It was last minute but she agreed to do it. Vanessa, over at VJoy Photography agreed to do some family photos for us Gehl's before Jake leaves. It is another example God's little blessings. Something so simple has turned into beautiful memories we now have captured and we will so enjoy these on our walls at home while Jake is away and before number 3 arrives and changes it all up! :)
She did such a beautiful job, a few photos I feel like I could stare at all day and never tire of looking at. Which I plan to do....Again we are just so thankful for these updated and fun pictures (moments.)
Enjoy!
http://www.vjoyphotography.com/blog/2013/3/-gehl-family-military-family-pictures
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Waiting, and waiting, hurry up! No wait....
That's been our life the last 2 weeks. We're waiting patiently for my husbands flight date. Along with that trusting God that we'll get to go home so he can say goodbye to his family before he heads out on his 3 month deployment. I can't even begin to explain how much back and forth has taken place over the last 2 weeks. Hurry up and clear so you can leave, wait, it it takes 2 weeks to get your uniform, nope scratch that let's try everything humanly possible to get the uniform within a week, you can go home on leave, now you can't, your flying out Monday, wait no your not, wait now you might be...that is part of what's been going on for the hubs. Exhausted? He sure is. He's carrying a weight around not knowing if he can go home, it's all he wants. To relax at his parents, have a date night with his wife, tuck his girls into bed with the promise he'll be there in the morning (and not working),have coffee with his dad in the morning...the little things we so often don't see as important. As I type I wait for the decision of whether or not to we have to say goodbye to him come Monday. Or he may not leave till just after Easter. So I trust and wait. There's no point in getting upset, sad, irrational, depressed, and so on. For now my husband is home. Unfortunately I did eat almost a half a bag of Cheetos-yikes! Oh they were soo good!
His uniforms he was waiting on came in, he's wearing them, he sure does look handsome in them.
Everyday the girls watch their daddy lace up his boots, put his jacket on, hat, and kiss him hello/goodbye. It's part of our routine; moms in the kitchen and daddy's off to work. Especially Lydia, so of course my heart just ached earlier this week as I passed the kitchen and saw Lydia in her daddy's arms. Her little arms around his neck, her head resting on his shoulder and tears on my husbands face. Savoring that sweet innocent hug. Smelling her sweet baby hair, holding tight to that innocent moment. For a few months he'll not have those welcoming arms, his girls' squeals welcoming him home, his wife's growing belly now in the way for hugs. BUT, there's a big BUT! It's okay! This is the life we live, this is Jake's job, he chose it, and we support it. We will be here waiting with open arms, with squeals, and tears when he comes home. And it will be GOOD! So we continue to pray. We continue to thank God for what he has given us. You know what's so cool? God has given us what we need and what we can handle. And what we don't have it's cause we don't need it!
Through this short deployment the girls and I are going to learn to rely on our Father in heaven for comfort, the girls will have to learn to only depend on mommy, and to follow daddy's poster board of "daddy's rules." :) Just cause he isn't here doesn't mean his presence won't be. If they question momma or don't know what to do we'll look at daddy's poster. I will learn patience and I won't be so rushing. I will have to load those girls in and out of the car by myself, the groceries, the trash cans, possibly an oil change, growing belly and all. Through it all I will try my hardest to have a smile on my face. Heaven knows there are other Army, Marine, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force wives who have faced a worse situation than lil ole me :). My world, our girls lives aren't ending because dad's leaving, I won't allow those negative and depressing ideas/emotions into our lives. I'm sure I will have a few low days, I'm sure we might watch a little too much tv, and that's ok. Between physical therapy, dance class, play dates, bible study, dr appointments, walks to the park, and all the other stuff we are going to be busy.
I'm done sharing my thoughts on all this hurry up and wait only to say goodbye stuff...I feel better now. It's time to close my eyes and rest while my girls are. I think I'll go snuggle with the skinny little leotard wearing daughter if mine who is napping in my bed. :)
Happy Thursday.
I love him soo much!
His uniforms he was waiting on came in, he's wearing them, he sure does look handsome in them.
Everyday the girls watch their daddy lace up his boots, put his jacket on, hat, and kiss him hello/goodbye. It's part of our routine; moms in the kitchen and daddy's off to work. Especially Lydia, so of course my heart just ached earlier this week as I passed the kitchen and saw Lydia in her daddy's arms. Her little arms around his neck, her head resting on his shoulder and tears on my husbands face. Savoring that sweet innocent hug. Smelling her sweet baby hair, holding tight to that innocent moment. For a few months he'll not have those welcoming arms, his girls' squeals welcoming him home, his wife's growing belly now in the way for hugs. BUT, there's a big BUT! It's okay! This is the life we live, this is Jake's job, he chose it, and we support it. We will be here waiting with open arms, with squeals, and tears when he comes home. And it will be GOOD! So we continue to pray. We continue to thank God for what he has given us. You know what's so cool? God has given us what we need and what we can handle. And what we don't have it's cause we don't need it!
Through this short deployment the girls and I are going to learn to rely on our Father in heaven for comfort, the girls will have to learn to only depend on mommy, and to follow daddy's poster board of "daddy's rules." :) Just cause he isn't here doesn't mean his presence won't be. If they question momma or don't know what to do we'll look at daddy's poster. I will learn patience and I won't be so rushing. I will have to load those girls in and out of the car by myself, the groceries, the trash cans, possibly an oil change, growing belly and all. Through it all I will try my hardest to have a smile on my face. Heaven knows there are other Army, Marine, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force wives who have faced a worse situation than lil ole me :). My world, our girls lives aren't ending because dad's leaving, I won't allow those negative and depressing ideas/emotions into our lives. I'm sure I will have a few low days, I'm sure we might watch a little too much tv, and that's ok. Between physical therapy, dance class, play dates, bible study, dr appointments, walks to the park, and all the other stuff we are going to be busy.
I'm done sharing my thoughts on all this hurry up and wait only to say goodbye stuff...I feel better now. It's time to close my eyes and rest while my girls are. I think I'll go snuggle with the skinny little leotard wearing daughter if mine who is napping in my bed. :)
Happy Thursday.
I love him soo much!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
So much change so little time
Well the time has come, in my head I hear the music from Jaws playing....but I have to kick that music and go to what is going to keep me going through the next 4 months and that is Gods word.
The husband is leaving, he's been added to the roster and we don't know the exact date but within the next few weeks (or less) we will say goodbye to our Soldier as he goes to Afghanistan to join the others who left last fall. We are so grateful that its not a whole tour, but about 4 months.
It will be a long spring and start of summer but the girls and I have a good support system here at Fort Campbell and we know our families are there for when we need them.
Right now our prayers are for Jake, that he have a hedge of protection all around him while in country. That his travels there go smoothly and quick. I am praying that The Lord guards his heart and mind while over there and the pressures, anger, frustration, evils, of war do not way heavy on his heart or mind while gone.
I can't say enough how happy and grateful we are that we have had him stateside for the last 3+ years. Not many families can say that. I am scared silly when I sit and dwell on the act that he could possibly miss the birth of our baby. But, I am holding strong and getting those ideas out of my mind, they just aren't worth it! I will figure out a plan B should daddy not make it...and we will face that as the time draws closer if need be.
I have been praying with the girls this last week and will continue to do so... The 2 scriptures I am clinging to and with my girls are these: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)
I want my girls to know that even though mommy might be having a bad day, or that Isabelle is missing/wanting her daddy, that God wants us to turn to him and he will be there and lift us up!
And the second verse is: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV) we are praying this for Jake and will write it on some pretty poster board and pray it daily.
We are also jamming out to this song to keep our spirits high...it's awesome to just sing Gods praises even in the midst of sadness and unwanted change! (Kristian Stanfill-one thing remains-Passion 2012)
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o_o6s5X5LSw
So if you have any encouraging and comforting versus email me!!
yourprincess1016@yahoo.com!
And I can't help but share these precious girls!
The husband is leaving, he's been added to the roster and we don't know the exact date but within the next few weeks (or less) we will say goodbye to our Soldier as he goes to Afghanistan to join the others who left last fall. We are so grateful that its not a whole tour, but about 4 months.
It will be a long spring and start of summer but the girls and I have a good support system here at Fort Campbell and we know our families are there for when we need them.
Right now our prayers are for Jake, that he have a hedge of protection all around him while in country. That his travels there go smoothly and quick. I am praying that The Lord guards his heart and mind while over there and the pressures, anger, frustration, evils, of war do not way heavy on his heart or mind while gone.
I can't say enough how happy and grateful we are that we have had him stateside for the last 3+ years. Not many families can say that. I am scared silly when I sit and dwell on the act that he could possibly miss the birth of our baby. But, I am holding strong and getting those ideas out of my mind, they just aren't worth it! I will figure out a plan B should daddy not make it...and we will face that as the time draws closer if need be.
I have been praying with the girls this last week and will continue to do so... The 2 scriptures I am clinging to and with my girls are these: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)
I want my girls to know that even though mommy might be having a bad day, or that Isabelle is missing/wanting her daddy, that God wants us to turn to him and he will be there and lift us up!
And the second verse is: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV) we are praying this for Jake and will write it on some pretty poster board and pray it daily.
We are also jamming out to this song to keep our spirits high...it's awesome to just sing Gods praises even in the midst of sadness and unwanted change! (Kristian Stanfill-one thing remains-Passion 2012)
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o_o6s5X5LSw
So if you have any encouraging and comforting versus email me!!
yourprincess1016@yahoo.com!
And I can't help but share these precious girls!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Just around the corner
Spring is almost here! I can feel it. The signs are everywhere from fat robins to green buds on trees. Although we are still experiencing bipolar weather spring is nearing. So I've taken out the majority of my spring deco and Easter things. Isabelle loves my little tree with eggs. We're starting spring/Easter crafts and enjoying the preparation.
This last month as my strength and energy has come back I've found myself really enjoying my 2 girls and my job as a SAHM. In my opinion there is nothing, absolutely nothing more rewarding than being able to be with our children from sun up to sun down. Of course I welcome the times I can run errands with out the kids in tow, get a pedi, work out with it them, etc....but you know what I mean. I see how having a part time or full job would be helpful and have advantages but none of them exceed the importance of having mommy (me) home to raise our chickies. So back to what I was saying, I'm just really loving life. A lot has to do with God and me taking the time to study his word and pray. Knowing I'm doing what he intended is wonderful and it makes our life flow so smoothly knowing we're following God's plan. I'll have time to work outside the home when our children are older, but for now I'll take the middle of the night wake ups, ill take the dramatic tantrums about what outfit my 4 year old wants to wear, I'll take cooking dinner every night, I'll take that kiss from my husband when he walks In the door and puts his arms around me and says mmmm what smells so good. And no it's not me, it's the smell of dinner. Not that I stink, but his belly is growling after a long days work.
Were are waiting and waiting ever so patiently for Lydia's walker. They said it would come by Monday and when I called Monday only parts were there, at least we know its getting closer.
The girls are really starting to play together more and more which is fun to watch, but not to hear. Half the time it I involves one or the other getting angry about a toy, pulled hair, etc...along with the good always comes a little bad. What are ya gonna do? A whole lot of nothing.
We've decided to not go home for spring break, tough pull for metro swallow but the hubs made a smart decision. Every bit of money saved is going to help in 2 years from now if we're really serious about getting out of the Army.
Have a good day hump day!
This last month as my strength and energy has come back I've found myself really enjoying my 2 girls and my job as a SAHM. In my opinion there is nothing, absolutely nothing more rewarding than being able to be with our children from sun up to sun down. Of course I welcome the times I can run errands with out the kids in tow, get a pedi, work out with it them, etc....but you know what I mean. I see how having a part time or full job would be helpful and have advantages but none of them exceed the importance of having mommy (me) home to raise our chickies. So back to what I was saying, I'm just really loving life. A lot has to do with God and me taking the time to study his word and pray. Knowing I'm doing what he intended is wonderful and it makes our life flow so smoothly knowing we're following God's plan. I'll have time to work outside the home when our children are older, but for now I'll take the middle of the night wake ups, ill take the dramatic tantrums about what outfit my 4 year old wants to wear, I'll take cooking dinner every night, I'll take that kiss from my husband when he walks In the door and puts his arms around me and says mmmm what smells so good. And no it's not me, it's the smell of dinner. Not that I stink, but his belly is growling after a long days work.
Were are waiting and waiting ever so patiently for Lydia's walker. They said it would come by Monday and when I called Monday only parts were there, at least we know its getting closer.
The girls are really starting to play together more and more which is fun to watch, but not to hear. Half the time it I involves one or the other getting angry about a toy, pulled hair, etc...along with the good always comes a little bad. What are ya gonna do? A whole lot of nothing.
We've decided to not go home for spring break, tough pull for metro swallow but the hubs made a smart decision. Every bit of money saved is going to help in 2 years from now if we're really serious about getting out of the Army.
Have a good day hump day!
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