Can you believe that accidents happen?

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Dear family and friends, Are you seeing why my vaccum wasn't working this morning? Now I will say that the child that broke the window was also the child who cleaned it up on their own initiative, so I'm not really complaining. It wasn't their fault that they hadn't had the cleaning up glass briefing as I've never taught it, I've just done it. For anyone who doesn't know...you should not vaccum glass unless it smaller than the end of Mommy's pinky nail. This is now an official standard for The Thomas Troops!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Isn't she beautiful?

Dear family and friends,

Today I just want to wish my precious sister a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! How in the world can she be 40? When did that happen? I'd like to share 40 memories to honor my Melly...

1. I'm trying to think of the very first memory I have of Melly. I certainly know the stories like how she pushed me down when I first started to walk so I'll just have to start off with that one. She's only been picking me up ever since...

2. Actually I think my first memory of my sister was a time in Galveston that she and my brother made me be Catwoman while playing Batman and Robin. We had no Robin as she was able to be Batgirl. I obviously had no idea who they were, yet I certainly understood the pecking order. I guess I should be grateful they didn't make me be Robin.

3. I remember waking her up when we first moved to Garland, as we were already in bed, and I needed help getting Teddy's arm through her little yellow checked coat. Melly was willing to help, but unfortunately busted her head on her headboard as she started to sit up.

4. I remember deciding to wait until I was married as my big sister said this was her plan with such confidence and conviction.

5. I remember her announcing that she would never answer to Missy in middle school, which was when I was instructed quite firmly to call her Melanee. Several years later is when "Melly" began as I didn't really want to call her Melanee. In my mind that's what her friends called her and they weren't very nice to me. Little ironic as I now have my own Melanee Kate flitting around my house daily.

6. I remember her leaving for college and feeling like a limb had been severed. I cried the whole night and remember being sad for about two weeks. Then I discovered being the only child was a beautiful thing. I wouldn't trade that time alone with Mom and Dad for the world. It makes me look very forward to the time we will have alone with Jefferson. I already tell him, "After we get rid of those first three, we're going to have a party, just you, me, and Daddy."

7. I remember Melly coming to every performance she could ever possibly make to hear me sing.

8. I remember sleeping in the sorority house in the twin bed the fall before I joined her and Royal in Aggieland. She loved me coming and staying with her. What a thrill to my heart to be wanted by my big sister. The other twin was empty as her roommate never slept there anyway. This is where the whole best friend blessing began to cement.

9. I remember Melly coming to my dorm room just because she had a little time on her hands in between classes.

10. I remember my sister holding me tightly when I had a ring on my finger although she'd just taken one off. The joy she had for me despite her own heartache still speaks to my heart.

11. I remember her telling me through the tears at my first bridal shower, with a sweet smile on her face, that she'd chosen the same china pattern. I was now the one receiving the china and she was working through the fact that God had something better in store. It was never a surprise when we showed up to the dressing room with similar items in our piles, it happened often. She has great taste! I now wish I had the china she received at her wedding.

12. I remember when she forgot to take Ed's wedding ring to the front of the church. My sister being my maid of honor was never a question in my heart. My mother's sister quickly fetched it after signals had been silently communicated. It brought comic relief to a bittersweet day for my Melly.

13. I remember the times she came to Lubbock, like a sweet breath of air, saving her money so she could come see us. We talked of hanging a shelf in the laundry room so she'd have a place of her own.

14. I remember leaving for New Jersey like it was yesterday. I'm sorry I don't have the picture to post, of right before we left. I'm sitting on the ottoman with my sister on the floor beside me, arms around each other, with pitiful faces. Limbs severed again, what a bittersweet day for me. Off to see the world with my man, yet leaving a part of my heart behind.

15. I remember putting streaks in our hair in New Jersey while Ed was TDY. You could hardly see them as we were so afraid of looking too wild. We had a wonderful time though.

16. I remember the roses Ken sent her while we were in D.C. visiting. We listened to one of his messages at least 503 times. He sounded fantastic. Ken Permann...the waiting was more than worth it.

17. I remember the day Melly was in our driveway with Ken right beside her with a ring on her hand. To this day, I've never heard so much lovey dovey talk in my whole life. The first of so many time the four of us would be together.

18. I remember missing her at my baby shower only to find out she'd really tried to come but at the last moment it hadn't worked out.

19. I remember the first time she held our first baby. Of course I couldn't forget it as she'd sent a precious frame to my baby shower with a note that it was just for this moment. Fourteen years later, I still love that picture and the frame, you'd think she was the new mama. I'm the scary one in the background with mascara to my toes.

20. I remember the doodle patrol.

21. I remember how she flew all the way to Philadelphia to fly with Caroline and I to Texas the week before her wedding. We played dolls all the way there, Caroline being the doll.

22. I remember how my Melly came the first three of four weekends of Wyatt's life. "CinderMelly" we called her this time. She did absolutely anything with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. Caroline rewarded her by saying her name for the first time. Just the beginning of how much our children would love their Aunt Melly.

23. I remember when my sister and mother flew our babies from Texas to North Carolina so the little ones didn't have to do the drive.

24. I remember when Aunt Melly met me half way to take Caroline and Wyatt for the week. I was barely back to D.C. when I realized I was horribly sick. I laid in bed for days, so grateful that my babies were being loved and cared for by the only woman in the world that looks like and sounds so much like their mother.

25. I remember when we both had babies in our tummies, it only happened once.

26. I remember when the call came, Kyle was on the way and Ken was in another state on a job interview. Kyleroo was so excited to see her Aunt Dinah that she decided to come early. In two hours flat I was out the door leaving Ed and three little ones behind. I don't know that I've ever felt so desperate to be by her side. (Actually, I can think of one. The year we lived in Montana all I wanted for Christmas was to see my sister. What a sweet Christmas present it was!)

27. I remember the sheer joy of watching Kyle and Melanee Kate. It brought indescribable joy to my heart. My favorite picture of these two as babies is of them in our double stroller sucking on each others pacifiers.

28. I remember my pregnant sister with baby in tow coming all the way to Italy to surprise me.

29. I remember spending the day in Venice while Brett was being born. I was so grateful to have something wonderful to do that day to make the time go faster. I could hardly wait to get home to call and hear the news.

30. I remember holding Ellis tightly while crying buckets of tears as I could hardly bear my sister had a five month old baby that I'd never held.

31. I remember the countless times that my sister flew to be with me...wherever we lived. She's been in every home we've ever lived in, minus Hawaii. We can hardly wait for her to see this one, it is our 11th.

32. I remember a million conversations about homeschooling. These still take place and I'm so grateful for the sounding board she has been for me in this area of my life! Her fantastic ideas and advice are paramount. I love to watch and learn. She's doing such a great job with her girls.

33. I remember not even believing that it was true, God was going to let us live close to one another.

34. I remember great joy and excitement as cousins were able to play together more than they ever had. Now I remember the struggles too, but I believe that we are only stronger for them!

35. I remember sharing the responsibilities for holiday meals for the first time in my married life. My Melly can set a beautiful table with scrumptious food. Her planning skills are excellent and worthy of my admiration.

36. I remember her willingness to wait for my last minute decisions as much as I try to be organized, I'm not as good at this as she is.

37. I remember the Diet Cokes she showed up with. I'm working hard to not drink them right now, but nothing tastes better than a Diet Coke with my sister or my mother.

38. I remember having the privilege of looking like my sister. I don't remember this being that big of deal growing up, but at A&M is where it really started. It only increased in D.C. the movers were very confused as they thought I'd changed clothes.

39. I remember her dropping everything when my packers came early, I would not have survived the day without her. Yet again, a servants heart that I so admire.

40. I remember the day she took us to the airport last February. It was my fault that we were in a little of a panic, but she was so gracious. I don't think there is anyone past my husband that it is harder to say goodbye to, although I've not really had to say goodbye to our children yet. A feeling of emptiness swept over me through the tears as I let go.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELLY...I can't begin to thank you for all the memories, as these are really just a few. What an honor I have to be your little sister. I can't begin to express to you how much I love you. You are such an amazing woman and I love watching you year after year. Your steadfastness with the Lord blesses my heart. Thank you for being an example to me again and again as I watch you love Jesus, your husband, and three girls. I pray you have at least 40 more as there are so many more memories I want to make with you...

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

Did the horses come?

Dear family and friends,

Well tomorrow is a big day here with The Thomas Troops.

First we are getting up early and driving into Honolulu to take our much beloved violin teacher and to breakfast for her birthday. Nikki Routman is an absolute joy to our family. She's an amazing teacher, accomplished violinist, and dear friend.

We've worked hard this year in school and pretty much run a "normal" school schedule. I mean compared to when we were in early years of homeschooling and we just had so much more flexibility. So to be going out to breakfast on a Monday morning is very exciting.

Then I drop Caroline off to the orthodontist across the island to have her braces taken off. I remember this day so well in my own life, a few years back. Am I really old enough to have had a child in and OUT of braces. I guess so. Caroline is so ecstatic. She's worked very hard on her school as she'll have to miss class. I was really proud of her work that she did this weekend in order to not be behind this week. She will listen to the recording of her English class tomorrow night. That is one of the few downsides to homeschooling that I've found, they just don't get to miss school.

Church was wonderful this morning. A real blessing to be in the Lord's house with the Lord's people.

I can't imagine what it will be like someday to worship Him "in person". The music at this little church really prepares my heart for the teaching of God's word. They do something well that not many churches do (well). They pretty much sing 50/50 hymns and worship songs.

The kicker is that they do a great job of both! I am so grateful for this. In the past almost 18 years Ed and I have been a part of 12 church bodies, this number in no way includes the churches that we've attended for one to six Sundays. Most churches seem to lean one way or the other, a few in between. It always makes me sad because both have so much to offer. The hymns are rich with theology and poetry to honor my King. It's a privilege to sing words that so many before me have sung, words that have ministered year after year, even century after century. The worship songs are uplifting and help me focus my heart on Jesus rather than myself. They often take me straight to the throne room and give me the tiniest glance of what it will be like someday.

It saddens me when I hear believers in one camp slamming the other camp as I KNOW this doesn't honor Jesus. I've always played whatever we do not sing at church at home, as we really want our children to grow up with knowing and loving hymns and worship songs.

Now I will admit Ed and I got tickled this morning as we ended with How Great Thou Art, which is one of my all time favorites. You need to understand the Hawaiian flare that this church has, yeah?

I've sung this song so many different times in so many different ways...organs, orchestras, guitars, and accapella. I've sung it in the car, to my babies, in the shower, and in my closet. I've sung it slowly, love it quickly, and can twirl with it in between. Until this morning I'd never heard it with a western strum...in our little church in Hawaii. I thought they were bringing the horses down the aisles (wearing flip flops of course) any minute. I've heard nothing western sounding in that church until now. I'm just here to tell you that even with a bam buh de dah, this song brings me closer to my Saviour....

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

I pray that I will daily proclaim this in how I live, oh by the grace of God...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

So what is normal anyway?

Dear family and friends,

This was my first day of feeling somewhat normal. I also ended up with Caroline's little bug. This week was not how I'd planned it. Yes, I know I said that last week. I'm learning though.

God gives us just what we need when we need it. I don't fully know all He had in mind for the week, but I do know He's trustworthy...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Why can the obviously important things be so hard to embrace?

Dear family and friends,

What a week...boy the heat has been on. I'm not speaking of Hawaii but of life. Lot's of extras, the unplanned moments of life that you have no idea are right around the corner. Not the tragic, just the things that add up.

In the last ten day I've had to run children across the island twice for unexpected orthodontics needs, three got to get them to the doctor visits, and two ER runs in one day. In my spare time, or course. God has really reminded me this week that although these were unexpected to me, they were not to him. So I'm choosing to not focus on all things that have not been accomplished such as bathrooms, vacuuming, even science test. I'm choosing to focus on what God had in store, the more important things such as loving my children, caring for needs, trusting Him, and cleaning our air conditioners that we discovered were full of mold. Why can the obviously important things be so hard to embrace?

We are really grateful for all that Jesus has provided this past week.

So the pictures of the week include:

The best use I've ever seen of those coupons that come in the mail. Jefferson very carefully spent time organizing these for me while I was at the ER with his oldest sister. Didn't he do a great job? He told me that he had Wyatt look through them and pull out any that were "disappropriate".



This moment so reminded me of my own big brother and the moment he realized that he was wearing his house shoes in the Atlanta airport. At the ER I looked down, already feeling like a tired old lady, to discover that I had on a black flip flop and a brown flip flop. It was a moment of comic relief provided by God. When I came home I decided that I would take a picture with my pineapple plant that I'm growing to kill two birds with one stone. Isn't it beautiful!!



So off I go to bed. Everything will wait until tomorrow, it will all still be there. I'm grateful that my children feel loved, and Wyatt's going to clean my bathrooms in the morning.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

P.S.-Caroline has viral meningitis but is starting to feel much better. The morning after we stayed at the ER till dawn thirty, Caroline was still sleeping off her narcotics and Wyatt and I were curled up in bed with the computer attending his online writing class. Melanee Kate and Jefferson had permission to ride their bikes to the BX and buy a card and flowers with the children's money for their big sister. Melanee Kate took it upon herself to go ahead and get her baby brother a haircut while they were there.

Have you lost sleep?

Dear family and friends,

I've really been loosing sleep at the thought of my messy kitchen being broadcast across the Internet. So this is what it looks likes most of the time, well, often anyway. I've taken great comfort in the fact that you haven't lost sleep over it!

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

Isn't that how God views us?

Dear family and friends,

When I came in from having lunch with my man, this is what I found.


A little discouraging as now they are 14, 13, 11, and 6 and I just wish they would clean up a little more without being asked. I will admit, they go through cycles. Valleys and mountaintops...recently I came home from the commisary with a beautiful and tidy living room, dining room, and kitchen. This particular day it was an all inclusive package that included lit candles, beautiful music, and a set table.

God was so good as he quickly had me zoom in on the site to find this part of the mess.

I had asked Melanee Kate to take Wyatt his lunch as he was doing school in his room and practicing staying there while Mother was gone. She'd been very sweet about it and said she would. I was delighted to see that she didn't just do it somehow because her mother made her, but she did it 100%. She served her brother lunch with beauty, grace, and style. It just made my day!!

Isn't that how God views us? He doesn't just see the mess, but He sees hearts. He looks further than the world, as He sees all. God does not miss the moments we serve with beauty, grace, and style. He sees past the clutter and desires to come along side us and help us organize, throw away, wipe up and bring back order that will produce delectable things in our lives.

Thank you Lord for seeing beautiful things in this family. Teach me to look past the mess and straight into the hearts our of children...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

P.S.-When Wyatt came down at the end of my writing this I asked him to help me straighten up the kitchen. I said, "Wyatt, wasn't it wonderful the way your sister served you today?" He answered with a snide tone, "No Mom, she didn't serve me, she brought me this amazing lunch and then announced that she was CHARGING me. She wanted me to pay $1 for a Boca Burger!" BUT they really did lite the candles the other night...

Who took that picture?

Dear family and friends,

I've got to go and do math with Wyatt, but I'm just dying to get this picture up on the website. Caroline is just growing up so much. She amazes me in some way, shape, or form every day. Last night she insisted that I should ride my bike with her Daddy while she cooked dinner for me (wahoo, taco night). Melanee Kate took the picture for her, a collaborative effort. Now these are the same girls who interrupted my Bible time yesterday by being ugly to one another in the hallway discussing who had the "right" to walk the dog before school. Not to worry, dinner was amazing, but we have a long way to go. Today I'll just praise Him for how far we've come!

Love to all!!
In Him,
Dinah for The Troops