Update

Several things to update you on from the last post:

1) We're staying in the Navy for AT LEAST 2 more years.

2) I have NO IDEA what God is doing and can't believe I actually thought I did! So if I ever tell you I think I know what God's up to. Ignore me. Just wait and see for yourself.

3) I'm looking forward to another Navy tour. But I'm REALLY looking forward to knowing where it will be!

More menial things:

4) Hannah learned to push herself up on the swing by herself and goes pretty darn high. She exclaims the whole time, "I CAN SEE EVERYTHING UP HERE!"

5) Ben is putting puzzles together and getting into all sorts of trouble. But he is refusing to use the potty still. Oh well.

6) We started preschool at home. We've been doing reading lessons for some time now but its so much fun to sit in Hannah's room at her table and read stories and do reading and writing lessons. I'm so proud of her. I love it when she understands something new. And she gets really excited too.

I think that's it for now. Hope this finds you all well!! And thanks for the prayers that have come our way!

I want a faith like that--to see the dead rise and to see His glory pass by.

I have been stretched in new ways these last two weeks. The Lord has done incredibly things inside me and all around me. ( For today I will start with what he's doing around me.) I knew God before, but I know Him more each day and am amazed by His faithfulness and how literally and metaphorically He fulfills his promises at the very same time.

Every so often Jeff and I toy with the idea of getting out of the military. In the past 8 months we have considered the possibility more strongly than ever. But with a major promotion around the corner and only 10 more years to a considerable pension it had fallen to the backburner and I was convinced the possibility was off of the table.

Ten days ago, out of the blue, Jeff woke up and told me about a dream he had in which he was in a new job that he loved (a job we believed we were supposed to be considering as a possibility). Now, the Lord has definitely spoken to me through dreams before. (In fact, I ended up at George Washington University instead of Gettysburg College because of a dream the Lord had given me and I could go on and on about what God did for me and our entire family by sending me there.) So I asked him if it was just a regular dream or if he thought it was from the Lord. This conversation led to three days of fervent prayers being offered up for guidance and wisdom about what we should do. An urgency was definitely being felt in both of us. We had people come to our house to pray with us as we made this decision (something we've never done before). During this time of prayer one woman prayed that we would have 3 dreams that would be a sign to us. That night Jeff had 2 dreams and I had one all poiting toward getting out. And I'll confess, I wondered whether it was actually God or if it was our subc0nscious obsession about this decision that caused it. But my dream was vivid and in color and held meaning--qualities that are consistent of dreams that are from God for me. In my dream, we were trying to leave Gulfport to go to Panama City (where the job Jeff wants is). And we were trying to get a rental car to take us there. But after paying and finishing the process of renting the car, the person comes out to give us our ATV. Yes, we were going to Panama City via ATV. And let me tell you it was a LONG drive with lots of obstacles. I felt very sure that what God was saying to me in that dream was that we were going to be getting out but it was going to be a LONG ride with lots of unexpected surprises and obstacles. At any rate, we felt sure that we needed to move in the direction of getting out. Also during this time I pressed Jeff probably more than he would have liked to know what he was feeling and thinking God was showing him. He shared that he didn't know what God was doing but believed he was probably going to have to resign without a plan and his primary prayer was that God would confirm for him continually that He had made the right decision.

So that afternoon Jeff called our friend (or Big Brother) in Panama City and told him that he wanted to move forward on pursuing the job that they were creating there. He quickly learned that the job that was being created is a LONG way off and certainly not close enough to justify a resignation from the military. The wind was taken out of our sails and we were discouraged. But it spurred a new conversation about what our motivations for getting out of the military were. Was it for this specific job or for other reasons? And we honed down on our three reasons for getting out: more settled family life, the ability to get highly involved in serving God's people not just the church but the poor, sick, lame and lonely, and Jeff having a job that he loves (which we believe(d) would involve more access to water and diving. All of these reasons pointed to the fact that we still needed to consider resigning.

So Jeff resigned from the Navy on Friday and we have no idea where we're headed but God has shown us already that he has good plans for us.

Friday evening desperately needing some time alone with Jeff, I sought out a babysitter. I could not find ANY viable options. The only option I had left was to call an 11-year-old girl who lives 45 minutes away to see if I could go get her and take her home to babysit for us that evening. Finally at 4pm I decided I was just that desperate. I have never called this girl to babysit before in my life. I called her mother (my friend Sharon) and sheepishly asked her if her daughter could watch the kids in 2 HOURS. I was so ashamed of the last minute request. Sharon's response was not at all what I expected, "OH ERIN! I HAVE GOOSEBUMPS ALL OVER!" She said, "I have known since Wednesday that I was supposed to bless someone by babysitting for them Friday night but couldn't find anyone that needed it. I just prayed today that God would show me who I was supposed to bless this way because I was so sure it was what I was supposed to do, and now you're calling!!!! Can we come there?!" I broke down into tears. Yes, the blessing of having FREE babysitting is touching and not having to drive to get her and take her home was wonderful, but it was not the blessing Sharon thought she was giving us that made me tear up. I immediately heard the voice of God speak to my heart saying, "I had this good work planned and worked out in advance for you and it is small...but you have NO IDEA how good the plan is that I have for you for 9 months from now so do not spend ONE DAY worrying about your future." And so I will not.

In fact, Jeff was already approached about possibly running a multi-million dollar harbor in a neighboring town that is to be built over the course of the next year--not the construction of it, but actually running the harbor. Just another sign that there is something exciting in our future.

My first attack came this afternoon. Often when someone is separating from the military the command gives the separating member time to get things in order (including finding a job and moving, etc.) Jeff came home for lunch and informed me that the Commanding officer intends to make him go to Afghanistan (though it would be more than possible for Jeff to stay here) so that he would not be able to do a job search until he actually separates from the Navy. At first I was furious. I was enraged that the commanding officer who is new has no idea that Jeff has poured blood, sweat and tears into his job and has done it faithfully day in and day out since we have been here. To not consider the fact that he is ranked as the number one LT because he works hard infuriated me. But soon thereafter it occurred to me that a commanding officer in Gulfport MS certainly does not have the power to alter the plan of God in our lives. If Jeff is forced to go to Afghanistan before separating it is because that is what is required to achieve God's best for us and so I will give thanks. I will be thankful for every unexpected obstacle that comes along our path in this long journey God has for us. I'm certainly not going to let bitterness be apart of my journey because that would steal all of the joy that we have ahead of us.

If this can bring ANY glory to God, and stir anyones heart toward him, this is my only aim.

Now to Him who is able to do infinitely and immeasurably more than I could ever ask or imagine through His power be ALL of the glory.

May He increase your faith and desire to seek Him in your lives I pray!

Latest adventures

Already this summer we have had so many wonderful adventures so I'll posts about a few. Mom and Dad came to visit for 5 days and it was just a WONDERFUL time. They flew into New Orleans so we spent the first evening they were here in New Orleans. We did some sight seeing among the famous streets of Mardi Gras. Then we went to dinner at a fancy restaurant before heading out for a cruise on the Mighty Mississippi in a steam boat. I think all of my pictures are from the steam boat but it was such a relaxing and wonderful time.




After our trip down the Mississippi we headed to Gulfport and spent the next 4 days doing the same things over and over again: Wake up, eat breakfast, go to the pool, swim our hearts out,came home, eat lunch, nap and go out to a decadent dinner and came home to sleep. It was such a full week of indulgence. I've never done anything like it before so i don't feel guilty, and I truly felt blessed. During that time Hannah also learned to swim--not proficiently but definitely enough to save her life and swim at least 20 feet if she had to. I am so proud of this accomplishment in her--especially considering she was terrified to even let her head go under water just days before. We also went to one of Emeril's restauarants. Talk about a higlight!! They were so hospitable to us and our children. It was like they were glad to have the young ones there. They brought us unexpected treats throughout the evening and the food was like nothing I've ever tasted before. I highly recommend his restaurants. The man knows how to set up a restaurant.


Next is a little bit of proof that we've been at the pool everyday enjoying the sun:



My nieces were here visiting and thought that I needed some naked baby pictures of Ben. So I took a couple for them--and for you.


Next is our family camping trip to Alabama. Jeff and I drove our nieces halfway back to Kentucky and met Jeff's brother in Alabama. The state park we stayed at was quite small but it had everything we needed for a good time in Alabama in the middle of June: a pool, and a cave with a temperature of about 60 degrees. here are some pictures for you:



And finally there's some evidence of me violating some child labor laws. As you can see someone needs to save my children from their misery:



Anyway, there are some photos of some recent events for us. Sorry for the delinquency.

Hannah's First Tee Ball game

Took some pictures of the mayhem of a 4 year-old tee ball game. My favorite is the GIANT smile on Hannah's face as she's running from 3rd base to home to give her coach "5."

Hope you like 'em.

Disney trip

These are all backwards. You'd think I'd have this down by now. Oh well.

There are a TON of pictures so for all of you who are only MILDLY interested in seeing our photos get ready to hit that arrow button over and over. For Mom and Dad, I put some captions on some photos when things change up so you know what's going on. You'll have to click on the pics. Feel free to call me as you go through them if you want me to tell stories.

Love you all!

Homecoming

Well, its been a month since Jeff returned from deployment and this is the first opportunity I've taken to upload pictures and write a blurb. I'm sorry it took so long, but I really have enjoyed every moment of Jeff being back. Truth be told, I have much more to catch up on than than my blog (i.e. quicken, b.richerdesigns).

Well since Jeff has been back, at least once a day (no exaggeration) Hannah has requested that he NEVER deploy AGAIN. It tugs at my heart strings every time that she says it--I can't even imagine what it does to Jeff.

Within the first couple weeks of Jeff's return I bought him a coming home/birthday present. He got a Wii and was more than a little excited about it. See, knowing that at least half of the women I know who have gone through a divorce or are going through one state their husband's gaming as a major issue in their decision to divorce. So I have been BIG TIME anti video games. Add that to the fact that I am incredibly competitive and Jeff is not and I just didn't think it was a good idea. But then I realized that the Wii is a pretty family friendly activity that Hannah can even participate in to some degree. So I gave in knowing Jeff would be very surprised. So far it has proven to be a really fun addition to the repetoire of things to do in the evenings together. We even had Jeff's birthday party which included pizza and Wii. It was ridiculously fun.

Jeff spent some time yesterday taking pedals off of her princess bike as she has gotten too big for her Skuut. I can't tell you how cool it was to see the kids and Dad together doing kids and Dad things. We went for a walk afterward and Hannah rode her new bike like a pro.

Ben has been getting used to having to obey Dad. It took a couple of weeks but they're on a roll now. I think they've got it figured out. Ben gets really excited when his Dad comes through the door at the end of the day and he definitely enjoys receiving and throwing punches (something Mom doesn't do so well).

I have continued to train for my half marathon and did a nine mile run at just under a 10 minute/mile pace. I was really excited on Saturday when I achieved that goal. This Saturday I have a 10 mile run before I head off for the weekend. I'm speaking at a MOPS group in FL so I'm spending the weekend away from the family which is obviously bitter sweet--as most Moms would understand.

I think that aboug covers most of what I can remember. I hope you enjoy the pictures. There are some of our family's homecoming as well as some other families who are our friends. Some pictures of the bike repair and of the Wii party.

Facebook

So it has come up that facebook is now the ideal way to keep in touch and some people without facespaces are behind in information. I would have to confirm that facebook is an easier way for me to keep up with sending out information because it allows me to write quick blurbs about what I am up to and comment quickly on others "going-ons." without having to write an essay. So I definitely update my status pretty frequently as it comes up as my homepage along with my e-mail.

I definitely do not provide any of the more personal things going on in my life on facebook, though I probably don't do that so much on my blog either. But I do post more pictures on my blog as I'm a little less secure about EVERYONE having access to pictures of me, my family, and my home. So you can be sure that when an event presents itself requiring pictures and detail it will end up on my blog. Otherwise, facebook is currently the way to be in touch and keep up with me on a daily basis.

I know some are considering facespace identities so as not to feel obligated to befriend all of their friends from years ago. If you let me know your true identity, I'd be happy to friend you in the land of facebook and you can keep up with my status reports as well.