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

 

 

Graduation at Ft. Jackson

We spent two days at Ft. Jackson with Roman. The first day was Family Day, which was very relaxed. We spent time at the playground, the small lake, and just being together. It was glorious. It was also surprisingly hot. I think we all got just a bit sunburned.

After the long weeks of waiting, it was such a relief to see Roman.

The entrance to Ft. Jackson.

Despite arriving two hours early, we still had to face quite the crowd.

The kids patiently waiting in the stroller.

The bleachers were filled with anxious, excited family members. The noise was rather deafening when soldiers all came onto the field. Clapping, cheering, stomping, and whistling. It frightened the kids a little bit. Rather than cheering I was crying with relief. When they let the families go it was quite a rush to get onto the field. After maneuvering our large stroller onto the field, Rhonda stayed with the kids while I went to find Roman. All the soldiers had to stay in formation until a family member came to them. Roman said it was agony to watch me search for him. After all, it was a little hard to find him when everyone is in uniform, and there are large crowds. It was also one of the largest graduating classes of the year, over 1,000 privates.

Ethan cried when he saw Roman. I think he was shocked that we were finally seeing him again. When Saoirse's turn came she just rested her head on Roman's shoulder and stayed there, like she never wanted to leave. Carsten was his usual smiley self, just happy to be out of the stroller.

 

Children still need attention, even when parents just want to hug.

Her vocabulary shocked Roman, as it had grown during his absence. She loved talking to Daddy.

Ethan was so excited to see 'armies' (soldiers) everywhere.

Some target practice with Daddy.

I asked Ethan if I could take his picture by the tank. He told me to take it of him watching the tank.

 

Graduation Day was much cooler, and full of pomp and ceremony. There was a fine army band, and of course a field of men and women in dress blues.

Roman's cousin, Jeff Wagenius, is a lieutenant in the Air Force. It was lots of fun to have him attend the graduation. Roman has one other cousin in the Air Force and a cousin in the National Guard.

 

I hope to send a family picture around after New Years!

Going East

I bought my train tickets!

 

In 25 days my three children and myself will climb aboard an Amtrack train headed towards the east coast and Roman. 25 Days!

I am more excited than I can possibly express in the bland typing you see, since I am not really the type to use ALL CAPS or italics or !!!!!!, but I digress.

 

Roman will be graduating from boot camp on Thursday November 13th and if all goes well we should be able to spend the day with him on the 12th. Just five more weeks to get through before seeing him. From the letters he has sent me and a recent phone call, we know that he is working hard, taking on extra duties like he always does and made sharpshooter. He has received letters from several family members and a few friends, and always appreciates receiving them. Sometimes he shares these letters with his fellow soldiers. Apparently there are men and women there who don't really receive letters.

 

I have also been grateful to everyone who has encouraged me over the last several weeks. Those praying for me, and those who take the time to call, send a note or write a FB message. I appreciate each one and they often give me a lift in the middle of my days with crazy toddlers.

I also wanted to thank my mother and sisters, my mother-in-law and all my sisters-in-law as well for all the help they gave me while I have been sick the past two weeks. I finally seem to be on the mend, praise the Lord!

 

Many of you have asked how you can help. While your prayers and words are wonderful, we do have some financial needs at this time. Planning such a major trip is expensive, though I am trying to do it as cheaply as I can. I am still paying medical bills from Carsten's birth. Our life and needs are simple, but food and gas and rent must still be paid. If any of you can find it in your heart and wallet to help us, we would receive it most gratefully and humbly. I trust the Lord to supply all our needs, and also that He hears and gives us our desires. Thanks again for the prayers and words you have given so far!

 

Hope everyone is having a lovely October!

 

Roman's Address

I have finally received a mailing address for Roman! A friend of his from boot camp sent me the following note:

Hi.

I'm a friend of your husband, Roman Mallery. He asked me to pass on this message to you:

He's doing well in BCT at Fort Jackson. He's met a lot new and different people, likes most of the platoon as it's made up by a lot of good people, and has a really good battle buddy to watch his back.

Additionally, he likes his drill sergeants (DS) despite how tough they are. The DSs like him enough that they've put him in charge of the barracks, and have made him "Bay Boss." He is constantly caring for the platoon, helps others, and serves his faith when the moments present themselves.

He misses home, often thinks of you and the children, and asks everyone to please keep him in your prayers. Since his arrival to BCT, he has been to church services the two times it was available.

Please share with everyone his mailing address:

PVT Mallery, Roman
F CO 2/60th INF REG
BLDG 11000
4th Platoon
Fort Jackson, SC 29207

He is looking forward to receiving a lot mail from family.

Also, please share with everyone his projected graduation date: 13 NOV 2014.

In my personal estimation, your husband is a solid recruit, is doing well, and possesses eagerness and the correct attitude. He is a good man, an man of apparent faith, and a compassionate leader.

Seeing this in my inbox sent my heart racing with relief. It has been several days since I last had any contact with him. Oh, the delight a simple note can give a weary soul! And to hear how Roman is praised. It will give me a boost to face the coming days. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us and expressed their concern and love. Such words mean a great deal to me.

Life Without Daddy: Week 1

Well it has been one week since Roman left for bootcamp. 

After a week of goodbye parties we said our final farewells from Glacier Airport. 

This past week the kids have repeatedly asked me when we can go get Daddy. I tell them that he is at far away army work, but of course the concept of distance is hard to grasp as a toddler. 

We are slowly settling into this new normal, which includes ice pops in the sun and baths. There was an incident involving purple nail polish dumped into the bath. 

There is still a stain in the bottom of the tub. Most exciting this week was the airshow, with an appearance by the Thunderbirds. We live close enough to the airport we saw several rehearsals. On Sunday we went with Aunt Laurel to get up close and personal with some planes, including a big military plane. 

That about sums up the end of summer and our first week of Daddy being gone. 

As for Roman, he is adjusting to life on base. He has had some issues with the water, being accustomed to clear, mountain water. He has a hearing test this week, so pray all goes well for him. He has found some fellow Christians and is making friends well. He should have a mailing address soon. Whoever wants the address let me know.