Life is Full

Our life is filled with things that need doing, plenty to occupy us. Still, there are times that seem to have a larger helping of busy things. April was definitely that for us. It started with Easter, and built up from there. There was two solid weeks of me being sick, during which we helped with the fire departments auction, attended by over 7000 people. It was a bad time to be sick, but the event came off pretty well. I am so grateful for the numerous people who have been doing this longer than I have and know how the show runs.

Once I recovered from being sick (and that took a while), I headed on a five day trip to Colorado with my sister, who is newly engaged and taking a massage course in Fort Collins. She asked me months ago if I could accompany her down there and I was delighted to go. Five days away from home, husband, and kids was a relaxing, and a big pile of books, though not without it's share of drama. Almost losing a dog, tracking down a key that seemed to play musical houses, and getting lost were some interesting highlights. Oh, and I left my wallet in a dressing room and had to run several blocks to get it back before the shop closed. Never a dull moment!

If you are ever in Ft. Collins Colorado, go to The Chocolate Cafe. It was amazing!

I got to have the second air travel experience of my adult life, this time without small children in tow. While that made for lighter baggage, I still am a novice at navigating airports and the one in Denver is equivalent of a small city. Then there was the flight itself, turbulence and sweaty seatmates. The fresh air and relative quiet of the Seattle airport was a welcome layover. Then flying over the dark terrain home and falling into the eager arms of my darlings.

Surging masses of people and confines of sealed airplanes made me seek the nearest quiet place. That happened to be a bookstore in Seattle. Browsing familiar and new titles was just what I needed between flights.

There is a special kind of magic in coming home.The barrage of hugs and kisses from those you love. All the dear and familiar objects that you chose for the space you inhabit, the contentment of knowing exactly where you will find the most your toothbrush and pajamas. The humor attached to moment you realize your husband left the front door wide open when he left to pick you up.

My dandelion picking ballerina.

Within a few days Roman left for a military training that was kind of a last minute surprise, but we hope will bring some good things in our future. So now it is time for life as solo parent, and I feel like I am trying to find my rhythm. The days are warm enough that we spend the bulk of it outside, but still there are tasks that need doing indoors. I am trying to gear up for the last summer before I become an official homeschool mom, trying to prepare my heart and mind for a new stage of motherhood. In the meantime, I had better get a few more dishes washed.

Discovering bugs and tiny flowers is his forte.

I'd have a calendar with this guy on it. 

How to Write a Thank You Note

Acknowledgement (or how to be humble)

My barista was learning how to make the milky leaf and had her first success on mine!

As a voracious reader from an early age I have tackled a lot of challenging reads. Books that many consider boring, too long, or advanced I devour at rapid rates. I could read hard stuff! Except for the Introduction and The Acknowledgements. Those were BORING! My childish mind thought,"What is the point?" (I also hated the credits in movies.) If it's not part of the story I was not interested! 

These days I  read the Acknowledgments. They are not exciting and generally sound the same in every book, but that does not make them of less value. In my opinion, they might be the most important part on any book (and that roll of credits might be the most important part of a movie). Somebody put time, energy, emotion, love, and skill into the book I hold in my hand, and it is not the work of someone all by their lonesome. No, they had teachers, loved ones, publishers, etc, etc, all allowing that creative act to be in my hands. The author chooses to give credit to some of those people, so in my small way of reading The Acknowledgments I will give them that credit as well. 

For the same reason, if I am not particularly pressed for time, I sit through movie credits. I can't read them all (speed reading on a screen is hard), but all those people were a part of creating the film I just enjoyed, not just the actors and directors. This is what acknowledgements are about: noticing what someone has achieved or created.

Those who create, whether it be great art, music, and literature, or the food we sit down to eat deserve an acknowledgement. Only God creates from Nothing, but as His image bearers we are give the chance to create every single day.  So here is my Acknowledgment Manifesto:

I will say Hello and Please and Thank You. 

I will pay a fair price for goods when I can, and leave tips.

I will compliment achievements of those I know.

I will write thank you notes.

I will applaud generously.

I will read your name in the back of books and the end of movies.

I will praise God for the gifts that He bestows on those around me.

To those of you who read this post, Thank You! It means a great deal that you took the time to view my small act of creation.

What will you do to acknowledge those who create today? 

March Celebrations

I like March for a lot of reasons, winter is ending, we can take (almost) daily walks and of course the celebrations of the month, including my birthday. With Easter being in March this year the days ahead look to be full of fun planning.

Before those of course is St. Patricks Day.

Roman and I are both fascinated by the stories of this early church missionary, so much so that we named a son for him. The writings of St. Patrick are truly beautiful and Ethan is thrilled to hear any stories about his namesake. We also enjoy a good pot of corned beef!

This year the Spring Equinox and Palm Sunday fall on the same day. I usually use that time to dye eggs, and since every time I make hard-boiled eggs the kids want colored ones, I am going to be putting that on my calendar. Last year I did these Cabbage Dyed Eggs.

One week after St. Patricks Day and falling smack in between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday is my birthday. I have no particular plans this year, but I will find something to mark my 27th year.

Finally we have Good Friday thru Easter Sunday, this year falling on the 25th through the 27th. It is right before the Creston Auction for us, so we will be mentally gearing up for that big event, and probably stay a bit low key. 

As I slowly teach my children about the life of Christ and it's significance, I am made more aware of how beautiful each season of celebration is. It brings me such joy that my children see Bible time as a normal part of their day. They renditions of the Biblical tales certainly have some wild variations, but it is filling their minds, and as we approach the season of Easter I look forward to hearing them retell whatever details stands out in their little minds.

Why the Chicken Pox Didn't Scare Me

It is a well established fact that the only sure comfort for sick children is Mom. We can make chicken soup, force the drinking of liquids, binge watch every PBS and Disney show on earth, but only cuddling with Mom is a sure way to soothe the cough-racked, fevered child.

Because of that exhausting fact most Moms try to avoid long bouts with sickness in their home. After all it means interrupted sleep, special foods, and getting way behind on normal things like dishes or laundry. Then there is the fact that the illness must run its course through the entire family. As a general rule we are a healthy family, but I do not willingly invite the flu or bad colds into our home.

In February I made an exception.

I invited The Chicken Pox over, and it has been with us for about 3 weeks.

My poor children have truly been good about not scratching at those alarming owies that showed up over night. They have downed more tea and cocoa than usual and been spoiled with long story sessions. What a bunch of troopers!

I am not against all vaccines. I have let the doctors poke my children several times (which always breaks my heart, because I hate needles myself). But I did know that I wanted my children to have The Chicken Pox as an actual illness. It is far more effective in the long to strengthening their immune systems. Thankfully, they are all quite young and so this experience, while unpleasant, has not been traumatic. 

There are so many amazing miracles that have been brought about by the study and practice of medicine in the past century. Life threatening diseases, such as typhus, small pox, and polio have practically been eradicated from the America way of life. But the miracle of the human body to protect itself against disease is one that can only be wrought by the kind and healing hand of God.

Sometimes our culture fights too hard against disease, making it look like the devil himself that can only be contained in an antiseptic atmosphere and hazmat suits. Yes, illness is hard, but our body was made to fight hard, not to hide from it. I love my children, and will be glad to stay up all night with them if they cannot sleep for a cough or sniffles. I use good medicine to make them comfortable when they ache and fight fevers. I took them to the doctor, who said all was well, they were in no danger. And I know that their little bodies are now better equipped to handle other disease for which there are no vaccines. 

As we move on with life, I am tired, but we are a well and strong family, Praise the Lord!

These three oils were amazing at relieving the itchiness of The Chicken Pox. Lavender baths for the win!

If you would like to learn more about the chicken pox vaccine go to the National Vaccine Information Center and if you would like to know more about essential oils Doterra has a great bunch of resources. 

What I Read: February Edition

Here is where I share some of the books I managed to complete in the past month.
Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist

Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Give Them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson

The Fring Hours

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Who Are You?

Do you ever notice how certain people in your life seem just like a character in some book or movie?
Like the author or director must have known this person, because it is so accurate. Have they met them?

Happens to me all the time.

I am pretty sure I have met a few characters from Anne, a Cinderella, a Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Mr. Fezziwig, and a few other less well known characters in the course of my life.

The other day I found my fictional persona. It is not as flattering as I otherwise would have wished, and similarity had Roman struggling not to smile.

It's Rabbit.

It was going to be one of Rabbit's busy days. As soon as he woke up he felt important, as if everything depended upon him. It was just the sort of day for Organizing Something, of for Writing a Notice Signed Rabbit, or for Seeing What Everybody Else Thought About It.
It was a Captainish sort of day, when everybody said, "Yes, Rabbit" and "No, Rabbit," and waited until he had told them.
The House At Pooh Corner, A.A. Milne

And if I am Rabbit, my children are definitely Tigger. Incidentally, Ethan and Saoirse regularly pray the Tigger will not bounce and mess up Rabbit's garden. Why? I have no idea!

I may be a bit prone to "Captainish" attitudes, but on the bright side I can be depended on, just like Rabbit. 

Winnie the Pooh and Making Poems

Reading aloud to my children is my favorite.

I pick a story and read it at naptime until they all nod off. Sometimes I keep reading the story to myself. Lately I have been read A.A. Milne's "The House at Pooh Corner." Every once in a while I run across something that very accurately describes me, how I think and function. For instance, when Piglet tells Pooh that shillings shouldn't come after pounds in his poem, Pooh responds,

"They wanted to come in after the pounds," explained Pooh,"so I let them. It is the best way to write poetry, letting things come."

That is often how I write. I let things come, ideas start and I just sort of follow it and see what fits. Sometimes I fight it, because I think it should have a different message, and maybe I am trying to make a point that really isn't mine to make. I like rules as much as anybody, in fact more than most people. But when it comes to writing poetry, I just have to let things come. It is the best way after all.

And just FYI, I have been making videos of my kiddos lately, slowly flexing my techy muscles, and I created a Vimeo channel for them. Here is the link:

KittyFish Productions

Marriage

Marriage

The golden circle round your finger marks an eternity

Of pain and tears,

Of prayers and fears,

Of smiles and kisses and promises.

To have: a person belonging to you, a gift of full knowledge

To hold: taking care of their needs, small and great

For better: when the laughter abounds, and the cuddles are close

For worse: when they break your heart and wound your soul

For richer: enjoying all comforts together, brilliant or sweet

For poorer: building trust and hope and harmonious work

In sickness: the smells, the groans, the aches, the pains

In health: rest and serenity, strength and ability

To love: the greatest of spiritual gifts, constantly growing to more than imagined

To cherish: memory filled with joy, pain softened by care, a lifetime shared.

Every adventure, every trial,

Every labor, every child,

Every dislike, every delight

Every weakness, every strength

Repentance, forgiveness, the offering of grace.

Giving, receiving, savoring, embracing, encouraging. 

Two become one.

A Week of Thanksgiving

Have I ever mentioned my life is crazy? Because it is and who has time to post on a blog?! However, my heart has been full in the past days as I reflect on all the amazing gifts God did for us this past year. So I think I will spend this week leading up to Thanksgiving do a little pubic expressions of praise. The work of God is meant to be on display in the lives of His people after all. And though our society may choose to use this holiday as a football and shopping occasion, it is truly so much more. And if you need a little help getting in the mood for Thanksgiving, here is playlist I am listening to:
Spotify Thanksgiving Music

These three crazy happy little ones have filled my days with work, tears, and smiles. Their presence in my life is undoubtedly a work of grace and I am grateful that God allows me to be their mother!

Normal

 We like to have adventures, doing things that are exciting, new, on a grander scale in some way. To truly embrace and acknowledge the excitement however, we must have days filled with the quotidian.  Having a normal life will only heighten the anticipation and enjoyment when new opportunities arise. So is to the normal days.

It's good to be normal.
To have days of dishes and laundry
Days filled with the small and the sundry.
It's good to be basic.
To wear tee shirts and jeans
Going barefoot through crumbs and sticky things.
It's good to have clutter.
To have empty mugs and pillows askew,
Where people have relaxed when visiting you.
It's good to have food
That's simple, mac'n'cheese or PBJs,
Or bowls of cold cereal on really hot days.
It's good to re-read
To savor the tales that are familiar
And remember those stories that deeply inspire.
It's good to be quiet
To be surrounded by appliance hums
And ticking clocks, and outside bird songs.
It's good to walk
Without intent, or run because it's fun,
And to play with your children out in the sun.
It's good to hold hands
To comfort your child and help them along.
A simple gesture shared with your beloved one.

God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.

Genesis 1:31

Hometown Adventures

Somehow it is easier to explore places far away than it is to explore the ones close to us. In Maryland I made a point of visiting DC and other places of interest, historical and natural. Since returning to Montana I have been repeatedly struck by how gorgeous the Flathead Valley is, to myself and others. Living without mountains seems to enhance their majestic presence. Plus, we have snow when its cold. Just plain cold weather feels a little pointless. The spring has given a profusion of wildflowers, and as we give way to the heat of summer I am anticipating trips to the lake and huckleberry picking. Over the past couple of months Roman and I have made it a goal to explore the section of Creation by which we are surrounded. It helped that Roman is fixing all the boundary signs for the fire department , leading us to farm fields, woodlands, and back roads. Ethan loves going on these "adventures" (his words) and Saoirse is a eager explorer herself. Carsten is definitely happiest when we are outside and the whole family seems to have a better mood overall when we take even a short walk. There are so many places to find close to our doorstep. As our children become more surefooted in the wild I hope we will have many more adventures with them.

Picking Glacier lilies during a road trip to Spokane. The kids started the day in clothes but after several incidents of road sickness they ended up in their PJs.

Ethan has been begging to fish for a while now, so now Daddy is teaching him.

The walking path by our house leads to a Little Lending Library.

The day he actually caught a fish on the Flathead River.

"I am queen of the castle."

Saoirse adores tiny flowers and picks bunches of them.

Taking in the world, mostly through his mouth. A little dirt never hurts!

Noisy Creek

 

 

Be It Ever So Humble

In the last two and a half months the children and I have traveled over 6000 miles, been in three major cities, visited historic sites, modern attractions, and natures beauteous offerings. Our many vehicles started with trains and ended with planes. In between we rode in taxis, on buses, and let's not forget the tow truck segment of our journey. We have been on Army forts, Naval stations, and seen Air Force bases.

I have dealt with all kinds of tedious adult tasks: paying TWO rents, buying and selling a van, insuring and licensing said van, having the van in and out of the mechanics shop, phone/medical/electric bills, GPS systems, etc. I baked bread, made oatmeal, and cooked a Thanksgiving dinner in crockpots. I spent a holiday season away from my parents and my in-laws.

Someone asked me if I feel like an experienced traveler now.

I don't.

I do feel less naïve, more confident, and have a greater faith in God.

At so many points on this adventure (in particular with the van) I was internally begging God to get me through some unforeseen crisis. Completely unfamiliar with my surroundings, I was praying for His grace to see me to the end. I can say that He always gave me the tools I needed: the GPS lady on my phone guiding me through frenzied roads and traffic, Roman's uncle working for a mechanic and helping with all my car distresses, sympathetic strangers carrying bags up/down escalators for the crazy lady with three kids in tow, sunshine and rain.

The past two months have been the most insane and courageous adventure of my life.
For this moment I am glad to be home.

To all of you who prayed for me, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My Sleeping Darlings

I have a certain fascination with taking photos my children while they sleep. And I love to watch them sleep. I know that it has something to do with them being still and quiet, and experience seldom had while they are awake. It also provides me with a chance to pray for them, to remember all the beautiful things about being a mother to these three little ones. It is a beautiful show of trust. They have no fears, no worries, no cares that keep them from sleep.

Saoirse is a cuddler, she loves to be stroked and scratched, like a little kitten.

Carsten is my first child to sleep better with me holding him. Honestly, that was super comforting to me when Roman is gone. I would hold him until he fell asleep on me than lay him in his cradle.

Ethan talks in his sleep. When I have a chance to overhear him, it sounds like he has very exciting dreams, about fires, boats, and friends.

Sleep my child and peace attend thee, all through the night

Guardian angels God will send thee, all through the night.

Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,

Hill and dale in slumber sleeping,

I my loved ones watch are keeping,

all through the night.

 

Merry Christmas my dears!

In the morning you will wake to lots of sweets

and gifts from those who love you.

Right now you are in deepest sleep

and you don't know how much I see

you are God's sweetest gifts to me.

Love, Mommy

 

The Path of the Stars

Down through spheres that chant the Name of One

Who is the Law of Beauty and of Light

He came, and as He came the waiting Night

Shook with gladness of a Day begun;

And as He came, He said: Thy Will be Done

On Earth; and all His vibrant Words were white

And glistering with silver, and their might

Was of the glory of a rising sun.

Unto the Stars sang out His living Words

White and with silver, and their rhythmic sound

Was a might symphony unfurled;

And back from out the Stars like homing birds

They fell in love upon the sleeping ground.

And were forever in a wakened world.

 

~Thomas S. Jones Jr.

Merry Christmas!

 

I will praise you O Lord, with all of my heart; I will tell of your wonders. Psalm 9:1

 

2014 has been a year of wonders for the Roman Mallery family. Those who know us well keep saying we are brave. Those who know us better say we are crazy, and they love us still. To all our parents and siblings, we thank you for your patience, love, and support. Without that we would be utterly overwhelmed.

At the beginning of the year, we knew it would be one of major change for our family. The process was set in motion for Roman to join the National Guard. We were expecting our third child. We were talking about a temporary move across the USA.

In March Roman was sworn into the United States Army, thus fulfilling a lifelong dream, as well as a deep sense of responsibility. Being a soldier is not for everyone. I firmly believe that he is called to this task, that the Lord gave him the special gift of helping others as a firefighter, EMT, and now soldier.

In May Ethan and Saoirse were joined by baby brother Carsten Raymond, and though the birth went well, he had trouble breathing, and so he needed to spend a day and a half with breathing assistance. He seems to have suffered not long term affects from his difficult start and daily I listen to his breath with thanksgiving in my heart.

In August Roman left for boot camp in Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. The kids and I then settled into life without Daddy.

In November the children and I traveled by train and car across the country to attend Roman's graduation from boot camp, before settling down in Maryland for a few months.

Now it is the middle of December. Roman is in Virginia working on his Quartermasters training. I am have a little house in Maryland, where I am preparing for a quiet, but happy Christmas for our little family.

Everyday I reasons to be discouraged; whiny children, cars that don't always work, missing my husband, bank accounts and bills, and of course always being tired. When those moments threaten to overwhelm me, I am learning to look at how the Lord has led so far. He has given us gracious landlords in two states, and the rent has always been paid. I was able to settle near family in Maryland who have been super helpful with everything, especially the car problems. My children are growing strong and healthy; they are polite and even helpful at times. They do bring me joy each day. I just need to remember to see it. I am able to be close to my husband and see him from time to time, which makes all of us very happy. All the ways that the Lord has brought each detail together is truly something to wonder at.

This has been a year to wonder at, and one to look at whenever we are discouraged. Because the Lord has done wondrous things for us, and will continue to show Himself faithful everyday for the rest of our lives.

During the Christmas season we reflect on the wonder of God becoming man in the form of a baby. We hope that you all have seen the wonderful work of the Lord in your lives during 2014.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Mallerys

Roman and Caitlin

Ethan, Saoirse, & Carsten

 

 

"Mary Pondered All These Things"

Mother Mary's mind-
A repository-
Cherished every kind
Of event and story.
She remembered what
Joseph soon forgot.

Quite incredible
How she could recall
Word and miracle,
Pain and passion! All
Through the days she pondered
In her heart, and wondered.

Mother's still, it seems
Keep their hearts like Mary-
Full of words and dreams-
Like a reliquary.
Men like Joseph yet
Easily forget.

~Edwin McNeill Poteat

A Tale of Boats and Ships

Since our car finally seems to fixed (although I still drive it with much fear and trembling). We have managed to have a few outings. Much needed they were too. We were all getting a case of cabin fever. So when Mandy told us there was a boat parade not too far away we were all eager to go. So we went to Solomons Island where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay.

 

There were so many cute places to see there on the bay.

We stopped at the Locus café for coffee and some amazing key lime pie.

Uncle Roger and the girls.

The kids enjoyed dancing to Christmas songs by a live group of musicians.

A local church had a rummage/antique sale.

These are old oyster cans.

Ethan enjoyed examining the antique tools and other items.

More Christmas music in the church, a beautiful old Methodist building.

These two could be twins!

As it was St. Nicholas Day, it seem appropriate to meet the local Santa Claus. Although none of the kids have any idea how the whole Santa thing works. When asked what they wanted for Christmas they said to be home with Daddy.

 

The first glimpse of the boats.

It had been raining all day long, so there were lots of puddles, and there was a steady drizzle during the parade. But none of that could dampen the excitement of the children.

None of my pictures do it justice. There were about 10 boats all lit up. One had a dolphin with a red nose and seahorses pulling Santa. There was a dragon, as well as ones just lit from bow to stern.

They look faraway, but came quite close to where we were.

 

 On Sunday we had a chance to visit some historic ships at the Baltimore Harbor.

This Coast Guard vessel survived the Pearl Harbor bombing.

At one point there was a Bauer on board. I don't know when. The ship was active through the 1960's. It is hard to read all the information when you have toddlers to watch.

We also went on a lightship from the 1930's. They used lightships in places they could not put lighthouses.

 

In the officers quarters.

 

They keep the brass instruments shiny still.

Standing on the lightship deck, looking down at the WW2 submarine.

This submarine was commission 6 months before the end of WW2. It did destroy some Japanese ships, and was used as a training vessel for many years after the war.

Things would have been very cramped on the submarine, but the kids didn't mind.

A look around the harbor.

 

 

I like naval details, like compasses and flags.

Carsten patiently sat in the stroller most of the afternoon. Ethan was fascinated by all the knobs and levers, especially on the submarine. Saoirse loved chasing seagulls, but disliked all the ladders. It was fun to see some of these vessels and I certainly hope that Ethan at least will remember it.