Mommy, mommy, mommy

Hello and happy spring time to you all! I am so sorry that it's been over a month since I last wrote! It's partially because I've been debating about what to say, I've been a 'not-so-single, single parent' quite a bit lately with fire season in full swing on the coast and Adam being on call, the boys have taken turns being sick, and work is gearing up quickly with students preparing for the upcoming fall semester.

Some great news to report though since my last post! Haze is officially registered for Kindergarten! He will be FIVE YEARS OLD on Thursday...no, it still hasn't hit me. Mack has started sleeping through the night (for the most part!)! 'Dada' is his first word and he officially has 3 whole teeth! Adam got called out on his first wildfire over Easter in Black Mountain. Although I know he missed us (and we missed him!), I also know he loved every minute of it! I'm starting graduate school May 11th and am SOOO excited! (Or crazy!)

I wanted to share something with you all that's been on my heart for several days. It seems that every time I pick up a newspaper, turn on a news station (which, for reasons like this, isn't very often), or look at my Facebook news feed, there's a story about children--infants and babies even--who have been harmed, abused, or killed by their parents or family member. The 18 month old twins who were found in Yuma, the newborn baby in the upstate 2 kids found in a dumpster, on and on and on. Let me be clear on what this is...evil. For someone to look at a child who cannot care for themselves, defend themselves, or cause another human being any harm and want to cause that child harm is evil. There's no excuse for it and I personally have no tolerance for it. My heart breaks for those babies and those children affected by this kind of torture and abuse and I pray for those who loved those babies and lost them in this tragic way. And as hard as it is for me to do it, I pray for those that would inflict this kind of harm on those babies.

Now...hold on to that thought. My next point is this...mom bashing. Similac, I believe has come out with a wonderful commercial showing all types of moms and the bashing that can come from all of them. Then it brings them all together at the end to help a baby who is in trouble if the stroller isn't stopped. At that point, it's all about that baby that's in trouble--not the SAHM vs. the working moms, or the breastfeeding moms vs. the bottle feeding moms--it's about the baby. Something else I have no tolerance for is mom bashing. When I became a mom it wasn't about me anymore--it was about that 8 lb. 8 oz. bundle of joy that made me a mommy! Everything I do, every decision Adam and I make as a family is made with him (and now his brother!) at the front of our minds and with God's guidance! Let me be clear. I work 40 hours a week and so does my husband (more often than not, he works more than that), I'm about to start graduate school and have been in school for most of my oldest son's short 5 years, and I wonder every. single. day. if I'm screwing up. My children are in an 'in home' day care environment, Haze eats Happy Meals because some nights I just don't feel like cooking. I had an epidural during labor (both times), I vaccinate my children, I believe in spanking, and my children will go to public school. Some of this may offend you because you have chosen to not vaccinate your children, your children ONLY eat organic foods, or you had a natural childbirth....and that's okay.

How is this okay? What makes this okay? At the end of the day, we all do the best we can, with what we have because we love our children. Some women with children work because they have to financially and others do it because they want to. I'm with the latter. I need that adult interaction every day and that time away from my children to make me a better mom. Many women don't understand this...and that's okay too. Some husbands are now the one who stays home, single parents--in many cases don't have a choice but to work, some moms breastfeed and make their own baby food, others buy formula and Gerber baby food. Again...it's all okay. 

So here is my challenge to all of us as moms and parents in general. Let's take all of that energy that we use on the mom bashing and gossiping and whispering and use it to, first, pray for one another, to encourage one another, to help one another, and finally, to help the children who are living in the conditions that make them the news stories I mentioned above. Whether it's through a Big Sister/Big Brother program locally, foster/adoption, teaching Sunday School, coaching a ball team for young children....let's do something to show love and to show Christ to these children (and ultimately their parents) who so want to feel loved, to know they are loved--to know that someone on this earth loves and cares for them. Let's stop the abuse, the hate, the mom bashing, and all the negativity that goes with all of the above and lift each other up in prayer, encouraging one another, and loving one another.

I'm reminded of the following verse as I close and I hope it helps you to love other moms and parents more deeply as it does me. We're all in this together and we've got to pray and love each other through it. And tonight, hold your babies closer, hold them longer, give them one more kiss, and tell them one more time how much you love them. And pray, pray, pray for those babies who don't have someone doing that.

      Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Change

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

 Change. Six little letters make up that word, but that word can shake us to our core with fear. They will cause us to lose sleep, not eat, or worse yet, over eat. They make us cling to what and who makes us comfortable. We rebel against it, often times. Change means 'new'....it means we have to learn something new, meet someone new, move somewhere new, or a little of all of the above. It could mean we have to leave those we know and love.....But what if change could be a good thing? What if making a change meant your family was put in a better place financially? What if it meant your children could go to a better school? What if it meant you could further your education or actually use your education? What if it was just a chance to do something new?!

I've been thinking about change for the last week or so. Many of our friends are in seasons of change or rebelling against change, even as I type this. Whether it's an upcoming move (again), a new job, a new baby, a new semester, or a new boss, change is all around. This past weekend was when I decided to write about change in this blog. As I told you last time, my in laws came down for the weekend. I couldn't help but smile as I thought about the changes that Adam and I have been through with them. They used to come to Camp Lejeune to see...well, us. Now they come to our house to see....the grand babies. We just happen to be there! :) That's okay, it's as it should be. But seriously, the weekend visits used to be filled with shopping for me and the MIL and movies and household projects for Adam and the FIL. Now the weekend visits are filled with presents from Mimi and Paw Paw to the kids and 30 blissful minutes to ourselves for me and Adam! My brother in law is en route as I type to Tennessee to start his new job. He's been in Casper, Wyoming for the last couple of years and has taken this new job in TN. Kyle's one that's never been afraid of change, even more so than Adam and myself. 

Think about a season of change in your life, any season of change.  How did you handle it? Were you scared? Were you excited? Did you shut down and block it out all together? Did you rebel against it until you couldn't anymore? The verse above is my favorite in all of the Bible. It's one that's always given me comfort--even when I couldn't wrap my head around the finances, logistics, or 'newness' of the change I was facing, this verse calmed me. The verse doesn't say that God will figure out the plan for your life or that He'll wing it as you go along. It says 'I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and to give you hope and a future.' It says that He's already there and preparing the way before you. This just requires faith, trust, and patience (that last one is a topic for another day!). 

I've told Adam from the time we got married that I'd go anywhere the USMC sent us. When he got out, I told him, I'd go anywhere he got a job. I meant it....I think! He's not asked me to go across the country or the world yet, so stay tuned! But seriously, life has thrown enough 'change' at me that the idea of leaving my home, my family, my job, all the 'comforts' that I enjoy, doesn't scare me like it used to. Why? Because God has guided every. single. step. Even when I couldn't or wouldn't acknowledge His presence or hand in something, He was there. Do I miss my family? More than I can describe. Do I miss my coworkers? Absolutely (because they started as coworkers and I left them as friends). Do I stress about owning a home in one place and renting one in another? Who wouldn't. But there's more to it than that....everywhere that Adam and I have ever gone--no matter the jobs, the home, the school--everywhere we've ever been, God has provided us a 'family' in that place. Our USMC family is just that--a family. The friends we made in Sylva between school, work, and church, I cherish those people and our relationships. It's happening here in eastern NC, too. Trips home are just a car ride away. Visits from our folks are cherished--even more so than when we lived 3 miles from them. But in the time that Adam and I have been on our own and away from our families, we've grown SO much as a couple. Since we've had kids, we've grown SO much as parents and as a family of four. I wouldn't trade that growth or that time for anything in this world. And we wouldn't of had that growth had we not been willing to change, to grow, and to go where God presented us opportunities!

What am I driving at here? Don't fear change. Don't dread it. You don't have to always embrace it with open arms and a smile (I haven't always!), but don't run and lock yourself in the closet when an opportunity for growth presents itself. Pray...be still and know. Be willing to see the positives in the change amidst all of the things you would consider a negative. Life is too short to live with 'what ifs' and 'if only' thoughts. We're not promised tomorrow and there's a whole big world out there to explore and take in! 

For those of you who are going  through a season of change and for those of you who are trying to avoid one, my prayers are with you always. 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7

Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~ John 14:27 (NIV)

These last 2 weeks have been anything but peaceful for me. Still adjusting to the move (new jobs, new house, and new sitter for the boys), winter weather reaking havoc on our house in Sylva (all I'll say is frozen pipes!), hitting wall after wall with trying to find a graduate program that I want to complete AND can afford to complete AND that's accredited, Haze shoving a tiny Lego piece up his nose, Haze getting strep throat again, Mack still not sleeping, losing power...at sun down, before dinner is done, and then just everything going on in the world today.....how am I supposed to feel peaceful?

How are ANY of us supposed to feel peaceful?! Let's be honest, we all have our own lists like the one I just made...more month than money, kids--'nuff said on that one, work stress, family drama, health problems, ISIS and global terror, on and on on..... it's disheartening to think about all of these things. We find ourselves ONLY thinking of these things and we're suddenly depressed, terrified, overwhelmed, anxious, and tense. But doesn't the Bible tell us that God didn't give us the spirit of fear?

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 

 ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

I knew that was in there somewhere! 

So I'm driving into work this morning and am just taking everything from the last 2 weeks in....getting overwhelmed...and I catch a Charles Stanley sermon on John 14 and God's peace. It hit me like a lead balloon, y'all. Do not let your hearts be troubled....and do not be afraid. I was reminded and humbled again that God is in control, He's in the details, and He's already there and in whatever mountains and valleys I'll go through tomorrow, next week, and next year! When I told my aunt Melissa that we were moving and asked her to pray for us as we transitioned, she said to me, 'He said He'd go ahead of you.' And you know what? I've said it before...He did! He worked out the details of our move to the coast and He's in control and working out the details of EVERY issue we bring to Him in prayer! 

I read a Billy Graham devotion last week that said as Christians we don't have the right to walk around wringing our hands in fear about anything (the devotion was about end times) because God has promised us that in the end, it's all going to be okay. I think that holds true even in our every day struggles and worries. In the end, it's all going to be okay because God is in control and we have His peace to comfort us, guide us, and watch over us through our trials and when we are on the mountain top! 

The last half of my drive into work was bright...even on a day as cloudy as this one! I took in the beauty of this eastern NC winter morning! Where we live is called 'The Land of the Pine'....can you see why? Seriously, Pine Trees are EVERYWHERE!

Look closely, you can see the pines on the left leaning in towards the road.

See how droopy the branches are? Ice is heavy and Pine is a 'soft wood' (that's one of the only facts I remember from helping Adam study in school!).

As I took in the cloudy view, I felt at peace. We've all said it as we've looked at everyone's snow pics in the last few days, there's just something 'peaceful' about the snowfall and winter scenes. It gives us perspective many times....it sure did for me this morning. I hope these verses remind you of how loved we are by an Almighty God, how we are not alone in this world and that God's peace truly is one that passes all understanding. 

Just to let you all know...Haze is recovering from strep nicely! Godzilla and King Kong are back to destroying the 'city' (i.e. Angry Birds game blocks) and his appetite is back! Mack, I think is teething and that's the bulk of his sleep issue. And Adam has been called out on 2 wild fires so far....I know wild fire is nothing to smile about (really--it's not!), but he loves what he's doing with the Forest Service and seeing him that happy at work truly does make me happy! :) We really are all adjusting well and loving this new chapter in our lives! More good things are coming and I'm ready! 

My next post should have lots of 'memories' to share! The in laws are coming down for the weekend. They haven't seen the grand babies in a MONTH! I think that's some kind of new record for them! MIL is on her way down today with a friend (whose grand baby also happens to live here!)! Mack and Haze are spending Thursday AND Friday with the 'Square Mimi' (Haze has 2 Mimi's and he separates them by shape!)! MUCH fun will be had by all! :) OH! And Haze has no idea! Mimi is just going to 'be there' when we get home tonight!!!!

Love to you all! Thank you for letting me share my thoughts with you all in this way!  

 

I've Got A Song

'When I get up in the mornin', I start my day with rejoicin'. I've got a song.....' 

Okay, so not exactly. More often than not, my mornings start with my rolling out of the twin bed I keep in Mack's room slower than cold molasses so as not to wake him up, quietly go downstairs to crawl in the shower, grumbling the whole time about how tired I am because Mack didn't sleep....again.

'No matter how much it's rainin', you'll never hear me complainin', I've got a song....' 

Again, not exactly. I'm quiet until Adam wakes up and inevitably asks, 'What's wrong?' The flood gates are opened and all bets are off. 'I'm exhausted! I'm late! I'm hungry! My sinuses are killing me!' On and on and on. (He listens, smiles, and kisses me...every time!)

This morning was no different than the above described. No, I'm not proud, but we've all been there. Out the door, to the babysitter, and off to work 5 minutes ahead of schedule! I have about a 20 minute drive from the time I drop the boys off to my office, so I've tried to use that time to pray, think, and reflect.

This morning, I was thinking of my cousin and her husband. You see, yesterday they welcomed their first child into this world. Sweet Grayson Marie Moore was born weighing in at 8.1 lbs and 20 inches long! Mom and baby are doing great!

Now who wouldn't have a song after seeing this face?!

'It's a song of hope. It's a song of love. It's a song of peace that comes from above. I've got a song. I've got a song to sing! It's a song of power and of victory. It's a song of the life that He's given me!'

You see, my family takes our babies very seriously (so much so, we have them in batches! Seriously, we do! We have another one due this summer!). We love them from the moment we know about them. We spoil them from that moment too. Pictures, birthday parties, surprise gifts, dance recitals, surprise visits, you name it...we do it. But most importantly, we pray for our babies. This sweet girl was no different. She's been prayed for, loved on, and patiently waited for and now she's here and everyone is thrilled and singing their song of thanksgiving and praise for this new life that God has blessed us with!

Needless to say, I quickly got over my 'mood' this morning and found my song for the day! I pray that you found yours as well!

1 Samuel 1:27: I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.

A New Chapter

We are officially eastern NC residents once again! The last 10 days or so have been a whirlwind of moving, unpacking boxes, adjustments for the boys, and trying to remember how you get to Lowe's from our house! :)  I'd forgotten how much I like coastal NC living; how beautiful the sun is in the mornings here and how much warmer 32 degrees is on the coast than in the mountains!

I have to share this because I still smile and get excited every time I see the box! My brother and future sister in law came up from Charleston to help us unload our moving truck (huge shout out to them!). They brought 'house warming' gifts....a six pack of some German (I think) beer Adam likes and coffee for me...but that's not all I got! In the prettiest green and pink bag was this little box.....

EEK!!! Not only is my brother getting married to a T-E-R-R-I-F-I-C girl, but I get to be a part of their special day! Needless to say, I said yes and the shower planning has commenced! Cannot wait to celebrate this joyous event!!


Last week, Adam and I were both off while we moved and got settled here, so we had all week to spend with each other and our boys....and cabin fever set in for all of us around Wednesday! So we decided a trip to Fort Fisher Aquarium (or 'in-quarium' as Haze has called it) was in order! I don't have a single picture to show you, not one. Adam and I took turns chasing Haze and holding Mack, so that's all we had time for! The only picture I have is the one below of Haze's exceptionally long, Carolina blue rattle snake that he got in the gift shop!

Terrifying isn't it?....

 Friday was the big day for the boys! It was time to go meet the new babysitter and spend the day! :) I'll admit, as ready as I was for a 'date day' with Adam in Wilmington, I was so nervous about leaving my boys. We've been blessed beyond measure in our child care providers since Haze was born and I didn't know how I would do leaving them. But, God is good ALL the time! Haze didn't miss a beat and walked in like he owned the joint (those of you who know Haze aren't surprised, are you?) and Mack took right to Jessica (those of you who know Mack know that he's not too keen on 'new' people!). Both boys spent the better part of Friday with her and had a great day! Adam and I did too and thoroughly enjoyed our date day in Wilmington (complete with shopping and pizza from Mellow Mushroom!).

Yesterday was everyone's first day 'back to the grind'. The boys did great with Jessica (everything else is okay as long as they are!). Adam and I both had great first days at work! I learned that I will only get 30 minutes for lunch Monday thru Thursday in order to get off at 3 on Fridays (hello Mommy time!) and Adam learned that he has to go to a training to learn how 'to throw fire out of a helicopter'. Let that sink in a minute. I'm not sure what all that means, but I'm sure it'll make for a good tale or 2 when the training comes around! :)

God is in the details, y'all, and this move is evidence of that for us! From our home in Sylva to child care here...God is in the details! He's taken care of everything that needed to be taken care of and I'm in awe of his continued grace towards us. Prayers are appreciated as we continue to learn our new jobs, our new home, new town, and especially as the boys continue to adjust to their new sitter.

More to come soon, just wanted to update!

Welcome!

Welcome, welcome, welcome! I'm new to this blogging thing, but it's something that has been on my mind for a while to start. Not that I have anything out of this world spectacular to share or opinions everyone is entitled to, but because I love 'talking' to people and this is way I can do that while keeping up with friends and family all over this great land of ours! 

I'll share family tales (life with 2 boys and a hubby gets interesting), thoughts on life, and anything else that comes to mind! I'm a mom to 2 beautiful boys (Haze, 4 and Mack, 7 months), a wife to my hubby Adam for almost 10 years, a Financial Aid Counselor, a daughter, a sister, wanna be 'crafter', and a lover of retail therapy (but oh, how I wish I wasn't!)!  

Me and Adam in Clayton, NC right before his NC Forest Service interview (November 2014)

 These 2 pictures together make me smile because they are a direct reflection of our personalities! Haze and I are all smiles, while Adam and Mack are...less than thrilled?! 

Haze (4) and Mack (3 months) in Sylva, NC (October 2014)

The name for this blog came out of several things. One, my love for North Carolina and having lived on both sides of this beautiful state (see pics below!)! And two, it leaves the blog open for lots of topics! 

Lake Junaluska, Waynesville, NC (October 2014)

Wrightsville Beach, NC (April 2013)

For the next 2 days, my family and I live in beautiful Western NC. We moved here so my husband could finish his degree in Forestry and I took a job at Western Carolina University (Go Catamounts!) as a Financial Aid Counselor. By this time next week, we will be Eastern NC's newest residents as my husband starts his first position with the NC Forest Service as an Asst. County Ranger and I begin a new Financial Aid Counseling journey!

We are blessed beyond measure in this crazy, beautiful life and humbled daily by the love and support extended to us by our family and friends and humbled by the grace of a God who truly does give us the desires of our hearts!

Again, welcome! I hope you'll stick around, reply, and share your stories with me as we go!