Visit from Caitlin

Jackson and I were so blessed this past week to have my dear friend, since 6th grade, come and visit us in San Diego. Caitlin was accepted into the UW's program to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and will begin this June, but has been an acitve RN in the San Francisco area for the past 4 years. Before starting classes in Seattle next month, she made the time to visit Jackson and I and Jackson and I were so blessed with her visit! Unfortunately, Jackson came down with Hand-Foot-and-Mouth-Disease this week (a virus with high fevers and blisters in the mouth, hands and feet) so Caitlin and I dosed him up with Motrin and Tylenol and wrapped him up in a blanket in the stroller and did all of the stuff we planned to do anyways. We got a sitter one night and saw Bridesmaids (HILARIOUS!!!) and had sushi. She was a huge help with Jackson and I think the most amazing part of the visit, the part I wasn't expecting, was her appreciation for all that I do. She was amazed at how much work it is to be a mom and take care of a house and it felt great to know that it's not all just in my head :) She was encouraging to me and loving to Jackson and he fell madly in love with his Auntie Cait-Cait, and why wouldn't he? It was a lovely week and ten times whatever I was expecting. We wish you the beset Caitlin! See you in Seattle soon. XOXOXO

Girls-Night Out with Sushi at Valentino's- YUMMMM.

At the Del Coronado.

Beach-Time!

Enjoying Mexican food in Old Town.

Jackson Turned 3, and Daddy Left on Deployment

In mid-April, Matt left for a six-month deployment on board the USS Howard (Facebook Page for the Howard). I was very sad as Jackson and I drove away from the pier and the tears poured down my cheeks as I attempted to hiccup back my sadness on the 805-South, but Jackson was more worried about me than his Daddy leaving. He just kept thinking "Daddy was on duty". The day after the ship left, Jackson and I flew to Seattle to visit with our families and friends. It was a nice distraction from Daddy leaving, and we were able to celebrate Jackson's 3rd birthday with his grandparents with a pirate-themed birthday party. Jackson is still dressing up as a pirate and running around the house shouting, "Argggg Matey!" When we came home from Seattle to San Diego, Jackson was shocked that Daddy was still gone- thus began the most difficult transition we've ever been through. No sugar-coating here folks, it has been tough. I truly believe that it wouldn't be this tough, if Jackson and his Daddy weren't so close and if Matt wasn't such an amazing father. Deployment seems to be going faster than it has in the past, mostly because I'm running after Jackson all the time, and driving him from soccer, to church, to Bible Study, to park play-dates, to Sea World, etc. I have included some pictures of the last month for you all to enjoy.

Daddy & Jackson the weekend before deployment (Daddy is a little teary:)

Matt and I at an impromptu going-away party some of his dear friends from his Men's Group organized. We were blessed with good friends and prayer over Matt that evening.

Matt got Jackson this large world map for his bedroom wall. We have special stickers we use to mark where Daddy goes.

Jackson and I went to the Chula Vista fire-station pancake breakfast and he got to climb into the fire-trucks and examine all the parts. He was in heaven!!

We are so proud of our Chief!

Jackson and I got to visit Bapa at his office downtown Seattle one day for lunch.

All of the friends and family who blessed us for Jackson's birthday celebration in Seattle.

Pirate cupcakes :)

Mom Sheri, Poppy Ron and Jackson

Easter Morning

Jackson and Noey

Mama Always Told Me There'd Be Days Like This...

I'm not sure at what point in our young lives we start making memories that are imprinted upon us, ones we can search for in the back of our minds and pull out for future references that is. I do know that one of my earliest memories was when I was 3 or 4 years old and I woke up in the middle of the night, being cradled in my mother's arms as she rocked me in our old rocking-chair. I do not remember her shortness with me earlier in the day, or her harsh words, or what I had done to irritate her in the first place, or even what consequence I endured later, but I vividly remember her tears and her asking me for forgiveness. I remember my mother teaching me humility and it was one of the most valuable lessons I ever learned to this date. During my school-aged days I could never hold a grudge for very long and my parents would sometimes become frustrated because I would let the same friends hurt me over and over again, but I always forgave. Perhaps it was my desire to "...turn the other cheek," Matthew 5:39, but I truly believe it was because my mother taught me the importance of forgiving and asking for forgiveness. You see, when you ask someone else for forgiveness, you are the one being set free.

We are currently learning the lessons of humility and forgiveness in the Rife household. My son can be the most irritating little creature God ever blessed me with, at times. He constantly nags, cries, whines, manipulates, pouts and throws tantrums that are overly-dramatic and more for show than anything else, and for all of these reasons and more I can become irritated with him. I sometimes speak harshly, or shamefully roll my eyes at his wild antics, but I learned early on to ask for forgiveness, and so I ask for his almost daily. It is extremely humbling to ask a two-year-old for forgiveness for your own childish ways, but it is oh so rewarding to hear a sweet voice from the backseat of the car say, "I fo fowwy mommy." on his own accord after throwing his fruit-snacks at you. At two years old he has already found freedom in forgiveness, and at thirty years old, I am still learning the power in it.

We're All Growing and Learning

Matt was underway (gone at sea) this week and I, for some reason, took that to be a perfect time to potty-train Jackson. Granted, all the parenting books say to avoid transitional times and that you should stay home for two-weeks straight to help your little one learn to listen to his body, but instead I took him to Sea World on Day 1 of our big attempt! Then on Day 3 I took him to the Zoo, in our brand new stroller! At one point I was carrying Jackson under one arm, pushing the stroller and running through a crowded monkey-observation-exhibit, all the while screaming, "Pee-pee emergency! Pee-pee emergency!" People without kids rolled their eyes as they had to dodge me, while others with young children smiled knowingly or chuckled at how ridiculous I looked. Either way, we stayed dry through both trips, and I do mean we as I later told my grandmother over email, "He may be learning, but I am being schooled through all of this!"

I had been interested in potty-training Jackson for over six-months, but the fact remained that he was not ready yet, and the Lord used this time to teach me patience. My least favorite fruit of the Spirit to learn, but always a lesson well-learned when it's over. It may seem silly that God would use something as insignificant as "poopoo and peepee" to help me learn how little control I truly have, but I thought it quite applicable and appropriate. After all, "stuff" happens and how are we going to react when it does? Are we going to scream and throw a tantrum and shake our fist in anger? Or are we going to take a deep breath and have another go? God doesn't give up on us when we miss our goal or forget to listen to the signs, just as we don't give up on our little children when they are learning something new. To God, I may as well be a two-year-old-potty-training-Ninja, because I have plenty of accidents and need just as much hand-holding through life.