Traditions

I didn't know moving across a giant lake that I would find a new Christmas tradition that I've never even heard of.  Apparently here in WI, families get kids excited about Santa Claus coming with stocking gifts from St. Nick.  I was confused because I thought the 2 were one in the same.  I asked my husband and he said that Santa is a fictional character based on the real Saint Nicholas.  Ok, so I was kind of right.  But then there's another family I work with who does a tradition from Holland where Bell Snickels leaves little treats/toys in kids' shoes to get them excited about Christmas.  I also learned from Wikipedia that these festivals relate to the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6.  I felt silly this week when I had no idea what people were talking about, why celebrate St. Nicholas?  Isn't Christmas about Jesus' birth?
I guess that's what people celebrate when they don't know Christ.  It kind of made me sad in a way, that the families I work with are missing out on the joy of the real meaning of Christmas.  It's a strange atmosphere to work in, especially coming from a non-Christian preschool/day care where most of my co-workers were Christians.  I don't know why it's bothering me so much this year, when I knew in years past the kids/families I worked with weren't in any way religious at all.  Maybe it's because I am in my clients' homes, I see there traditions and how they interact as a family; or maybe it's because I am trying to show Christ's presence in my life without being too offensive to those who just don't care to hear about him.
This also makes me grateful to have Christmas traditions that center around Christ's birth.  To have Him in my life and know that I won't face an eternity of torture, but one in paradise.  My family traditions included Santa, but my parents focused on Christ as well.  We left cookies and milk, and carrots for the "reindeer;" we woke up to presents on Christmas morning, but we also heard the story of Jesus' birth.  We did the advent calendar too, and now that I'm older I want my kids' Christmas to focus on the real reason.  Yes, I want them to enjoy presents, to even believe in Santa, but to make certain that they know Jesus Christ was born on Christmas day.
We don't have any present traditions, as Steve and I have only been married for 3 years, living away from our families and don't have any kids yet.  But one day we will, and I am looking forward to the joy that will come when we read the story in Luke and bake cookies and wake up really early to celebrate a little baby as well as open presents that "magically" appeared.

I don't know why I felt the need to write all of this, but it's been on my mind lately.  Traditions...it's the time of year when we talk the most about them, and yet all of mine seem to have slipped away with time.  I'm getting older, I'm not a child or a teen anymore...soon I may even have a child of my own and I seriously cannot wait to start new traditions with our family.  In God's time of course...

Hello December...

How did you get here so quickly?  I've horrible about blogging, seeing as I skipped the whole month of November.  Oops!  Oh well, we've been busy, and when the only place that our internet works in our apartment is the guest room that's cold, cluttered and requires sitting in one the most uncomfortable chairs we own, I decide the internet isn't all that worth my time.  But I miss writing, so here I am back for at least today.
I had the morning off unexpectedly.  I always have mixed feelings about getting unexpected time off.  I like what I do, I love playing and teaching and learning right along with the kids.  Sometimes it's nice to have a break though too, but when that break is because they're sick I feel bad for them.  It seems this fall has been terrible on these kids' immune systems; colds and coughs abound, runny noses and fevers, and even strep.  Ugh...I'm glad I haven't gotten anything yet, and I am grateful for the parents who call off therapy due to illness, but I miss the time with them.  Oh well, 'tis the cold and flu season, and hopefully it will pass quickly.
What else have we been up to?
-I had a birthday and my wonderful husband cooked Shrimp Alfredo for me
-We've been having friends over and going over to friends' for dinner



-Steve went to Milwaukee for training
-We helped the youth group at church fill boxes for Operation Christmas Child
-We bought new bedroom furniture (finally!)
-Thanksgiving was celebrated at a couple's house from church, as well as at our house with our own meal for 2: Stuffed sweet potatoes, tangerine glazed turkey, homemade gravy and stuffing, and cranberry sauce.  Pumpkin pie was made later in the day too!

-Shopping happened on Black Friday...and we didn't even have to wait in lines as we went at 10 in the morning after the rush was gone
Those are the big highlights...nothing very significant.  Maybe that's why I skipped the whole month of November?  I have some ideas in mind for the upcoming month though, it relates to the Bible study I've been doing for the past 10 weeks.  It's one that has challenged me and stuck with me since the beginning.  Not one where I do the day's study and forget about it in 2 or 3 days.  Nope, this one is a study I really needed, and as soon as we're done I'll be starting over and sharing it here.  One, to keep it fresh in my mind; two, to remind myself in the months/years to come; three, to help anyone else out there who might benefit from a challenge like this.

In Need of Some Inspiration

I've been horrible about writing.  Seems so much of my free time is devoted to tv or movie watching, cleaning, cooking/baking, and spending time with my hubby when he's home.  And ever since we rearranged our living room furniture we don't get very good internet service while sitting on the couch.  So that leads to less internet time as well because I hate sitting in the uncomfortable chair that is at our "desk" in the spare bedroom.  

Who can't resist a cute curled up puppy?

It doesn't seem that there's a whole lot of new info to share either.  Steve received the Sailor of the Quarter award at his station.  I'm super proud of him for working so hard!  He is doing well and learning quickly so he can get qualified on the boats.  So far he's passed his board for the 2 boats they have, and is working on the new one they just got.  He's also working on his engineer qualifications and will be heading out for some other training in another week.  Can't give too many details here, but it also looks like he will be in charge of the first aid side of things pertaining to his station.  Which is exciting for him.  I know he misses going on ambulance calls and even fighting fires.  That is why Health Services technician will fit him perfectly for the time being.  His name is on the list, but we'll be here for probably another 2.5 years.  Then he'll go to school for four months and we'll get to move again after that.  And we've been discussing what we want to do after that assignment as well.  Fingers crossed that our plans will work somehow...but of course God is the one guiding our steps.  

All I know is that we both miss Michigan and being close to our families, but we may love our next unit more than there.  And while we enjoy it here, I still don't know if it's a place where I want to raise our future kids and/or spend the rest of time.  Like I said, all up to the Lord.  This faith thing is hard, but I wouldn't want it any other way.  I definitely wouldn't want ME in charge of all that happens in my life.  I would've screwed it up a ton by now.  

This post is going no where...my mind is filled with a lot of ideas to write, but nothing cohesive.  I guess this is another post of random bits of information.

A man and his dog

I was informed by my supervisor that I will be moving up to an Advanced Line therapist.  That's kind of exciting in that it means a little bit more responsibility and a pay raise.  I've been working some crazy hours (almost 30 a week-I started at about 12 back in June) so she thought I'd deserve to be rewarded for my hard work.  I thought that was awesome of her because not once did I ever think that I needed to be compensated for going above and beyond.  I was humbled that she noticed and grateful that she mentioned something to the office staff as well.  I really can see myself doing this as a career type job.  I know I've said it before, but it's true.  I want to work my way up to being a senior therapist one day...or maybe just stick with being a line because that's where I see the efforts of all the work turn into accomplishments for the kids.  I definitely want to learn more about Autism so I can help these kids to the best of my ability so I've been considering going back to school for either a more specified bachelor's or a master's related to applied behavior analysis.  Again, God is directing my path so we'll see what He has in store.  For now though, I need to remember to have faith in HIS timing.  

That's what I've been struggling with the most.  There are lots of things I would love RIGHT NOW, but He's saying wait and it's tough.  I'm patient with others usually, but when it comes to things like this not so much.  I'm learning though.  I joined the women's Bible study and we're doing a study on changing attitudes and so far the biggest one for me is that of contentment.  I am not content right now with waiting on God's timing, but I'm learning.  I want to be like Paul, who learned how to be content with little as well as experienced great gain. 

And that is where I'll leave it...I just might have to continue blogging about that study because it really is great. James MacDonald Lord, Change My Attitude is the book/workbook/video we're doing.  I am a fan so far, challenging but oh so needed right now in my life.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Has anyone else noticed that it's the end of October almost, Halloween is 2 weeks away, my birthday is in 3...wow I didn't even realize that until just now.  How fast time has gone.  Especially since my last post.  I didn't even write about our anniversary really, but this past month (well, the past 5 and a half really) has gone so fast I don't even remember all that I've done.  But I know that it's been fun.

While I don't really like to do, I think bullet points might be best for this post.  So here are some of the fun things we've been up to since I last wrote.

-We didn't do anything really for our 3rd anniversary since the week before we bought a new TV and an Xbox. Steve made lasagna and garlic bread for dinner and grape dessert too.  I was very impressed, and so thankful to have married a guy who loves to cook! (Since I started working evenings he has cooked about 90% of our meals.  I love that man!)

-The first weekend in October we were going to go camping with some friends from Steve's work.  Unfortunately the weather was awful so we didn't end up going, but camped out in our living room instead.  I was bummed that we couldn't go because I had wanted to ALL summer, but Steve had an idea to cheer me up. I got home from work and we went straight to get Taco Bell for dinner.  I wasn't allowed in the house and wondered what in the world he had done that I couldn't go in.  We got home and he had pulled the mattress into the living room and put our sleeping bags on top of it.  We also had our camping lantern to eat by.  It was a lot of fun, and we found out the next day that they had closed all the state parks in our county because so many trees were falling from the high winds. 

-We went to a dairy farm and corn maze that same weekend with our friend Grant.  The maze wasn't a ton of fun, but the weather was beautiful so we had fun anyways.  We also got really good homemade fudge and ice cream from the dairy farm's little shop.

-Steve and I, along with another couple from church have been leading the middle school youth ministry on Wednesday nights.  We've been rotating every other week because of Steve's schedule, but it's been a blast!  The group isn't very big, but they've been asking some good questions and it's been fun getting to know them.

-I had to work last Saturday, and instead of just doing our normal stuff, I decided to get some craft supplies to make fun Halloween decorations.  We had a ton of making goofy pumpkins, skulls, and Frankenstein out of empty toilet paper tubes, foam stickers, glitter glue, and googly eyes.  I love my job most days, but that day I was really excited the kids took to what I brought because sometimes it's hit or miss with what they'll like.  And speaking of my job, my hours have changed and I'm still trying to get used to this schedule.  But that is for another time...

-We enjoyed an extended Indian Summer and Sherman and I took full advantage of it.  We went to the dog park and took a nice long walk with my friend Jessica too.  I wish it would've lasted a bit longer, but I am I learning to be content with the blessings I've been given.  (I joined the women's Bible study at church, and our book is Lord, Change My Attitude by James MacDonald...very good and I am definitely challenged to change my attitude!)

-This past weekend we went bowling with some of the guys from Steve's station.  Then went our with Jessica and her husband, whom Steve also works with.  It was fun to get out of the house and visit with them.

-Yesterday one of Steve's close friends at the station went to church with us.  He's not a Christian, but said that was the first time he ever enjoyed a church service.  He also said he wants us to pick him up every Sunday for church.  So if you think of it this week could you pray for him, that he sees how awesome it is to have Christ in your life.  That he sees it in Steve's and my life as well as through those he interacts with at church.  And that God would work on his heart, and that he would open it up to answer God's call.

-Our pastor also invited us over to his house to watch the New Orleans Saints' game.  He's a huge fan and always mentions it on Sunday as we live in Packer country up here.  Gets a chuckle every time.  Anyways, another family from church was there too and Steve also works with him as well.  So we had fun, even though the Saints lost, talking and hanging out.  Shannon (our pastor) also made dinner, which was delicious!  I even ate the brussels sprouts cause they were so good.

So there's a look at what we've been up to.  It's definitely starting to feel like home here.  We're getting to know people, hanging out and making some hopefully long lasting friendships.  Oh and another note of importance: Steve got Sailor of the Quarter for this past quarter.  Which I think is awesome!  He's only been there for 5 months and received the honor the first full quarter he was part of the Canal Station.  He is working so hard and I am so proud of him.  His name is on the list for Health Services Technician A-school, but won't be going for another 2 and a half years or so.  More that later too...  We're doing well, I also was informed I'd be moved up to an Advanced line therapist, with a little raise after being with my company for about 4 months.  God has blessed us so much.  Even though sometimes things suck such as our conflicting schedules and not getting to see each other much; He is teaching us to rely on Him and Him alone for our joy and peace.

Verses I'm standing on this week (and should be always):
"Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth [gain].  After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing  let us be content."  1 Timothy 6:6-8

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.