Insight to David's World

When we were in David's room on our trip to see him a week or so ago, he pulled out his gear and helped his Dad put it on. This is not quite everything but when David is fully dressed in his uniform and has all his gear on including his gun, he is carrying around an extra 120 pounds! Now that is one tough young man in my opinion!
Sometimes seeing this stuff makes me nervous about what he is soon getting ready to do but I would rather know what I do than to not know anything at all. I am sure there is a whole lot of things that I will never know and that is probably a good thing. I have several other pictures I could post but since I am in them, I think I will keep them under lock and key!! In the meantime, you can pray for his protection and my sanity!!

Blog Bumps

So....the other day I was messing around on my blog and I think I clicked some buttons which caused people to be unable to comment. You see, I am not the most computer literate person on the planet so these bumps that hit are all self-inflicted. Anyway, it should be fun as we continue to learn about blogging and what to click and what NOT to click. In the meantime, if you wanted to leave a comment and were unable to, I think you should be able to now! Only time will tell!!

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Sometimes the lessons we need to learn in life aren't easy but once again I am reminded that God is faithful to teach me EXACTLY what I need to know. I am being taught some things by our loving Lord that while at the moment is painful - I must say that I am looking forward to the end result. More and more I realize that I MUST spend more time reading HIS word and spend time communicating with HIM as HE wants me to.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

I am SO VERY THANKFUL for HIS faithfulness to me.

Our Weekend With David

Well, let me see - where do I start? This could be one of those interesting blogs where some of it won't make sense 'cause you weren't there so.....we'll see how the comments turn out!!
Last Thursday Dave came and picked me up at work at 5 and we headed off for Camp Lejeune, NC. The whole office was VERY thrilled to see me go since I had pretty much driven them crazy the whole day!! We managed to get about 60 miles into Georgia before stopping to spend the night! The Navigator (namely me) made a HUGE mistake suggesting to the Driver (namely Dave) that we take an alternate route which turned into a disaster. Needless to say - just because David got off work early to where we could have picked him up by 3.....we arrived at the base at about 6. That was a major GRRRRRRR moment! In order to get on base, you have to get a temporary pass which means you have to stand in line with your drivers license, registration, car insurance and the name of your Sponsor (PFC Fulton, David - in our case). The line at this point was a good 50 people long so Dave stood in line and David had a friend bring him out to the Arby's about a mile from the main gate. We got our pass and went to Arby's to pick up the "already inhaling supper" Marine.
That evening we pretty much just spent chilling out in the hotel. Since David had been out in the field that week, he was very tired so slept in quite a while Saturday. We went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast and then to Wal-Mart for some stuff he needed. He was mainly only worried about getting back to the hotel to finish off the cookies someone here baked for him!! We went to the base on Sunday and he showed us his room and took us on a tour of the base to see where he works and where he runs. He showed us the "tank" he would be riding on in the "sandbox" and tried to explain his job there. That went so far over my head it wasn't even funny!! We ended up leaving him there around 12:30 and Dave took me to the airport in Jacksonville, NC to fly back home and he went on to Ohio for a camp.
The weekend was so nice to just spend with David. (He reads my blog so check back for his comments when he reads this!!) I must admit to struggling some when he talked about his life insurance policy and where he wants to be buried should something happen. I can imagine having this conversation with my mom but my son? no way!!!! He is his usual chipper, upbeat self and it was so fun to wrestle around and pick on him. I sure wish he was little so I could just hold him down like I used to!! He inhaled the chocolate chip cookies like they were gold! One of the things that I noticed was how grown up and mature he seems but the thing that hasn't changed a bit is his appetite!! That boy can eat let me tell you!! He really works it off though!!
So...my son is a tall, strong, well-mannered, disciplined, handsome Marine. He's headed off to parts unknown in September and that is something I am trying to not dwell on. I miss him and it's tough knowing what he has to face! He is doing well in his walk with God but we have no concept of the struggles he faces on a daily basis. I am very thankful that God is faithful and walks with David each day. So this blog should probably come to an end but I wanted to tell you that I had a fantabulous weekend with my son and hubby and wouldn't trade it for the world!! Sorry about no pictures but since my digital camera is in Alaska and I didn't have room to bring back the disposable ones - the pictures will be posted later!!

A Belated Fathers Day Blog

Fathers Day. So much to say and so little space!! My father is in heaven and was an absolute WONDERFUL man!! I wouldn't trade him for anything!! My father-in-law is a spiritual giant although a quiet one!!
BUT.....the man who means the most is my husband!! He just proves himself to be a wonderful Father over and over and over. I have tried to think about how I could put this into words but I am really having a hard time.
If you asked my kids what the think of first when they think of their Dad - they would say that he is a wonderful Christian example to them. He has always tried his hardest to put the spiritual life of his children as his number one priority and they know it!! Ever since they were little, he found all sorts of ways to teach them about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. There were times when something so simple as reading the Christmas story turned into a huge discussion of answering questions! There is no doubt in my mind or theirs that Dave is the example that God intended for a Father to be!!
Then they would tell you that the next best thing about their dad is that he makes them laugh and laughing is something we do on a frequent basis. I could tell you story after story about the unbelievable things that have happened that have had us in complete stitches but they wouldn't make sense to you. They crack up when he tries to rap - it is the funniest thing!!! Laughter - what has probably gotten us through some of the toughest times in our lives!!
Dave has always taught them to work hard, to use their talents for God, to do the right thing no matter what others did, to be respectful and well-mannered. To me, if my kids turn out to be productive, successful adults who love the Lord with all their hearts - it will be because of their Dad.
Dave is so helpful to me and is my very best friend in the whole world! I respect him highly for living a life that is in alignment with God even when others around him think otherwise! Dave is not one to be swayed by popular opinion but rather is only swayed by God's leadership and guidance!! So.... happy Father's Day to my wonderful husband!!!!!! He is truly the BEST!!!!!

Weekend Recovery

Where in the world do I begin this saga?!?! I woke up Saturday morning to a quiet house - albeit a somewhat messy one! Dave and I went out for breakfast which was sooooo cool! We got back to the house around 9 and he started outside and I started inside. Let me tell you, I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned my house! I got us caught up on laundry and was so excited that around 4, I plopped down on the loveseat ALL FINISHED!
Then about 5 minutes later, NO MORE, 5 minutes later, the front door opened and my house exploded!!!! Here they came, one by one, suitcase thrown in somewhere to land wherever - sleeping bags dropped, and four sweaty, dirty bodies followed in and collapsed in various spots around the living room. I promptly got up and lit every candle in the living room, the dining room and kitchen!!! I kid you not - we ran them through the showers and then the talking commenced!! After a few short minutes, Dave decided that the sleeping bags all needed to be washed and he headed off to the Laundromat!! (Chicken!!!)
It was unbelievable!!! Finally, one headed off to meet her team and the other three headed to the mall for some last minute shopping and I - I proceeded to practically empty a 200 oz bottle of Tide!!! My poor dryer thought that it had died and missed heaven!!! Finally - all the little chickees were in bed - well.....that was at about midnight!! We started getting them all up for church around 8...they had their own TLC service happening in the cafeteria starting at 10:30. While it might not seem very religious, I stayed home and continued working on the laundry so that suitcases could all be packed.
They had to be in the church for practice for the service at 4:30. Packing was......how can I say this? Interesting?? Chaotic?? Unreal?? Anyway, you get the picture. I was helping them pack and my dear husband was ironing Sunday night dress clothes! I KNEW there was a good reason somewhere for all those trips he takes on his own!! The commissioning service was very neat to me and each team looked great!! They all had a snack in the cafeteria and were back home around 10:30 or so. Finally got them all settled down and last minute stuff packed at midnight. Slept til 1:30 - got Christa and Ashley up. Left to deliver them to the bus at 2:15 - Dave helped load the bus and sent them off by 2:45! Back home to sleep a little longer and woke up to the awful alarm at 6. Carrie and Elizabeth had to take me to work and then they went on to Wal-Mart to buy a few little things. They were picked up at the house at 11 and delivered to the bus where Dave helped load again and they were off by noon!
I have NO desire to go home and see what awaits me there. Should be no dirty laundry since I think they all took everything they own!! Should be no dirty dishes because I can't tell you the last time I cooked!! Should be - just dirt! Just ordinary dirty - DIRT! Please pray for my sweeper, broom and mop!!!!!
Check back for any further details on TLC although that may be awhile!! The better news?? My hubby and I get to leave on Thursday for a trip to go see David!!! That will be the next exciting thing I blog about but I have no idea when that will be!
Sorry for the TLC book here but it's been kinda neat telling ya about it!!

Clutter Update

Well, the girls are probably at "The Land" by now and wow!!!!! what an evening!!!! I met the "clan" at the chiropractor as soon as I got off work. Then - Dave took off in the truck to come home ALL BY HIMSELF so that he could play racquetball and I was left with the four "wonderful, calm, intelligent" girls!! We ransacked our Super Wal-Mart for who knows how long before finally making it home around 7. Supper was fixed, we ate, had a little down-time with a Gaither DVD and then EVERYTHING blew up again!!! Suitcases came from everywhere as we checked and double checked and packed and sorted and generally, went bananas!!!!
We FORCED everyone to bed around 11 or so and dropped for some much needed sleep. The alarm went off at 4:45 and the shower brigade began! The girls had to be at the cafeteria by 6:15 and believe it or not, they were ALL ready to go at 6:05. Just enough time for Ashley and Carrie to check for a message online from "the all important ones" in their world. We had prayer, they walked through the backyard to the cafeteria while Dave drove their luggage to the commons and peace descended!! No - it doesn't LOOK like it but that's the case!!
In my living room, I have my love seat sitting "catty corner" (I am laughing because while I have said that many times, I have NO idea how to spell it!!!!). Behind the love seat, NOT hidden from view are at least four suitcases, partially packed for their actual trips this next Monday. I am beginning to think my living room will never be the same!!!!!
Okay - enough silly stuff!!! I am very proud of all of them. It's not the easiest thing for two - Christa and Ashley. Ashley doesn't handle "different" well but she does LOVE being around people so she should be okay!! Christa hasn't been out of the country before and neither is she too thrilled about not getting to talk to David but I told her this is preparation for the months ahead when David is "over yonder". Elisabeth - in her words she was born with "wheels for feet" so this isn't too bad for her. Carrie - she has done this before so it's not too bad except that the "somewhat significant other" will be returning from his month away on the day AFTER she leaves. I know - I should express more sympathy but let me work on that one for awhile!!! I know they will be fine, will have a blast and God will do something special for all of them! I will check back with you once I recover my nerves buried in the debris!!

Confessions of a Non-Clutter Freak

Well, they say that confession is good for the soul so let's see if that will be the case for me. This may be somewhat of a disjointed blog so there's ya a warnin'!!!

I HATE clutter and dirt. The older I get, the worse I get. There - that's the truth. I know, it's horrible isn't it?? Anyway, there you have it - the worse confession I have to make! (And if you believe that I have a million dollars for you!!!)

We are in the process of getting our two daughters ready for TLC boot camp and their trips. They leave for boot camp in the morning at 6:15 to return home on Saturday evening to prepare to leave for their actual trip next Monday. Anyway, last Friday, I laid down the law and insisted that my girls clean out their drawers and closets and under the beds and all that other stuff in order to make packing go a LOT smoother for this momma!! So - that was accomplished with MANY reminders....both calm and not-so-calm!! Saturday morning dawned bright and early but I was kind enough to let them sleep in - it wasn't too hard....I wanted a nice quiet breakfast out with my hubby!!!! Anyway, when we returned, the packing commenced. I have four suitcases in my living room - one a piece for boot camp and one a piece for the trip. I feel like I have stuff literally everywhere. The sewing machine is on the dining room table and no...it wasn't me that used it! There just seems to be stuff everywhere. To top it off, I couldn't clean like I usually do so the carpet looks its usual burgundy with many, many white pieces of lint and trash all over it. The dining room and kitchen floors need mopped so bad I can barely handle looking at them! Oh yes, went to the airport to pick up my niece yesterday afternoon who is also going on a trip so we have an added body and another suitcase!! Then this morning the lovely Christa - confirmed girlfriend of the Maniacal Marine - joined into the fray! So - can you imagine four females under the same roof getting ready for boot camp and trips???? Please in your spare time - pray for my husband that he doesn't lose his mind between now and 6:15 in the morning!!!
So -my point??? I am doing my best to stay sane but the mess is making me wacko!!!! I know, the truth is, I am very excited for all of them and I am THRILLED at the opportunity that they all have to visit another country (or in Ashley's case another state). I KNOW that this is a wonderful thing and that soon my house will be too clean and too quiet!! But for now, in some ways it's a good thing I am at work and in some ways that's not so good. I am "working" but am thinking about all the things that need to be done in the next 12 hours and it's looking a little interesting from my perspective.
Now.....do I feel better??? Ummmmm.......no but at least I have vented so I am not as tense! Guess that is better in a sense isn't it??? Check back with me later and I'll let you know how it's going.