Thank you

To the friend who journaled a prayer for me during her quiet time and shared them with me, reminding me that despite living across the world from many of my loved ones, I am far from alone ... thank you.

"Jesus I lift up Wendi to you I pray you would reach your loving hand to her and touch her in the ways she has never experienced before. I pray she would feel your love and affection towards her to her core of her whole being. Lord you have overcome death and darkness with your cross. I pray that you would take her out of this emotional darkness she has been in give her back your joy! I pray she will delight life with the kids again I pray that you will restore the joy she had. Also I pray that she will experience a new joy in you that she has never experienced. Not only will help her to heal from this emotions but also she will overflow with joy, Amen!" 

*****

To the commenter who posted a link to this music video in the comments on my blog reminding me that God is faithful always and that His love will not fail me ... thank you.

Your Love Never Fails Lyrics (Jesus Culture)

Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails

I know I still make mistakes
But You have new mercies for me everyday
Your love never fails

Chorus:
You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There maybe pain in the night but joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails

Verse 2:
The wind is strong and the water's deep
But I'm not alone in these open seas
Cause Your love never fails

The chasm is far too wide
I never thought I'd reach the other side
But Your love never fails

Bridge:
You make all things work together for my good
*****
I realized that He is using this, not only for MY good but for the good of others in my life. I felt the Lord ask me, "If I can use this struggle in your life to bring one other person to Christ, would you go through it?" My answer? A resounding YES! S to the person who sent me the following email, sharing how my blog has helped her and reminding me that my pain has meaning ... thank you.

During these trials, I'm struggling with feelings of depression and self pity, yet I feel so guilty and weak because I know I have so much to be grateful for.  Like you, I have an amazing supportive husband, after years of struggling to have a family, I have three incredible kids ... I have a beautiful home, great career, and financial security ... yet I'm emotionally struggling. 

These feelings have, at times, made me feel silly and selfish and just generally lost.  But I must say that reading your blog recently has helped me refocus and center myself, and more importantly, my hopes, back on Christ.  I feel a renewed sense of direction, and today, instead of waking up and feeling immediate dread about just putting my feet on the ground, I rolled out of bed and started my day on my knees ... in prayer.  I prayed for courage and strength to simply get through the crazy morning routine of making breakfast, packing lunches, and getting the kids out the door. I prayed that I would be able to put a smile on my face and joy in my voice while dealing with the kids for the next 90 minutes. And if I could get through those 90 minutes with a grateful spirit, maybe just maybe, the day would seem a little less daunting, less exhausting, less disappointing ... and you know what?  While it wasn't perfect, it was better.  And right now, that's all I need, to know that it can be better.  So I thank you. Thank you for being transparent, honest, vulnerable, and public about your struggles. It probably helps a lot more people than you even realize.

*****

To my mom who sent me a devotional prayer that spoke to exactly where my soul was at that moment ... thank you.

Almighty Lord, the same yesterday, today, and forever, You have been my help in ages past and are my hope for years to come.  The sure sign of an authentic relationship with you is that I believe in the future more than the past, and that my previous experiences of Your grace are only a prelude to Your plans for me.

Give me a fresh burst of enthusiasm for the next stage of the unfolding drama of my life and the work you have given me to do.  You have called me to serve You.  Your power is released for service.  Help me focus on my high calling to communicate Your love to the people with whom I come in contact with today.  May I put You first, others second, and myself last.  May all that I do and am today be so obviously an expression of Your truth, righteousness, and justice that I can press on with the confidence of Your blessing.

I relinquish my worries to you and my anxiety drains away.  I take courage because you have taken hold of me.  Now I know that courage is fear that has said its prayers.  I spread out before You the challenges of the day ahead and see them in the proper perspective of Your power.  I dedicate myself to doing things Your way under Your sway.  And now, Your joy, that is so much more than happiness fills me.  I press on to the work of the day with enthusiasm.  It’s great to be alive!  Amen.

*****

To an old friend who I haven't seen in years who took the time to remind me that I was loved by and share her favorites scriptures .. . thank you.

Psalm 30:5b "

Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning."

Psalm 138:7-8 "

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, 

you preserve my life; 

you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. 

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. 

Do not forsake the work of your hands."

Psalm 16:8 "

I have set the LORD always before me;

because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken."

Isaiah 43:1-3 "

But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, 

he who formed you, O Israel: 

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; 

I have called you by name, you are mine. 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; 

and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; 

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, 

and the flame shall not consume you. 

For I am the LORD your God, 

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

Psalm 46:1-3 "

God is our refuge and strength, 

a very present help in trouble. 

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, 

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 

though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 

Psalm 23:4 "

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, 

for you are with me; 

your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

2 Corinthians 4:7-8 "

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;"

*****

And to the one who shared a verse that ministered to her this past week, not knowing that it is one of my favorite verses and taking the time to remind me that sometimes we praise even in the storm ... thank you.

"Though the fig tree does not bud 

and there are no grapes on the vines, 

though the olive crop fails 

and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; 

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, 

he enables me to tread on the heights." 

... take our why's and turn them into "thoughs" -- as we ask God, "why" about this situation or another, we can turn that around and tell Him that "though" this or that thing may never change, yet will we rejoice in Him.  I think it's hard when the mind and heart just aren't connected on that level -- we can think clearly at times and make a list of all of the things we have to be thankful for and everything amazing that God has done for us, yet we can still feel so depressed and overwhelmed, discouraged and hopeless.  But that just encouraged me last week, to think that I might say to God, "though life is never easy again" or "though I feel lost and purposeless despite all of the good things you have provided for me", yet will I seek to rejoice in you.  Sort of that surrender, acknowledging that I would be happier if things were the way I wanted them to be but that I will try to trust God joyfully even if they are not that way now and may never be that way again.  

*****

I hope what they shared with me ministers to all of you as we all heal. I am healing. And I am trusting the Lord to continue this healing. Praise the Lord. 

Sunlight

Lamentations 3:22-23 – Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

Thank you Stebbs for letting me "borrow" your verse of the day.

Yesterday morning was a low point for me. But since my quiet time yesterday afternoon, the Lord's peace has been surrounding me. I have not cried since yesterday afternoon. Anytime waves of sadness or panic have threatened me, I have pulled out my scriptures, put on my praise music, and meditated on the Lord. Taking the lead from my friend Rachel, I have been working to teach the boys, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding ..." reminding myself as they practice.

I look forward to watching the Lord lead me through this valley as he has brought me through so many before. I know there will be highs and lows, but I hold tight that He will be with me at all times.

He does not change

THANK YOU to those of you who have sent me scriptures, emails, encouragement, love, and prayers. I have read them, I have heard them, I have felt them. All of them.

I HAVE BEEN a bit paralyzed by this cloud I have been in. It surprised me. And I have not know exactly how to get out of it. I have been stuck in the same place now for a few weeks. I feel like I am trying to walk through cement. How do I keep walking?

TODAY has been a very hard day emotionally. There is no reason why and that is what feels the most bothersome about the difficulties. But after a nap, I found my house clean (thank you Hatice) and all three kiddos and the dog asleep. And I had some time to meditate on those scriptures. I had some time to print them out. I had some time to pray.

AND I have decided to make a change. Yes I am seeking help through counseling and medication to combat this depression I have found myself in. But I am not going to wait for those things to "work their magic." I am going to pray and ask the Lord to work His.

MY MOM sent me the following:

"Gracious God, my Father, give me the diligence to seek You, the patience to wait for You, the understanding to know You, and the willingness to do Your will. Forgiving God, from whom to turn is to fall, to whom to return is to rise again, in whom to trust is to abide secure; grant me strength in my duties, guidance in my perplexities, protection in any anger, and peace in turmoil. You created me in Your own image with a mind to understand You, a heart to love You, and a desire to serve You. Increase in me today my comprehension of Your goodness and grace, my response to Your presence, my gratitude for Your caring, that I may grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ my Lord. Guide the thoughts of my mind, the words I speak, the work I do, the attitudes I hold, the countenance I communicate, and the impression I have on others. In good times may I give You the glory and in troubled times may I trust You more." Lloyd John Ogilvie


I SERVE a mighty God. He healed me from infertility. He has given me a beautiful family. And I know He is bigger than some sadness that my hormonal self has found herself in. I am going to pray my way out of this pit.

WILL YOU PRAY WITH ME?

Pics by Patty

She actually managed to get all three kiddos in one picture. A miracle!

Patty is a professional ballerina (and a lawyer too -- wow!) She gave Abigail her first tu-tu!

Where I am

I want to try to describe how I am feeling right now so that sometime, in the future, someone can re-read these posts and recognize themselves in me. But it is so hard to write right now. And even harder to write about how I am feeling.

But let me try.

One of the most difficult things for me right now is social situations. I am usually okay in my immediate social circle, but even then, it feels like it is taking everything out of me to have a conversation. For those of you who know me in real life, you know that talking is not usually an issue for me. I talk quite well and quite a lot.

Get me outside of my immediate circle, and I nearly freeze, and this makes leaving my house difficult on a Base this small. We made the decision not to attend the big base "Gala" this coming weekend because it would require me to talk to so many people that I don't know very well. If I lived somewhere more anonymous, I could go out and run ten errands and not have to give more than a polite nod or smile to anyone. But here, on this Base, everywhere you go you see people you know. All the time. You know the people who work at the grocery store. And you know the people who are shopping with you. Small talk is nearly inevitable. And small talk is so hard for me right now.

I am not completely avoiding social situations. I need to get my boys out to play and so I will go and do things. But they are difficult, and I usually return exhausted. My dearest friends here all know how I am feeling. They are an amazing support. They are nudging me to get out but understanding when I cannot. They are forgiving and understanding and compassionate and patient. They are vital to me getting better.

I go through periods where I am crying a lot for no reason at all. Sometimes I will go a whole day without crying and sometimes I cry most of the day. It just depends. Fatigue seems to make the feelings of crying worse.

I feel anxious but not for any reason I can put my finger on. I feel easily frustrated. I feel like I am moving in slow motion. I don't feel that laughter comes easily, even when something seems worthy of laughter.

We have chosen to combat this on a variety of fronts. Prayer and scripture is a big one although I could definitely be doing a better job on that front. I have started counseling with a wonderful gal on Base. I have also started medication. We decided that since breast feeding was already not going well, we wouldn't take the risks associated with medication while breast feeding, and I have stopped breastfeeding. This was difficult for me emotionally, but together John and I decided that this was the best way for us to do things. I wanted to breastfeed longer, but I am happy that I was able to do so for two months. I felt like I was doing Abigail a disservice to stop breastfeeding, but her not having the best of me is also a disservice to her. JB and the boys also suffer from not having me at my best.

I do not think the boys are acutely aware that I am struggling. I do not cry in front of them and continue to go through the mom-motions: reading books, caring for them, playing with them, hugging them, etc. But the actions feel forced and not genuine. I describe it as being a robot. I am doing all the things I normally do, but my heart is not in it, fully. And I want to feel my heart in these things. I want to do them and enjoy doing them. 

Abigail has been smiling at me and it is warming my heart. But not as much as I know it should because I am so sad. I am hopeful that through counseling, medication, and prayer, I will be myself in no time. It can take a few weeks to start feeling better, and I am trusting that this will happen soon.

I do not anyone to misunderstand my sadness for being ungrateful. I love my children beyond words. They (and JB) are why I know I need to get better as soon as possible. I am so unbelievably thankful to be their mom. I am so unbelievably blessed that they were given to me. I do not feel any negative feelings toward them. I just feel fatigue and sadness and that effects my ability TO care for them. I hope that makes sense.

I am not keeping this a secret although it is not information I am offering readily. Like I said, only a few people on Base read my blog and those individuals are ones that I trust with this information. I share it in person if I feel it is important. But to those of you who follow me online, I feel the Lord nudging me to share the details of how I am feeling. I want future moms struggling with post-partum depression or just people struggling with depression in general, not to feel alone or different.

Nap in the sun

Nap in the Sun

September 11, 2011

I thought that this email, received from a blog reader, was a perfect way to remember a grave day in our nation's history. Please take the time to thank those individuals sacrificing their lives for their country. I especially want to thank Philip and Joia who are finishing up a deployment right now.


I was going to comment on your blog, but I couldn't find an appropriate spot for it. I just wanted to say to JB, and to you and your family, Thank You. I keep the military in my heart everyday, as a daughter of a career Navy man and the mother of a son trying desperate to go to the Air Force Academy in 2 years. I just felt like on Today, September 11, 2011 it would be a good time to actually tell those people I "know" in the U.S. Armed forces, JB, thank you for your sacrifices, for your willingness to share you knowledge and your strength and for giving of yourself so that our children will open their eyes on a world free from fear. Wendi &kiddos, thank you for sharing your father/husband with the country so that he can help to guide not only you but all of us, thank you for sacrificing the comforts of home so that he may do his job halfway around the world without having to be alone and thank you for sharing your journeys (travels, infertility, adoption, birth and the joys and struggles of being a mom). You will never know how much you have touched the lives of so many around the world, maybe this email will let you know about one family in South Carolina who has felt blessed to have found your blog.

Bath time

Our little girl loves, loves, loves to take her bath. The only thing she doesn't like is being taken out of her bath. She screams as soon as I pick her up to get out. I usually time it so I can feed her after the bath in order to calm her down from the hysterics of having her bath cut short.

She is a fantastic little gal. She is sleeping through the night nearly every night. She loves to be held. She loves to be burped. She loves to eat. She is smiling at us. She is smiling at her brothers. She definitely has blue eyes, but her hair color appears to be a mix of red/blonde/brown.

While I am in a bit of a cloud of sadness right now, I have been able to enjoy my little girl. I am looking forward to the day in the very near future that I am able to fully be in the moment and enjoy her to the utmost degree. I know that I will heal. I know that this is temporary. I know that I am blessed.

I have so appreciated all the prayers, love, and encouragement.

Post-partum

In attempting to open my own door of communication in regards to Post-partum depression, I thought I would start by just outlining how I have been feeling in a more general context. This is hard for me to talk about, but I have been encouraged by many of you and do feel that me sharing will allow other people to be aware of this condition.

One of the things I most struggle with is anyone perceiving how I am feeling to a lack of gratitude for the miracle of my daughter's birth (or my other children.) I know these things are not related but I don't want anyone to even contemplate them being intertwined.

I have learned a lot about post-partum sadness in the weeks since Abigail was born. I did fight some post-partum depression with Elijah but it was much further out (six months) and was much more on the anxiety end of the spectrum. This time, depression has been a much bigger factor and anxiety more of a secondary characteristic. 

I have learned that sadness in the immediate two weeks after baby is born is referred to as "Baby blues." This does not last long and passes as soon as it comes in. I had all of the symptoms (taken from Mayo Clinic's website) below:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Sadness
• Irritability
• Crying
• Decreased concentration
• Trouble sleeping 

As I left Germany, I felt the baby blues departing, and I thought I was on the mend. However, while I did feel initially better, since the blues had passed, I felt myself slowly going down again as I settled into life here in Turkey. With the baby blues, my primary issue was just crying. But with the post-partum, the symptoms were greater and weren't going away. Some of the symptoms are listed below. (The ones that most effected me are in bold.)

• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia 
• Intense irritability and anger
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Lack of joy in life
• Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Severe mood swing
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby

You don't have to see a doctor for the baby blues. However, in my case, it became obvious that I had left one thing (blues) and entered another (depression). If these symptoms are occurring, you need to see your doctor. (The ones in bold effected me.)

• Don't fade after two weeks
• Are getting worse
• Make it hard for you to care for your baby
• Make it hard to complete everyday tasks
• Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Personally, I was/am most dealing with:

• The inability to make decisions
• Worry that something would happen to my children
• Sadness that my children were growing up too fast
• Feeling overwhelmed by meaningless tasks
• Lack of pleasure in things that normally brought me joy
• Easily frustrated or irritated
• Guilt about time for each child
• Worry that people would misunderstand my feelings
• Feeling like life isn't worth living
• Feeling that life was too sad to bother with
• Discomfort with social situations

I plan to write more in the future but wanted to start with this overview. I am feeling better already after starting medication and am hopeful that this trend will continue.

He Giveth More Grace

He Giveth More Grace 

by Annie Johnson Flint

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, 
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase; 
To added affliction He addeth His mercy; 
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance, 
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, 
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, 
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision, 
Our God ever yearns His resources to share; 
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing; 
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure. 
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men; 
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, 
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

Crazy Hair Birthday Party

Rowan and Noah (Dan and Angelica's kiddos) had a joint birthday party this past Saturday. Angelica decided to do a "crazy hair" theme. Isaac, no surprise, wanted no part of that idea. But Elijah thought having "spiky hair" would be fun and was totally game. Isaac did surprise us at the party by allowing Angelica to spray a little blue onto his hair but otherwise he kept his normal "do."

How Great Thou Art

To share

I recently received the following email.


We don't know each other and to be honest I have absolutely no idea how I found your blog.  But I found it a while ago and have been keeping up with your journey. I don't have any inspirational bible passages or sayings however, I was raised a Lutheran in MN (maybe that is what turned me onto your blog) and after moving out of my parents home I pretty much had turned my back against the church and as hard as it is to say probably towards God to.  When I started reading your blog I started feeling the need to start praying again and started really looking my past in God and the relationship I have with him.  Needless to say it isn't great on my end but I'm working on it pretty much on a daily basis.  Please know that you are in my prayers and I check your blog on a daily basis. I know the journey you're going through has to be tough and that God and your wonderful family are by your side. Thank you for reopening my eyes to something that I had let fall to the wayside so many years ago.I hope you are doing good and that soon the steps you are taking will help you.  


I think you are courageous for sharing your battle on the blog.  Please keep sharing the battle because I know whether the person is suffering from post partum or any other medical condition you are a shining light to them.

And I thought to myself ... am I to share this journey too? And maybe I am. I realized that I am far from the first or last or only person to face depression or post-partum depression. I didn't want people to feel alone in infertility. I don't want them to feel alone in adoption. And I still don't want them to feel alone. So maybe I share this too?

I'm not sure when/how much/if I will, but I have been amazed at how many people "come out of the woodwork" when you discuss something like this publicly. So many of you out there have faced this or something similar. We really are the same at the heart aren't we?

What an encouragement this email was to me. I often feel that people can't see Christ if all they see are my  "issues." But maybe in my issues that's just who they see.

I pray that is the case.

Quiet moments

“Quiet Moments with God”

By Lloyd John Ogilvie

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit . . .

Luke 3:16

Spirit of the living God, I confess the banked fires of faith in the hearth of my heart.  White ash covers the burned-down embers.

The danger of burnout is very real to me.  When I become too busy, there is little time to be refueled by Your love, joy, peace, and patience.  I start living on my own resources and forget that You are the source of wisdom, knowledge, discernment, vision and the power to lead others.  I never was meant to make it on my own.  Forgive me for trying.

Today, my responsibilities are too great to face without the constant replenishment of Your inspiration.  Bellow the flickering embers of my heart until they are white-hot again with the fires of passion for discipleship.  May I glow with Your radiance.  Be glorified in my life today.  I long for the authentic spirituality I see displayed on the pages of the book of Acts: love for Christ, loyalty to fellow disciples, contagious faith, unreserved commitment, and expectation of great things.

Holy Spirit, I need You.  I open the hearth of my heart to You.  Thank You for setting me ablaze with Your fire.

From my mom

Psalm 91:4: "He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."

Prayers and Submissions

Sorry folks. For the first time that I can remember, I am just not up to blogging. I am dealing with some pretty intense post-partum depression. I feel comfortable writing this on the blog as I don't share this blog with people here in Turkey (only a few know about it.) In addition, I am just not one for keeping secrets. I went and saw a counselor today and will see a physician tomorrow. It's a little tough on this tiny Base with my husband one of only a few doctors to keep a secret anyways. So there it is. I will have to debate the risks of taking medication while breast feeding. This is not where I wanted to be. But it is where I am.

At some point, I'll share much more of this journey, but for now, I just thought I would ask for you to share with me! Let's turn the tables a bit.

I thought it might be nice to hear from some of you during this time. What scriptures have encouraged you in dark times? What have you done to help yourself feel better? Please share your words of love, advice, and encouragement in the comments or email them to me at flakymn@hotmail.com and I'll share them on the blog.

And please commit me to prayer. I could use all I can get.

First Turkish Movie

JB and I had a date yesterday. A date planned by someone else. Dan and Angelica took the boys from 8am until 4pm and set us off in our car, with their GPS, and some instructions about how to go and have some quality time together. We took Abigail, who was angelic the whole day, and had some great time together as a couple.

First we stopped at Burger King on Base for breakfast. Then we went to Starbucks for two hours where JB read and I worked on catching up on emails. After that, we were off to lunch. The restaurant of Dan & Angelica's choice in Adana was closed which isn't that unusual. Sundays are usually a down day for the Turks. In addition, restaurants are family-run so if the family goes out of town, the entire restaurant just closes down until they get back.

We wandered around the corner to another restaurant which seemed very nice. As is usually the case in Adana, no one speaks English, and I could not for the life of me remember the word for "lunch." I was using the word for "afternoon" instead of lunch, completely confusing the greeter. In the end, I was able to determine that they only served desserts there. Back out the door we went. A third choice was an upscale pub we had been to before, and we were able to secure a light lunch with a waiter who spoke as much English as I did Turkish -- always a nice thing.

Lastly, we followed our instructions to a movie theatre a few blocks away that we didn't even know existed. Dan and Angelica had picked out Zookeeper for our viewing enjoyment -- a lighthearted, silly romantic comedy. It was in English with Turkish subtitles -- perfecto! We bought our tickets but then the woman selling us the tickets saw Abigail and informed us babies were not welcome in movies.

Thus began an afternoon of "differences" for us at the movies. We had never brought one of our children to the movies as a baby before, but I've seen it done in the USA plenty of times. Even so, when the woman told us this in Turkish (which took a few minutes to explain for that reason), we accepted it and completely understood why they would say that. But before she could reimburse us for our tickets, she decided herself to make a phone call, and suddenly we were informed that we could in fact take her in. As long as we agreed to leave if she started crying. Of course!

But the differences didn't end there. Here were some other things we observed during our two hours in a Turkish movie theatre:

• You aren't let in the theatre for your movie until mere moments before it begins. It appears they jam together more showings than we would in the USA.
• Your seats are assigned! Really!
• There was only one aisle and no fire doors. While the theatre was very nice, I definitely felt a bit more claustrophobic than usual.
• There are no previews.
• No need for a jacket! It's warm inside these theatres. I was actually sweating a bit.
• There is an intermission. (I like this!)
• There are employees everywhere. This seems typical of Turkey in general. Unlike in America where I often find that I can't find someone to help me if I try, places of work in Turkey seem to have plenty of individuals there to help you. Often to the point of annoyance. They seem to try to help me before I even have a problem. I turned my head for a moment to look for somewhere to sit while we waited for our movie to start, and someone thought I needed to use the bathroom and was telling me where it was. Thanks, but I don't need to go to the bathroom.

The other thing we completely forgot about is how much Turks love little children. But we have come to realize that the window of children they love ranges from about birth thru age two. Last summer our boys were all the rave. This summer, people don't really mess with them very much. But Abigail? Holy cow. She had her feet kissed more times than I can count. In fact, people would come up to her in her little seat, even when she was sleeping, and talk to her and kiss on her until she woke up. I wanted to ask them to let her be, but I had no idea how to say that in Turkish, and there was no doubt it would have greatly hurt these people's feelings. They were so happy to see the baby. One female employee actually asked if she could hold her. I pointed to the carseat straps indicating we had already secured her for our ride home -- thinking that that would be enough to dissuade her from wanting to hold Abigail, but in fact, she thought that meant she could just undo the straps and pick her up. Okay. I guess that's what I meant. It's craziness. If you don't like strangers oohing and aaahing over your children, you better not bring your baby out in Turkey.

I think that's the other thing I am realizing. I don't think Turkish mothers really bring out their new babies. In fact, from what I understand, they spend the first 40 days of the baby's life sequestered in their house with family around. At the end of 40 days, they celebrate with a party. (Is that right Rana?)

They are also constantly concerned that the baby is cold. They are neary aghast that my baby does not have socks on. Do they realize it is like 105 degrees outside?! Socks? No way. But they really want her more covered than I do. At the market the other day, I finally covered her in a blanket because so many people stopped me to tell me that it was too bright for a little baby to be outside. I finally gave up trying to tell them that she was really hot and I didn't want to cover her up. I just threw a blanket over her and headed for the air conditioned van.

We ended up back home at 4pm. The boys had spent the day being loved on by Dan and Angelica and were napping soundly. In fact, so was Angelica. She and Scrubby were taking a nap in the living room while Dan was at their house with their kiddos.

Truly, I am not sure I can remember such a kind thing as what Dan and Angelica did for us. To plan a date for us and provide the babysitting? So amazing. Veronica was out of town this weekend with friends. She returns today and JB leaves soon for some work on the other side of the country. What a fantastic Sunday, and how wonderful that we get Monday off as a family together again.

Just what the doctor ordered

A few bits of exciting news to share with you.

The first? John and Becky are "officially" a family of three now. Joshua is "home" with his forever Daddy and Mommy. Click here to read the announcement on Becky's blog.

Our friend Bara was engaged this week. In the Syrian culture, this is a big deal and there is a huge party. You don't back out after an engagement so it's a "done deal" for him. Congrats Bara! I am not sure if the wedding is going to be in Syria, but it makes me a bit sad that even though we are only about an hour away from Syria, unrest in that culture prohibits us from attending. (We are not allowed to cross the border while with the military here.)

And lastly, I must share that I am typing this blog from Starbucks on Base. Dan and Angelica have planned a "date day" for JB and I. They took the boys. We have Abigail with us. But we are following their instructions for some time together as a couple. Part of that is some time in Starbucks with a book or laptop. How amazing is this? How amazing are our friends?

I have been battling some post-partum blues (I'll write about this more when I feel emotionally up to it), and I think this is just what the doctor odered.

In my blood

Despite being away for a few months, I have found that there are many things about Turkey that are just "in my blood" now.

The call to prayer is one. This occurs five times a day, and we can hear it from our house. I thought it would sound so out of place to me after hearing church bells in Germany so frequently. But I hear them without a second thought -- just as if I had never left.

The food is another. I love the food. Yes, it is repetitive. Turkish is Turkish and there really is very little opportunity to eat anything else off-Base. But I do love me some lamb tava. The adana kebap is quite yummy! I actually missed the food while in Germany.

The language is another. I worried that I would lose my touch on Turkish from being gone for so long. But I made a point while I was in Germany not to learn German and instead to continue practicing Turkish. My housekeeper Hatice was immediately complimentary of the fact that I was still able to communicate with her. I continue to practice and work to learn this complicated language and am pretty happy that I didn't lose my skills while gone.

There is no telling right now how long we will be in Turkey. We know we will be here until at least next summer. Whether we will choose to stay another one or two years is still up for discussion. But I plan to enjoy this country as much as I can in the time we have left.

Here is a video of the music we can often hear from outside of our house:

Turkish music

And now, on a completely unrelated note, a few videos of our family to share with all of you.

Isaac catching a ball

Puzzle tool

6 weeks old

In our house

Did you know that in my house, the item below is a pine cone?

 Did you know that the item below is a "mountain pillow" and has since been renamed a "muddy mountain"?

We are continually chuckling at the things our boys come up with. I heard Isaac ask Elijah, while playing pretend with their trucks say, "C'mon. Let's go on a date." Grasshoppers are grasspoppers. Snails, which are in abundance outside, according to Elijah, are nail-o's. No idea how that one got started.

Elijah and I had a conversation about Crush, the turtle in Finding Nemo. Elijah kept calling him Tush. However, if I said, "So his name is Tush," Elijah would correct me by saying, "No. Tttttush." He knew what he wanted to say but just couldn't say it right.

The growing up extends past what they say. It's also how they think. Isaac asked me, as he often does, not to put away his toys while he was taking a nap. I told him this was no problem and then proceeded to clean them up, as I always do. This time however, he woke up completely remembering his request and quite sad with my failure to adhere to his request.

"Mommy, I asked you not to put away my cars. You did. That makes me sad."

I apologized and then had to try and keep a straight face when Elijah told me I would have to go to time-out. I think not!

Block party

Last weekend we had a neighborhood block party. There are eight houses on our street and we all decided to have a cook-out together. More and more families decided to join in and before we knew it, we probably had well over fifty people (not counting children) there to celebrate the last day before school starts. I've included just a few picture from the festivities, but if you want to see my entire album on Facebook, you can click here. 

Fun times! The great thing about Turkey is that while the middle of the day is very hot, the early morning and evenings drop into the 70's. It's great! 

Some of the party attendees.

Leave it to teenagers to celebrate in their own way.

JB spent two days working on his ribs. 

 My boys hanging out with the grill master.

Brooke showing off her skills in the jumpy castle rented for the event.

This is our neighbor Jay who just returned from deployment. People don't deploy often from this Base as we are considered "deployed in place" but Jay had to go due to need. His wife Athena and daughter Brooke (and not pictured daughter Brittney) missed him terribly and are so glad to have him home. 

Abigail expressing her feelings for Linda taking her picture too much. :) 

My boys enjoying the jumpy castle that Athena rented. 

The gal holding Abigail is my next door neighbor Emily. And that's her husband Tom. They are leaving for Japan this fall. I will really miss her smiling face and "tell it like it is" attitude!

No adjustment needed

People have been asking how Scrubby has been adjusting to the new baby. He's adjusting just perfectly.