Steven Don't Peak

Lovely Branches Green 5x7 folded card

Unique party invitations and announcements by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Our anniversary is coming up next week.  I had an email from Shutterfly for a free card, so instead of buying one at the store, I made this cool little card in no time at all.  It's my new favorite photo website.  I love it so much I might actually start digital blogging on there...especially when I can get free stuff.  Sign up for their emails and you can get free stuff too!  I also made a scrapbook gift for my husband, but I sure hope he doesn't peak before it gets here!!

So Many Changes

Changes in thought, in emotions, in pride.  Changes in patriotism, and national safety methods.  Since September 11, 2001 lots of things have changed in this great country we call America.  And since I've become married into the military my own thoughts and feelings have changed as well.  

This morning my husband had the privilege of marching in the honor guard for a small remembrance ceremony.  I was torn whether or not I should go to that or to church, since the ceremony was right smack dab in the middle of our Sunday morning service.  I wanted pictures of him all dressed up, but more than that I wanted to remember all that our country and citizens have gone through since that tragic day.  

It has changed the way we live here in this country, and I am forever changed because of just one day in history.  I am changed more so after having married a firefighter who became an EMT and is now a Coast Guardsman.  Feelings that I can't even describe welled up in me this morning while several different people spoke.  The fire chief, an emergency medical specialist, the police chief and the Lieutenant Commander of the USCG cutter Mobile Bay.  Tears are coming and going today as I think about all those families who lost loved ones be they passengers, WTC and Pentagon workers/military members or the emergency service personnel.  I have a new perspective being a wife to a man who has served in three of those roles.  For that I am grateful, and always need to remember to thank the good Lord for providing protection for Steve while serving in these roles.  I am also so very proud to be married to a man who does love to serve.  Who has been so willing to help others in need.  And ten years later, there are still so many in need.  Thankfully procedures and policies have been put in place to keep our country safer, to help those in need quicker and more effectively.

Yes, September 11, 2001 changed the way we live our lives.  It's changed how I've personally felt about my freedom and safety here in America.  And after hearing those men and women speak this morning about the changes, I am confident to say that as far as safety is concerned the changes have been for the better.

As for other social, economic changes, etc. the verdict is still out...but the Lord knows all that is to come and I have confidence in His plans for my own life as well as for our country.  It might get worse before it gets better in this nation, but Jesus will return some day to bring His heirs to heaven.

Color Guard/Honor Guard 9-11 10th Anniversary Memorial

Not the best pic of Steve, he's hidden by the bagpipes

Oh and I found a neat Youtube tribute video...

Babies, Babies and More Babies

No, we're not having one.  3 people, 2 friends, 1 sister-in-law did though.  3 babies in 3 days.  I say that's quite a record.  My friend here in our new town had her baby boy on Wednesday last week.  It's crazy to think he's here already, I met her at the beginning of the summer when we moved, and have gotten to know her and her 2 older boys quite well (Steve and her husband Nick work together on the same duty section).  (Though I have yet to see baby O!)

Then my sister-in-law Amy, had her baby girl on Thursday.  Charlotte Grace arrived safe and healthy!  I am excited to be an aunt again, but unfortunately they live out in CA so we won't be able to see them anytime soon.  I wish it were different, that we could just up and take a little vacation out there to meet the new baby (and of course see Amy and Ryan).  But that's going to be next to impossible with both of our work schedules and Steve not having all that much time to take off anyways.  Maybe we'll make it before her 1st birthday!

Next, a friend from college had her first baby on Friday.  Another little girl.  I don't talk with her much anymore.  We lived on the same floor our freshman year, and didn't really hang out after that, but we are still friends on Facebook.  I'm excited for her and her husband.  Though I will be honest...all these babies give me a little itch.

I have a few other friends who will be expecting later this year and the beginning of next year and sometimes I wish that was me.  But I realize it's just not the right time yet.  We have to wait on God's timing and I know that he WILL choose the right time for us to start a family.  Steve has told me a few times he really does want kids, but we just got into the Coast Guard, we're still adjusting to this lifestyle and we're just not quite ready to give up the freedom that comes by not having kids.  It's hard enough just with the dog, making sure he has a place to stay if/when we travel or finding a pet friendly hotel, and running home between shifts to let him out to go potty.  He's our baby for now.  I know the Lord has plans for us, I have a desire to have children (and not just one), and right now those two things just aren't lining up.  Patience...that is the key for me and to just wait on the Lord.  I truly believe he gives you the desires of your heart, just not always at the time you ask for them.  Someday I'll become a mommy and Steve a daddy, and it will be wonderful...for now though I wait.  And I pray.

I pray for healthy children.  For healthy pregnancies.  For children who grow up to love the Lord and walk with Jesus.  For wisdom in parenting so that our children will love the Lord and walk with Jesus.  And especially, I pray for patience to wait on God's timing and not my own.  For they are his plans that I am following, not mine.