Last Post 2009?

Seeing how I have been such a frequent blogger the last month. NOT! This will probably be my last post of 2009. As I look back on the year, I think of all the changes that have happened in our life.

Episode 1: Wrapping up things in Germany...That took the first part of the year. I never thought we'd miss it like we do, but we do!!! I think mostly it's the people we hold dear to our hearts. We are forever grateful for each of the people God placed in our path during our 4 year German adventure! I know for a fact we do NOT miss stairwell apartment living. Nor does Travis miss the drive along the B-50 every day. However, we'd still like to try to go back for one more tour in Europe...one day before Travis is done serving in the military. I guess we'll have to see what God has in store for us!

Episode 2: Transition to Texas! That took up the 2nd part of the year! ha! I still can't believe we're 1st time home buyers! We just love our little house in our cozy little cul-de-sac. There are some improvements we'd like to make over the next few years. But, all in all, we are so happy here. God has richly provided yet again! I am finding it hard to believe we just celebrated a White Christmas in Texas! I don't think we have had a white Christmas in quite a few years! I was hoping Texas would be warmer in the winter than it is this year...Ask me again in July when it's 110 outside! lol

Episode 3: Transition Home-school! (or as I like to call it: LIFE UPSIDE DOWN!) I am braving something I NEVER thought I'd do. I'm still not so sure it's going to be a 'forever' deal for me. But, we are learning and growing...A LOT! I think I am having more learning experiences than the kids...lol! There are so many of you who have prayed and encouraged me along the way and I am so grateful for each of you. Thank you! It makes all the difference to our family.

I guess that last note of thanks goes out to each of you who reads this blog. We are so thankful you take the time to keep up with us. If you have a blog yourself, we are thankful to be included in the little glimpses of life you give us! I love reading each of your stories. It helps me to feel not so far away, not so lonely on some of the days where I sometimes forget I am never alone. My God, my creator is always with me. However, He has given me an angel in each of you to keep me company as an Earthly reminder of His love. Thank you so much for being a part of our life. Our friends, our family, our Brothers and Sisters in Christ. We love you!

Here's to a Happy and Healthy 2010! Be blessed my friends!

White Christmas

Looks like it will be a White Christmas in Texas!!! I can't believe all this snow! There are more/better pics, I'll post later...

Christmas Memories

It was the perfect night to go caroling. A bit of a frosty feeling in the air here in TX. We were off in the Minivan Mafia Attack Line to go spread Christmas Cheer at a few of the local nursing homes and some of the widows homes from our church. We got to the first Nursing Home. Sang our first set, and went on to the next room for set 2....We put Ashlynn in the front row although she was reluctant: A bit shy, a little tired from her nap still, she stayed put right where we set her. And we begin...."Hark the Herold....." silence....Someone from the front says, "umm Mary Beth, Ashlynn threw up!" Let me just say she was fine. She said, "I had a nervous belly for the people." A 3 y/o with stage fright....hmmmm...Anyhow she's fine and kicking this morning! I felt so bad we left such a present for the people in the nursing home. One of the gentlemen that lived there said, "I think someone left something behind." It was so funny! This is definitely one memory for all of Ferguson Christmas history!

ABC's of Thankfulness

On the suggestion of a friend, I was invited to do the ABC’s of Thankfulness on Facebook. Here is my compiled list of items I'd like to share with you….

A: Ashlynn, my sweet baby girl. What a blessing it has been to mother her for these last 3 years!
B: Bible Study friends! I am so thankful for all the wonderful ladies God has brought into my life through the many bible studies I have attended since I became a believer!
C: Children, not just my own. It is so fun to watch them create, discover and dream. They just make the world a better place!
D: Donkeys, I am thankful for all the donkeys in my life. (You thought I was joking didn't you Brian?)
E: Ethan, my sweet baby boy. So perfect, so kind and loving, it is truly a joy to mother him, even on the days he throws a curve ball...That's why he is so great. He's so not afraid to stand on his own! I am also thankful for Elizabeth, God sent me such a wonderful friend and mentor in you!
F: Family, Friendships, Freedom, Faith, it's hard to pick one today...Football, Fellowship, Fairway Baptist Church...the list could go on! Be blessed today everyone, don't forget to pray for those at Ft Hood and also the rest of our military serving far from home as we approach the holiday season.
G: God- I love him, it's an unconditional sort of thing...Grandparents, especially my Grannie & Grandma- They are both such amazing women, a constant solid rock in my life. So strong, they have both faced such adversity, yet they keep on loving everyone else first. Germany- all the wonderful experiences and relationships we have taken from there.
H: Home, thankful I have a home to call my own, somewhere we can be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Somewhere my family can laugh and cry and grow and change together. I am also thankful for my Husband, God has given us an amazing life together!
I: Inspiration to be/do better, Imagination, Intimate moments with the ones I love, Intelligence, all these are beautiful gifts from God, I thank Him daily for each one. But, I also can't forget to be thankful for Ice Cream-Ben and Jerry's 1/2 Baked will always be my favorite!
J: Jesus, need I say more?
K: Kalib, my sweet oldest son. He is truly a delight and joy to raise. I can't imagine my life without him.
L: Love! Without love the world would be a dark and dreary place. Let someone know you love them today. Show it in a practical way!
M: My Momma, Music, Military Friends(Family), Mentors, and Mothers.
N: Newness...I am thankful for the new start to each day, the new grace God gives every moment in life, the feeling of a new start on a new day, new babies, and new friendships!
O: God's Omnipotent Power, and life's Ordinary moments. I think too often we are looking for something fantastic or special and we live for those moments. Too often we let the ordinary slip by without being noticed....
P: the Power of Prayer-I've seen it do great things in many lives; Parents-without mine I wouldn't be...I am also thankful to be a parent myself; People-it takes all kinds to make the world go round and I try to embrace them all...SOME people make it a very difficult task!
Q: Quiet time with God, alone, or with those I love. Quality of life; God has richly blessed my family. I'm so not worthy of His gifts...
R: Raking leaves with my family, Reading to my children, and my wedding Ring.
S: Sisters!!! Related by blood or not, I love each of you!!!
T: Travis, the love of my life, my best friend! Telephones, they help me stay so connected while I am so far from those I love and miss!
U: Unlimited resources...I mean really for any need I have, God has made it possible for me to have everything within my reach. Some "wants" may have to go un-had, but my needs are met, God is good!
V: V: Vanilla...vanilla flavored anything YUM!
W: Worship, wisdom, water!
X: X-ray Technology...Yes, it's a reach! lol
Y: YOU, today I am thankful for the unique way each of you is a part of my life!
Z: Zoos, we have spent many fun afternoons looking at animals and sharing our time together there learning and playing!

Be blessed and have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Christmas Pictures

Well, it's that time of year again where I make everyone dress up alike and go take Christmas photos...This year I tried to relax, we went out and played and enjoyed the day...here are the results of what will be our Christmas Card!

8 years and counting!

I have been lucky enough to have a marriage that works for the last 8 years. OK, who am I kidding, luck has nothing to do with it, it's all on God! Without him there's no way we could have survived! He has brought us through so much together. We are stronger and better because of it! I pray God gives us the rest of forever on this earth to share together!

Trick or Treat!

We're not much of Halloween people, but we did take the kids trick or treating and carved a pumpkin. The boys had fun play fighting in their costumes and Ashlynn danced and sang all night. We also enjoyed a ver fun time with our friends. Thanks Schmaljohann family!

Sleeping Beauty, IronMan and Duke (GI Joe)

Waterfall

This is a photo from our favorite waterfall place in Germany. I hope to get it blown up to a huge poster size and get it framed for the living room or over our bed. I miss our walks by the little creek there. It was just off the highway, but so quiet. Ahh...I can picture it all around me, I miss it!


This is the "falls" Wichita Falls is named after. They used to be natural, but the I guess they got washed out in a flood or something, so they rebuilt them man made. While I love being able to go walk by the river(it's brown, boo) and see the waterfall(something about water brings a since of peace and calmness to me). And, the kids love to throw sticks... Somehow, this just isn't the same! :(

Pumpkin Patch Fun!

The kids and I visited a local pumpkin patch for a field trip. It was so fun. Now today we are going to weigh, measure and talk all about our big pumpkin we picked out!

Photos

I don't think I ever posted these pictures from a few weeks...or a month ago!

Under the weather

We have had a house full of sickies! Most of you know, Travis is fighting back issues, so we've got that going for us. Last Friday Ethan complained of ear pain, wouldn't you know it, a glorious ear infection! Ashlynn came down with a bug of some sort. Started with a high fever and croupy cough, then she threw up for a day, and now she's just down to the cough. I am voting she picked up this bug while we were @ the dr for Ethan! :) Kalib has that look in his eyes like he's going to get sick, but I'm praying he doesn't! Hopefully it's just me being paranoid! I am good to go for now, usually am, hopefully it stays that way!

Just to make you think....

So, I was approached/questioned 3 different times today...Was I being tested, tempted? I don't know...

The first thing is trying to really understand why I'm not so happy with our Nation's Leader winning the Nobel Peace Prize...I think it's mostly because he hasn't done anything to deserve it. I think he seems to be so worried with what every other country thinks of America, that he hasn't really taken the time to care for his own country in the ways he should be. It'd be like me being a personal trainer who didn't work out or eat right...How am I going to tell others what to do? Does he have a "vision"? Sure! Have I seen any changes for the good? Not just yet. Does it take time for things to change? Absolutely! Just a thought...

The 2nd thing was a woman came up to me in Wal-Mart and asked if I was going to vaccinate my children against the H1N1...NO! Travis and I have found some reasons in all our research and I don't see the benefits of it...I have never gotten a Flu Vaccine and have maybe had the Flu twice in my entire life. Travis gets it every year because the AF makes him, and every year he gets the flu! Ashlynn got the flu vaccine last year and got the flu...I'm not going to vaccinate my children! Thanks for asking anyway!

And, the 3rd thing was some Mormons coming to my door spreading their good word. This got me to thinking why don't Baptists or Pentecostals or Catholics go around door to door like Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses? Maybe they do and they just haven't come to mine?

All these things got me to thinking that we have to be well prepared to stand for what we believe in. We need to be able to spout off why we aren't vaccinating our children, why we aren't happy our President won a prize, or why we believe in the religion that we do. We need to be really grounded in who we are and REALLY know why and REALLY be willing and able and ready to share that with others.

For those who don't FaceBook...or missed it on there.

My Encouragement from God

I was sitting and reading my Bible this morning after I had decided I was going to go get enrollment paperwork from the school our kids would go to. If you can imagine that God had a message for me this morning. He directed my path to a devotional in my Bible called "Trusting when Tested." There were many references to different scriptures that all had much encouragement for me. However, I found the following to be VERY helpful today.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:2-8

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15

Needless to say, as a result of reading these verses this morning, I will not be going to the school down the street. I feel God is doing something within me. He is not trying to tear me down but make me better. Travis told me this week that when Gold is refined it gets uglier before it really shines. He thinks that is what is going on in me. I can't say I can argue with him. I feel so helpless and hopeless at some points throughout the days. But, it seems like God sends a nugget just when you need it. A friend and I talked earlier in the week about Job and how God allowed the enemy to do whatever he wanted to him to try to test his faith and after the enemy had taken everything, Job still persevered. I can only hope that God is trying to do something similar with me. And, I am sure in the end, I will come out better for having gone through this trial!

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY ETHAN MICHAEL!!!!

It's hard for us to believe that Ethan is already 6! While he has given us our fair share of battles from the beginning, he is so sweet and lovable! He is our jokester, and is always bringing laughter into our home. He is always sure to give you the best and biggest hug, just when you need it. He is our early riser, and I cherish the mornings he and I spend having coffee or an early breakfast together. He is growing so quickly, it's hard to believe just a short time ago he was this tiny baby! We really can't imagine our life without him. I am thankful for a chance to celebrate his life today! I am thankful God gave us him 6 years ago. I am thankful we have had 6 happy and healthy years together. He is such a sweet prince and we love him so much!

2003

2005

2007

2008

September 24, 2009

Thank You!

In all my adventures and bloggings, I don't think I ever take time to thank those of you that read. For one reason or another, God has brought us into each other's lives and well here we are. It is nice to know you genuinely care about our family, our struggles, our successes, our silly times and our sad times. We feel so blessed to have each of you in our life. Thank you for your support and love! You are each special to us in your own way and we are so blessed by each individual relationship.

UGH!

So, this week the home-schooling endeavor is not fairing so well! I am really struggling again! I can't help but think that if this is what's best for my children, my family, why do I feel this way? I feel like with each passing day I am slipping farther away from who I really am as an individual and turning into a cranky, depressed woman. I keep thinking if this is what is truly best for our ENTIRE family why do I feel so lousy? Then I feel selfish because I have these feelings. I am a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts right now. I just don't know anymore. I pray almost constantly every day. I read "home-school" help books, I seek advice from those who have been doing it longer. I seek encouragement from my Sisters-in-Christ, mentors and friends. It all keeps coming back to me, I am the only one who can make this decision. I want to do what is best for my children, for my family, but at this time I don't know what that is. It is times like this I wish I had a guide book or road map for my life, that sure would make things easier! While the Bible helps, it doesn't quite say, "September 2009 Mary Beth will begin home-schooling, struggle and quit by October 2009" or "September 2009, Mary Beth will begin home-schooling, she will struggle, but will grow to love it and carry out until all 3 children have graduated." ...I'm just saying that would help me a bit today!

Ethan lost his first tooth!

Ethan had a tooth get knocked loose last year just before Christmas. It took hold and got sturdy again for a bit, but has now been loose for months! Today, Kalib and him were wrestling and it got knocked even more loose, so Travis pulled it out. He was a little traumatized! But got pretty happy once the ordeal was over!

Building Fun

Dad helping Kalib...just a little.

The girl team!

All done!

Over the weekend we went to Lowe's for a Build and Grow Clinic. They give your kids all the supplies to build a project, an apron, and safety goggles. It is a different project every time. We had such a fun time hammering away! And the best part is, it was FREE! They do these all over and at Home Depot too...I highly encourage you to check out your local area!

Texoma Fair

Last night we went to the local fair. It wasn't the best fair, not many exhibits. But, it was a fun night. We visited the petting zoo, the kids rode a ride and we got a funnel cake! And what's better? Military had free admission last night! It was a fun evening of fair type stuff!


The kids riding a ride!

Just me taking in the Carnival fun.


Travis enjoying the fair...



Travis and the kids outside the front gate.



The kids and I outside the front gate.

Petting Zoo Fun!

Fall...

I feel it all around me! I am debating on digging our fall decorations out of the garage and putting them up...I know Fall doesn't start 'till the 21st! I will with hold!

Home school is going a bit better this week. We painted some cute sculptures from Wal-Mart today, the kids REALLY liked that! And this week, I even caught myself talking about home school in future terms...I'm still not so sure it's for me. The kids are enjoying being home with me. Ethan said the only reason he wants to go to public school is because they have flashy lights in one of the classrooms...So, no matter how horrible I think I am doing, I am getting better! That is encouraging. I haven't cried in 2 or 3 days, and I am really starting to think that this is my new sacrifice to my family. No matter how hard I find it to be, I feel it is something God wants for us...for one reason or another. So, no matter how hard it is, until Travis and I get the word from God, I think we're in this for a long haul...YIKES! That scares me!

We're still full swing in football. Kalib is really enjoying it. And it gives us time as a family to sit and spend the afternoon together!

I think that's it...Be Blessed!

Posting to post?

So, I like to try to post once a week to give you all an update on us. We'll see if I can keep it up! Travis got a new truck this week...It's very shiny!

I have been homeschooling the kids for almost 2 full weeks now. While it is getting better, I cry almost everyday. It is SO HARD!!!! Travis keeps reminding me of the reasons we started this adventure. And, they so outweigh why I want to quit...but, let me tell you, it'd be easy to drive to the school about 1/2 a mile from here and just enroll them! I am giving it my all for a full month and we'll see how we're doing. I'm trying to look at it as weight loss..small goals! First a week, then a month, then a quarter, semester, and then a full year. We'll see if that works out. I have hope. Yesterday was one of the first days I managed pretty well on my own, without crying. I guess I can't say alone. God was with me every step of the way and without him I COULD NOT do this!!! Oh, and how could I forget, I did have an amazing friend call and encourage me, and I took an afternoon break to make some cards...I think that helped! Continued prayers for this life transition are always appreciated!

In Loving Memory...

I miss you more than you know Beth. There are so many days I wish I could call and chat like we used to. You were more than just a step-mom. You were a friend, companion, sound advice, seamstress, baker, chef, boat captain, camping guru, cosmetologist (thanks for waxing my uni-brow!), you did it all. I miss you so!

July 9, 1951-August 28, 2008

July 9, 2009

Food for thought...

Today as I was making lunch for the kiddos, I accidentally put too much milk in the Mac 'n Cheese...that's right nothing but the best for my family! ;) Anyhow, it got me to thinking how my mom ALWAYS used to put too much milk in the Mac 'n Cheese and how I hated it! While I'm still not that fond of Mac 'n Cheese, I'll eat it, and I'm thankful for what God provides. But my whole point in blogging this is the older I get...rather the older my kids get and the more parenting experiences I have that I swore I'd never be like my parents...in all reality, ALL parents are quite the same. We all try to coax our children into eating veggies or something they don't like by telling them "there are starving children elsewhere in the world." We try to make our children thankful for the clothes and toys and home they have because "there are other kids out there without this many toys, or a home at all!" And fact of the matter is, we all mess up...yes, even the GREATEST parents mess up. But ya know what, I think all our kids turn out better for our mistakes. They can watch us and learn from them...and one day repeat some of the same ones with their own children. And perhaps, next time, I'll remember to use a measuring cup when pouring milk into the Mac 'n Cheese!

The Voice of God!

So, tonight Travis and I had gotten done working out and I had just showered, and was checking e-mail. And Travis had just gotten out of the shower and was in the closet getting dressed. The radio just turns on and is giving out information on some website about training up children, since neither Travis or I were near the radio when it turned on (OK God, we hear you!) I mean it REALLY got our attention. We thought MAYBE we should check out the website and listen to the rest of the radio broadcast. For a filler...Just last week we had decided to try homeschooling this year. But, there was still that "yeah, right" in the back of our minds. We thought we must be crazy. I was DREAMING of what I'd do with my free time once I got all my little ones shipped off to school! Well, we go to the website and it's a sermon series on homeschooling and the benefits of it! Talk about hearing God loud and clear! All I can do is laugh, but I still feel hot all over because of the crazy spiritual experience this was! If I didn't know it before, I know it now... God will use ANY form he can to get you to listen!

Basic Instructor Course Graduation

Travis has completed his training in the Basic Instructor Course. That's right he can now teach the newest and most impressionable Airmen in the Air Force! It was 6 weeks of preparation and presentations. And he did great! I may be partial because I am the wife...But, I think his ideas were great!!! After one of his speeches a few of the guys from his class gave him a , "Thanks man, you should have gone last...that was really good!" His sister from Wyoming was here to share in the celebration. She is the first person from his side of the family to be at any official military function. So I know that was special to him. And, the kids and I rushed back from Colorado, bringing our nieces with us, and we made it in time to be here for the Graduation too!