An Update

I am extremely embarrassed by how long it has been since I've blogged. I am sure, by now, whatever small faithful audience I did have, has since found better things to do with their time than check on a dusty blog.

However, in an attempt to reawaken the weekly habit of keeping our families and friends up-to-date on the Marc and Jill saga (and now Des and Jax saga). I got a bee in my bonnet tonight to test out the ol' blogging talent and see what happens.

There are two reasons that I haven't blogged. The first is, as always, we are BUSY! Not only busy because I have a (now) 3 year old and 4 year old but we are going to be moving.... all the way across the country. The thought of all our stuff arriving in a new home some 2300 miles away with out organization has scared me into the (seemingly) endless process of sorting, organizing, tossing and shredding. I realized that Marc and I had very effectively, in the name of 'just in case', retained every piece of important paper since before 1998! Sheesh. The end result has been refreshing and frustrating, knowing that I only did the first part of the process. Since we are coming down to the wire on time before departure the second part of the process will have to wait till we settle in our home. I will try to remember to post when it is finished as I know you all will be waiting with baited breath till my files are completely purged and organized.

Interestingly enough, this process has found many old sentimental items that have reignited my memories of days that were. Letters and cards from families and friends that were as good to my soul as a warm cup of comfort coffee. What fun to read of past events and to hear compliments given years ago. Apparently I helped with a lot of weddings. Also, some sad things: funeral bulletins from family, friends and loved ones that I was fortunate to care for in the hospital. All made me a little bit more thankful today and I kissed my boys a few extra times as I relished our quiet talk time before sleep.  All in all I have been extremely blessed by the people God has put in my life and I am thankful for each of them and hope to cross paths again with as many as possible.

The second reason I have not posted: Marc has been gone. While you would think that this would make me document life more carefully and thoroughly, I have found the opposite to be true for me. I love taking pictures and videos of my kids but somehow, in this season,  the memory then includes the fact that Marc was not there and that saddens me and so.... I have not been as good at picture taking and video recording. Something I have remedied in the last few weeks once I realized why. Once Marc got access to internet and texting on his phone I was better at sending him pictures but the ease of the phone camera is so tempting compared to a 'real' camera.

I digress. Rambling.

For now our plans are to be in Georgia by the end of the month (Marc is currently still in training and will report to Georgia before the boys and I). I have quit my part time job and am focussing on preparing and planning for our adventure. We have a long cross country trek to make and I am already praying for traveling mercies, clean hotels and a cat who will be content to stay put and not try to bolt! I would appreciate your prayers for us, as well. We are blessed with many friends along the path that have already invited us in to stay for a night or two as we slowly make our way to our First Duty Station with the Army.

A couple of pictures for you because, let's be honest, pictures of the kids makes any blog post infinitely better. =) Blessings to you.

 Playing with the bubble booth at Denver Children's Museum.

 I put a balloon up his shirt and he thought it was hilarious.

 Desmond's completed project thanks to U.Justin and A.Erin's help.

 Making Valentine's Treats with Grandma.

The mildest winter that Montana has had since I have been in the state but we still have had a couple of great snow days. The boys have a Gramps who readily dons his coveralls and boots to go gallivanting around in a winter wonderland. Which leaves Mama inside to take pictures and assemble/disassemble little boys' winter gear. I s'pose our gear will be looking a little different for the next few years.