An Unexpected Feeling

Today, a friend shared with me that she is 16 weeks pregnant!  My first thought was, "Congratulations!"  I knew that she had a miscarriage earlier this year, and I was so happy for her and her family.  Then, suddenly, a little twinge of sadness came over me. 

Don't misunderstand.  I'm perfectly, wonderfully content with my clan.  But, for the first time in quite a while, I actually felt a loss.  A loss that my body will never experience the growth of life again.  A loss that I'll never nourish another child from this aging body.  I don't particularly want to be pregnant again, especially at my age, or even have another baby in the house.  Maybe the reality that my kids are growing up caused this passing sadness.  Maybe it is just a reminder of the children I've lost over the years:  Ashton, Grace, Ben, and Rachel.  Maybe I'll always feel this way until my life is over.

Eva and I

But, soon chaos will ensue our lives once again.  The sadness will fade into the background until another reminder comes my way.  Life is good.  It is such a precious gift from God.

This I'll Miss

Last week, Seth found out that he got his first choice MOS (military job).  He will be part of the Marine Security Force.  I did not know much about it, but I was just thankful that he did not go straight infantry as he had planned.  Nothing against it, but this mom did not feel good about it.  So, when I heard him hoot rather loudly, I knew something good had happened.  So, I did lots of googling.  Not only did I search Security Force, I searched FAST Marines.  FAST stands for "Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team".   This is actually the one that Seth is hoping to become part of (it is overseas).  It sounds scary, but interesting.  After hours online, I figured out that these groups of guys are the ones that go in and secure an area of our nations' interests...like an embassy, a military base,  a Navy ship...things of that nature, after an attack or disaster.  I read that this FAST team went to Panama, Saudi Arabia (after the bombings), Middle East after the attack on the USS Cole, and quite a few other places.  Apparently, they are not in one place too long.  They go, get control, and move on. 

Since Seth has not graduated high school yet, we have not been given a date for his departure.  I am sure I'll know something after the new year and his graduation, which is in January.  In the meantime, I've been thinking about Seth's life.  There are so many things I can write about him.  So many heartaches we shared and lessons learned  But, for now I know I'll miss sweet moments.when he takes time out of his busy life and just hangs out and enjoys his family.

Another Early Birthday

Officially, Ivy will be 9 tomorrow.  But, today we celebrated her 2nd birthday.  Not just her second birthday with us, but her second birthday celebration ever.  So, while Ivy, Mike, Seth, and I were at soccer games, Jordan stayed home to bake cupcakes and take care of my other sick children.

She looks like a well-adjusted 9-year old, home with a family for 1 1/2 years now, doesn't she?

So, we all gathered 'round to watch Ivy open up her presents.

Some of the children looked on with excitement...

...wondering what could be in those packages?!  Others, with anticipation.

 Even a stink bug came to the party, along with 20 of his friends.

Ssshhh.  I bought Ivy some trick candles!

Beautiful!  Blow those candles out, baby!

Maybe this angle will work better?

Maybe she needs some reinforcements?

 "I'm done.  Let's eat!"

Green Day

Today was co-op.  Today was green day for Joy.  She loves dressing in the color of the week and eating colored snacks. Joy was not able to go to green day in her kindergarten class because she is sick.  It is 4:30, and she is still in her jammies.

She just asked me, "Did they pause green day, Mom?"  No, honey, they did not pause green day.  She will have to settle for yellow day next week.  She went to bed at 9:00 pm last night.  By 2:00 am, she had woken up only 5 times.  At that point, Mike, Joy, and I were up watching House Hunters International.  Do you know how expensive it is to live in Sweden?  It is beautiful, but I couldn't afford a decent house there.  So, Joy and Mike continued watching TV, and I headed off to my own bed.  If Joy continues with her croupy cough, I'm sure we'll be channel surfing at 2:00 a.m. again.

Clarification of Previous Post

I want to clarify that my post from yesterday was not about Seth.  Seth actually signed up for the Marines last month.  He will be home for a while since he needs to graduate high school first.  But, my new military child is Jordan.  She is planning on joining the Navy.  This is something she has given much thought and research to in the last 2 months, and she feels pretty confident about her decision.  Her dad was Navy, as well as uncles and cousins.

She has not signed her life away just yet.  There are some things to take care of first...mainly her college degree.  I'm excited for her, though.  She has a plan, a desire, a focus on her career, a goal.  She is hoping for a specific job in Navy, which I think she will have no problem obtaining.  Fortunately for me, she will be home through May when she finishes school.

Your prayers for Jordan are much appreciated.

There Must Be Something In The Water?