ER Visit

Well, this certainly wasn't our first ER visit with any of the kids, but it was the first that resulted in anything being sewn back together. Ashlynn got pushed down tonight and split her head open and it just wouldn't quit bleeding. So, off to the ER it was. We got there, got in quickly, and Travis held her down while the doctor gave her just one stitch. All is well now, but I thought you all might like to send up a quick prayer for a speedy and painless healing of her noggin!

Toothless!

Kalib FINALLY lost his first tooth...Here are some pics of his new grin!

Snow Fun!

We FINALLY had some snow to play in yesterday. Kalib and Ethan got an early start, then Ashlynn, Travis and I joined in the fun a little later.

Clearly, Travis had more fun then the kids.....(OH YEAH)!!!

I've come to realize...

So, as I am putting away groceries today I made a HUGE realization about my life. I've become too preoccupied with other things and put my family, my home on the back burner. I've been striving to be that "it" mom, the "it" person for ministries and volunteering. Trying to impress who? I don't know. What I do know is Travis has been telling me for a loooong time that I need to scale back. And, slowly I have started to. Today, for the first time in a long time, I stayed home. I took the kids to school, I clipped coupons, did the dishes, picked up the kids' rooms, did some laundry, made Valentine's Day Cookies for Kalib's class. I am happier today than I have been in a long time. I wasn't worried with going here and there and doing this or that for a ministry or a school function. Not that those things are bad, but for me, at this point in my life, they've become a burden. Not to anyone's fault except my own. I think now, the thing I am looking forward to about moving is the scaling back even more. Refocusing on my family life, my home. I'm not going to withdraw from society, I'm not going to become a hermit that lives only for my family. But, I am going to put my heart where it needs to be. I am going to do the one thing I always wanted to do. I am going to be a wife and a mom that cares lovingly for her family. I want to have a strong Christ centered marriage and raise successful children that always put God first. If those two single things are the only great things I ever do in my life, I've accomplished more than I ever dreamed. I love my family and I want to dedicate my life to ministering to them. After all, I know it's what God has called me to do in my time on this earth. I am no longer going to stand for society telling me I'm worthless because being a "stay at home mom" is what I choose to do with my time and my life. It is the job God has chosen me for and I'm going to do it well, not half heartedly like I have been.

Oh, and one more thing, before I sign off....Trav, I'm sorry for the things I've neglected in our life while I've been figuring this out! You're so great to hang in there and let things happen in God's timing! I love you forever!!!

PORT CALL!

We got our Port Call Date! Turns out we leave Germany May 1st! We will be flying out of Ramstein. Travis hasn't e-mailed me the itinerary as of yet, so I don't know if we are going through Baltimore and then onto Texas or what the deal is. I just wanted to share exciting news that we have our flight outta here scheduled. After the long wait, it's all happening so quickly now!