10 Things to Smile About: April

Wow!  April is over - how in the world did that happen?  It was a crazy month around here - a good month, but a bit of a blur.  So here are 10 things that made me smile last month...

1.  Grace continuing to grow in knowledge and in her heart.  She came home with this handwriting work from school - this made my heart so happy.  God is growing her.

2.  Easter.  We had a lovely brunch with my parents, followed by an Easter egg hunt.  With all that's been going on in life, this was a truly sweet day.

3.  Lots and lots of time with new friends.  I'm amazed how quickly I've grown to love a group of people, I've only known for a short time.

4.  Autumn turned 2!

5.  Continued success with our journey to become debt free. Our grand total since September 2011 is $10,900.  Lots of hard work to do still.  But we've made a ton of progress and I can't wait to know how it feels to be able to say "we are debt free".

6.  A new workout routine that I'm incorporating with my workouts at the YMCA.  The workouts are hard, sweaty, but somehow super fun.  I'm seeing some good progress in just one month... can't wait to finally be ok with swimsuit season.

7.  Going to Harvest University in Chicagoland with my new church... wonderful teaching, inspiring ministry and God-glorifying worship.  It was truly amazing.

8.  A sleepover with 3 Kindergartners.  It was crazy.  It was loud.  It was exhausting.  It was fun.  Oh, and thanks Mom, for putting up with all my sleepovers.  I had no idea!

9.  Our first trip to the zoo this season. 

10.  With only a month of school left, we are making fun plans for the summer - a trip to the East coast, a trip to Seattle and some horse riding lessons for Miss Grace.

Valentine's Day Love Packed Away in a Care Package

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God."  I John 4:7

Happy Valentine's Day, all!  I hope you've all had a chance to give and get some love today.  I've read a zillion times today, that there should be no need for V-Day because we should all be showing those around us how much we love them daily.  But today is a good excuse anyway, to make sure that your loved ones hear how they feel!

I spent part of my afternoon in Grace's classroom - helping with the Kindergarten Valentine's Day party.  Today had special meaning for me.  Grace's teacher has a son who is currently serving overseas.  Over the past few months, I've had an opportunity to empathize with and pray for Grace's teacher and her family.  I've been honored and humbled to do so... I'm just thankful that God has given me an opportunity to love on someone who is going through a deployment.

This week, kids and parents in Grace's classroom donated items to be sent overseas to the teacher's son.  During the party today, the kids all made cards for him and I was going to help pack the box to go overseas.  Before I went to school to help, I stopped by the store to pick up things to go in the care package.  While I was in the store, and picking out things to buy, I suddenly had the fear the perhaps the other families didn't donate or didn't donate enough to fill a box.  So, I ended up buying more than I had anticipated because I didn't want the box to be half-full.

Now, I know that is linked directly to my own personal problems - the feeling that there isn't enough support for military families - and at times, feeling unsupported.  But I was completely wrong.  When I went to start packing and I was going through all the donated items, I was amazed by how much the families donated.  There were tons of wipes, candy, games, toiletries... I was really floored and extremely touched.

Honestly, that moment made my entire day.  Even though I've often felt misunderstood or my family's sacrifices under appreciated, I know that isn't really the case.  People want to help.  They really do want to support the troops.  Often times, though, I think that civilians just don't know how to help.  But when they are asked for something specific - hey, can you bring some stuff to school to go overseas to a soldier?  Yes!  They would love to.  And they'll do it in abundance.

I was so happy to not be able to fit everything in that box today.  I'm glad there was too much - not just a lot of stuff... a lot of love.

I hope that you feel loved today!

Thankfulness

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His loving kindness is everlasting.

- I Chronicles16:34

A very Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!  As I get a little bit older (just a bit older), I start to realize how truly special Thanksgiving is.  And I'm really starting to understand how truly blessed I am.  I've read so many blogs and Facebook posts this month focused on thanksgiving and writing about what people are truly blessed by.  It's been so insightful to read what people are truly touched by and I've noticed that it's about the people in their lives 99% of the time.

I'm beyond blessed by the people in my life.  Foremost, I'm grateful to have Joel with our family, safe and sound this year.  It was great to sit around our table and spend part of today together.  I'll never forget what it's like to celebrate holidays apart - they will always be more sacred now.  I'm also so thankful for the family in my life - we have a wonderful family and each year I learn to love them better and appreciate their place in my life.  This past year, I've been incredibly blessed by friends.  Good friends.  True friendships.  So for those who walk life with me, pray with me, cry with me, laugh with me and love me - thank you.  God has blessed me beyond anything I could have ever imagined with so many wonderfully loving friends.

Finally, I'm thankful for my readers.  This blog has been a great outlet for me and I'm thankful that you take the time to read about my life.  But most importantly, I'm thankful for your comments and emails that encourage me, make me laugh and teach me something new.

I hope that you've had a blessed day!

Much love & thanksgivings,

Jill

Source: shabbymomma.blogspot.com via Rhonda on Pinterest

Labor Day Thanksgivings

Source: blog.catchmyparty.com via Delta on Pinterest

Happy Labor Day, everyone.  Joel thinks it's a bogus holiday, and I kinda agree.  But today got me thinking...

Through our last 8 years of marriage, Joel has never had a job we could really count on.  He's been more-or-less activated the entire time, but there have been many times that he's been off of orders and we've had to rely on our savings to get by. 

We've prayed a lot these last 8 years that God would provide a job and give us stability.  We've had many moments of anxiety.  We've worried too much.  But we've never gone without.  Our bills have always been paid and there's always been money in the bank.

Even though we've struggled in this area, God has always provided.  We've tried keep faith.  We've tried to live simply - although not always - not knowing what would happen 6 months down the road.

A few weeks ago, Joel got great news - he got an AGR job on base.  This means stable work - until he retires.  It also means that we can stay where we are and not have to go the active duty route.  Oh, and it also means he gets to do what he loves to do.

We are so blessed.  And relieved.  We can finally breathe a little easier and start planning for our future.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

Thanks Wife of a Sailor for another fun fill-in-the-blank Friday!

1.My plans for this weekend include sleeping in tomorrow, going to church, bbqing and relaxing with just the 4 of us, but what I’d really like to do is .... I don't know, right now our plans seem pretty perfect.


2.I consider the Labor Day holiday an end to summer and bittersweet start to the routine of school.

3.My favorite meal for cookouts is BBQ chicken, BBQ shrimp, steaks, potatoes on the grill , sweet tea and some sort of pie, but my scale wouldn’t agree.

4.So far, my favorite part of summer has been spending time with those I love... my wonderful family and friends.

5.When it comes to deployments, my philosophy is to be honest with yourself, be real with others, support your spouse and press on.

Happy 4th!

(image from life123)

"Where liberty dwells, there is my country."   

-Benjamin Franklin

From the daughter of an immigrant and a wife of a hero, Happy 4th of July!  Have a safe and blessed holiday celebrating our great nation.

Memorial Day

They fell, but o'er their glorious grave

Floats free the banner of the cause they died to save.

- Francis Marion Crawford

(image from Conservative Blog Therapy)

In May of 2007, while Joel was serving in Kirkuk, Iraq, I took Grace for a trip to see some of my family.  On the plane ride there, I met a woman who forever changed my heart.  As I got Grace settled in her seat, a woman across the aisle noticed a picture I had of Joel in Grace's diaper bag.  It was a picture of him in his dress blues at our wedding - a picture I kept with me all the time so that I could see his face while he was so far away.  The woman across the aisle asked me about the picture and my husband.  I told her a little bit about him and that he was overseas in Iraq.  At that moment, her face changed - she looked somber, in pain and weary. 

She said that her son served, too.  Served.  Past tense.  The tears started flowing from her eyes and she began telling me about her son who was a Marine and had recently died in Iraq.  She, along with her other son, who was sitting beside her, were on their way to meet his body as it came to the base.

At that point, we were both crying and although I only knew her for five minutes, I reached across the aisle and held her hand while she cried.  Passengers were still getting settled in their seats, and while all the world was in motion, her and I shared an understanding that no one around us could possibly know.

Throughout our flight, we exchanged glances and smiles and both had tears in our eyes.  Every once in a while she would pat my leg and I would reach across the aisle and squeeze her arm. 

Her son had paid the ultimate price for our freedom and our liberties. 

Joel and I haven't known too many who have died in this war.  Thank God for that.  But many have been lost, and it's those lives that make today so special and meaningful.

I hope that as you enjoy time with friends and family today, that you would take a moment to remember those who have died for us and pray for those who fight for us today.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, grandmothers, daughters and aunts out there!

And a very blessed day to my mom, my mother-in-law and all the very special ladies who have shown me what it takes to be a dedicated, loving and God-honoring mother!  There are so many of you out there that have taught me so much and continue to do so.

Oh, and Joel, thank you for helping me to become a mother and supporting me and loving me as I try my best to figure this momma-thing out.  Love you!

HE Lives!

A very happy and blessed Easter to each of you!



"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved - and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."  - Ephesians 2:4-10

Wednesday Weigh-In

I was a wee-bit scared to hop on the scale this morning.  I didn't exercise at all while we were on vacation over Christmas and my eating routine was completely-off.  So, I didn't know what to expect.

Fortunately, with all the desserts, Starbucks runs (with whip), butter and fast food at the airport, I only gained one pound.  I have 3 more pounds to go to reach my goal... however, Joel's homecoming is approaching fast so I need to rededicate myself to healthy eating and schedule plenty of dates with the elliptical machine.

But first, I'm enjoying one last muffin for breakfast.... Wish me luck!

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!  Whether your loved one is home or far away, I pray that you would find joy today.

"For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

MilSpouse Friday FIll-In

Thanks to Wife of a Sailor for a very Christmas-themed fill-in this week!

1.What is the best gift you have ever received or given? from Jessica Lynn Writes
My engagement ring... it was one of the best moments of my life and started something great!


2.Do you celebrate holidays differently when your loved one is deployed/gone or do you keep tradition? from The Albrecht Squad
This is our first time celebrating Christmas while Joel's overseas.  I'm trying hard to keep things as they always are.  If anything's different it's that I'm spending a lot more time with family this year.

3.If you celebrate Christmas, do you put an angel, star or something else on the top of your tree?
I have a star on our tree.  I'm obsessed with stars - probably because of the symmetry.

4.What are your three favorite websites?
The 3 I visit the most are: Hotmail, Facebook & Blogger
The 3 I love to visit are:  Pottery Barn, Sephora & temptalia.com

5.On your man do you prefer… boxers, briefs or boxer briefs? Or commando? (yeah, I’m starting to get desperate for questions!)
Boxers!

A Baby Changes Everything

I love Christmas.  And even with Joel's absence, my Christmas spirit is in high-gear.  Our small tree is up, the stockings are hung, all the presents are bought and Christmas music has been playing pretty much non-stop in our house for the last month or so.  I have a lot of Christmas CDs and there are definitely those songs that I am always drawn to and have on repeat.  Faith Hill's A Baby Changes Everything is one of those songs that I just love to hear and sing with... and cry to.

The words are powerful and her singing is perfection.  I'm so thankful that some two-thousand years ago, my Savior came to earth, as a baby, and changed everything.  He changed the world, He changed the hearts of man, and He changed my life.

The last stanza of the song is so powerful:
My whole life has turned around
I was lost but now I'm found
A baby changes everything

AMEN!

I'm sure you've already heard it, but if not check it out!

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

We're back with MilSpouse fill-ins, courtesy of Wife of a Sailor.  So, glad she has power back and has finally warmed-up!

1.If you were given $1,000 right now, how would you spend it?
I'd use it to pay off debt.  I really, really want to get rid of my student loan and pay off our other debts!

2.If you had to choose a movie title (a real one that already exists) for your life story, what would it be?
"Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown"... It was a movie from 1988 and is really "Women" but I cheated and changed it.  I've never seen it, but some days (like today), the title seems appropriate.

3.If you were a teacher, what subject would you like to teach?
English.  I had a great English teacher my Junior year of high school who really opened my eyes to how fun grammar can be and it because of her that I did so well writing papers in college.  I'm kind of a geek and actually have a grammar book next to my bed to read at night.

4.Has being a MilSpouse changed how you view holidays or how your holidays are celebrated? If so, how? If not, what hasn’t changed?
Most definitely.  I treasure the times our family can be together and I think Joel and I really appreciate the holidays we are able to spend together. 

5.What is your favorite Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate) memory?
One year, my family traveled home to Illinois from North Carolina right after an ice storm.  Thankfully the road were pretty clear, but I remember how gorgeous the mountains and trees were - all covered in the most beautiful, glistening ice.  It made a long ride home really enjoyable.

A Bittersweet Season

Since Joel and I have been married, we've been separated plenty for important dates and events...(I started to list them and then got depressed seeing them glaring at me, so I deleted them)...   But with all the birthday's, anniversaries, and holiday's, Joel's always been in-country for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Now, that's not to say that we've celebrated every Thanksgiving and Christmas together - but we've at least seen each other for a bit during those days before he had to go work at the base.  (No, civilians, military bases do not shut down on holidays...  but that's a rant for another day)  *sigh*

I knew that this Season would be hard.  I knew that I would have to be extra cheerful for the girls, so that it is special for them and so they don't feel that there's a big Daddy-sized hole missing.  The word that keeps popping in my mind as I think about what I'm feeling during this time is bittersweet.  This season, for me, is both pleasant yet painful. 

After 8 years of Thanksgivings and Christmases together, Joel and I have our routine, our traditions and our roles: 

- I make the stuffing that he loves. 

- He bakes a pumpkin pie, because I hate to bake. 

- He grumbles as he pulls all of my Christmas stuff out of the garage and asks me every year, why I need so many decorations.

-I drag him to store after store to look at more Christmas stuff

- He sets up the tree while I decorate the house

-We listen to Christmas music as we decorate (his pick is Bing Crosby while I have to fight him to let me put in Josh Groban)

- I watch him from the window as he sets up our deer outside

- I then listen to him rant as he has to fix a broken deer and replace bulbs on said deer

- After the decorating is done, we sit on the couch and cuddle with just the light from the tree

- He watches Grace so I can wrap all the presents at once

- Grace and Joel decorate a gingerbread house together

- I look forward to seeing what ornament Joel ordered from New Hampshire with all of our names inscribed on it

I love our holiday routines.  And this year is obviously different.  I got all the boxes out of the garage and got things set up as the girls napped over a 3 day period.  Then Grace helped me to decorate the small tree this year, because the big tree was too much for me to do without Joel here.  The house looks as cozy as it always does around this time of year, but it feels different. 

I promise you that I'm trying to be cheerful.  I love Christmas - it's my favorite holiday.  I love that I get to see Autumn's eyes grow big as she sees the lights on the tree and her stocking hanging from the mantle.  I love that I get the chance, once again, to tell Grace about a tiny little baby that came to earth to do great things for us.  It's still a magical time, because the meaning of this season didn't change because Joel's overseas. 

So, I'm focusing on Christ and trying not to focus on the emptiness that I feel with Joel being gone during this time.  We have much to be thankful for, and I'm thrilled to spend this time with my two girls, who help me to find joy in the simple things that Christmastime brings.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween, everyone!  Hope you had a fun day!

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

Hop on over to Wife of a Sailor and see what other military spouses are saying.

1.What is ONE thing you’d like civilians to understand about being a military family?
Much like cops, firefighters and health care workers - holidays, weekends and special occasions aren't an automatic day off.  So many people (even after 10 years of this) don't understand Joel's schedule.  People must assume that the military shuts down so people can have Christmas, birthdays and weekends at home with their families.

2.What is your favorite mistake?
I got into a too serious relationship too fast early-on in college.  For a time, I thought he was "the one" and my heart was broken when I realized he was not.  I learned so much from that relationship - who I was, who I wanted to be and what characteristics I wanted in a husband.  Although I didn't realize it at the time, it was a great experience for me and I appreciate my husband so much more because of it.

3.What indulgence could you give up for a year?
I love lip gloss.  It's an addiction of mine, to be honest.  I could easily go without purchasing another lip gloss for a year and still have more than 3/4 of my "supply" left.

4.If you could be a winged animal, what would you be?
A penguin.  They're adorable and come with a cute little outfit.  I could swim and eat seafood all day.  Well, at least at the zoo.  March of the Penguins taught me a side of penguin life that doesn't look like so much fun.

5.What is one question you’d like to see asked in a future MFF?
What is the oldest thing you own?