House of Love

So after nearly 18 months of wedded delight, and 6 months with the most smiley baby boy ever, the Lord has decided we are ready to expand our family. Yes, we are expecting a baby in Sept. making Ethan a 14-month old big brother. I think he will be delighted with the role.

I remember once reading a little book entitled "The House of Love" one of the beautiful Lamplighter Publications. The story has nothing to do with this situation, but I find the title to aptly apply to our household in a variety of ways. Roman has a love which overflows infectiously into his life; it is bright and cheerful, also tender and comforting. In his role as husband and father he gives a strong foundation of love on which to lean. Ethan's love is shone by the delighted smiles and squeals whenever Mummy or Daddy give him attention. His eagerness to enjoy life is clear, and he brings sunshine to every gloomy or sunny day. As the son he brings liveliness to each moment (I'm sure this will be true as a brother too)! Then there is my role, wife and mother. I am of a much calmer nature than my husband and son, the soothing constant in their lives, learning to enjoy all of their joys, comfort any fears and hurts, and be there for their needs. The wife and mother is doubtless the beating heart that fills the home, secure in my husbands love. This new baby, whether girl or boy, will add to the the love that fills our house. They too, will have a role to fill and it will be a joy to watch.

Of course, we can only be a house of love as long as we are grounded in the One who is Love. It is because He teaches us that we are able to love. God Almighty is the definition of Love, the creator of it, and the only teacher thereof. I know by experience that I do love anyone who loves me - my parents, sisters, husband, etc. I know that the Word proclaims the truth was given to us not to destroy us, but to demonstrate God's vast love for us. The truth is love, and love is truth. When these are entwined in our minds, hearts, and lives then we can build a house of love. That is our house, our habit, our home. Lord willing, the Roman Mallery family will always dwell in a "House of Love."

Ethan as a newborn (above) and at 6 months (below).

After a Year

Last year when Mother took our engagement pictures we were very excited. It was the one time through our courtship and engagement that we were really close together. We did not hold hands, give hugs, and absolutely no kisses until the wedding day. Roman and I both agree that we would not have it any other way. The is nothing to compare with the delight of that first kiss, which Roman's sister Raydeemie described as "steaming!"

After a year of marriage we really enjoy kissing, find holding hands a delightful pastime, and just plain enjoy being with each other in many and varied ways. Our engagement photo shoot last year was fun, filled with new experiences, yet slightly overwhelming. Our wedding photos were also filled with new experiences as we started learning more about each other by being close together.

This year's family photo shoot (done by my talented mother and aided by my wonderful and funny father) was very easy. We are closer to each other without any hesitation or awkwardness. Roman and I are happier this year, in a quieter way. Content in the joys of seeing one another every morning and evening, this makes us comfortable with each other in every circumstance. Ways we have changed, Roman is calmer and more thoughtful (though he is the more excited between the two of us), I am more flexible with change and happier (since I tend to be the realist who overworks every situation).

Add to the delights of one year of marriage, a handsome baby boy. Ethan smiles reflect his daddy's joyful personality as much as his hair reflects mine. His happy noises delight us daily and watching him grow in these past 7 weeks has been an amazing experience. What a wonderful year this has been, and all the changes have been very good, because every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights!

Smiling at each other!

Happy with Mummy!

Anticipating Our Anniversary

"It is by loving, and not by being loved, that one can come nearest the soul of another; yea, that, where two love, it is the loving of each other, that originates and perfects and assures their blessedness. I knew that love gives to him that loveth, power over any soul be loved, even if that soul know him not, bringing him inwardly close to that spirit; a power that cannot be but for good; for in proportion as selfishness intrudes, the love ceases, and the power which springs therefrom dies. Yet all love will, one day, meet with its return. All true love will, one day, behold its own image in the eyes of the beloved, and be humbly glad."
— George MacDonald

It has been nearly a year since Roman and I were married. There were a great many preparations that occurred before the day in order to make it marvelous and beautiful. It was wonderful and we loved it, having a gorgeous wedding and delightful honeymoon.

Now that we have lived with one another for a year, and now have a son whose a month old already, we are making other plans and preparations. The time will be no less beautiful, and the days following will still be delightful. In fact, there are many ways in which September 18th, 2011 will greatly exceed September 18th, 2010. Now we know each other better, have learned how to live with each other in an understanding way. It is not so much that we love each other more - though it certainly seems that way - rather there is a greater depth and sincerity to loving now. Every time you think you are full to bursting, you find you still have room to love more as new aspects of each others characters are shown to each other.

One of the amazing things I have learned from my husband is there more I love him, the more I love Jesus Christ. Roman is gift to me from God who is the definition of love and the giver of anything that is good. Those who love the gifts that God has given, show their love for Him. Holding to that knowledge, I can love my husband better as I love God better, and by knowing more of God, I love both God and Roman more. Learning love is like the scientist learning the universe, when you think you have gone as far as you can go, you discover there is still more to learn and explore.

One anniversary will pass and we will move towards an eternity of love. And I am greatly excited about all that will be learned.

Caitlin

Four Generations

My mothers mother Vikki, my mother Rebecca, myself, and my son Ethan. When I was a year old we had a four generation picture taken with Vikki's mother Norma. She passed away just a couple years ago, so I had the blessing of knowing her more than a little, I also knew several of my other great-grandparents. I am so delighted that Ethan should know not only is grandparents, but most of his great-grandparents! Ahh, how good God has been.

Grandpa Blair (the first boy in his family for a long time).

Great-Grandpa Ron, a retired firefighter

All the adoring aunts with the happy parents. And of course the darling boy!

Enjoying Life

How come we find the little details of everyone's lives so intriguing? Maybe it is because we find it interesting to see how others live and compare it to our own ways. Hopefully we can find things useful and encouraging. Never should we look down on others for how they schedule things, the music they listen to, or how they decorate. So how can we show interest in others without tearing them down? I think it just comes from being interested in them for who they are. We should not expect anyone to live like us, and should certainly be glad for whatever glimpse of their lives they choose to give us. All that being said, here is a little glimpse in the life of Roman and Caitlin Mallery.

Easter Sunday and all dressed up!

Progress on the baby's crib. Soon we shall have this beautiful piece of furniture in our home.

I stop here just for the parking space, though I also found the diaper bag I will be using soon. I have been collecting many of my essentials through garage sales, and what a blessing that has been. We found a carseat for $10!

During a game of hide-and-seek with Titus and Adeline, the children of Roman's sister, Roman made this charming discovery.

We took a trip to visit Roman's sister Rayia and her family last weekend. We enjoyed a delightful county picnic, playing with the kids, and in general had a relaxing visit. Thank you so much Rayia and Jonathon!

Now we have been happily married for eight months, and the only thing we "argue" about is driving. We both like to drive, a lot. Well, it keeps us paying attention. Roman is very difficult to argue with because he is so sweet about everything. And he has learned how to give a wonderful massage!

For anyone who read and enjoyed this little part of our lives, thank you. For those who share about theirs, thank you for sharing the delightful pieces of your lives. The Lord has given us all so many things to enjoy in our lives. May the Lord help us to enjoy all the gifts He gives us!

*Bangs Head Against Desk*

I am terrible at this. Excuse the mess our blog is in...I'm trying, but I'm not very computer savvy. I think I need some help...
anyone know how to arrange blogs better than I do?
 It's supposed to be really easy. That's not true...for me anyway. Does anybody else end up scratching their head in confusion after 40 minutes of unsuccessful attempts at making an eye-fetching blog...or am I just being a little blond about this? Oh well. I guess my talent lies in other areas.
( Actually, I'm not sure where it lies, but not at the computer...that's for sure.)

On a side note: life is happy, and very new. Remember this post, where I mentioned that we were searching for something new? Well, I think we found it. Life is now clipping along at a pretty good pace...we are now involved in singing at a nursing home every other week,(the people there love it), planning some new strategies to tackle our garden with,(yes, it is a battle!), doing some other music things...although it may not seem like much, it has proved quite enough to occupy our thoughts when we are busy getting things done at home. Actually, I think the biggest thing is that we are getting to know new people at a new church, one we have been attending since late January of this year. Now that is new! 

But it's been really good...after Laurel's seizure episodes, our old church closing...we were ready for a change. And for us, a new church is a big change. We are making new friends and sitting under new teaching. It's rather odd, not being connected with our old friends as much as we thought we would, and then connecting so closely with new, like minded people. (That's no joke: these few people are great, and so much like us!)


And then, there's baby Mallery...I can't want to be an aunt! I find my self just absentmindedly sitting there smiling to myself, anticipating the joy of tiny little feet and little smiles like pretty rays of sunshine. (And dirty diapers and crying, too. Those are fun! ;), and thinking...This little person is related to me! Happiness.
Caitlin should put a new picture up of her and baby. And maybe the trench coat story. (if you couldn't get that nonchalant hint, I'll just have to post for you!)

Looking back on this post, I realize it's full of exclamation points and side remarks...I'm so much more energetic in my writing than when I actually talk. I like writing...I hope that's where my talent lies. Speaking of which, I had better go do school and such, and work towards being a...


Graduate of 2012! There is a light at the end of my wonderful educational tunnel!

In Christ,
Jillian

Puddledum with Roman

Update: this is a little something I wrote back when Roman and Caitlin were courting. I don't know why I never published it.

It was a lovely Saturday evening. Roman to dinner, sunny weather, a nice day...a walk was in order. So we all headed down to Swan River Nature Trail to work off our dinner of barbecued chicken, corn on the cob, stuffed mushrooms, and sourdough bread.
It was beautiful. Roman picked flowers for Caitlin, and we went down to the river, which is going fast right now:


We found a big rock in the sunlight. Happiness.

And then the pranks started.

The first one was pretty. Mother picked some little white flowers and told me to put them over Caitlin and Roman. I sprinkled them over. They looked lovely in her hair...not so much in his. So he picked them out and set them gently on Caitlin (don't worry, he did not touch her), and gave her a Romeo (I did not a misspell that!) look. All happy and tingly. I think everything else fell away.




With all the rain lately, there's been a lot of puddles. Roman started walking real close to Caitlin as we passed a puddle, forcing her towards it. She avoided it, but his evil grin said that there was more mischief in store.

Big puddle and courting couples spell danger. Roman jumped full in like a little boy, intending to splash Caitlin....and got me soaked. Oh, Caitlin got a little wet, but that's it. Caitlin jumped in a later puddle to get back at Roman, and got me wet again.

Once more, as the walk was almost over, the last puddle in sight, of course I jumped full in...and got my self soaked once more.

Moral: Stay a good 10-20 feet away from courting couples taking a walk. You never know what could happen.

In Christ,

Jillian

No Longer 18

Laurel, as of Sep. 29, has turned 19!
Happy Birthday!
Sorry I did not get around to it yesterday, but we have been having a lot of trouble with blogger ever since Caitlin moved out and changed her email slightly. The rest of us were not able to sign in!
Anyway, Laurel, I love you, and hope your birthday was fun.
Laurel made a scrumptious dinner last night of tea soaked chicken, fresh fettucine Alfredo, and green beans, with a chocolate ice cream pie with Orea crust for dessert. It was so good!
Lets all wish her a happy birthday!

In Christ,
Jillian

Here we Go!

(Not my picture)

As of this afternoon and especially tomorrow, aunts, uncles, Grandmas, Grandpas, and friends will start coming through our door. Some to stay at our house, others to say hi and give us all big hugs.

And were sick.

Its not that bad, just a very annoying cold and cough, but at a time like this, lets just say we really did not need it. We all feel a little tired, and the real excitement is just beginning. And we don't want the bride to be sick on her honeymoon. But thankfully she seems to be getting better.

So, Please pray that we would all feel better...and soon!
See you after the Wedding!

In Christ,

Jillian

An Announcement

We have an announcement to make that is most exciting.
On July 3, 2010 Roman Mallery asked Caitlin to marry him and she said," Yes!" They are engaged!!
So the Blair Carstensen family will finally gain a son, with the blessing of parents, the delight of sisters, and the utter joy of the couple.
After five months of prayer, work, and a lot of talking we are moving towards a September wedding. The summer just keeps getting busier, and it will
be so much fun. The plans are underway, and we will get more details together in the next couple of weeks. Now for the proposal story:

Roman arrived at our home Saturday evening with his parents and an armful of packages. The girls were visiting friends so Caitlin opened the gifts of perfume, a jewelry set, beautiful dress, and lovely sweater with eager parents watching. My very nervous suitor had picked out a lovely new outfit and we were all going out to ShowThyme for dinner.



So I got all dressed up and changed as well. Then I presented myself to him. As I walked down the hall he stood up, and then sat right back down. He was delighted!

We then went to a very delicious dinner. The restaurant has a five-star chef, so it was top class.

After things had settled down we all headed to Flathead Lake to watch the sunset.

Roman and I walked out on the dock, and the parents stayed back on shore. It was unusually still, and calm. Around the lake people set off fireworks in preparation for
Independence Day. We talked for a little, admiring the view in this beautiful place where we live. Then he changed the subject, and slowly got down on one knee.
After a short speech he took from his pocket a final package, containing a lovely ring.



After he asked and I said yes, we knelt for a prayer.

Then we hugged, and talked, and enjoyed the sunset.

Before we left he had me write something on the back window of the car.

Then we called all the siblings and went back to our home, and had cake and sparkling cider, and lots of hugs, laughs, and talking.

There you have it. The proposal story, and now it is on to wedding plans, and home plans, and any other plans that may come up.
I will leave you with one last picture, showing the roses Roman gave me, along with the ring.

Have a wonderful summer, and we hope to see you all in September!

The Carstensens,
Blair, Rebecca, Laurel, Jillian, Hayley
Roman and Caitlin

21

Shes 21 today. And shes beautiful:



A princess in Gods house. A proverbs 31 woman who
has served the Lord since she was 9.

She is:

1 Humble
2 Loving
3 God honoring
4 quiet
5 smart
6 pretty
7 Lady like
8 Friendly
9 appreciative
10 A good older sister
11 patient
12 Christ like
13 hard working
14 unselfish
15 smart
16 intellectual
17 a good cook
18 an on time person
19 sensible
20 fashionable
21 well mannered.

Mmph. I love her. Happy Birthday Caitlin!
(Lets hear some happy birthday wishes for her!)
In Christ,
Jillian

We Built a Town!

Putting together "town":

The finished product, after much frosting, decorating, and the like:
Hayley's house, Mothers Mercantile, and the tree is done by Nahla, who was spending the afternoon at our house:

My house, Caitlin's log cabin, and yes, those rocks are edible, chocolate, in fact:


And this deserved a picture all to itself, Laurels church, you can tell she is the artist in the family:
It is always so much fun to do this. I hope it inspires you! (Translated: Go make a gingerbread house, and post about it!)
Merry CHRISTmas,

Jillian