This is the Life of a Soldier's Wife
My stories of life as a military wife
Monday, May 27, 2013
Mother's Day Devotional
Gifts of Love
On Saturday May 18th, my home church here in Germany, held a Mother's Tea. It's a lovely idea, each table has a host and each host can decorate their table any style they'd like. It turned out perfect, with four different hostesses all decorating their table differently. We shared a wonderfully fancy potluck lunch and had a guest speaker, Alice Burge, missionary and wife of missionary Gene Burge.
I volunteered to open with a devotion about my mother and motherhood in general. I will share my devotion on my next blog post, but first I want to share something profound that occurred to me while I was getting ready for the tea.
I was standing in front of the bathroom mirror (we only have one, and it's a medicine cabinet mirror so I don't know why I need to state 'bathroom' mirror as if to differentiate between multiple mirrors in my home! ha) trying to put on a necklace. This necklace was given to me just one week ago by my husband and daughter. They gave it to me Saturday, May 11, on my birthday, which was one day before Mother's Day. My birthday present hadn't come in yet (this is typical w/ mail coming to Germany) so my husband decided to give me my Mother's Day gift on my birthday. (yes, it was a celebratory weekend for me! not to mention Friday May 10th was mexican mother's day and since my husband is mexican and therefore my daughter.. i think i can cash in on that one too!)
So, there I was, standing in front of the mirror trying to put my necklace on. I say trying because it has a tough clasp, the opening is at a weird angle and the opening is small. Every time I had put the necklace on in the last week, I had to get the chain under my hair and around the back of my neck (I have very long 'tangly' hair as my daughter calls it because of the movie 'Tangled' - aka curly) then I have to squinch my face to look down and try to clasp it in the front. As I stood there putting it on I thought, you know, this has been going on for a week now, maybe I should just get a new chain.. keep the charm but replace the chain. But then I stopped in my tacks and smiled and thought.. awww, how could I replace any of it? This was a gift given to me in love, by the adoration of my child and spouse. They didn't give it to me hoping to make my life difficult. They gave it to me to make me happy, to tell me they loved me. So now, every time I put the necklace on and it gives me an ounce of trouble, I will stop in my tracks, smile and think of how kind their gift was.
That's when the epiphany hit me. How much more does my Father in Heaven love me! More than my spouse loves me, more than my daughter loves me, He Loves Me. He gave me this life as a gift. He gave me the roles of spouse and mother, among others, as gifts. He gave me these gifts because He loves me! Is it difficult sometimes? It sure can be difficult to be a spouse, an Army spouse at that. And it sure can be difficult to be a mother. But the Bible tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 "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." (NIV) God clearly doesn't want to harm me! He didn't give me this life BECAUSE it was difficult. He gave me this life and these roles as gifts. He who formed me in my mother's womb, He who knitted me together and He who knows the plans He has for me, to prosper me and not to harm me, He Loves Me! And when things get difficult, that's when I can stop in my tracks, refocus my gaze heavenward, thank God for my gifts and ask Him for guidance, renewing my faith and strength in Him.
Then I thought to myself.. isn't it amazing... when I'm in the word every day, reading my Bible every night, spending time in prayer each night and welcoming, err BEGGING, that the Holy Spirit come into my life, guide me and reveal things to me... that God answers my prayers. He does not turn His face away from me... and very regularly I face epiphanies, where new things are revealed to me, by Him, through the Holy Spirit.
God is great, and to Him I owe all the glory! Thank you God!
Keeping the Faith... Rachel
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Naomianna at English Ballet
When we got to Germany I immediately looked for a ballet class to enroll her in and found one through the SKIES program on base. Now I'm not sure what criteria you need to teach a class through SKIES but obviously it is not an accredited studio. Naomianna did not fit in well as the class ages were 3-5 and Naomianna was two and a half. Now granted she is unlike most children her age and very advanced in thought.. but her behavior still reflected that of a two year old. Additionally I believe there is a HUGE gap between three and five year olds anyway! The class was very strict and not fun and the teacher seemed to just ignore Naomianna and not encourage her to participate.
Well, I am happy to report we have found a new ballet class! On the economy it is English Ballet. It follows the English Ballet Curriculum and actually ended up being less money than going to the one on base that is not an accredited studio, it's just someone who used to take ballet 'teaching' the kids ballet.
When I spoke with the director at the studio on the economy (who speaks England English and German) she assured me they follow a strict adherence to the curriculum and are checked several times a year to make sure they are staying on track in doing the best stretches and moves for each age group and at the same time encouraging their imagination. They use a different fairy tale each season.
I believe this month is Sleeping Beauty because Naomianna came home talking about it. The only down side is when I peeked in at her (they won't let us sit in on the class I am guessing because it may distract the children) She was running around following the teacher, but with her hands over her ears. When we asked her after why, she said 'Because I was scared of that music. We were pretending we were running away'
Even more notable than that, when she came out of class she said all dramatically w/ a sigh 'phew.. all that dancing made me dizzy' HAHAHAH! she is one funny kid.
So here are some pictures of her first day at the new ballet school. I can definitely see a difference in her will to do what is being taught in comparison to when she was younger! Although the one in NH was very encouraging and catered more to her age =)
On our way in! What an entrance! I was already excited!
At first Naomianna just stood there as we entered.
But her leadership personality led her to the bar right away! =)
And she started bustin' out moves! (don't know if they were legit or not) =)
But they looked pretty good! =)~
ohhh... Someone wants to be friends =) (all the other kids speak German it seemed but little girls have a way of communicating that is all their own and without words...
The little girl decided to come over and try it too!
It was time for mommy to get out! One more quick pic =)
Papa was peaking in and said 'look she's following the teacher. She's doing it' (as if he was surprised she was being a good girl! When it comes to ballet Naomianna is alllllll in!)
Ok one more quick pic from the door way =)
Now I should mention, Naomianna LOVES ballet. Everything is dress up, alllll day long. This kid is rarely in regular clothes. She's always in her dress up princess dresses! And... of course... ballet shoes. She has outgrown the ones I bought here in NH which I got used for a great deal! But I was lucky enough to find 4 more pairs on the yard sale site in the next 4 sizes for $4 each! So I bought all four! Of course! So we are good to go for a while. I also bought tap shoes for next year too! =)
When we went to Naomianna's cousin Kayla's dance recital Naomianna was ecstatic! And woah, when the tap dancers came on stage... she was out of her seat dancing along! And during intermission she was ON STAGE! hahah!
We have a movie that Naomianna watches with little girls dressed up in fairy ballet costumes dancing around and teaching the move. Naomiana knows plie, jete and pirouette because of it (as well as I now know them! ha) That's probably why she knew what to do at the bar on her first day of ballet! =)
We've got our hands full with this one! So ballet is a great outlet for entertaining, encouraging grace and healthy exercise habits =)
Her first day the director was ill and not there so a young girl was helping to teach the class. Hopefully next week Tuesday the regular teacher will allow me to sit in and watch the curriculum on the first day.... and of course take tons of pics of those little dancing ballet piggies.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
carter's makes the prettiest and comfiest Pj's
Anyway, we had to drive Alex in this morning because we are down to only one vehicle, the truck. We bought a 1992 BMW here for only $800! Great deal, right? And the guy who sold it to us is previously 82nd Airborne, from C Co. 3-505 Team Panthers which is the unit we were in back before Fort Lewis. He actually knew of Alex, though had never met him before, AND he knew my brother Kris! The Army sure is a small world after all =)
Well the car's been pretty decent to us... but while I was in NH Alex had to replace the radiator and that cost us 250€ which is about $310. . Now it is stalling.. had to push it back in the driveway the other day because it wouldn't restart. Say a prayer it's an easy fix. Alex is busy with rotation right now, but he's got plans to change out the air filter, change out the gas filter (I think he said that), put in concentrated gas additive and change out the spark plugs before we give up and tow it over to the shop. The only convenient thing is the shop is right here in our tiny village (home based businesses are VERY common here and often times attached to people's homes). So we have a large chain and can tow the car with the truck about 2/10th's of a mile from us! But let's pray it doesn't come to that.
Alex has been staying in the field overnight on and off lately. He could come home at 9pm and go back in at 430am every morning... but for the sake of Lexi's (and MY) sleep he's been sleeping out there. But sometimes if he's done early he'll call us to come get him. It's nice to have him home overnight so I'm not so nervous checking and re checking the locks on all the doors/windows every night. Ha! Last night was one of those nights Alex was able to be home with us. YAY =)
It got cool here overnight, maybe in the mid 50's. So I had Lexi all bundled up this morning. She was so cute and so sweet. I love when she's sleepy. =) Now, you should know, Lexi LOVES pajamas, especially footed ones and she LOVES getting new ones! We just got a box at the post office yesterday that I had sent myself while we were in the states recently and in it was a lightweight pair of footed pajamas that she wore last night. I absolutely love the color of them on Lexi. The pj's are SO cute and they have ruffles on the bum! Makes me want to bite her bum all the more! hahaha! So I thought I'd share a few pics of the cute and cuddly new PJ's Lexi loves and how cute and cuddly she is IN THEM! =)
Yes, I am showing off my daughter's bum on the world wide web! =)~ Blame it all on carter's for making such cute and comfy pj's! And yes, the last pic shows I am not yet done painting my bedroom wall.. I only started THAT project.. ohhh 5 months ago. I've decided I hate painting and I'm never doing it again! =)~
Prayer Corner
Please add these few requests to your prayers.1) My friend Sam is having severe financial troubles right now. She is a family of 6 with 4 children at home, (the oldest son is with great grandparents otherwise they'd be a family of 7 living together) Her youngest is her daughter Samarie who is only a few weeks old! They don't even have enough funds to cover gas in their vehicle to get her husband to work. Her husband has taken the only job he can get at the moment which is at a mobile company 30 minutes away. There is hope of a better job that he has applied for and if that works out their plan is to walk away from the house and move closer to the job and rent a place. This is a lot of stress, losing their family home and moving their large family all while having a brand new baby in the home. Sam has been nothing but faithful, knowing and expressing that God has a plan for them in all of this, she has been the epitome of 'I will praise you in this storm' and is an encouragement to me! So please, please keep them in your prayers!
2)My sister Gretchen is trying to get a few more weeks at home with her new baby before returning to work. Please keep her and baby Tommy in your prayers that her job at BAE will give her the few more days she is requesting for them to hold her position before she returns. Also, our parents will be watching baby Tommy when she returns so please keep that situation in your prayers as well that it all works out!
3) Please pray for our vehicle issues as well as me getting my business license so I can start advertising on base and hopefully getting new clients! Also pray for me as I teach at VBS this week that my words are not my own but are our Father's coming through me and leaving an impression on the school age kids I am working with that it will be, in the very least, a foundation that will one day lead to them accepting Christ as their sweet savior.
I close on a humorous note... we have a sliding gate that closes off our driveway and completely fences in our property (great for the dogs). When we arrived home the other day Alex jumped out of the car (the junker one) and opened the gate so I could pull in and of course he was greeted by the dogs jumping all over him. I was busy looking at them and I crashed into the gate!
I laughed! Alex got mad! I laughed harder! Alex got madder!
No damage was done. I told him he should just laugh. We have 2 choices... get mad... or don't. There was no damage done (ok the fence is a LITTLE warped..) and the car is a junker anyway w/ blemishes all over it.. so I decided to not get mad... AND LAUGH..
poor Alex.. he just doesn't see it my way...
ohhhh such is the life of a soldier's wife =)~
'til next time my lovelies....
PS I was throwing Lexi on the bed earlier and I was all done with the 'one more time.' one more time.' so i said 'i'm leaving' and walked out of the bedroom and she said all cute.. 'you can't just leave me here. i'm your little girl' man.. she knows how to work ya! we're in trouble! so is EVERY teacher she's ever going to have.. i can already picture those big ol' puppy eyes and hear that sweet voice and all those excuses!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
New England Seacoast Trip... 01 of 02
After Rye Beach we drove up to Odiorne Point. Used as a bunker during WWII it is now a NH state park
Here Lexi sits in front of one of the bunker doors. Located in the front are the shells from the six inch guns. Inscribed on the side of the shell all the way to the right (look closely)it says 'These six inch shells were shot from this bunker 204"
On top of the bunker was this tree that must have been knocked down but is still growing strong w/ its roots still in the ground.
It made a perfect photo op =)
After Rye we headed further north along the 1A to Portsmouth. But we have been there so many times and Lexi fell asleep for a nap so we just drove through. We'll be headed back up there to Strawberry Banke for some plays in the park this summer anyway =)
After driving through beautiful seaside Portsmouth we kept heading north and turned off into New Castle which has a US Coast Guard base and some more bunkers left over from WWII. We didn't try to get on the base but viewed the bunkers from outside the gate.
Also notable, in New Castle, NH, is Wentworth by the sea. An old victorian hotel that was built in 1874 and has quite an interesting history, including in 1905 housing of Russian and Japenese delegations for the peace talks and eventual signing of the peace treaty ending the Russo-Japenese War. Theodore Roosevelt suggested these peace talks and won the Nobel Peace Prize because of them. The negotiations were done at the nearby naval base but the signing was done at the hotel. How's that for neat history! Also noteworthy history of the hotel, is for many years it was vacant and was due to be demolished (but it landed on America's most endangered places list and then was aired on the History Channel's show 'America's most endangered.' Then it was picked up and restored and is absolutely beautiful today! But while it sat empty, the victorian hotel, in its forlorn and vacant state was used for the haunted place in the movie 'In Dreams' starring Robert Downey Jr and Annette Benning!
Next we headed over to the naval base. Now interesting story about the naval base - it is disputed what state it's in!! It pays Maine taxes but the dispute is it's actually in New Hampshire property. Now previously, the bridge from Portsmouth would take you right across the Piscataqua River to get to the naval base, but just last month they tore the old 1920's bridge down. So, to get there from portsmouth you have to go across the I95 bridge or the Rt1 bridge and both take you (shortly) through Maine to get back to the naval base. So right now... it's hard to say it's ours. HAHA!
Either way, on our way there I saw this amazing looking building across the water of the Piscataqua River! (pictured below) My dad told me that was a federal prison back in the day. In fact, my Uncle Jack, back when he was in the marines, had to 'escort' someone up to that prison from VA once. When we entered the base I showed my ID and they asked no questions and let us on, but we asked them if there was a museum, they said 'no' so we inquired about the building. They said you can't trespass near it and you can't go in it b/c of asbestos and I'm not allowed to take photos on the base. Well of course I found this RIDICULOUS considering I had just used my zoom lens and gotten a great shot of the place from right outside the base! So silly! But it is a sub base so I guess the 'no photos' thing is security for that. But what if you lived there? You can't take photos? And they even have an old sub for display... you can't take a pic in front of it??? Man.. people are funny when you've got a camera in hand! Can you tell which pics I took from outside the base and which ones on the base? If you can't tell I'm not going to =)~