What a day!

Oops! There I go again. I hear a song in my head but seems like the song goes something along the lines of, "What a day, what a day, what a mighty good day!" ... and "good" is not the word I'd use here. Wait! There's another song hitting me... "Mamma said there'd be days like this..."!

Tired doesn't begin to describe how I feel right now. It's more like exhausted, emotionally drained, etc. The last week has been one of the hardest in my life as a parent. Big Boy decided it was time to end the blessed years of having three boys and no broken bones. While playing soccer with his brothers and dad, he feel backwards and landed on his wrist, breaking it slap in two! I was inside when they came tearing in, his eyes about to pop out of his head, holding his arm and screaming, "I think I just dislocated my wrist!" One look told me dislocated was not the word to use there either. More like BROKEN and positioned in a very unnatural - disturbing way!

Normally, I'm the cool headed one when someone gets hurt. I don't get queasy at the sight of blood or panic. I have always been grateful that I go into automatic mode, thinking quickly and moving fast. But, I think I have now found my tipping point. It's when my own child is in really intense pain. It makes me hurt in a way I can't explain. It must be the mother-child bond. There is nothing worse than seeing your child hurt and not being able to do a thing about it! And a broken bone is just minor thing, relatively speaking.

I think the face he's making says it all (that's ice laying on the top of the splint)! This was the day after.

I digress. I grabbed my purse & shoes while Hubby took over with the other two and headed out the door with Big Boy in tow. That had to be the longest, most nerve wracking trip of my life! Try driving just four miles down a five lane highway with speed limits dropping from 50-45-35, passing THREE police officers and praying I wouldn't get pulled over, all the while trying to keep Big Boy from looking at his wrist or passing out! UGH! Then sit there praying they would simply give him something for pain or knock him out until they could at least get the wrist set. I held it together by a thread until they put him under to set it and he cryed out WHILE UNDER. At that point, I melted. I didn't get sick or pass out. The flood gates just opened and all the medical staff wondered if they were going to be taking care of me next:) I kept thinking, He promises not to put me through more than I can handle. Suck it up and get hold of yourself!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (NIV)

Isaiah 41:10

Fortunately, I pulled myself up by the bootstraps and got control almost as quick as I'd lost it. For a change, Hubby was the one the doctor was talking to (once he got there) as I just tried to maintain my composure. I stood there dumbfounded at my new-found lack of control and wondering what had just happened. The doctor just smiled when I commented on it, assuring me it was just because I was "too close to the fire". Big Boy was amazing through it all. He was in in extreme pain, but handled it better that I could have ever imagined! I am so proud of him.

Striking a pose. Oh, yeah. He's cool with is neon orange cast!

Does this picture really need a caption?!

The past week and a half has been tough due to the hard to control pain, lack of sleep, jealousy from the other boys at how much time Mommy has had to spend with Big Boy and two of the three remaining grandmothers each experiencing sudden serious health crisis (another story I'll not burden you with), but I think we may be topping the hill. He woke up this morning without any pain for the first time. The cast went on Friday morning and tomorrow we go back for MORE x-rays to make sure it's healing correctly. I feel like the little engine that could as I keep saying to myself, "I can do this, I can do this". I've GOT to do this, because the hospital medical staff assured me with three boys... this would most likely NOT be my last broken bone! Oh, Dear Lord, if that is true, I'm going to need some supernatural strength from you in the years to come!

Card image via Blogging 'Bout Boys 

The really scary thing is that picture looks eerily familiar to some things I've seen my three doing on the driveway with a skateboard, scooter or bike! Excuse me. I think I'm going to be sick just thinking about it.

Headed Back

One of my "little" brothers (who towers over me!) had to do something incredibly hard a few days ago. It was probably the hardest thing he's ever done... get on an airplane to go back to war-torn Afghanistan leaving behind his wife and first child - a two week old son, knowing he will miss much of the first year of his life.

My newest nephew.

With God's help, my brother managed to fly in on a cargo plane all the way across the Atlantic to arrive the night before this precious little bundle made his appearance. Talk about God's grace! He's gotten to spend the last two weeks with his new son and wife, but has to go back now for another eight months or so with no leave. If you have children, you can imagine how hard this would be to do!

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV)

AND, if you've never taken the time to say thank you to our troops who make this sacrifice for our country and our freedoms, then please do so. It's not easy for them. Every word of encouragement and act of support means more than you'll ever know.  For example, when my youngest brother went to meet his older brother at the airport on his return home, he told me how a young boy had walked up, looked at my brother in uniform and said, "Thank you, sir!" That little boy will probably never know how encouraging and uplifting that was to a weary soldier or to the younger brother who observed it.

A proud daddy:)

Our soldiers not only leave the ones they love, but they face daily emotional and physical fatigue in such a dangerous place. It's hard for them, for their immediate and extended family. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt they covet your prayers for their daily lives and safe return home when their job is done.

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:11-12)

Happy Father's Day!

What would we wives, mom's and kids be without our wonderful husbands and dads? To all the wonderful men out there who have and will make such a profound and important impact on our lives and our children's lives,

Stinky Itchy Dogs!

How  Scottie Dog SHOULD look!
via the Westminster Kennel Club

Today I had an epiphany! Poor Scottie Dog has horrible spring allergies. He's only three, but for the last three springs (out of four), as soon as that yellow blanket of pollen descends here in the deep south, he starts scratching. And I don't mean gently! The first year, it was a bloody mess by the time I realized what was going on and got him to the vet. The second year, the steroid shot I used as a last means worked except he got a little stinky. Then last year, it all went up in smoke. The steroid shot was useless as was the Benedryl and Chlor-Trimeton! Finally, after about two months of hair/dust bunnies running away every time I passed his bed, he calmed down and life went on as usual.

It's gotten to where I dread spring in a way, even though it's my favorite time of year. It's so frustrating watching him scratch and knowing I don't know what to do to help (not to mention Hubby isn't much of a dog lover... especially of itchy, stinky, EXPENSIVE dogs!).  There is also the most unpleasant odor emanating from Scottie and his bed when all this is going on. No amount of bathing, baby powder, perfume, etc. seems to make him smell good.

"Ugh! Dude, take a bath!"
via dailypicksandflicks.com

Have I mentioned how I would rather eat worms than have a house that smells like "dog"?! I don't mind the work to keep it neat, clean, hairless, and free of "eau de doggie" because the boys and I love our dog. But when NOTHING seems to work, I start to border on losing my sanity and my heart just breaks for my little, itchy, stinky companion.

So, all that to say, today I stumbled upon some info that finally connected all the dots... anyway logically. The verdict is still out on actual proof, but I'm almost sure it's a shoo-in. If you already knew this... where have you been all my life!? No, really. Just bear with my ignorance and new found information. I'm giving it the old college try and if works, you'll be hearing about it!

The initial process started like this: Scottie is itchy and stinky again. Not to mention shedding fiercely (and we thought Scottie's didn't shed!!!). This year we tried Atarax and it kept the itching in control. No steriods, no walks in the pollen, and lots of baths. But, darn it all! He's still itchy, his collar constantly plays "Jingle Bells", he STINKS and now he's got "goopy" eyes!!!!! Take him to the vet, right? Well, let me tell you how well that has worked in the past: "Scotties don't do well here in the south. This allergy problem will only get worse." then steroid shot that didn't work. I love my vet and he's good, but sometimes there comes a point when we have to be proactive for both our pets and our own health, roll up our sleeves and figure it out on our own!

I would have taken my own picture of Scottie Dog, but I value my camera more than that!
via ihasahotdog.com

Time to hit the internet and see what I can dig up. One thing led to another and suddenly I think I know what the problem is, even though the pollen has pretty much died down and we're still stinky, itchy, goopy, and nearly hairless due to Mommy getting fed up and shaving him (Oh, my! What a pretty mental picture!).

No, that's not him (his legs aren't that long) but I let out a belly laugh when I saw this!
via extremefunnyhumor

It starts with allergies, but all that scratching leads to Malassezia (i.e. topical yeast infections)! Almost all dogs get it at some time, but Scotties and a few other [long hair] breeds, are more susceptible... especially in humid hot weather. If they start scratching for whatever reason (ie. allergies!), they open up the chances of getting yeast infections on the skin, particularly if their immune system is not up to par. So, I came up with a plan of action based off the linked articles and others. It is as follows:

1. Bathe him 2x a week (until he's healed up, then only as needed) with Selsun Blue shampoo or a shampoo with:

    Chlorhexidine 1%, Benzoyl Peroxide or Sulfur Ketoconazole on the affected areas,

2. Give Omega 3 & 6 capsules (reduces inflammation and itching),

3. Clean ears 1-2x daily with garlic oil drops or cold pressed extra virgin olive oil that has had a few cloves soaked in it overnight (smells MUCH better). This is if the infection is in the ears. I'm not sure it is, but we're doing it just to be safe!

* another cure for yeast in ears is with eucalyptus, tea tree and Neem Oil (never heard of this till now, but it's even at Lowe's!) in glycerin done after a vinegar misting and/or wipe down to clean - not poured in deep. It's in the linked articles somewhere.

via neemtreefarms.com

4. Take/give probiotics and/or give 1/2 to 1 tsp of plain (NOT sweetened) yogurt on food daily (dog dose).

5. Find a dog food that is gluten free and it's first ingredient is a crude protein. Scottie Dog has always used Purina Dog Chow because that is what the breeder used who we got him from. I looked today and it's first ingredient is wheat/carbohydrates - i.e. sugar/food for the yeast! I found a fairly cheap one called Lassie that was at Ingles to try. It's gluten free and has a crude protein first. 

http://www.lassie.com/naturalway/natural-way-flash.htm

6. Lastly, if that doesn't get it, I'll give him an oral antifungal like ketoconazole, fluconzole, or itraconazole (also called Fish Fungus Tablets? Thinking I saw that online somewhere but don't quote me!). I imagine I should be able to get these at the feed and seed, but if not, I know you can order off the internet.

Resources:

http://www.ehow.com/about_6465343_malassezia-diet.html

http://www.dogearinfectionhelp.com/dog-ear-infection-home-remedies.php

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=321

I feel like I'm having a flashback to school - writing research papers!:) Regardless, I thought I'd share my findings because I know I'm not the only one dealing with this on a limited budget. I'll keep you posted on if any of it seems to work!

Oh, and the real irony to all this is... I got a phone call yesterday asking if I'd be interested in entering him in a dog show! They've obviously not seen him since his lovely haircut/shaving!

If Scottie Dog could, he'd leave me a note that goes something like this:
"I'm going into hiding until my hair grows back!"
via Scottish Terrier Love

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Time keeps on ticking, ticking...into the future!

"New Life"
B.E. Photography

There I go again with a song. See. They just pop into my head for headlines, and I have no idea why.

Been a while, hasn't it? Now that some events have passed, I feel like I can actually sit down and think again. In His devine providence, the Lord saw fit for me to basically loose about four months of life as I know it, but in doing so, has brought me so much closer to Him.

First, we lost a family member rather suddenly, then it was Christmas, then I did a remodel in record time, got sick while doing so,  dealt with a declining grandmother (who has made a slight upward turn...Ms. Energizer Bunny!), then spent three weeks of my life wondering if something was seriously wrong with my health! UGh! Now that it's over, I can say, God has been incredibly good to me and my family by allowing me to find out I'm totally fine.

I mentioned before I had made three trips to the doctors office with an upper respiratory issue, but could not seem to get well. Long story short, on the third trip, she took x-rays, freaked me out by sending me to a pulmunologist who had me do lung testing and told me that I had some "scaring" showing up in my lungs that "wasn't normal" and scheduled me for CT scan!!! Having just buried someone with lung cancer, I nearly fell completely apart as my nerves were already shot. I seriously started wondering if my doctor really knew what she was doing, and became very frustrated with not ever getting a diagnosis. I got my x-rays, went to a new internal medicine doc and was diagnoised in one visit with bronchitis... something I've never had and the first doctor should have been able to recognize. I then waited a week and had to go through CT scan...something else I've never done. By this point, I was feeling fine and was starting to wonder if the CT was even necessary, but for peace of mind went anyway. In the end, the pulmunologist's office called me this week and told me.....that my lungs were totally normal and fine! The "scaring" (bronchitis) they'd seen was no longer there. Is God great or what?! I nearly went comatose, I was so exhausted from the stress of the last few months:)

There was some serious praying going on during those three weeks. While reading the boys' Bible story one night, I was hit with the feeling that God was speaking directly to me. Ever felt that? We were reading about how the twelve spies were sent out to steak out the promised land by Moses. When they came back, only two (Joshua and Caleb) chose to believe in what they could not see, and told the people they could take the land with God's help. The other ten lost faith and were intimidated by what they saw, so they told lies about how impossible it would be to take the land of Canaan. I not only felt it then, but continued to feel like God was telling me to keep my trust in him,  not in what I saw or heard. I knew I was to trust in the unseen God and his plan for me, not in the info and opinions being thrust in front of my face. It's been a serious evaluation of my faith. I'm not so proud of how much fear I had or how little my faith was, but I am incredibly grateful for the patience of such a loving, heavenly Father who knows what we need when we need it. I had wonderful friends and family praying for me every step of the way. Every time I felt like I was at the end of my rope, He would send a shower of peace over me, reminding me to trust in Him.

A lot of time was spent debating what my future might hold and what changes I might have to make to my business if I was even able to keep doing it. I've mentioned before that I am very leery of chemicals. After coloring my hair with a new dye full of ammonia (and not yet knowing I had bronchitis), my lungs just slammed shut and I ended up at the doctor's office to get a steroid shot. I've always been bothered by fumes, but I've never had issues breathing and it scared me to death! That was confirmation that I am just hypersensitive to fumes. I have made the decision to primarily stick with paint or unfinished applications. No more contact cement and VERY little staining, which will only be done with a respirator and outside. I'm dying to get back to projects and have turned my attentions for now on our house and getting some things done around here to share with you.

Well, there's your update and why I've not written in a while. I feel great now! To top it off, it's my favorite time of year (even with all the yellow pollen). Everywhere I turn, I see new photo shots and beautiful fresh colors. Be inspired to trust in our unseen God! Look at the beauty surrounding us in the spring and marvel that he would take the time to create such grandeur for us to enjoy:)

I sit at my dining room table and work each day, looking out the window at the beautiful birds that flock to the feeder hung in the maple tree. This little guy is one of my favorites! There's a Mrs. Cardinal I'm waiting to get a shot of as well:)

"Cardinal"
B.E. Photography

This little guy is voicing my praises for good health and God's grace!

"Singing Cardinal"
B.E. Photography

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Personal Insight

Biltmore House viewed from one of the walking paths through the gardens.
B.E. Interiors Photography

You know, life is a constant learning process. No matter how old you get, you never know it all (sorry kids!). I love to look at soothing neutral rooms. They really appeal to me and I love to design them. Guess what I've learned, though. I don't like living with them! I totally neutralized my dining room this past fall and had it done just in time for Thanksgiving and the family dinner after my grandfather-in-law's funeral. At the time, I liked it. It was so drastically different than what I'm used to doing in my own home. I experimented... and I learned something new about myself. I'm just not a neutral kinda gal and it's not appealing to me anymore! [Oh, the hubby will just loose it if he reads this!]

It's not that I don't think it looks pulled together, but I can tell I've been going through kind-of a dark season in life. It feels like a funeral home to me now! Maybe it's just because immediately after finishing the room, I was hosting the family meal after burying a loved one. Now, I'm waiting on a second funeral to happen in the near future.

My grandmother is rapidly slipping away. She fell about two weeks ago, hitting her head incredibly hard. I'm surprised it didn't kill her. Also surprising was the fact that no bones were broken. Ever since, though, she's slipped really fast. I wonder as I leave her each morning after our "coffee" (when I check on her, gather up her dirty clothes to wash, etc.) if I'll see her again the next day. I wouldn't trade this time with her for anything. But, it's extremely draining emotionally... spending each day wondering if it's your last with someone you love. The last thing I need right now is to feel like I'm in a funeral home in my place of refuge - my home! Whether it really looks that way or not, it's how it feels because of all we've been through since it was finished. I can't think of anything that lifts your spirits better than a good dose of color and remembering this verse:

"Be joyful always; pray continually;give thanks in all circumstances, 

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

So, I'm looking to change it up a little. I'm craving some color! There's just too much black and beige. It's almost spring time and things are starting to bloom. Spring is my favorite time of year...when everything seems to be full of life and new beginnings.  I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet in the dining room, but I'm tossing around some ideas. Nothing major. I do still like the paint. Some color just needs to be injected and a little of the black removed. The wheels are spinning....!

The boys in front of the "castle"!
B.E. Photography

Biltmore House viewed from the Italian Gardens.
B.E.  Photography

The brilliant orange of these bushes in the dead of winter really inspired me
to come home and liven things up a bit with some color!
B.E. Photography

In the meantime, I thought I'd share some pictures I took at The Biltmore House last weekend. As a little family celebration of me being done with the rental house and finally home on the weekends, we jumped in the car last weekend and headed up for the day. Nothing was blooming, and there was a bitter cold wind blowing, but it was fun. Not so sure it was good for this upper respiratory mess I've had for what seems like forever, but never the less, we had a good time. I'm not sure if the kids were more  excited to see "the castle" or the animals at the petting zoo:) Enjoy!

One of the gargoyles on the Biltmore.
B.E. Photography

Cherub in the Italian Gardens at the Biltmore House.
B.E. Photography

Big Boy petting the horse at the petting zoo on the grounds.
B.E. Photography

This poor girl made me laugh:) She was about to drop a kid or two at any moment and had decided to rest in the wheelbarrow! I so feel her pain. What I wouldn't have given to be hauled around in a wheel barrow at that point!
B.E.  Photography

I think everyone wanted his woolly coat that day!
B.E. Photography

The two youngest taking a ride before heading home. Don't you just love my middle guy's fashion sense? And to think...I used to swear there would NEVER be camouflage in my home!

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I'm Baaaaack!

via meg-moir.com 

Betcha thought I had quit blogging, didn't you?! Nope. Just had to deal with the last month or so's worth of  exhausting events. I've been kind-of down since the loss of hubby's grandfather, who was more like my own grandfather than an in-law. October 31st he was admitted to the hospital to be diagnosed a few days later with stage four lung cancer that had spread to the brain and lymph nodes. Thirty days later, he left us to go be with our heavenly Father.

Now, I'm not a big cryer....mainly because I'm not a "pretty" cryer, so I always hold it in. I'm one of those lucky people whose face blotches all up, the nose and eyes swell shut, and if I have on mascara...I look like I've been in a train wreck! But, over the last couple of weeks, I've cried more than I have in a long time.

Grandfather-in-law was doing pretty well until the last week of November. He was taken to the hospital for a severely swollen arm that turned out to be a massive blood clot. That was the beginning of the end and he knew it. Up until then, he'd been so hopeful he could beat the cancer, but at that point his tune changed and he quickly went downhill. God was incredibly good to him, though. He only had to take morphine the last three days and it was all over in a month's time. He was at peace and ready to go. The night before he passed, I could barely hear him as he held my hand, told me he hoped he see me on the other side and asked me to pray with him. Such a precious and sweet goodbye:) God answered all those prayers being lifted that he not suffer and when he slipped away, it was quickly and peacefully. What a blessing considering what we were all prepared to have to watch and deal with! What an awesome, loving and merciful God:)

So, now I'm trying to shake the sadness and get back into the swing of things, although I've made some changes lately. After spending nearly every day of the last month at the nursing home or hospital, I realized I had been given a gift I hadn't been fully using. Because I am a stay-at-home mommy and wife, I have the freedom to be available for those who need me in a way those working aren't. I became convicted of the fact that my 93 year old grandmother needed me more now as well as hubby's grandmother. So, I made the decision to give up my booth for the time being. As obvious as the decision was, it still was hard to do. I wanted to keep trying to fit it all in, but this past month has shown me that I just can't right now. My grandmother is in declining health. It's now my morning routine to take little guy to go check on her for "coffee" each day, once we get the other two off to school.

Now, let me clarify: I am still going to be doing projects and all the stuff I did, but the pressure of having to have pieces ready before the next sells is off of me for now. The store manager knows I plan to open my booth back up when I'm not needed so much. In the meantime, God has lined up an incredible amount of custom work, so I've still got tons to do and show as projects are completed and a little more time to devote to working on our own home!

Right now, we're enjoying Christmas break with the family and counting days until Santa comes and we can sing happy birthday to our Savior! How about you?

Living on the Wild side!

Ok. I have two things to show you today. One is my inspiration board photo for this coming week (I've missed a few as my creativity was nowhere to be found) and the other is what I did this morning that was just a little on the crazy side! But you know what? You only live once!

First, check out this gorgeous scene I photographed today! I drove past this tree this past Saturday and had to go back up this morning to get the shot. With the light just streaming through the leaves, it looked like heaven on earth! The pictures don't due it justice. I'm lucky I got the shot because I had to park along a busy road and wait for the perfect minute to snap it with no cars in the scene! It also completely inspired me to do next weeks inspiration board for you.

"Golden Glory"
B.E. Interiors Photography

"Golden GloryII"
B.E. Interiors Photography

"Golden GloryIII"
B.E. Interiors Photography

The next thing I did was go from being blonde w/natural red low-lights to RED! Gads! Now, truth be told, I have a lot of red in my hair naturally, but I have down played the red and highlighted the blonde most of my life. I've felt like a change lately so I decided to enhance my natural color (which has gotten darker after having children). I bought a box of light auburn hair color and THOUGHT it was going to be a light reddish brown. WRONG! It's a very natural looking...RED!!! As I was drying it, I kept staring at it thinking that somehow it was going to lighten as it dried, but it didn't. The funny thing is, though, after the shock wore off, I realized I REALLY like it! Who knew? I've always suspected if I would just go for it, I would, but now I know. Little guy didn't get red hair from nowhere. There's a lot of it in my family, so now he just looks legit! Wait until the hubby comes home and sees what I did:) This ought to be fun. (wink, wink!)

"Oh, Looocy! You got some 'splaining to do!"

 via blogs.edutech.nodak.edu

I told you it was RED!

I think I like this new do (now that I've picked my mouth up off the floor)!

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Saying Goodbye is Never Easy

"Angel Wings"
B.E. Interiors Photography

¹ There is a time for everything, 

   and a season for every activity under the heavens:

 ² a time to be born and a time to die, 

   a time to plant and a time to uproot, 

 ³ a time to kill and a time to heal, 

   a time to tear down and a time to build, 

 ⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh, 

   a time to mourn and a time to dance, 

 ⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, 

   a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 

 ⁶ a time to search and a time to give up, 

   a time to keep and a time to throw away, 

 ⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend, 

   a time to be silent and a time to speak, 

 ⁸ a time to love and a time to hate, 

   a time for war and a time for peace.

-Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A long "To Do" list sits here staring me in the face as I type. I had so much planned to get done today, but not a thing on that list got checked off. Instead I spent the day doing something very unplanned and much more important... standing in a hospital holding the hand of a man who is slipping away. I'm struggling to wrap my brain around the goodbye process to a man I've grown to love more than I ever could have imagined 11 years ago. No, I'm not referring to my hubby, although the same would apply to him. The man I am writing about would be his grandfather.

Two years prior to getting married, I lost both of my grandfathers within a one month period of time. My world was rocked, to say the least. Both were in declining health, so it wasn't a shock, but I thought they both had hung the moon:) They could do no wrong and their passing was hard for me. Although very different in personality, they both embodied a spirit of Godliness that is priceless... especially to an adoring granddaughter who only got to see them occasionally. Both lived out of state and at least a full day's drive away, meaning visits weren't near as often as I would have liked, but it was all I knew.

When Hubby and I got married over 11 years ago, I suddenly had a new grandfather figure to help fill the void. He's the big, strong, gruff, intelligent yet stubborn/ornery sort who loves the Lord with all his heart. I instantly felt a bond with the man who so reminded me of my own grandfathers. I love him even more for the fact that he knows Jesus loves him despite his imperfections and shortcomings.  From what I've been told, he has a past, but he left it in the past a long time ago. I truly admire his faith in God's love, mercy, forgiveness, and faithfulness. What a blessing to have gotten to know this man (who was more of a second father figure to my husband than a grandfather) in the later part of his life... and to see the evidence of God's ability to transform and heal. Nothing is beyond His ability!

Over the last four years I have been able to experience what it would have been like to live close to grandparents. My children have had a chance to get to know their great grandparents (my grandmother and his grandparents) in a way that would have been only a dream a few years ago. For the last six months, I have actually been able to walk to both of their retirement homes with little guy in the stroller and Scottie Dog on a leash!

It's amazing how unimportant that "To Do" list suddenly becomes when faced with losing a loved one. Take the time to cherish each moment you have with your family and loved ones, because you never know when it'll be your last. I don't know how exactly how long we've got left with him, but I know it's not much and it's slipping away suddenly and fast. This is the first time my children have experienced losing someone close to them and it's difficult to prepare them for what's ahead. It's also hard to watch your spouse (and his family) go through losing someone who they are so close to.

So, bear with me if the posts are a little random over the next week or coming weeks, but rest assured, they won't all be morbid and sad. The wonderful thing is he is at peace with this more than we are and is very sure of where he will spend eternity. I know God has a wonderful plan for all of us and we are counting our blessings even through the tears:)

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

Something Old, Something New

Today was momentous for me. I did something I haven't done in almost 11 years. I bought a "new" car. Can you believe I've been driving the same car for over 10 years? It was really quite an ordeal for me, although I didn't let on much. For some reason, I felt a tug on the old heart strings and wanted to shed a tear as I handed over the keys to my old, but good Pathfinder.

Not many people drive a car for that long. It was my first car that was totally loaded. I can remember feeling like I had arrived when I drove off the lot with it. It was also the first car we bought after getting married (my first time buying a car ever!) and it's been a workhorse. When I first got it, I never pictured having to pack five of us into four seats! That was sans kids. Now, almost eleven years later, the time had come to invest in some serious preventative maintenance that wasn't going to be cheap. Add to it that I desperately needed that third row of seats, my parents offered to trade us their much newer/bigger SUV that was no longer being used (and sell mine)....and the time came to say goodbye to ol' faithful.

In nearly eleven years, that car had never had the first problem. I didn't care that it was old and dated. It was still in great shape and I hadn't had a car payment in years. That alone is worth it's weight in gold! It never left me hanging on the side of the road (except when I ran over a nail and blew the tire). I trusted it completely and it still drives like a champ. It was nothing short of amazing how much stuff I'd managed to fit into and haul in that thing! Sofas, tables, mattresses, etc. On one move, I drove 6.5 hours with it packed to capacity with barely enough room left for me, the dog, and one kid in a car seat. She never failed me, though.

I felt like the biggest traitor today as I watched my dad drive off with it. But... after a lot of prayer, I knew it was time to say goodbye. Maybe someone will buy her that loves her as much as I did. I never dreamed there would come a day that I would have a hard time getting rid of a thirteen year old car! Must mean I'm getting old. Bummer! Oh, wait...they don't say that anymore...do they?! Like I said, I must be getting old.

via drivesteady.com

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A Funny Short Story

My two older boys came home today with report cards. The first ones of the year. I got so excited when I opened them up and saw both had made all A's that I exclaimed, "I'm so proud of you! You both made straight A's!" To which my middle guy grinned proudly, thought for a moment, then... in all seriousness, looked at me and asked,

"What does it mean if you make crooked A's?"

(Laughter truely is the best medicine!)

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