The Confessing Lunatic

Today has not been what I would call a "happy day" at the Billman home. Jim is in Minnesota. I'm home after a week working in DC/enjoying Jim and Caitlin's company on this trip. For whatever reason, the children seemed to be bent on being as argumentative, unruly and overly rude today to me and each other as they possibly can. I called Jim twice to whine about their behavior but felt completely guilty doing so. Often I'm the one out of town and Jim is left to cope with them alone. (Let me just say as an aside, I am completely thankful for my husband. He is incredible.) All I asked today was that the two older kids get their homework done and the little children stay out of their way. If that was accomplished we'd go to a movie. It lasted for all of a minute. After an hour or so of fighting, not working, and me trying like mad to keep my voice down, I decided it was time for plan B - getting out of the house even though the work wasn't done. I aske...

After a wonderful day at the National Zoo, we had lunch at the Spy Cafe, finished our shopping and left for the airport. Now as I sit home, with kids in their beds, I am happy. God is so good. Better than any friend, better than any job, better than any experience I've experienced ever. I marvel at the privilege I have to be the mother to my kids and wife to my husband. I confess...I don't like being away from my family but if I have to work, then thank God He's given me the job I have. I love what I do. No, I don't always like it but what a wonderful honor to work and have a small part in the places where our Nation's Soldiers will sleep, eat, work and play. How cool is that? I get to travel around the country (and world...Japan, Germany) and teach others what I know. Beyond all that, I have the greatest story to tell. I am a sinner. God is holy and can't have any part of me and my sin. I deserve death but instead I have life. I have life because Jes...

This week has been amazing. I am so glad that Jim and Caitlin came along with me. Caitlin is very well spoken, nearly as tall as me (I know, that's not saying a lot), and handles herself very well. She is so mature that often I forget that she is only nine. After dinner tonight - a wonderful dinner I might add - Jim and I were talking about her. Jim said that after spending this time alone with her, he has discovered that she is very witty. She talks nonstop about just about anything that is on her mind. (This trait I'm not sure where she gets, ha, ha :o)...). She is very caring and has wanted to buy gifts for everyone she knows, from her siblings, grandparents, friends to the kids that live next door to her Billman grandparents. One of the disadvantages of being a working mother is that too often I am unable to focus on my children because I am so busy caring for them. Does this make sense? During the few daylight hours that are left once Jim and I get off work, there...

After work today, Jim, Caitlin and I walked over to the National Archives to view the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and other documents central to our country's history. As we walked, I snapped a number of pictures of various Government and non-Government buildings. As I did, I thought to myself, "this town is absolutely beautiful!" We walked through Freedom Plaza and I was totally amazed at the planning that has gone into our Nation's Capitol. Check out this article on Freedom Plaza . This trip has been educational for me and certainly educational for Caitlin. I'm so thankful they came with me! One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:6

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of going to Okinawa, Japan to teach a portion of a class that I've been teaching since Caitlin was a baby - Design Build. I teach one full day of the four and half day class. I have some pictures that I will share in another post soon. This week I'm in our nation's Capitol with Jim and Caitlin. I had a meeting scheduled and ticket prices were decent so they decided to come along and be tourists while I work. Jim and I have wanted to take Caitlin on a trip with just the two of us since Jim and Jordan got to go to New York. I'm so glad we've gotten this opportunity. On Friday when we get back from DC, Jim and his mom will fly to Minnesota to surprise his cousin, Corey, who is having a wedding reception on Saturday. They will get back on Monday, June 2nd. On Thursday, Jim will fly to Indiana to work SBC. In August, Jim will fly to Egypt to participate in a media missions team. So, if you take my trips, our trip, and Jim...

My last post discussed a job opportunity that I needed to make a decision about. I have been praying for over a week and am at peace with my decision. I had pretty much decided that, while I would benefit in many ways from learning under my former boss, God had other plans for me that didn't include a move to Savannah. I received wise counsel from numerous friends. One friend in particular said, "I will keep you in my prayers, but you already know that the Lord will lead you in the right direction. Unfortunately, He usually doesn't let us know His will by sending a big clap of thunder followed by a banner that says "Do this. . ." As just a view from my past, my wife and I (and my 3 sons) lived 700 miles from both of our parents for about 9 or so years when our boys were little. When we got the chance to return to Oklahoma, we jumped at it and have never regretted it. Being around parents and grandparents is one of the greatest blessings that we were given and now...

Today I received an unexpected phone call from the man that hired me to work for the Federal Government as a college student. He wanted to know if I was interested in working for him in Savannah as a Branch Chief. And if I was, he wanted to name request me. I confess...getting that phone call was the last thing on my mind today! Now, I am in conflict. On the one hand, it would be really great to work with him again because I believe he would mentor me and show me the ropes since I have little "on the records" supervisory experience (I do have 17 years of youth ministry experience and 12 years of motherhood but that rarely gets me much in an interview!). The experience I would gain as Branch Chief would be invaluable. I would LOVE to move to Savannah because I like that part of the country. Being closer to Florida is always a plus (hey people it's 4 hours and 25 minutes from Savannah to heaven - aka Disney World)! On the other hand, having my family AND Jim's fa...