Bullet Points

Quick! Someone think of a job I could do (B.S. in Psychology + unfinished M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy= basically useless) that will earn enough money to put both the kids in daycare AND who will hire a pregnant gal.

*cricket

Ya, I've got nothin' either.

I try to come up with it almost every day yet I know I'll look back on these times with my kids and I'll miss them.

Just as an update:
* Baby A's appointment for a hearing test was pushed back and now it is tomorrow. Thanks to many of you who sent encouraging words and prayers, I have a sense of peace about it all. I was overwhelmed by all the kind words sent on the blog, via facebook, and texts and calls. Thanks so much! I will keep you updated on little man.

*I fear #mrskgetsfit is on hold. Baby number three is not making it easy on Mama. I feel sick most days. Couple that with the fact that my oldest has decided he no longer naps, I'm about to go crazy. I was just saying today that I NEED exercise in my life, but I just haven't made the time lately. I have a small window of time when I feel productive in the early evening, but housework usually takes up that time. Where has my motivation gone? My last run was over a week ago:

*All this couch sitting has me indulging in my favorite reality shows of the season. Of course, I'm following along with Juan in his search for love on The Bachelor. And I'm loving all the transformation on The Biggest Loser. How sad is it that this is what I look forward to during the week?

*This is possibly the best bullet point of them all. I think we found a church we like yesterday. Finally! Perhaps Sundays will return to the position of what I look forward to each week.

*Speaking of fantastic things, I spent almost an entire Saturday with my bestie doing absolutely nothing and it was just what the doctor ordered. We went to her niece's basketball game, grabbed a bite to eat, went antique perusing, and hiked around a tiny bit. It was perfection!

*Also, the Captain and I celebrated our four year anniversary recently. Hoping and praying for many more to come!

*Yesterday, I realized it has been a whole year since I've shot a gun. Not cool.

*Bullet point blog posts-- the way to go.

Until next time,

My Town Monday: Jacksonville

One of my bloggy favs is hosting a new link up with a great topic so I wanted to join in. Sometimes, as you all know, I can get into the habit of backward looking. I look back to Alaska and want to return. I miss my home in Tennessee almost constantly. These things pop up in my writing all the time. In an effort to show you that my new town really isn't awful at all, I thought I'd show you exactly what it is that I love about being here. Welcome to my Jacksonville...

1. I love being near the beach. There's a beach girl in my heart, for sure.

2. I love that there's sushi exactly a mile down the road and it's delicious. I can run to the restaurant and run back or if I'm being lazy--they deliver!

3. Speaking of food, I love that we have a Whole Foods close by and other healthy, organic grocery options. The fresh seafood there makes its way to our table quite often.

4. I love all the parks in the area that I can take these crazy kids to.

5. I also love our church. I will probably miss it the most when/if we leave. It was refreshing to be able to find one that aligns so closely with what we believe as a family without searching around forever as we usually do when we get to a new location. The pastor is intelligent, warm, and an excellent teacher. The congregation has been so kind to us, too. We really really like it there.

6. And most of all? I love that it's not Ft. Polk, LA. This photo is courtesy of a friend who still finds herself stuck there for a wee bit longer. Only in Louisiana!

I will continue to be on the lookout for things I love about living here. There's a lot to love.
Now go link up your town!

Church Talk: To Go or Not To Go?

Every Sunday that Captain J isn't here, a gnawing guilt is ever present. I look back to the churches we attended together in Alaska and Georgia and I remember waking up, wanting to go. I looked forward to worship and to the message that I would hear. I almost always took something away from it and it was good to be in the house of the Lord!

As of late, I rarely feel inspired to go here. If J isn't with me, it just sounds like too much of a hassle to get Baby K ready and out the door, just to drop him off in the nursery, sit alone on a pew, awkwardly shake hands with the congregation when the visiting time comes, and have the pastor introduce himself to me as I walk out the door after the message (We've been over to his house! He has been to ours.). He rarely knows who I am if J is not by my side and, well, I'm an army wife. J isn't by my side pretty often. It's embarrassing to have to introduce myself over and over.

And so I don't go.

It's awful, I know. I just don't get much from the service. The people there are so SO nice, though and that's what keeps us going back. I know it's not the best reason to attend a church. We do have some friends there, but on top of that- the people were so incredibly welcoming when we got to town. After visiting the church once, people were bringing over food and baby gifts when we welcomed K into the world last August. This is what makes us want to get more involved and keep trying to enjoy the service there. They try to include us in events and we're thankful for that yet we have little in common with the people there because of an age difference. Normally, that wouldn't matter for us- we're old souls! But it does present a problem when the younger crowd meets up for dinner (age 40 and up!) and their kids are all grown or in high school and can fend for themselves. Meanwhile, K is squirmy, cranky, and ready for bed. We just don't fit in all too well. Captain J is fine with that, but I'm not.

I want to go to church and focus on what I came to do: learn more about my God and Savior and worship Him. I want to get a cup of coffee, close my eyes, and feel God's presence washing over me. I want to feel comfortable going to the altar to pray if I feel lead. I want to feel at home.

And I don't feel at home there. I don't feel at home here in Louisiana. And it's seeping into everything I do.

Jesus is on the loose!

Easter Sunday came and went and I didn't post a single photo on here? I know you're just dying to know that we went to church and ate food like a lot of other Americans. I won't keep it from you any longer. We went to church AND we ate, folks. Riveting.

It was a good day, though. Full of worship, thankfulness, friends. After church we went over to a friend's house to eat. They had a lovely meal planned for us with the table set and everything! We felt right at home and were happy to spend Easter with Army family if we couldn't be with our own (I know, you're beginning to think that I don't really know her. I swear we hang out weekly- we just never document it. Bad little bloggers! I've known her in real life for well over a year now, yet I don't think a single photo exists of the two of us together).

Although, there were no Easter egg hunts (my fav!), there was tons of candy (also my fav.). And wouldn't you know it? Little man got a visit from the Easter bunny. He racked up!

I always miss my family on holidays, but I'm so grateful that technology allows me frequent glimpses into their worlds. I got several photos that day from my little nephews and niece and more from my Mom and her clan. Aren't they beauties?

I sure do miss them. I haven't seen them since Christmas so I'm really looking forward to getting to this weekend! I don't want to talk about that, though. I'm still uneasy about leaving my sweet boy.

Anyway, I'll bring my Easter post to a close with another awkward moment brought to you by Mrs. K:

As we were leaving church, a line formed as it usually does so that the church goers can shake hands with the pastor(s) and tell him what a good sermon it was. Well, you must know by now that I can say some pretty ridiculous things when caught off guard. I spoke with the main pastor first and told him happily, "Happy Easter!" What I didn't see was that his dad, a pastor before he retired, was standing close by. As I approached, he smiled at me, grabbed my hands, and enthusiastically said, "He is risen!"

What did I say?

"Thank you."

REALLY?

Not "He has risen indeed!" or "Hallelujah" or as my husband smoothly said, "Isn't that great news?" Nope...

"Hiya, Mr. Preacherman. I kindly thank you for the fact that Jesus Christ has risen."

I might as well have said that. That's what I probably sounded like. Oh well, at least Christians are understanding folks. I can think of a whole host of other things that could've come out that would have been a lot worse.

Next time I hope I shout back, "Jesus is on the loose! Glory be!"

Dedication Day

This is the day, this is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

It just so happens, this is also the day we're dedicating our sweet baby boy to his Heavenly Father. I'm so anxious to make a promise to God to raise this child in church, to pray with him, and to teach him. And I'm so happy we're going to do it at the church that I grew up in!

Baby K is clearly straight from heaven. He's the SWEETEST young boy and I'm pretty sure he still talks to God as evidence by his constant prayer hands :)

God has had my sweet baby all along and I pray that He continues to protect him.

P.S.- How cute are his church pants?

What Makes the World Go Round

I'm pretty sure that KISS had it all wrong. They don't know what makes the world go round. I do, though. It's coffee. How in the sam hill did I go 9 months without it? Who can trust anyone that looks like KISS, though?

Oh, wait...that's me. Scratch that.

Another reason I'm functioning today is because my sweet baby boy let me sleep last night (Cue "Hallelujah, hallelujah..."). I think he sensed that yesterday was kinda rough for me and he wanted to give me a break.

I woke up pretty early so I could feed, dress, and change Baby K. I also had to get myself ready along with a breakfast casserole for the bible study group I was headed to. No biggie, right?

Well, perhaps for a pro like yourself, you could do all these things easily. This rookie can't say that. I'm still working on the supermom role, but it's not looking good, folks. Anyway, I head off to post to spend some time with the Lord. Just what I needed!

But just when I thought I could get through the morning with absolutely nothing going wrong, I cried. In front of strangers.

#ihatewhenthathappens

If someone asks a first time mom how things are going, they should be prepared for either 1.) a lie 2.) a long, detailed answer. Unfortunately, my long, drawn out answer was tinged with tears and fear. Before I knew it, water works were flowing from my eyes and word vomit was coming from my mouth. It was the classic over-share: "I'm worried about K and his thrush problem", "I think I'm a terrible mom", "I don't know what I'm doing", "I just want him to feel better", "His diaper rash is awful", "My blood pressure is sky high", "I'm behind in my classes"- and I could continue, but I'll spare you.

I like to think I'm a strong woman, but I'm a total crier...much to Captain J's dismay.

Oh, well...sometimes my release is a good talk with a friend, sometimes it's the words of this blog, and on my least favorite days- It's a public freak out moment. I suppose I was due.

I'm feeling better now. It must be all the prayers those ladies sent up for me because nothing has really changed. There's still homework to be done. My house is a wreck. And Baby K and I are still trying to kick this nasty thrush episode.

But today is a new day.

And this little guy and I are going to take it one day at a time.

And, okay, maybe Bob Merrill and/or the boys of KISS were right in that love makes the world go round, too.

Coffee is a close second.

Love,

Mrs. K

Our Sunday Scene

I did not think today was going to be a very good day. I was up until 3am with some pretty powerful contractions. Two to three every hour and then nothing. I was able to sleep for awhile after that.

My alarm woke me up around 7 so I could get ready for the early service at church. I thought I'd snap a photo before we headed out the door since I rarely put on real clothes anymore-



I would get dressed...really, I would! But nothing fits. I'm huge.

Church was nice. I enjoyed the sermon a lot. The pastor spoke of small changes likening them to mustard seeds and how God uses our seemingly miniscule actions in a huge way. He even provided a nice little segway for Mob Week on AMC (starting tomorrow!!) albeit inadvertently, I'm sure. Still, Mrs. K appreciated it! ;)

All throughout church, I was quite uncomfortable physically~ Out of breath, contracting, and trying to act like there's not a seven pound human being in my tummy. It can be exhausting.

We got home and I went back to bed.

Then, I cleaned the kitchen.

I know, I know. My life is uber exciting to you.

I suppose the highlight of my day was finally having enough extra money to purchase a dryer. We've been rockin' the tiny drying stand so my laundry is backed up as you can imagine. This is all about to change, though- they're delivering it tomorrow!

On the way home, I had a pregnant lady meltdown. It was sort of like the Walmart Meltdown, but not as bad. Captain J and I were discussing funds to pay for my graduate school, getting a job, et cetera and I flipped out. My heart started beating faster and I couldn't breathe. I just kept thinking, "I haven't even had the baby yet and he wants me to drop him off with some stranger all day already!?" "Can I hold him first?" Sheesh. I calmed down, though. I know that's not what he meant. I just want my Baby K. I want to hold him. I want to see that he's healthy. I just want him.

To combat my pregnancy craziness, I scrapbooked! This activity always calms me.



Meanwhile, I think J had to get out of the house...away from me, probably. He's relaxing in the hammock with a good book.



And there you have it, the misadventures of Mrs. K and Captain J- Sunday Edition.

Perhaps next time I'll have some more exciting material.

XOXO,

Mrs. K

on finding a church

library cards.

house to rent.

church.

When Captain J and I post up at a new duty station, these are among the first tasks we try to accomplish when we get there.

Two outta three ain't bad.

We're still working on the latter, as is usually the case when we move. Finding a place to worship is so important and there are many factors contributing to our feeling comfortable doing so. Of course, we want to agree with the main belief system, but there are other things to consider.

I grew up in a Baptist church. J grew up in non-denominational places of worship. I'm pretty open in this area so since we've been married, we have gravitated toward non-denominational churches. Finding one in the middle of nowhere, Louisiana is quite the task. We thought we had found one last Sunday and we decided to give it a whirl.

As we walked in, faces of every size, shape, color, and age greeted us with welcoming messages--This was a good sign. As we proceeded through the sanctuary, I looked around, noting the ambience. This church was one where everyone made it a point to come talk to you, to let you know you were welcome there. This can be great or it can be incredibly uncomfortable if you're socially challenged as I can often be. Still, I was happy to be able to worship that day with these really genuine Christians.

The icing on the cake was when a middle aged black woman delivered her freshly baked bread to all the newcomers. Umm, SCORE! It's truly fantastic and tasty, as we knew it would be. The best part about it was that she was just so insistent that we receive a loaf even though we didn't tell anyone we were first time guests. She went out of her way to create opportunity for people to have a better day. That's one of my favorite qualities in a person. This gift marked the end of our comfort zone, however...

The sermon progressed for hours. People shouted, they spoke in tongues, the pastor danced and stomped and spewed spittle as he spoke. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with this scene, it's also not typically what we do when we go to church. It provided a learning opportunity for us, for sure. We knew we were in trouble when he set off behind a row of people, jumping on the pew, and walking over to talk with us.

He said a lovely prayer for the two of us, our marriage, and our baby boy. It was so comforting to me, even though I was awkward in being the center of attention for those few minutes. I appreciated his prayer for health and happiness for all of us.

His message was one of forgiveness, something I always need to hear. We were able to sing enthusiastically and praise God in a way we had never experienced before. It was an awesome experience!

Although, I think we'll try some place a little less nerve-racking next week, a place a little more Mrs. K and Captain J (ish), if you please. The search continues, but that's okay. God will put us right where He wants us- He always does.

Pineapple Visitors

I had such a good weekend! How was yours? It was dreary and rainy here in ole Georgia, but I didn't mind because it made for good sleeping, good shopping, and good cuddling in with my husband for some movie watching. My best friends from high school (and way before that) made the drive south to visit yours truly. I was so happy to see them and have them visit me for a change. Needless to say, we didn't have many visitors in Alaska. It's a pretty penny to get up there!

Miranda, Laura, and I enjoyed a dinner on Friday evening at a local place and got to catch up with each other. It's not always easy to do when I go home to visit because there are always so many places to go and many people to see. On Saturday we slept in a bit and then went to do some shopping, although I think I'm the only one that had any luck. I bought a new dress which I tried out today at church!

I'm having troubles finding clothes to fit. While the rest of my body is still in a size 4, my belly is protruding too much for that. If I go a size up, it looks awkward in the arms and chest. Captain J keeps telling me, "that's why they make maternity clothes" but so far I've refused. I'm thankful to be obviously pregnant now. I smile when strangers tell me congratulations or even better, when the cook at Japanese restaurants gives me extra portions "for the baby."

After my girls left, I pouted and threw a hissy fit I took up residence on the couch with J and we watched a free movie rental! He had been making banana nut bread so we had a few bites slices of that, too. I like my husband a whole lot!

To top off my fun weekend of doing nothing much at all, we were finally able to find a church that we both really enjoy. I'm so happy that our search is over and we have a place to look forward to going on Sundays. I'm still looking into getting involved during the week, too. I'll quit rambling now....

I have an appointment with words with friends. ;)

Mrs. Frowny Face

<----Yep, that's me today. Mrs. Frowny face. You see, it's 7:40 A.M. and I'm awake with nothing to do. One of my favorite parts of the day is waking up early so that I can make J breakfast and spend that hour in between PT and going to work with him. Unfortunately, after I had already made a breakfast casserole for us, he calls saying he won't be able to make it in today. Poor Jordan. He works so hard. (I ate without him and I must say, it was pretty tasty!)

The pull pork I made the other day turned out pretty well, too. It was very easy. I just got a packet of dry pull pork mix, then poured apple cider, and catsup together in a bowl and mixed it all up. Then I poured it over the pork in a crock pot and 6-7 hours later...VOILA! Gotta love crock pots.

Despite my frowny face, I'm actually in good spirits today. J and I had a wonderful weekend, although we really didn't do much. Friday night, we went out to eat at Gallo's, an excellent Mexican restaurant here in town. It's nice to have date night with my hubby and still be able to talk nonstop and find out more about each other. I'm so lucky :) As we were walking out the door, a friend stopped me to say hello. That was cool because I feel like I know no one here so it's nice to be reminded that I have and am making more friends!

On Saturday, we were incredibly lazy for most of the day. I woke up early and prepared sausage, eggs, and buiscuts for us and then after we ate we fell asleep on the couch again. I'm embarrassed to say for how long. When we woke up, we did some furniture shopping and then bought some groceries for game night at a friend's place. An intense game of Taboo broke out: girls versus guys. The guys always seem to win by a couple points, but this time it was the females who prevailed! Hooray! We then went into town for some bowling action. 2nd place...not too shabby! When we pulled back into the apartment parking lot, we could see the aurora borealis. It appeared as a huge green streak across the sky. It was the best display of the Northern Lights that I've seen to date. Hopefully when we move I'll see it more often as we'll be further away from the city.

Sunday we woke up and went to church. The original pastor was back from vacation in Hawaii. He was so tan and was freely rubbing it in where he had been all throughout the service. I was trying my darndest to not be jealous during church! Instead I tried to focus on the message he was bringing. I really enjoyed the service; it seemed to be a catalyst, inviting me to read more on the subject. So, I did (See Devotional blog http://kacysbibleblog.wordpress.com ) Anyway, we left church and grabbed two comfy chairs by the fire at Barnes and Noble. This is one of our favorite, cheap activities. We also bought some coffee and a light snack before we snuggled in the big chairs and started reading. My day can pass so quickly doing this.

There was a lot of discussion yesterday when we returned home about our purposes. We've been thinking a lot about an organization/missionary type project we want to start in a couple of years. It's in the very early stages of planning. We are actually still brainstorming, but of course, we want to make sure it's God's plan for our lives...not our own. I just would like to ask for your prayers regarding this project. Thanks!

I have a smile on my face now just thinking about yesterday. It was a great day. Later on, Jordan decided to start up his jeep and get it running for the first time this winter so that we could go riding around in it. It's pretty warm in Fairbanks right now (about 4 degrees!). He had to let it run for a few minutes so I signed on to skype to see if anyone was online. I got to have a skype conversation for about 20 minutes with my dad and family. It was so good to see everyone. Skype= one of the greatest inventions ever.

Partially consumed breakfast treat!

A quaint cabin

With any luck, the days of hand washing dishes and having to walk outside in below zero temps to do laundry are over! Jordan and I have been shopping around for a cabin to rent. We are ready to be out of this apartment although, it has been good to us. We've saved money by staying here, but now that we're married we can afford something that is a little more what we had in mind. We found a three bedroom cabin with a hot tub and fireplace in Fairbanks. Hopefully all goes as planned and we'll get to move in by February.

Unfortunately, we found out today that his chain of command would like him to stay in Alaska for his full three years. A couple weeks ago, he received an email saying that he may be able to get into the Captain's Career Course at Ft. Benning in March. We flirted with the idea of being back in the South really soon and decided he would try to get in the class. However, it didn't work out which means we will be staying in Fairbanks until the end of this year. His next plan of action is to attempt to get into the September course. I'm praying that this option is available to us!

Yesterday, the hubs and I (and our neighbor and friend, JTD) went to church at Friends Community. We enjoy that church and are in a pretty good habit of going so long as we're in town. There was a guest speaker on Sunday and his message spoke to me. He talked about the dynamic between God's law and having an actual relationship with God. He gave the example of the adultress that the men were going to stone. Jesus said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." The law destined the woman to be judged and punished accordingly, but God's love and mercy allowed her to be set free.  This is one thing I have a hard time grasping. I feel blessed way beyond what I deserve. God knows my every thought and action yet he still loves me unconditionally. What a great feeling! I'm going to start reading my bible more often. I want to make it an every day thing again. My life is so much sweeter when I'm not in control of it :)

Today marks the beginning of the job search. Wish me luck. Jordan says my days of mooching are over. Ha! I hope I am able to find something I like, but if not any extra income will be helpful. It will be nice to feel productive again, too. I would like to feel like I am contributing! On the other hand, the lovely cabin we are hoping to get looks really cozy and I bet I could get used to being a stay at home wife! I could stay busy cleaning that place, but I definitely would have to start cooking more to pull off that role! Hi ho, Hi ho it's off to work I go. :(

More later.

Last weekend in AK for awhile...

Once again, I'm blogging when I should be doing something else. There's laundry to be done, dishes to wash, army gear scattered across the floor waiting to be picked up, gifts to wrap, beds to make, and packing to be done. It's okay, though. I have plenty of time. This morning I woke up feeling so amazingly content. I have a best friend to spend the rest of my life with. I have a roof over my head and food in my belly. I have a plane ticket to Tennessee to spend Christmas with our families. Life is sweet!

This past weekend was wonderful. On Saturday, we made the snowy drive to Chena Hot Springs to enjoy sitting outside in 15 below Farenheit weather. The water felt so good as long as we stayed crouched down the entire time. It sure is a cold walk to get to the springs, though! We took a video of us running. Stay tuned, I may post that later! After we dried off we walked over to the restaurant located by the hot springs for a cup of cocoa with vodka and vanilla chambord. Pretty tasty! On the way home, we stopped at the Trapline to eat. We tasted gator as an appetizer and had burgers and ribs for dinner.

On Sunday we had a nice day doing a bunch of nothing. We slept until around ten, then we got up and made our way to church. I really enjoyed the sermon called "Escaping Materialism." I think it's a good lesson to learn and remember around Christmas time especially. The real reason for the season escapes so many of us sometimes. We forget that it's a celebration of the birth of Christ. It's not about stressing over having money to buy the best gifts or wondering if you'll get the newest updated version of your favorite toy. I enjoyed having the reminder. Truly, all I want this year is time with friends and family.

The rest of our Sunday was spent at Barnes and Noble sipping coffee and purchasing last minute items. Nope, our Christmas shopping is still not done (tsk tsk)! When we got home, J decided to fix us a feast! We really enjoy cooking together and hope that we continue to do so in ten or twenty years from now. It's a great way to spend time together and also accomplish something productive together. I've got to say, he did most of the work last night. I grated lime peels, stripped garlic cloves, and sipped on a celebratory beverage. I'm including a picture of Jordan's creation: angel hair pasta with pesto, lime flavored shrimp, and scallops. Yum!