A Special Lord's Day

As some may or may not know, I haven't been to church in some time due to my work schedule. As I no longer work, I was actually able to wake up (myself and the kids) this morning. And not just wake up. I woke up in enough time to make breakfast (eggs, sausage, and toast), eat, clean up afterwards, have the kids brush their teeth then get dressed, then take my own shower and get dressed, load up, and get to the church before Sunday school started. Wow! Happy day from the start!

When we first got there, Vincent was super excited about going to Sunday school and started running up the steps and I had to call him down, since we had to go into the auditorium first. We went in and sang a song once Sunday school started, then the little ones were dismissed. At this, Vincent decided he wanted to stay with mommy, so mommy had to pick him up and explain to him that Karah would be going with him, that she was a good big sister and looked out for him, and he would be just fine. Well, something worked, because he finally said okay and they went to class. I went back with the adults, and I thoroughly enjoyed the lesson. It appeared to be a continuation from the prior week, but it was about Drawing Nigh to God. It was a very good lesson and something I needed to hear. The final question was "What do you expect from God?" Something to think about.

The children rejoined me for the morning service and they behaved pretty well. Vincent has come a long way than when he first started sitting in a church service. Must come with age ... haha. During the sermon, I would find the reference and point to it in the Bible and have Vincent follow my finger. He seemed rather interested which made me happy. The message was about what parents need to do in order to reach their children {for/to the Lord}. With the initial verse of Proverbs 22:6, the summary is Parents need to be consistent, dedicated, and spiritual. "How do we want our children to turn out?" Once again, something I really needed to hear. It's funny - in a good way - how the Lord has things turn out sometimes. I am so glad I made it to church today.

And then there was lunch. Didn't do much for lunch. Vincent had leftovers and Karah & I had ramen soup. After that we finished up their valentine's for their respective classes. The only thing left for them now is to put in some hugs & kisses (of the Hershey's variety). :-) The rest of the afternoon was just relaxing.

We left at 6 so we could stop by Books-A-Million. I wanted to find a Bible for me, but they were a little expensive for what I had on me at the time. I ended up getting one for Vincent so he could have his own and he loved it! He didn't let go of it the whole time except for right before we left and once in the middle of the service (he had fallen asleep and it fell out of his lap/arms at which point he woke up, picked it back up, cradled it, then fell back asleep). It was good fellowshipping with others after the service. When we finally left, I got to the truck and realized I had missed Brian's call. I was so upset I started crying right away, then tried to call the number back. It's not his phone, as his doesn't get service down there, and there wasn't any answer so I checked my voicemail since it said I had one. grrr. Technology nowadays. I got on and was going to listen to it and then it said the message was erased. ERASED?!?!?! I checked the phone to make sure no buttons had gotten accidentally pressed ... nope, all good. Well, whatever it had been was long gone now. Great, I didn't even get to hear his voice via voicemail. Talk about devastating. Well, I start driving but still ended up crying most of the way home. The kids didn't notice because they were engrossed in their DS games. (They had a choice at breakfast: they either got to play them at the house or in the truck, not both. They chose the truck.) I didn't want them to know I'd been crying so I stopped - crying that is. After we got home I ran to the answering machine thinking maybe he called the house phone and left a message. Nope. Rats. So I check the email. He had written saying he was going to call around 9:30/10. I replied saying I had missed his call and hoped he would call back. And in the middle of the email he called! YEA!!!!! It made me SOOOOOOO happy. Now I can go to sleep easier.

Well, since we didn't get home until almsot 10, the kids were kinda hungry - hadn't eaten since 2 except for a small snack around 5. So I heated up some pot pies and got them to eat, change, brush teeth, and be in bed by 10:30, which actually worked. So now they're tucked in and I'm writing this blog. Guess I'd better not stay up too much longer. I need to stay on this day schedule I seem to be on. It's nice being awake when everyone else is, too!

My First Saturday ...

without having to work. Just a week ago I was at work, cleaning and getting ready to close the store. I think Brian was even trying to stay up for me (and he did if I remember correctly). Then comes today. Yes, I was up a little late last night, but not too bad. I slept in a little this morning, then got up around 1030. After having a bowl of cereal, I joined the kids on the couch where we changed the game they were playing on the Gamecube to Mario Party 7. We set it for 15 turns and commenced to play. Things went pretty well until the end. It's set up so there are 4 teams playing - since there was only 3 of us we had to have the computer playing the 4th one. We also have it to where bonus stars are awarded (randomly) at the end. During the game, Vincent managed to get 3 stars, the computer 1, me 1, and Karah none (she had one but during a game lost it to Vincent). He also had 60+ coins, comp had 12 coins, I had 5 coins, and Karah had 50+ coins. His last turn landed him on a Koopa Kid space where he ended up getting his coins switched with mine. At the end we had the bonus stars awarded. Karah ended up getting 1, I ended up getting 1, and the computer ended up getting 2 (he tied me for one). Because of the bonus stars and the coin switch, the computer ended up getting first place, since he had more coins than Vincent. Poor thing, he started crying because he didn't win, and Karah and I were quick to point out that he was the winner in our book; that the bonus stars was the only reason he won. He calmed down a bit after that.

Since the game was done, we got dressed then made lunch. While I was making lunch they helped to load the dishwasher and clear off the table. We ate lunch - finally - and then after it was done got ready to go. We went out through the garage (which is something we don't normally do) and left ... leaving the garage door up. I didn't realize this until I was already down a few roads so I turned around. Granted it was raining and I didn't think too many people would be about to want to try to take a bike or scooter or anything else in there, but why leave it open for temptation? (plus, the door to the house was unlocked!) After finally getting the door closed, we went to the movie theater. We went to go see "Alvin and the Chipmunks". I really think I like the cartoons better, personally, but it wasn't too bad. The kids enjoyed it, and I enjoyed being able to spend time with them on a Saturday afternoon and not have to worry about rushing to get ready for work.

After the movie we stopped by the exchange. Looked around for a bit and happened to find out about a sale on February 13th. I love sales! We then went into the little arcade and played for a few minutes. After that, we stopped by the picture place to make an appointment for family pictures. We're only going to have a small window in which to get them done in. We made a quick stop in the music store where I played for a few minutes. I love being able to play on a full keyboard. Brian has mentioned maybe getting me one when he gets back from Iraq. It is a digital keyboard, and though I don't like it as much as a regular piano, it would probably work better for us while we're still in the military.

We finally made it home where Karah jumped in the tub, while I cut Vincent's hair. Afterwards, I started teaching him a song to sing. Him and Karah, actually. I asked him if he wanted to sing higher or lower and he said lower so we went over the lower part of the song (at a level he could reach) and he did rather well. When he hopped in the tub, I went over the melody of the song with Karah. Once he was out, I had both of them singing, and they were doing rather well. Vincent stayed on his part ... and Karah kept trying to join him - lol. They'll get it, but I was impressed for it being their first time singing together like that. Maybe they'll learn something yet! ;-)

Brian finally called at around 2200 and we talked for a little bit. He was getting ready to go to bed after he was off the phone with me, and I was too (and will when I finish this). We are going to go to church in the morning, which is something I haven't really done since I was working nights. I miss it. I know it will help me a lot. The kids have their clothes out already and I can't wait. I love to see them dressed up! :-)

Well, time to get my beauty rest so I can wake up to the alarms in the morning. Happy New Week!

Internal debate

Do I go to bed or stay awake? That doesn't seem like too hard of a question until you see the surrounding facts. It is a few minutes before 4am; the kids have to catch the bus at 8am; I don't hear alarms very well - especially if I'm tired. Why am I up at 4am? Well, I've only been home for half an hour. Yesterday, after lunch, Brian found out he had to show up before midnight to go to Cajun Viper. He was originally supposed to leave Friday. Well, that made us get everything together much quicker. Granted, he had been planning on packing last night, but with the thought of leaving Friday instead of Thursday. So after the kids were done with their homework and Brian got some stuff together, we went out to grab a few small things and dinner. We went to Walmart and Target to try to find a small box of laundry detergent but to no avail. Since we were out that direction, we had CiCi's for dinner. (For those of you that don't know, CiCi's is a pizza buffet.) On the way back home we saw the Dollar Tree and figured "why not?" We didn't find a small box, but we did find a small bottle of detergent and it was only a dollar :-) So we finished up and came home and commenced with the packing while the kids took their showers and made their lunches for school. When they were done, I let them make Brian a card to take with him so he'd have something to remind him of home. Vincent fell asleep at the desk, the poor little thing. Thankfully, he had most of it done, I just woke him up enough to get him to sign his name, and then let both of the kids take a nap on the couch until we were ready to leave. Last minute packing leads to rushing, but it all got done (including the brownies which I'd made for him when we got home). He made it to formation on time, and then the kids (who were sleeping) and I stayed in the truck while Brian went to the armory to get his weapons. I was a little bored, then I started playing Karah's Nintendo DS - Super Princess Peach (pretty cute game). It kept me occupied until my sister got off work and then we started texting back and forth until she got home where we switched to instant messaging. When Brian got back, he came and sat with us for a bit and warmed up. Then the busses came so he joined the rest of the Marines after giving the kids and me hugs & kisses. The kids woke up for a brief moment, then went right back to sleep. After a little while, they finally started to board the busses. On the way to the bus, Brian stopped back by real quick for another hug & kiss and then he was gone. Off for a few weeks to Louisiana :-( He should be back shortly after Valentine's Day. We'll do our Valentine's then. After his block leave, he won't have much longer to be here before he heads overseas.

Well, maybe I will try to get a nap in. Brian said he'd try to call before he got on the plane. If I don't get any sleep, I know I'll never hear the phone ring...or alarm go off. :-s

It begins

We had our pre-deployment brief today. Even though we knew it was coming, it seems to make it more final now. Even though it could have been me, it doesn't make it any easier. Sometimes, I think it's harder, since I really do know what goes on, yet I still can't do anything about it.

I also found out that my friend's husband just deployed for a year. And another friend's husband is going to be deployed soon. Deployments have been going on for some time now, but it's happened with very few people that I knew.

Guess I'm going to find myself on my knees a lot. hmmm, maybe I'd better find a good pillow!

just a little bored ...

so I thought I would write a bit. And I did. And somehow in the process of selecting it all, I deleted it. Maybe it was for the better. I'll not expand now, but for any that happen to read this, all I ask is please, will you pray for me? That is what will help the most right now. There are several things that I need to take care of in my personal, spiritual life so I can be of (better) help to my family. There must be something better to do than sit up late at night bored and crying. Oh my...I'd better stop now while I still have the chance.

Work

So many feelings that come from one little word. I used to work full time and then stopped. I really missed my paycheck! Then this past summer, I started working part-time in the evenings. The purpose? To have some "play money" that could be used for fun stuff (like Chuck-E-Cheese or the recent HSM on Ice event). Well, it looks like I may not be having that job too much longer. Not because of getting fired, but because I won't be able to work the hours they want me to much longer. Starting in mid-January Brian will be here and there and everywhere, but in no particular pattern. He's got a field op in Jan for a week, Cajun Viper in February, then leaves for about 7 months in March. When he's gone, I won't be able to work my usual evenings because there won't be anyone here to watch the kids, and who wants to watch children until 12 - 1 in the morning? I really like where I'm working and I've made some new friends as well. I'm hoping that I'll be able to get a job that I could work during the day (mostly during school hours to save on childcare), and on base would be a plus. I did get a call back about one job, but I am not sure how that is going. It is an instructor position, and I've got plenty of instructor experience, however, I don't know the subject they want me to teach. It would pay rather well (about $50 - $60K / yr) but I'm wondering if it would be worth it. I'm starting to doubt myself. I could always stay home, but since the kids are all in school I find myself rather bored a lot. I need to have something to do to keep myself occupied, otherwise I'll just become a couch potato. (computer potato?) Well, something to think and pray about.

Four years and counting

It's hard to believe that Brian & I have been married for four years now. By this time next year, he should be back from Iraq and we'll probably be in Mississippi visiting his parents for Christmas. They say time flies when you're having fun. We have a lot of fun, usually. Sure we have our down times, but I'd take down times with him anytime as opposed to good times without him. After a good, long talk earlier today (Wednesday, that is) I've come to the realization that I do not function well without him. Not that I'll fall on my face when he's gone, but more recently, due to job scheduling, we haven't spent as much time together. We're together, but not talking or enjoying each others company. We're back on track and I am feeling so much better. Last week was an off week on its own due to the store being on extended hours, and add us not really being together really made it an off week for me. I love my husband so much, it is really going to be hard when he's gone. Oh, last night we went to Olive Garden for our Anniversary dinner. Since it's still new (just a month old), we had to wait a little while, but it was worth it to spend some time together without the kids. Thanks to Brian's parents, as in our anniversary card from them, they tossed in a gift card. They're so sweet!

It's been awhile ...

Well, it sure has been awhile since I last posted. Things have been pretty constant around here. Constantly busy, that is. By Thursday evening, all 3 kids will be here at the house for the winter break. Fun times for me! I wonder what I can do to keep them occupied throught the day? hmmm

We started our extended hours a couple weeks ago at work. Extended it by an hour in the morning, then last week we extended them another hour in the evening so now we are open 8am - midnight every day of the week until December 23rd. Oh, I forgot to look at the schedule tonight to see when I work next week. Thankfully, since I close, I shouldn't have to worry about opening the day after Christmas. I want to go shopping! :-)

Last Tuesday, Karah's (brownie) girl scout troop went caroling

with my girl scout troop (I'm a co-leader of a junior troop) around the neighborhood. I managed to get a picture of her and her friend, Krissy, singing. Krissy is the daughter of my co-leader and was in the same troop as Karah last year.

They had a lot of fun and then had cookies and hot chocolate
afterwards. Karah's troop leader got them all Santa hats and

used glitter glue to write their names and troop number on it. They were so cute!

These two little brothers (of Karah & Krissy) got to tag along and hopefully it got them somthing for cub scouts. I'll have to check the book and find out. They really enjoyed their hot chocolate, can you tell? Vincent and Carson are both in 1st grade and go to cub scouts together. Since Carson's daddy is in Iraq, Brian takes both the boys to cub scouts for their den meetings and also watches the boys when the girls to go girl scouts. The roles will probably be reversed when Brian goes over. In any case, they have a lot of fun together. :-)

Last weekend, we went to Raleigh, NC, to see High School Musical on Ice. It was arranged by Karah's troop leader, and since there were more than 10 attending, we were able to get a group rate for the tickets. All five of us went and we enjoyed ourselves. We got a surprise, when after the show was "over" they said it was going into intermission and that HSM2 would be starting in a few minutes. I thought we were only going to see the first one. We had a blast! We got the kids snow cones in souvenir sports bottles so they could have a drink and souvenir in one, and also got a souvenir program, and a picture of the kids with the cutouts of "Troy" & "Gabriella" (the main stars of the show, although there are several). If I can get my scanner to work, I'll scan the picture. Until then, I'll just put up this picture of the kids with their souvenirs. I had them dress warmly because it had been rather chilly, but it really wasn't to bad that evening. It did keep them warmer inside, though, since it was a bit cool in there.

Well, I guess that's a pretty good update for now. Brian just woke up, so I'm going to go snuggle.

Scattergories

SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks! Copy and paste into a new email. When you are done, send it on, including to the person who sent it to you. *Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following...they have to be real places, names, things...nothing made up!

Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same first initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.
You're up!!

What's your name? Rebekah

4 letter word: rage

Vehicle: Rendezvous

City: Rockford

Boy Name: Roger

Girl Name: Renee

Alcoholic drink: Rum Punch Occupation: Realator

Something you wear: Reeboks

Celebrity: Rachel Ray

Food: rigatoni

Reason for Being Late: ran out of gas

Cartoon Character: Roger Rabbit

Something You Shout: Rah! Rah! Sis-Boom-Bah!

Subject: "The Few, The Proud, The Marines" - Marine Corps Recruiting Commandrequests your support completing a slogan survey

I don't forward much stuff on usually, but this was worth it. Please take a moment of your time to vote! The Marine Corps means a lot to me, and I know quite a few of you as well. ~ Rebekah


Dear Marine Corps Family,

"The Few. The Proud. The Marines." is more than just a slogan. These three sentences represent who we are, epitomizing the challenge of becoming (TheFew), and the reward of being (The Proud), one of the elite (The Marines). Suffice it to say, Few slogans convey such a Proud tradition. Our tagline has been a foundation in the Marine Corps for over thirty years. Now we have the opportunity to immortalize these words into America's civilian culture as well. "The Few. The Proud." has been nominated BEST SLOGAN for the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame. The Marine Corpsjoins a list of 26 other brands that will compete for entry based on total number of votes received online at http://advertising.yahoo.com/advertisingweek_07/slogan_poll.html

Whether you are one of the few and the proud, or simply one of the faithful to those who bear the title United States Marine, we ask that you browse to the URL: http://advertising.yahoo.com/advertisingweek_07/slogan_poll.html to vote for the slogan that has meant so much to so many. If you have Internet access in more than one location, you can vote more than once, so rememberto vote from home, work, the library, and anywhere else you can find acomputer! With a dedicated constituency of active, former, and civilian members of the Marine Corps, strength of message, and patriotic nature of our institution, we are confident a concentrated effort will deliver "The Few. The Proud." into the hall of fame, establishing it in its rightful place among elite American brands. We thank you for your support!

Marine Corps Recruiting Command
(703) 784-9433
MCRC Advertising Department
3280 Russell Rd, Quantico, Va 22134