I'm trying to be a faithful blogger

Okay, life is really busy but I'm going to make a real effort to be faithful in blogging. I love to read other blogs and get so upset when it takes them forever to post, so I'm going to give this my all.

So, if you don't know me; my name is Callie and I'm married to Thomas and we have three children, Makenna (13), Kevin (4 1/2) and Matthew (1). We live in Apple Valley, Mn and as much as I like it here, I'm so ready to move out of the city. Thomas works for the U.S. Army Reserves and his unit will be relocating to Ft. McCoy, WI sometime this year. Tom has to re-apply for his current job so right now there is no guarantee that he even has the job. But, we know that God will take us were we are suppose to go. I work for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and work for the Engineers....I LOVE MY JOB!! I learn something new everyday and since I'm married to a government employed Engineer, its helped me appreciate what Thomas does for a living. We attend River Valley Church http://www.rivervalleychurch.org/ and its awesome. One of the bad things about moving out of state is finding a new church, but in the mean time we'll continue to serve at River Valley. Its hard to believe that Makenna Jo is going on 14, I still remember her as my curly head baby girl and not a young lady but I've been forced to deal with it. Makenna is a very lovely and talented teen, I just wish she was able to see that. She is a phenomenal volleyball player and she also plays softball but volleyball is her sport of choice. Her other favorite school actives is Speech and she does such a great job. In her spare time she is also involved with Job's Daughters. Our little Kevin is so funny and has quite the personality. He love all super hero's and Ben 10. When you ask him to do something around the house, he usually will say, "Sure, in 5 minutes?! He loves cartoons, magnets and transformers. He loves his big sister and chocolate. Out little Matt will be 1 tomorrow. He is a momma's boy and I'm okay with that. He isn't an easy baby and has issues with sleeping. He's having a sleep study done in April and I'm hoping they can figure something out. Well, our family isn't complete if I don't name all the animals. Klaus and KD are are kitties that we brought home from Germany. Then we have our 100# black lab named Bob and our little kitty is Jax. So, this is my family.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Wow, over a month since my last blog....I've been a little busy.
Makenna's up North in Brainard right now so we are going up North every week. Matt has been sick and also had his ear tubes put in. Kevin turned 4 and loves playing with all of his toys. Tom hasn't been on too much travel in the last month but he remains busy with work and what not!! Me, I feel like I'm loosing my mind, that I don't have any control over anything....thank goodness God's in control!! So, that's all my news for right now, I hope to post more this weekend.

The Power of a song

Have you ever heard a song so powerful that it bring you to tears. It remind you of your own life and some one, some how put your life into their words. Below is a song from one of my favorite Christian band, Casting Crowns. I've been playing this song over and over just to help me get throught the day. I've been fight depression for the past few months, I love the line that says, I start the day and the war begins. Thats how I feel....
Please read the lyrics and let me know what you think!!

Here I am Lord, And I'm drowningIn your sea of forgetfulnessThe chains of yesterday surround meI yearn for peace and restI don’t want to end up where you found meAnd it echoes in my mind,Keeps me awake tonightI know you cast my sin as far as the east is from the westAnd I stand before you now as,As though I've never sinnedBut today I feel like I'm just one mistake awayFrom you leaving me this wayJesus can you show meJust how far the east is from the westCause I can't bear to see the man I've been Rising up in me againIn the arms of your mercy I find rest,Cause you know just how far the East is from the WestFrom one scarred hand to the other.I start the day the war beginsEndless reminding of my sinAnd time and time again your truth is drowned out By the storm I'm inToday I feel like I'm just one mistake away,From you leaving me this wayJesus can you show me,Just how far the East is from the WestCause I can't bear to see the man I've been Come rising up in me againIn the arms of your mercy I find rest'cause you know Just how far the East is form the WestFrom one scarred hand to the other.I know you've washed me white,Turned my darkness into lightI need your peace to get me through,To get me through this nightCan’t live by what I feelBut by the Truth your work reveals,I'm not holding on to youBut you're holding on to me,You’re holding on to meJesus you knowJust how far the East is from the WestI don't have to see the man I've been, Come rising up in me againIn the arms of your mercy I find rest'cause you know just how far the East is form the West,From one scarred hand to the other.Just how far The east is from the west From one scarred hand to the other

9/11

I think everyone that will forever remember where they were when the airplanes hit the twin towers! Me, I was at work at the US Army Hospital with CNN on in the background, when we all heard the news. When the 2nd plane hit we all knew this just wasn't an accident. Then the most amazing thing happened. Every soldier in my clinic; enlisted, officer and even the retired were ready to fight to protect our country. I was a very proud American amongst all these brave soldiers. Tom went to pick up Kenna from school, we went home, and did what most Americans did....stared at the tv in disbelief. I still think of all the people who lost a love on 9/11 and all the families that have lost a family member who stood up and went to war for our country after 9/11. My biggest hero's are SSG William Louderback, MAJ Doug Gray & SFC Mark Dengate....soldiers that I worked with in the eye clinic, who went to Iraq so my family could live freely....I love you guys!! To Toby Olsen, I worked with his father COL James Olsen in the clinic and he died fighting for my freedom, you are a hero!!

Red Power Ranger

Last week at the supper table, we were saying are prayers and Kevin took over and said, "Jesus, thank you for the Red Power Ranger"!! We all laughed!!

Kevin & Diet Pepsi

Yes, its true...we are a family of soda drinkers. If you know me well, you'd know that I love Dr. Pepper, its my very favorite but I can't drink it any more and diet PD just isn't right. So, I've been drinking Diet Pepsi for about four years now. Kevin loves Diet Pepsi and always asks for Diet Pepsi to drink. This weekend I came across this picture of Kevin at about 6 months old. So, I guess he's been a Diet Pepsi drinker for several years now!

Busy, Busy Weekend

Labor Day weekend. A time for fun and relaxation, right?! Not in our house. Tom and I decided to clean out the garage before winter is here and we have to pull the snow blower out.
First off, cleaning the garage with a month, not an easy task but somehow we did it!! The only thing we have down right now is our camping gear and that's only because we are going camping next weekend. I can't wait to go....I need a break!!! No tv, computer or cell phones. Just Tom, the kids and I and water. It will be so much fun.

On Sunday we headed to the Minnesota State Fair. We quickly learned that we'll never go again on a weekend.....it was crazy!! Believe or not....we didn't eat anything on a stick this year. I think Tom and I felt very good because of the heat and the fact that everything is fried. But we did have cheese curds, were which of course, we're wonderful.

Monday I tried to catch up on housework and laundry. I just need a good floor cleaning and to put away the laundry and I'll be satisfied.