Anyway... an update on life (and I'll try to keep this [somewhat] short). We left Virginia on March 8, but didn't make it to Pensacola until a bit later because Randy took some leave and we got to go to Charleston for a few days while my parents took care of Landon, which was fabulous. So, obviously... we are now in Pensacola. I love the heat, the slowness of life, and the fact that we are 15 minutes from the beach (although we haven't been there a lot due to the extreme heat). Randy had about six weeks of flying, but other than that, he's been home pretty much all day every day, which is so fabulous after 6 months of sheer madness. We actually got a surprise vacation last week (and had some baby-free time!). Randy starts up the craziness again this month. We've been blessed to have him around so much... I'm not quite sure what Landon's going to do with just Mommy all day!
We found a great church within a few weeks of visiting around. I feel blessed and encouraged every week - love the worship, the Christ-centered focus, and the body of believers. God is so good to meet our needs wherever He has placed us.
My little sister had a beautiful wedding in May and was whisked away to Ohio for her new hubby to start dental school. I'm pretty sure we are now on opposite sides of the US (well, kinda sorta). I'm not bitter, but I'm not happy about it (Jared... *ahem*). However, I am most thankful for technology. :)
I've enjoyed setting up house since we've been here... and I have yet to post pictures. Part of that is due to the fact that I'm chasing a crazy little guy around, and part of it is due to the fact that I haven't quite finished "setting up." It probably won't happen before we leave, so I should probably just post pictures anyway.
Our not-so-little Landon is 18 months old. There are so many things I want to remember about this stage. He is so crazy and full of energy and personality. He is all boy - loves being outside and playing in the grass (aka dirt), kicking soccer balls with his daddy, and oh, yes - eating. He has been known to inhale two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in a sitting. (Btw, side note: I am SO glad that he doesn't have a peanut allergy. I think I might die. I love it that much.) We call him our little explorer - toddles all over the house getting into anything and everything. And I'm okay with that, honestly, unless he's going to physically harm himself (for instance, drinking toilet water with 1000 Flushes in it - almost happened). I think his curiosity is a good thing - just hope that by the time he's 5, he's not rummaging through the drawers to find our toothbrushes to brush his teeth (his current obsession). He is generally a happy little guy and giggles at everything (especially Randy). My new favorite is when he walks in the room where I'm at (or vica versa), and I say, "Heyyyyyy!" and he responds with "eyyyyy!" He better be that excited to see me when he's a teenager. Anyway, in a nutshell, that's my little guy. I love him more than I ever thought possible and I absolutely love being a mom. Yes, I realize I say that a lot. But it's true.
Like I said, we've had a lot of extra time to spend with Randy over the past couple months or so. In that time, I've been able to see what a fabulous daddy he is. I mean, I knew it before (he's changed some awful diapers). But I've been able to see it every day in action. I know there are a lot of fabulous daddies out there, but honestly, these days, it's rare. I'm so thankful he takes time with Landon. And Landon knows it. As soon as he hears that door open, he runs to it and says, "Dada? Dada?" I just love it.
So those are some good things. I haven't mentioned the frustrating military unknowns. Tear-my-hair out mommy moments. Clingy, whiny, teething days. Tears from bitter disappointments. Stress-filled decisions. Overwhelming loneliness. Face-to-face moments with my own sin.
That's not because these things aren't real. They're a bit too real some days. And to be honest, I complain about them far too much. Maybe not on Facebook or on this blog... but I definitely do a lot of it in my heart (and perhaps to my husband some days... *ahem*). But choosing to dwell on the wonderful, sweet things that God has given me, specifically His goodness to me in Jesus, causes me to praise Him rather than to complain. I have so very, very much to be thankful for.
This song has become so special to me over the past several months for many different reasons. Jesus really is so wonderful to me.
good to hear from you again. :) i need to update our blog too! i understand the busyness of life...we just had two lessons on that in ss....what to cut out and what to keep. pretty challenging!
ReplyDeletemiss you guys. ps. i think your house got painted for a third time....haven't been over there yet, but i saw a painter!
Glad you are doing well! I understand the busyness and the challenges. So thankful for God's grace!
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