and looked. I spied a public bathroom and decided I should use it. I came back to the cutting table and alas! there was a worker there. So I said, "I need some fleece cut". And she looked at me and said, "Do you have a number"? I thought she was joking. She was not. I said, "No, but I think I can get one". So I reached over and pulled a number and handed it to her and glanced around. Okay..I need to remind you all right now... THERE IS NO ONE AROUND EXCEPT FOR THE TWO OF US!! She took the number and moved around a little bit and then she picked up the store intercom and said, "Now serving customer number 42". And right then and there I was incredibly happy I used the potty or we would all be laughing about more than just this silly incident. I intended to look around a little bit more but that just did me in...so I headed to the checkout. And while I was standing in line, because apparently there were two other customers in the store, I realized the lady in front of me was staring at me. And then she said, "You have some fleece there?" Yep...yep I do. ?*!*x+?* I couldn't wipe the huge grin off my face. Considering how my 15 minutes had gone in the store I stood there thinking the poor checkout guy had been there all day and my grin was probably nothing in the scheme of all he had seen.
That's all I've got..nothing inspirational and nothing to report..just a good laugh as we gear up for these next two holidays.
God Bless and thanks so much for your continued prayers,
Love,
Monica
That's all I've got..nothing inspirational and nothing to report..just a good laugh as we gear up for these next two holidays.
God Bless and thanks so much for your continued prayers,
Love,
Monica
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Hugs and Kisses or Kisses and Hugs?
Where did November go? I'm not sure. But I know I spent two weeks of it sick. In fact, I am still not 100%. I have not been this sick for this long for a very long, long time. I am incredibly thankful for time to rest and recover, kids taking care of me ( although I did have a commerical mom moment where I emerged from my bed in horror at the shape of the house), and antibiotics.
While sick, I did manage to instant message with Eric quite a bit. He kept checking in on me. And I seemed to receive lots of extra kisses and hugs or x's and o's as we know them through cyberspace....or are they o's and x's?
I'm not sure how the conversation started but it was asked, "Are the x's kisses and o's hugs or the other way around?" I hadn't really given it much thought. But I stated that I thought the x's were hugs because they were arms crossing and the o's were kisses because they are shaped like a kissing mouth. And Eric replied, "No, the x's are kisses..two people kissing in profile, and the o's are endless arms wrapped around each other." Yes, sometimes it's too hard to discuss deep subjects so we spend a lot of our time chatting about simple matters.
And so the chuckles continued over the next few days as we signed off xoxoxoxox or oxoxoxoxo. And then on the way to church I posed the question to Logan, Laramy, and Ayden; "So what do the x's and o's stand for"? Ayden quickly responded that he thought the x's were hugs and Logan and Laramy thought the x's were kisses and the o's hugs. But I think we have all determined that we don't care..we just like lots of both preferably in person and not through instant messaging.
I have decided this year has been quite a gift so far. Eric and I have had time for all of these silly little discussions but also lots of big discussions and even goal-setting at times. We will most certainly have to learn how to communicate in person again. But I am looking forward to it.
While sick, I did manage to instant message with Eric quite a bit. He kept checking in on me. And I seemed to receive lots of extra kisses and hugs or x's and o's as we know them through cyberspace....or are they o's and x's?
I'm not sure how the conversation started but it was asked, "Are the x's kisses and o's hugs or the other way around?" I hadn't really given it much thought. But I stated that I thought the x's were hugs because they were arms crossing and the o's were kisses because they are shaped like a kissing mouth. And Eric replied, "No, the x's are kisses..two people kissing in profile, and the o's are endless arms wrapped around each other." Yes, sometimes it's too hard to discuss deep subjects so we spend a lot of our time chatting about simple matters.
And so the chuckles continued over the next few days as we signed off xoxoxoxox or oxoxoxoxo. And then on the way to church I posed the question to Logan, Laramy, and Ayden; "So what do the x's and o's stand for"? Ayden quickly responded that he thought the x's were hugs and Logan and Laramy thought the x's were kisses and the o's hugs. But I think we have all determined that we don't care..we just like lots of both preferably in person and not through instant messaging.
I have decided this year has been quite a gift so far. Eric and I have had time for all of these silly little discussions but also lots of big discussions and even goal-setting at times. We will most certainly have to learn how to communicate in person again. But I am looking forward to it.
Thank you everyone for sending colored pencils.
Luke 1:68-73 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people. He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant, even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that, rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
Prayer Requests:
1) Continued healing for myself and protection for the guys, too, from illness..here and abroad.
2) Praise for continued safety for Eric and Brady.
3) Praise for exciting holiday news for Eric and Brady
4)Please pray for continued peace and no anxiety for all of us as we journey through the winter.
5) Praise for still no snow!! Woohoo!! Please continue to pray for manageable snow in Winterset for us this winter...possibly all of Iowa for those who desire it.
God Bless,
Love,
Monica
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Persevere and trust
The weather has finally turned cold. Not too cold. But cold enough to remind me that the one season, the holiday season, I have not been looking forward to is upon us. When I found out last year the guys would be leaving, my mind quickly went to wondering how we would survive the holidays without them. Eric and I spent Thanksgiving apart in 1987 when he was stationed in Georgia for AIT. Other than that we have been fortunate enough to have spent every Christmas together for 25 years. Many people take that for granted. But being a military family, I know we are very fortunate to have never faced this before. There are military families who have endured multiple holiday separations.
I have been wondering if we should do something different or follow through with our same traditions. And knowing, too, that it will be even more difficult for them without any family while we still all have each other. Eric did tell me he received a small Christmas tree and a Santa hat in a care package...(we'll expect to see you in that hat when we skype on Christmas day!).
After Tuesday evening, I realized we would simply trust and persevere through this as well. Ayden and I were fortunate enough to hear Father John Riccardo speak in person Tuesday night. He is one of my favorite radio station talk shows. In fact, one of his messages completely changed my views as a wife and ultimately changed my life. His message this time was simple: trust. It is a message I hear over and over again. Why are we sometimes so slow to internalize what we know? I can trust in our heavenly Father and Jesus his son to carry us through anything we have to endure here on this earth because my salvation rests in them. This is my peace as I am guided by the Holy Spirit to understand, know, accept and be exactly where I am supposed to be each moment of my life.
Trust is leaning on something so completely that if it was taken away we would fall over. We lean on people, jobs, cars, or our health. And all of those things fail us at one point in our lives or another.
I don't ever have to worry about my God and my Savior being taken away and this is where I will continue to place my trust. This is my peace for this holiday season.
So we continue. We will have Thanksgiving dinner and head straight into Christmas without stopping. And January will come and we will be 6 months in for Eric and 5 months in for Brady!
Thank you for your continued prayers for Eric, Brady, and our family!
God Bless!
Love,
Monica
If you would like to hear Father John Riccardo, check out programming on KWKY.com and listen through live streaming or check out the You Tube link below for a sample.
Father John Riccardo
I have been wondering if we should do something different or follow through with our same traditions. And knowing, too, that it will be even more difficult for them without any family while we still all have each other. Eric did tell me he received a small Christmas tree and a Santa hat in a care package...(we'll expect to see you in that hat when we skype on Christmas day!).
After Tuesday evening, I realized we would simply trust and persevere through this as well. Ayden and I were fortunate enough to hear Father John Riccardo speak in person Tuesday night. He is one of my favorite radio station talk shows. In fact, one of his messages completely changed my views as a wife and ultimately changed my life. His message this time was simple: trust. It is a message I hear over and over again. Why are we sometimes so slow to internalize what we know? I can trust in our heavenly Father and Jesus his son to carry us through anything we have to endure here on this earth because my salvation rests in them. This is my peace as I am guided by the Holy Spirit to understand, know, accept and be exactly where I am supposed to be each moment of my life.
Trust is leaning on something so completely that if it was taken away we would fall over. We lean on people, jobs, cars, or our health. And all of those things fail us at one point in our lives or another.
I don't ever have to worry about my God and my Savior being taken away and this is where I will continue to place my trust. This is my peace for this holiday season.
So we continue. We will have Thanksgiving dinner and head straight into Christmas without stopping. And January will come and we will be 6 months in for Eric and 5 months in for Brady!
Thank you for your continued prayers for Eric, Brady, and our family!
God Bless!
Love,
Monica
If you would like to hear Father John Riccardo, check out programming on KWKY.com and listen through live streaming or check out the You Tube link below for a sample.
Father John Riccardo
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