A Welcoming

I'll post more details later after I get photos from her godparents, but I had to announce that my youngest daughter, Luca, was baptised on Tuesday. 


There was a deployed spouse's dinner sponsored by the chaplain services later that weekend, and Father was there and took Luca - walking her around and proclaiming to everyone he saw, "I baptized Luca today!" 


I haven't washed her hair yet, and my oldest daughter keeps taking sniffs and telling me, "Luca spells like baptism."


Indeed.

when I became a mother

I became a mom in January of 2006. I'll never forget the anxiety I felt when I walked into the hospital. I have always feared the unknown, and labor, birth, and motherhood were all new to me. I was young and terrified. I'll never forget the moment my daughter was placed in my arms and everything changed.

It was instant love. I never felt anything so intense. 

In October 2008, I became a mother to a son. Once again, it was unknown territory. I was completely torn during his birth, fighting my way (and failing along the way) to bring my boy into the world as naturally as possible. As he was born, and my husband convinced me to nurse him right away - I saw my son stare at me as to say, "There you are." 

In January of 2011, I became a mother once more. Again, I was fearful. Anxious of my impending homebirth. Scared of the pain I would endure. Could I do it? I'd seen countless women overcome contractions to give birth, but, could I? I could, and, I did.

Today is Mother's Day - a day for all mothers. However, I have to thank my wonderful children too. Without them, I wouldn't be the mother I am today!


I must also give thanks to the most important mother of all. I really appreciated reading this blogpost today.

My Husband Left Me

... though, not out of choice!

We moved to Georgia in July of 2010. We just embarked on our 2nd experience with deployment since we called the South our home.

I can't say where or why or when - it's always super-secret-squirrel stuff when it comes to deployments. All I can say is that he's gone. We're adjusting as best we can.

It's the first time I've been "alone" with our new kid-pack of three. So far, I am doing alright. I'm maintaining as normal of a schedule as possible for the children. Actually, I'm enforcing the schedule even more so because I know how truly valuable it is.

Hayden, when she realized that her daddy was actually leaving, dug her feet into the ground and refused to enter the car. I think in her mind "if I don't see it, it's not actually true" still applies at times - so she figured, if she didn't leave, than neither would he. She burst into tears, showing me that her little, five-year old soul was indeed more wise than I sometimes give her credit for. Jarrod grabbed her up in a huge hug and a had a private father-to-daughter discussion with her that resolved her tears (for now). She's doing her best to be helpful, which is wonderful. Her leadership really shows through sometimes.

Vincent is taking it the hardest - as I figured he would. He really looks up to his dad, as little boys should. All the kids usually end up in my room (we have 2 queen-sized beds in there), but Vincent has actually ended up in my bed. I end up squished in between Luca and him. He wakes up crying, and I can only assume it's because he's used to his father being there in the morning. He's also been keeping a close eye on the door for the last couple of days, becoming extremely disappointed when the only person to walk through it was the maintenance guy. 

Fortunately, the baby could care less.

I tried to get a photo of Jarrod with the kids before he left. Group shots in our house are near impossible.

Vincent(2), Jarrod, Luca(3 months), and Hayden (5)

I am... alright. This is not our first time apart and I do believe that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I appreciate all that my husband does, especially when he leaves and I'm reminded of how helpful he actually is. He's my rock - but the military has taught me how to stand on my own. Although my temporary duties as head of household grow tiring and exhausting, I am used to being the leader (so used to it, in fact, I have a difficult time handing the reins back over...)

I become lonely when he leaves too. Although I have some friends and resources in Georgia, it is not yet "home" to me. Although I do have activities and friends to keep me busy, and I adore the friends I have made here!- they're not the love of my life! They can only do so much ;-)

However, I do what I can, I do what I can! The best I can do is keep as busy as possible. Luckily, between parenting, homeschooling, and keeping my house running - I have a lot to occupy my mind. Hopefully blogging will also help!

Before Jarrod left, a wonderful work-at-home-mom over at MaMaTuTu rushed me a cloth diaper made from ABU (Air Force camo) fabric - with wings sewn on the bum! It made it here just in time for a little photo shoot with Luca and daddy.

A proud Air Force brat

If you're reading this - please find time to say a little prayer for my husband while he is overseas.

The Mandatory About Me

My name is Cassie. Hi.

I figure it's always a good idea to start off an About Me with why I named my blog what I named it.

I had what my old priest refers to as a "Catholic rumspringa" in my youth. I rebelled and ran as far away from the church as I could. It was during this time, I was given a huge test in faith.

I named that test Hayden Lisbeth Faith. She's now 5 years old. She's my firecracker. My leader. My tomboy. My helper. She certainly has taught me a thing or two about faith - and patience.

In 2008, I married an Airman named Jarrod.

He wasn't an Airman at the time, but he enlisted shortly thereafter. We have spent far too much of our marriage apart. Of course, we still had enough time to conceive 2 more children.

Vincent Henry Thomas was born in October of 2008. My little ball of kinetic energy. My comedian. My mama's boy.

Vincent's traumatic birth proved to me that I wanted to help women through the process of birth. Natural birth, the way God intended. I felt a calling to help protect God's perfect process. With my husband's encouragement, I became a doula. After his orders sent us to Georgia, I also apprenticed with a midwife.

In January of 2011, I gave birth to a daughter, Luca Lynn Hope, at home. My easy-going baby. Laid back and calm.

As each year has passed, I have found myself more drawn to the Lord and His ways. I enjoy mass on Sundays. I wake up and read my Bible. I look to Him for guidance in living my life. In serving my husband. In schooling my children. In feeding my family. In birthing my babies. The list goes on. Each day, I become more devout than I was the day before - and it started with Hayden.

Hence, why I named this "Beginning With Faith." I hope this is only the beginning!

I hope you'll join us on our journey