More art

This one was too funny not to share. Cadey drew a picture of the day we went to the beach with some of our friends. However, she did not draw her friends, she drew mine. The two little kids are Cadey and Matthew and the adults are me and some of my girlfriends -- not necessarily the ones who were at the beach with us, but none the less, my friends. I didn't dare ask if the adult with the HUGE belly and belly button was me -- I don't really want to test my daughter's honest reactions!! hee hee

Please note the use of stickers for swimsuits, sunglasses, and accessories.

Cadey's Art

Cadey has become quite the artist. She's always loved doing projects and coloring, but her ability level and attention to detail have really begun to accelerate.

Below is the picture of David and Goliath that she drew. Notice the sling, the rock David slung, and the trajectory of the rock. Please also note the "scary giant" teeth on Goliath. I was also happy to see that Cadey understood the reason David was able to slay Goliath, as noted in her postscript to the side, "Love, God."

Camping again

We took the kids camping again this weekend. We are all really loving it. Wish we could continue on as it gets cooler, but we'll have to wait until next spring for more camping adventures.

This time, we took the kids about 3 hours upstate, along the Georgia border. We went to a place called Hamilton Branch State Park, which sits on Strom Thurmond Lake. Though the lake was about 15 feet below it's normal level due to the drought, it was beautiful. Hot, hot, hot, but beautiful.

We also rented a canoe for this trip. Once the kids got used to their life vests, all was great.

Here we go again...

We're on the countdown for our next deployment. I say "our" because the each member of the family is deeply impacted due to one member's absence. I can't explain all the things that go on in my head, my heart, and my household as we prepare for another long separation.

First is overwhelm. I now have to tend to three people BY MY SELF, keep the house tidy and ready for possible buyers BY MY SELF, mow the yard, cook all the meals, do the laundry, clean, take care of three people BY MY SELF. This isn't new. I know these feelings are "normal." But they still frustrate me. This ain't my first deployment. But, God willing, it will be our last.

Then comes the anxiety. WHERE is he going???? Will he be coming safely home? Why am I worrying about this since it's out of my hands?

I feel myself pulling away from my husband. I hate that. It's almost as if it's uncontrollable. I begin to hate the very job that brings him joy, and us a paycheck. I am proud of him and the job he does, don't get me wrong. But I want my husband here. All the time.

This time, the kids get it. That makes it that much harder. Explaining why Daddy has to be gone is hard. I can't even console them with the old stand by, "He'll be home soon." No, he won't. It's a long, long time when you're a kid. Heck, it's a long, long time when you're a grown woman.

Oh, I love my family. I realize it is a true blessing that I am so in love with my husband and my family that I hate to be apart. I guess that's what makes it even harder to see him leave. Knowing what I have and that I don't want that to change. I've never been much good at change that I didn't instigate or plan myself.

One thing has been consistent for me in this anxious time: God. I hear his quiet voice reminding me I am not alone. That he has plans for me. That I don't need all the answers and that I don't know all the answers. That's His job. Thank God for God. Knowing He's there to watch over me, my husband, and our children is a blanket of comfort I'll roll up in and keep close for the upcoming months. Thanks, God for cuddling me. Thank you for holding my hand, for listening to my fears, for drying my tears.

I can do this. I can.

Family Photos

A good family friend took some photos of us this weekend. We've never had "formal" photos taken as a family, so I am glad we got some done. And, I'm thrilled with the outcome. Here's a sneak peek...

Fantastic Fourth

We had a fantastic Fourth of July! We joined some friends for a BBQ, followed by swimming at the pool, and finished off by the first time we've watched fireworks as a family. It was an amazing feeling to realize the circle of life: I remember the 4th festivities with my family and was just thrilled to see my kids enjoying fun times with their friends and our family. It was a memory I'll treasure forever!

Happy Birthday, Cadey!

I absolutely cannot believe our girl is FIVE!! Seems like not so long ago we were meeting her for the first time. Had a lot of great times and wonderful memories in the last five years. Can only imagine where we'll go from here.

Today we went to lunch with one of Cadey's little girlfriends who was unable to make it to the party last week. After lunch (and an ice cream sundae) we took the girls to have their nails polished. Cadey ended up with blue toes and orange-ish sparkly fingers!!

If only she knew what a blessing she is to us!

The rest of June

By now you've already seen most of our June in pictures. However, there are a few photos I still wanted to share...

Most of these are from a field trip we took with MOPS to the Hilton Head Sandbox, an interactive children's museum. It was awesome and the kids loved it. In addition to lots of areas to explore and play, they had two craft areas with all the craft supplies you could think of. Cadey was in crafting heaven. Needless to say, Cadey spent most of her time there and pumped out some pretty great art!!