Family Update

We've been busy the last two weeks squeezing in as much family time as possible.  We haven't been able to squeeze in all that much since Zack has been working until 6-8pm each day six days a week...with duty around twice a week.  We are praying that the last week the ship is home...after the inspection and picnic...that we will have more time to lounge around the house relaxing as a family.

Noah
Today I looked at him in wonder.  How blessed I am to have such a wonderful son!  His imagination leaves me speechless.  Zack and I love to stand outside of his door quietly listening to him play.  He loves to go up to his room and play...hashing out his little adventures.  If we open the door and interrupt him before he's done playing he gets annoyed with us.  He loves his sister and is always planting kisses upon her head.  He likes to hold her up and take her where he wants her to sit so that she can be a part of his adventure.  We're working on lifting her from under her arms and not around her neck!  We love to listen to Pandora Radio....his favorite is the Disney channel and pointing out the movies the songs come from.  He loves to hold up Caraline and dance with her.  I see him and sometimes tears come to my eyes...to see that he is growing up so fast!

Caraline
She of course loves her big brother.  She thinks that he is the funniest person alive and I often find them sitting next to each other rolling with laughter!  She's added a few new words..yay and hi.  She also says, hi dad.  She is pulling up on her own now and getting braver.  She wants to walk if I stand her on her feet...to get to something.  She is climbing up the first step of our stairs...looking at baby gates is on my list for tomorrow.  She is eating table food for lunch and then usually baby food for supper and breakfast.  I've noticed that since I have gone to only table food for lunch that she doesn't always want to eat the baby food for supper.  Her favorite places in the house are either next to Noah's booster seat chewing on the strap or by the shoes...chewing!  She now has two bottom teeth...and we'll have to watch out when she gets those top teeth.  We just might have some teeth marks on our shoes if she keeps this up!

Me
Today I had my two hours of mommy time and I really enjoy that time "off".  It's nice to go accomplish "something" or get a bite with Heather.  It's a little renewal each Monday for me.  I am enjoying being a wife to Zack now that he's home...it's nice to do that again!  I haven't shared this with many but I never really wanted to go to college.  But my dear husband said that he wouldn't marry me if I didn't go to school!  And once I was in school and wanted to drop out...he said that he wouldn't marry me either if I did that!  So I went and got through school as quickly and efficiently as possible.  Don't get me wrong...I loved teaching...but my calling in life is to be a mother and wife.  And I absolutely enjoy being with the kids all day, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, grocery shopping...the whole lot(well not the cooking part!).  A few days ago we went to the bank and I was waiting in line with Caraline on my hip and Noah at my side.  Noah never actually stands at my side but wanders close by.  An older man entered the bank and got in line behind me.  He was talking and playing with Noah...mentioning that he has a four year old grandson.  Noah was eating up the attention and so Caraline also made sure that she got his attention too!  I assume the man was retired from the Navy and is now a contractor.  He told Noah that he and his sister are happy kids...and then turned to make eye contact with me and followed with saying that...your mom is doing a great job raising you both.  I was a little taken back by his sincere comment that I'm not even sure what I said back to him.  Zack was due to return soon and his comment hit the mark.  It still makes my heart warm when I think about it.  I am sure that my calling on this earth is to be Zack's wife and to raise our children.  And I don't find it an archaic notion.  It's the normal in this lifestyle.  Truth be told that I'd go crazy if I had to work full time and be a "single" mom when Zack's gone.  I can handle a lot but that would be too much for me.  I love that my day revolves around naps, snacks, lunch, playtime, and whatever else the Lord hands me that day.  That's what I was put on this earth to do...to be Zack's wife...and to nurture the children that God sends to us.