Only Four More “Sleeps”!

One tuckered out 'lil pumpkin

As some of you know, Roger has been away on a missions trip to Alaska. He left March 1 and will be back next Tuesday, and I can’t wait! I’ve always known that I married a great man, one who provides for his family, loves his wife and sons, would die to protect us, and helps me in a million and one ways. However, when he’s gone, I learn to appreciate him all the more! It’s the little things…helping with folding the clothes, giving the kids a bath, bringing in the groceries, that make me realize how much he really loves and takes good care of me.

I’m so thankful for this opportunity, both for him to go on this missions trip and for me to take care of the boys. It hasn’t been easy, and we’ve had our moments, but we’ve also made some great memories. The kids have probably eaten more hot dogs, mac and cheese, and cereal in this past week then in the past four months combined! It hasn’t hurt them, they haven’t complained, and we’ve “almost” survived the trip! I’ve done more on my own with them (out of necessity) but also out of a desire to get out of the house. We’ve gone to the library, swimming at the YMCA, grocery shopping, over to two different friends house (both of which were a HUGE encouragement to me), and finished up the “herby derby” cars for the Pinewood Derby at church on Saturday.

I’ve come to appreciate all the my husband does in a whole new way, and I love him all the more for it. In my case, “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is definitely true! I’m looking forward to having him back, having a conversation where I’m not asking “what did you say?” every five seconds, (the cell phone coverage from here to Alaska isn’t the greatest!), hearing about his experiences, watching the boys wrestle with their daddy (I definitely am lacking in that department!), and having some adult conversation every day again!

I’ve claimed the promise in Scripture that says, “when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2) I have felt overwhelmed, but God’s grace is sufficient for what I need for today. It’s a promise I must claim daily and He has and will continue to sustain me…my heart is blessed. I’m so thankful for four beautiful boys to raise, to love, to challenge me to grow, and to make me laugh!

Moments for today, but memories for tomorrow.

These last few days have been kinda crazy around here as we’ve been working on various projects and trying to get everything ready for Roger’s missions trip to Alaska. Although the days will be long for me while he’s gone, I’m so thankful that the Lord allowed Roger to go on this trip. I’m praying specifically for several things and can’t wait to see how God is going to work.

The boys were "helping" Roger grill, but they didn't like the
smoke in their eyes!

Some of you may know that I’m training to run in a half-marathon this spring, but with Roger being gone the next two weeks, I’m anticipating a little set back. Ever have one of those moments where you have to consciously choose between the good choice and the best choice? Yesterday, I was presented with a decision to make concerning the good and the best. I always look forward to going to the YMCA on Wednesdays, but yesterday we were running a little short on time to get in a workout, taking the kids swimming and getting to church. The children were very excited about going swimming, and I really wanted to get in a good workout as I knew that Roger was leaving today. Roger was late getting off of work so he was unable to take the kids, and I first told the children that they were going to the drop-in childcare while I worked out. However, after really looking into their faces and listening to their dismay…I realized the best choice would be to take them swimming. Not because I don’t want them to deal with disappointments in life, but rather because I realize how quickly life is fleeting by! There will be other marathons if I don’t run this one in the spring, but there won’t ever be this day to be with my children again. I know that I am especially hugging them tight right now, as one of my friends from college is battling brain cancer, and she will soon see Jesus. My friend was diagnosed with brain cancer last November and her earthly time is almost up. I was reminded again that I don’t know what the future holds, and while I know WHO holds the future…for today I’ll just hug my children a little tighter, kiss them a little longer, and play with them a little more often.

Another "helper"!