st patty's day bowling...

We met Nicole & Gavin at the bowling alley (on post)because it was bowl one get one free if you wear green...

Lovin' it...

tossin' it...
shakin' it...
workin' it...
liftin' it...
watchin' it...

and kickin' it (all his idea)!
The boys had a good time...and so did we!

overwhelmed...

Blessed be the Lord,

Because He has heard the voice of my supplication.

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;

Therefore my heart exults,

And with my song I shall thank Him.

psalm 28:6-7

I don't know if there is any way that I can convey my thankfulness tonight. Every word seems lacking. Your prayers have blessed me greatly! As we prepared for the 'good-bye' and even afterwards, God's people have faithfully prayed for us, loved us, and blessed us. REPEATEDLY! And this is just the beginning! And while I don't mean to be presumptious, Brad and I are pretty good judges of character and I am quite certain that you are all in for the long haul! And we are so grateful to have you! And humbled. The God of the universe, reaches down and touches my day. WOW!

Ok, I don't intend to change the blog much now that Brad is gone. It will still be a day-to-day-what's-going-on-with-the-kids-and-stuff blog. Just from time to time I may have to interrupt regularly scheduled blogging for messages such as this. (And besides, I know Brad doesn't typically read a blog post with more words than pictures, so I need to be brief! )

I've tried a few times to type up a list, and well, there is just too much to type and I would hate for anyone to lose interest. I will certainly write it all down in my notebook, to be read and reread over and over. Our God is faithful and true. He is good, all the time.

Here are three online examples that have blessed me tremendously...

Joanne's Invitation
Brennan's Post
Amy's Request

and honestly, those are just the tippy-top of the iceberg folks.

Be strong and let your heart take courage,

All you who hope in the Lord.

psalm 31-24

laundry run!

Yes, there is a joke about when your husband deploys stuff goes wrong around the house...wouldn't you know Brad wasn't even at the airport Friday night when the dryer broke? Thankfully Nicole lives right around the corner and you all had been praying that I would keep up the housework, so we are not falling behind! Besides, it was nice to walk over there and let the boys play awhile... God is good, all the tme! Brad has called a few times and is hoping to get his computer up and running tonight. Hopefully he will get settled fairly easily and get used to the humidity! He said he ran some sprints this morning and his ankle was OK, so that is good news.

Thank you for the many, many prayers. I will have to dedicate a post soley to this later today. We are meeting Nicole and Gavin for some St. Patty's Day bowling! Let the good times role...

deployment day...

...through Wilson's eyes (these are from his camera)

deployment day...

We continue to appreciate your prayers for Brad's safe travel! Thank you!

your continued prayers are coveted

But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34



"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33



Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19



I continue to be in awe of how great our God is! He provides so graciously for our needs. Although my stength seems quite little He powerfully fills and sustains me. And I know He promises to do it each day! Please read over the list of Deployment Prayer Requests that I added. We also appreciate your prayers regarding our 'good-bye' and Brad's travels.

Deployment Article

I thought everyone might like to read the article that is in our Post Paper called "The Cannoneer". Hope you enjoy it.

Brad

suspicious white powderthe culprit!
Once again, both Brad and I were around and capable of stopping the little bandit...but alas, he is quick and we are easily distracted by electronics (brad-cell phone, amanda-computer). Hopefully when I post more of these type of pictures while Brad is gone (I just know there will be more), he will remember that this happened while he was here...

busy, busy, busy...

with all this nice weather, we've been busy! Here are the boys re-learning how to blow bubbles...its just NOT a winter-thing...honestly, Walker ended up with more IN his mouth than anything else...at one point bubbles were being formed as he was trying to talk...YUCK! But, a big breatkthrough, nobody dumped their bottles this time...wow!
... and making Easter cards with some foam stickers Barbie kindly passed along to us...
pure concentration
an artist at work!
Ok, yes, I forgot to take a camara last night. Thankfully, Barbie lent me hers, but I left the memory card at her house...so shrimp boil pics to come. I also accidently bought hamburger buns instead of hot dog buns, thankfully Brad noticed in the nick of time tonight...that would've been so weird! I guess I am a little distracted!

We continue to appreciate all of the prayers coming our way...

on the way home from school...

Wilson said, "We were supposed to play kitchen afterwards. I knew we wouldn't have time."
I reply, "Too bad, huh?"
He says, "I tried to warn my teacher that would happen."

I just bet Mrs. Gable loves having a 4-year-old telling her how to do her job!

Brad did explain to Wilson that its not nice to tell adults how to do things...

playin' ball

isn't it amazing that something that costs $2.49 can be so much fun? the boys had fun chasing their big balls around the yard yesterday (and keeping Muskoka away from them)! I don't know how we acquired this green one, it just showed up in our garage one day...Muskoka got the better of it yesterday though. Farewell, big green ball, farewell!

When Daddy came home he and Wil played catch for awhile...even with the sprained ankle! (Which is getting much better...)
Then Gavin came down to play too. He and his mom, Nicole, got back from Texas this weekend. He is coming over again in a little bit, and Wilson can hardly wait to play!

I am so glad that the weather is nice this week. Trees are budding, the sun is shining, I love spring! Brad fertilized the yard for us today...he go out of work early -- YIPPEE!! Tonight we are going to our first ever Shrimp Boil at Curry & Barbie's. Hopefully I'll remember the camera!

HOA deployment ceremony

***Quick Note for those of you which are non-military (90% at least), please do not confuse HOA with Hooah. HOA- Horn of Africa, Hooah- Army speak for-- yes, amen, got it, ok, enough already, stop talking...etc, etc. Just wanted to clear that up!***

Brad's deployment ceremony was this afternoon. Here are a few pics of him before the ceremony got started. I know, I know, its like playing Where's Waldo a little bit... I put two in so those of you with a good eye could verify that it was him... This was as close as I could get with my zoom. I'll give you a hint, he's wearing ACU's and a Boonie cap... you can only see a smidgen of him in this one...***I forgot to mention that Brad sprained his ankle earlier today! Thankfully they didn't have to march in for the ceremony, they just formed up already in the gym. I think it will definitely be a laid-back weekend for him!***
we got there a little early, and I came ready with suckers & fruit snacks for the boys!
We were so happy that a few of our friends could join us. Charley and Ellen are the directors of our Sunday School Department and Keith, Kim, Caden and Kelsey are our pals. It was very encouraging to have them in the stands with me. The last deployment ceremony was so different because the guys left right then (which Brad would prefer, but I like this way a bit better). Anyway, it was a tangible expression of the Body of Christ right there in the bleachers!
And a family picture. Again much better than the last time!
If I could just get a little mushy...promise not to go on too much.

PROUD does not even begin to describe how I feel about this man.

I am privileged to walk this journey with him. I would prefer rocky terrain with him any day. I am thankful that he is such a loving husband and father. I am thankful that he is so hard to say good-bye to. (It'd be a shame if it weren't.) More than anything, I am thankful for the way he has encouraged me to grow in my faith in God (and not man). His integrity is unmistakable to all who know him. And I get to be his wife...how cool is that??

sleeping cuties

Walker woke up from his nap much too early yesterday, so I had him lay down with Wilson in our bed. He brought a book (which you can barely see) and his blanket. I HAD to snap this shot when he rolled over...of course, Wilson opened his eyes and briefly glared at me... Then, after nap time, I noticed Walker had his shoes on... ...the right feet...his own shoes...
ALL BY HIMSELF!!! he was proud to show me...
and I was proud to take the pics...you can tell it was RIGHT after nap, he still has the sleepy face and his blanket with him!

just a few woo-hoo moments...

...that I thought I should share.

1. Tuesday night, I found out they are bringing BUNKO to town (at least for a few months...and then maybe, finally, I can start my own 'league'!!)
2. Yesterday Walker started saying "Mommy" instead of "mama"...don't know if that's actually a woo-hoo or a boo-hoo, but it sure is cute to hear!
3. Barbie called and said there is a fairly good chance that their family won't be moving after all. We will wait and trust God's plan, but it did encourage me a bit.
4. I was asked to share a devotional during the opening part of our bible study this morning. I had planned to volunteer to do it after Brad left, but God's timing is always best...I was worried about too many tears, but God was gracious and steadied my voice...
5. ...even though we sang "He Knows My Name" again, which usually starts up the water-works. I was reminded that not only does He see each tear that falls, but that He also hears me when I call!

God is good, all the time. And, all the time, God is good.

And finally, we have a winter storm advisory today. I think it's probably going to miss us. But I have a little guy that has been hoping for snow all winter (as has his Daddy)... For the sake of those two, I am actually kind of hoping for snow myself. They haven't played together in the snow in quite some time... I think 3 winters ago when we lived on Carpenter Rd.

Oh, and one more thing, maybe the most important. I think it is amazing how God chooses to bless each of us according to the way He made us individually...you know, to some people BUNKO would mean nothing, but God knows me well enough to reveal it me the week before my husband leaves...its the little things, you know?

march photo-of-the-month rejects...

I take lots of pics of the boys, but for some reason, when I plan it...

well, it rarely works out the way I planned it...

Is it just me, or does it look like Walker is growling?

I really think he was laughing as I began to take this one...really!

I did end up with some good ones... Maybe I'll post the winner after I mail them out...

And some good news... Brad's deployment has been pushed back a few days, which is bascially like winning the HGTV Dream House without having to worry about putting it on the market before taxes are due...WOO HOO!

the other day as I was reading up on my blogs, Heidi had some pictures of a bag she had sewn on her soap bag. It was quite cute (check for yourself by clicking here), and one of her commenters said something about t-shirt bags. Which was *perfect* because Brad had just cleared his drawers of shirts he was getting rid of... What could I do, but google "t-shirt bags." And wouldn't you know, I found the easiest. project. EVER. (click here to see what I am talking about)....totally worth unpacking my sewing machine...after Brad leaves of course.

I told Wilson about it, and showed him the pile of t-shirts in our room...... And explained that by making our own bags to take to the store we wouldn't have so many plastic ones...which are handy for clearing the yard of ...well, you know... But when my milk cartons are full, I really don't need anymore. I kind of feel like I am being a little green too, awww...
Wilson was really impressed but asked if I could keep the white shirt for him for when he got bigger. "I might be bigger than my Daddy when I get bigger," he reasoned. Oh my stars could this little man be any cuter??

I couldn't help but wonder if he remembers that we were in Canada

when we bought it...

or that Daddy wore that shirt on the day he left for training...

Either way, you better believe I'll hang on to that shirt. [Oh, and after further investigation we found out that only one pile of shirts was bound for the trash and the white t-shirt would've been safe anyway...] Will post pics of our final project in a few weeks...maybe...we'll see how the transition goes...

your prayers are greatly appreciated...

...especially as Brad's deployment day draws closer. I know so many of you have already been praying faithfully for us...it is evident in our everyday circumstances. We had a wonderful two weeks with Brad on leave. We didn't do anything spectacular, but each day was special and filled with treasured moments. I wouldn't change anything about it (except maybe cutting Muskoka's ear).

I have learned a lot in the year or so since the last time Brad deployed. I feel better prepared in many ways, but at the same time not prepared at all. Its tough to put into words and I am thankful that when I go to my Father, I don't have to use words at all. I can say with confidence that His words are soothing my soul and lifting my head. I've said it before, but I just don't know how I would do this without my Father carrying me through.

I have been encouraged countless times in the last few days. Often in expected places, but sometimes in unexpected places as well. Like while the boys were watching Veggie Tales yesterday before church. It was a quick bit that just reminded me that God is more than able to meet my needs (and that there is a BIG difference between wants & needs). And then in Good Housekeeping (of all places) I found this paragraph that has encouraged me greatly...

• Happiness is not about changing your circumstances but changing the eyes through which you view your circumstances.

I guess it encouraged me because it reminded me of James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." And as I face this trial, I do look forward to what will come of it...

Please continue to pray over us this last week (Brad is back to work today, and will leave probably early next week). Specifically pray for:

1. The housework. It might seem silly, but if I slack off this week, it will seem insurmountable next week.
2. Our emotions. Pray that they do not rule over us or sidetrack us from enjoying our time together.
3. Our boys. Especially Wilson as he knows what is coming but doesn't quite understand how to 'deal.'
4. Our rest. We all need good sleep this week as we get ready to say good-bye.

Our God has provided for us over and over and over again. Even today as I sat down to 'blog' about this; my friend, Jenn sent an email asking how to specifically pray for us this week and next. He continually amazes me, I am humbled to be His child. The God that created the entire universe, calls me His own..and promises to meet my every need - sufficiently. WOW!

A Walk to the Airport

Yesterday was beautiful out, so after our morning walk we decided that after naps we'd head down to the airport and look at all the helicopters. Both Wilson and Walker are in love with them. Every time Walker sees one he gets so excited. The Bird's (the Army calls everything that flies a "Bird") in the background are CH-47 Chinooks. They are the biggest helicopter in the Army.

You can see the challenge of getting everyone to look at the same time (This is just an old Cessna that the Army once used for training).

extreme makeover: muskoka edition

before the groomer...

...and after...

Yes, its an adjustment for all of us. Poor pup! For those of you that don't know, we found out a few weeks ago that Muskoka was "blowing her puppy coat." Which was causing some matting close to her skin. So she had to get a haircut today. The neighbor dogs don't recognize her and keep barking at her... We are hoping Walker doesn't try any "love bites" tonight as she no longer has all of her fluff to protect her. We also found out that we had done a poor job of keeping her ears correctly; the groomer said that part took the longest. So we feel pretty guilty and are giving her lots of special treatment tonight. I am afraid I may have to sew her a coat to keep warm!