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