Part 2: Surgery day arrived and a whole lot more.
March 1st quickly arrived and off to the surgical center we went. The couch was made up with sheets and pillows. The little basket of necessities was full and next to the couch. The bathroom was now complete with the raised toilet seat (oh Lord, really? Yes, really!) The tub had a new shower hand held sprayer and a tub seat. The walker and crutches were all set to be used.
Surgery went well, really well. I came out of it with little pain and was ready to get home and get well.
The first couple of days Dave was able to be with me, but his vacation was all used up and I was dreading being alone and helpless. Lindsey called and offered to come care for me for a few days. She would fly in on Sunday afternoon and stay until Thursday giving her time to get back to Texas to photograph a wedding on Saturday.
By the time Linds arrived Dave and I had figured out a good plan of getting me from one room to the other and making sure I was well cared for. I was so thankful to have Lindsey with me once Dave headed back to work. The pain had set in and I was helpless.
Lindsey and I spend our time talking and sleeping. I was on strong pain meds and she was now pregnant. I relished each moment with my daughter and knew the Lord had shed his goodness upon me by having Lindsey home.
During the few days Linds was home she was able to share their exciting news with family and friends here in Michigan. It was fun to let the cat out of the bag and start telling my friends and family as well. I'm a talker and it was hard to keep my mouth shut for a month.
Thursday came all too quickly and it was time for Lindsey to fly back to Beto in Texas. Dave loaded me in the back seat of the car and off we went to the airport. I was still on heavy meds so the trip was not a big deal and it was good to get out for a short ride.
Lindsey made it home and by the weekend they had pretty much shared with family and friends about the news of the baby. They had the wedding to photograph on Saturday and then on Monday would post their news on Facebook for the rest of the world to know.
I knew something was wrong when she called me Saturday late morning asking questions. Wow, I can't even write this without reliving the moments, hours and days that followed.
She called her doctor, rested until she had to leave and then headed off to photograph the wedding. What a day it was for her. Alfred and Alicia had come home to be with me for the weekend and we waited, prayed, and hoped. We talked on the phone with Lindsey off and on and by Sunday morning she shared that she had lost the baby.
OH THE PAIN!
After walking this road in my own life twice I knew just what she was going through. I knew the feelings of loss, disappointment and sorrow. I knew the dreams that had begun to bud were trampled on and destroyed. What I didn't know is that it hurt me more to watch my children walk this road than it did for me to walk it out in my own life all those years ago.
To be continued...
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
The new year arrived and so did a bucket load of emotions
It's hard to imagine
all that has happened around here over the last 5 months. Although I
have not been blogging I've decided to try to record the events so that
I can remember them and cherish each part for how it impacted out
lives.
It seems like the new year had just arrived and all too soon I was looking at foot surgery. Alfred and Alicia invited us to come visit for a weekend in February and we hopped at the chance knowing I would be laid up for quite some time and the opportunity to head their way would be out of the question for at least awhile.
We hit the road first thing in the morning on a Saturday. Our 3 hour trip was uneventful. Just before we were ready to exit off the highway to the kids neighborhood I got a text from Alicia asking us to let them know when we hit the exit. I didn't think anything about this since it was getting close to the lunch hour and I figured she was getting lunch going and maybe had something to put in the oven.
I sent her a text back just a few minutes later and before we knew it we were at their condo. We were excited to see them and they quickly ushered us inside and said that Jenna was on Skype so we could all chat. We sat down and started talking when out from the bedroom popped Beto and Lindsey yelling, "Surprise!" Huh? What in the world were they doing there?
I turned around and saw Lindsey holding a little photo of a sonogram and smiling from ear to ear as she told me I was going to be a grandma. We all hugged, cried, laughed and shared this precious moment together, even Jen was able to see the excitement on Skype.
The weekend was filled with lots of baby talk. We laughed about all the options for grandparent names. We all looked ahead to the fall when our first little one would arrive. I don't think I could have been happier in that moment.
Dave and I love babies! We both talked during the drive back to Michigan about how hard it would be to have our first grandchild in Texas. We talked about how excited we were and no matter what we would be in this child's life. We had a secret to keep for awhile, but it was fun and thrilling.
We had no idea what would lay in store for all of us just around the corner.
To be continued...
Part I: Pure Joy
It seems like the new year had just arrived and all too soon I was looking at foot surgery. Alfred and Alicia invited us to come visit for a weekend in February and we hopped at the chance knowing I would be laid up for quite some time and the opportunity to head their way would be out of the question for at least awhile.
We hit the road first thing in the morning on a Saturday. Our 3 hour trip was uneventful. Just before we were ready to exit off the highway to the kids neighborhood I got a text from Alicia asking us to let them know when we hit the exit. I didn't think anything about this since it was getting close to the lunch hour and I figured she was getting lunch going and maybe had something to put in the oven.
I sent her a text back just a few minutes later and before we knew it we were at their condo. We were excited to see them and they quickly ushered us inside and said that Jenna was on Skype so we could all chat. We sat down and started talking when out from the bedroom popped Beto and Lindsey yelling, "Surprise!" Huh? What in the world were they doing there?
I turned around and saw Lindsey holding a little photo of a sonogram and smiling from ear to ear as she told me I was going to be a grandma. We all hugged, cried, laughed and shared this precious moment together, even Jen was able to see the excitement on Skype.
The weekend was filled with lots of baby talk. We laughed about all the options for grandparent names. We all looked ahead to the fall when our first little one would arrive. I don't think I could have been happier in that moment.
Dave and I love babies! We both talked during the drive back to Michigan about how hard it would be to have our first grandchild in Texas. We talked about how excited we were and no matter what we would be in this child's life. We had a secret to keep for awhile, but it was fun and thrilling.
We had no idea what would lay in store for all of us just around the corner.
To be continued...
Saturday, February 11, 2012
From work outs to working it all out
So, what's new in my life these days you ask? Oh, you didn't ask? Well, I'm here to write it all down as usual just because I feel the need to get it out of my head and neatly tucked away somewhere else and that's just what this blog is for. So, read on if you feel like it or just click out if you don't.
The past month has been a wild one. As I mentioned before, the new year was for me a time of new beginnings. Knowing my birthday would be just a few months away I wanted to start the year out with a new passion for feeling better, eating healthier, and getting a grip on turning another year older.
Little did I know that all the exercise would bring another foot issue to light. If you know me at all or have read my old blogs, you know that my feet have not been my best friends for the last decade or so.
I started out January first hitting the WII fit every single day. I felt good, really good. Oh, the old body was screaming as it wondered what in the world I was doing to it, but basically I mentally was feeling better. Winter tends to bring me down and out and the exercise was fighting that in a good way. Each day that I buckled down to do a workout I finished up with big time pain in my foot.
For many years I was sure I had the beginnings of a possible bunion and nasty looking feet like my mom. Oh boy does she have nasty looking feet. I'd have days where I'd feel pain and then long stretches with no pain at all. Now the pain was 24/7 and a visit to the doctor was on the list of things to do. She took one look at my foot and said I needed a specialist to evaluate what was going on. Off I went with Vicodin in hand to wait three weeks to see the specialist.
During this time Dave started to not feel well. He was in pain and had found a lump that caused some alarm. He called me at work to say that he was really hurting and I asked him to call the doctor right away. The doctor didn't even want to see him, but rather sent him directly to the hospital for an ultra sound. We were thankful that same evening when the report came back that he was battling a really tough infection and meds would get him back to feeling good again.
A few days later we headed to the foot specialist. I was dreading the appointment. Several people had felt the need to share how painful bunion surgery is and I just didn't feel like being off work for a period of time and dealing with pain. After having ex-rays taken and speaking with the doctor I was left in a heap of tears. Little did I know it wasn't just a bunion, but a fallen arch needing repair along with a tendon that needs to be lengthened. The kind doctor said he could just shave bone off my foot, but it would not bring about the solution to my pain.
I cried for three hours straight. That seems insane now, but at the time I just needed a good old pitting party. I dreaded the surgery. I couldn't even wrap my mind around 8 weeks of NO walking and a cast. I was frustrated that my girls live far away and would not able to be here with me. Oh, and how in the world was I going to tell my coworkers that they would be working short yet once again? Yeah, it was a pathetic sight and sound around here for those 3 long hours. Bless Dave's big old caring heart as he consoled me.
As the days past I found myself coming to grips with the surgery. We scheduled a date of March 1st and the planning in my head began. I would have a bunch of stuff to get in order and the next four weeks would fly by.
By this time weeks had past for Dave and the meds were doing nothing. He was in more pain than ever and getting frustrated. He finally saw the doctor leaving both of us feeling far worse. We both agreed that worry would do nothing to change the situation and we needed to just trust the Lord and wait for a report. Our doctor sent him on to a specialist with the words, "This could be a tumor and we need to get you seen ASAP." Needless to say that did not bring much peace to my mind.
We waited through the weekend and on to Tuesday for the next appointment. I was not able to leave work to go along and let me tell you it was so hard waiting to hear how things went. Bless my dad's heart for going along with Dave so he was not alone. The specialist confirmed a nasty infection and prescribed different meds to ease the pain. What a relief! Okay, that's an understatement. The enemy sure knew how to attack my thoughts. I kept trying to hold fast to the fact that everything would be fine, yet I wanted to be prepared for reality if it should be cancer and we needed to head into a big time fight.
Finally we have arrived to today. David is beginning to feel some better despite a head cold. Oh how thankful I am! I am getting small things set around the house to help me cope with crutches for 8 weeks. The exercising has stopped and that makes me sad, but it's not worth the pain. I was continuing with non foot related stuff, but then a stiff neck hit. Oh brother, how can such a small thing cause so much discomfort? It made me laugh at myself and the lack of being able to turn my head for several days. Still, it was a pain in the neck!
I'm still not at total peace with the surgery, but I realize that my quality of life is hampered and it will only get worse if I don't go ahead and get the issues fixed. I'm working hard to not stress. Again, if you know me, you know that's an ongoing battle for me. I'm blessed to have a husband that is encouraging me and reminding me that we will make it through this time of less money and more pain. We both know without doubt that the Lord will provide for us, He always does.
So we press onward to March 1. I try not to think too much about getting to the bathroom during the night, about the cat jumping up on the bed and snuggling in by my feet where she loves to be, and about many, many weeks of not working.
Yup, it's a new year and I am praying that all of this will find me stronger. In times like these where surrender is a hard thing to do, I find myself working to lay it all down and just give it up the One who knows my future.
Help me Lord Jesus to surrender all to Thee.
The past month has been a wild one. As I mentioned before, the new year was for me a time of new beginnings. Knowing my birthday would be just a few months away I wanted to start the year out with a new passion for feeling better, eating healthier, and getting a grip on turning another year older.
Little did I know that all the exercise would bring another foot issue to light. If you know me at all or have read my old blogs, you know that my feet have not been my best friends for the last decade or so.
I started out January first hitting the WII fit every single day. I felt good, really good. Oh, the old body was screaming as it wondered what in the world I was doing to it, but basically I mentally was feeling better. Winter tends to bring me down and out and the exercise was fighting that in a good way. Each day that I buckled down to do a workout I finished up with big time pain in my foot.
For many years I was sure I had the beginnings of a possible bunion and nasty looking feet like my mom. Oh boy does she have nasty looking feet. I'd have days where I'd feel pain and then long stretches with no pain at all. Now the pain was 24/7 and a visit to the doctor was on the list of things to do. She took one look at my foot and said I needed a specialist to evaluate what was going on. Off I went with Vicodin in hand to wait three weeks to see the specialist.
During this time Dave started to not feel well. He was in pain and had found a lump that caused some alarm. He called me at work to say that he was really hurting and I asked him to call the doctor right away. The doctor didn't even want to see him, but rather sent him directly to the hospital for an ultra sound. We were thankful that same evening when the report came back that he was battling a really tough infection and meds would get him back to feeling good again.
A few days later we headed to the foot specialist. I was dreading the appointment. Several people had felt the need to share how painful bunion surgery is and I just didn't feel like being off work for a period of time and dealing with pain. After having ex-rays taken and speaking with the doctor I was left in a heap of tears. Little did I know it wasn't just a bunion, but a fallen arch needing repair along with a tendon that needs to be lengthened. The kind doctor said he could just shave bone off my foot, but it would not bring about the solution to my pain.
I cried for three hours straight. That seems insane now, but at the time I just needed a good old pitting party. I dreaded the surgery. I couldn't even wrap my mind around 8 weeks of NO walking and a cast. I was frustrated that my girls live far away and would not able to be here with me. Oh, and how in the world was I going to tell my coworkers that they would be working short yet once again? Yeah, it was a pathetic sight and sound around here for those 3 long hours. Bless Dave's big old caring heart as he consoled me.
As the days past I found myself coming to grips with the surgery. We scheduled a date of March 1st and the planning in my head began. I would have a bunch of stuff to get in order and the next four weeks would fly by.
By this time weeks had past for Dave and the meds were doing nothing. He was in more pain than ever and getting frustrated. He finally saw the doctor leaving both of us feeling far worse. We both agreed that worry would do nothing to change the situation and we needed to just trust the Lord and wait for a report. Our doctor sent him on to a specialist with the words, "This could be a tumor and we need to get you seen ASAP." Needless to say that did not bring much peace to my mind.
We waited through the weekend and on to Tuesday for the next appointment. I was not able to leave work to go along and let me tell you it was so hard waiting to hear how things went. Bless my dad's heart for going along with Dave so he was not alone. The specialist confirmed a nasty infection and prescribed different meds to ease the pain. What a relief! Okay, that's an understatement. The enemy sure knew how to attack my thoughts. I kept trying to hold fast to the fact that everything would be fine, yet I wanted to be prepared for reality if it should be cancer and we needed to head into a big time fight.
Finally we have arrived to today. David is beginning to feel some better despite a head cold. Oh how thankful I am! I am getting small things set around the house to help me cope with crutches for 8 weeks. The exercising has stopped and that makes me sad, but it's not worth the pain. I was continuing with non foot related stuff, but then a stiff neck hit. Oh brother, how can such a small thing cause so much discomfort? It made me laugh at myself and the lack of being able to turn my head for several days. Still, it was a pain in the neck!
I'm still not at total peace with the surgery, but I realize that my quality of life is hampered and it will only get worse if I don't go ahead and get the issues fixed. I'm working hard to not stress. Again, if you know me, you know that's an ongoing battle for me. I'm blessed to have a husband that is encouraging me and reminding me that we will make it through this time of less money and more pain. We both know without doubt that the Lord will provide for us, He always does.
So we press onward to March 1. I try not to think too much about getting to the bathroom during the night, about the cat jumping up on the bed and snuggling in by my feet where she loves to be, and about many, many weeks of not working.
Yup, it's a new year and I am praying that all of this will find me stronger. In times like these where surrender is a hard thing to do, I find myself working to lay it all down and just give it up the One who knows my future.
Help me Lord Jesus to surrender all to Thee.
Ever have one of those days?
Me (in a tizzy) : God, can I ask you something?
GOD: Sure.
Me: Promise you won't get mad?
GOD: I promise.
Me (frustrated): Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today?
GOD: What do you mean?
Me: Well I woke up late,
GOD: Yes
Me: My car took forever to start,
GOD: Okay....
Me (growling): At lunch, they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait
GOD: Hmmmm..
Me: On the way home, my phone went dead, just as I picked up a call
GOD: All right
Me (loudly): And to top it all off, when I got home, I just wanted to soak my feet in my foot massager and relax, but it wouldn't work. Nothing went right today! Why did you do that?
GOD: Well let me see..... the death angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that.
Me (humbled): Oh...
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that might have hit you if you were on the road
Me (ashamed): ............
GOD: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick and I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work
Me (embarrassed): Oh.....
GOD: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give a false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered
Me (softly): I see God
GOD: Oh and that foot massager, it had a short that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm sorry God.
GOD: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me.........in all things, the good and the bad
Me: I WILL trust you God
GOD: And don't doubt that my plan for your day is always better than your plan
Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything today.
GOD: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I love looking after my children.
Scriptural References: II Samuel 22:31, Proverbs 3:5, Hebrews 2:13
Sunday, January 29, 2012
My WORD for 2012
As I entered this new year I noticed many of my online friends sharing what word the Lord had impressed upon their hearts to be their daily focus. During the years of my regular blogging this has been something many of us have done and we shared our words and later shared how the Lord worked in our lives over time to teach us the true meaning of the word He'd given.
I didn't really search out a word, but I knew change was what I wanted. I was tired of the extra pounds I had gain, tired of my lack of exercise, and tired of being 51 yet feeling much older on most days.
I set a goal for the new year to try to get a bit healthier. I began on January 1st by instituting a daily exercise routine. Although it was slow and very beginner like I knew I needed to begin somewhere. I agreed with some friends to be held accountable for the next four weeks as to what I was eating, drinking, and how much exercise I was actually doing.
I was sure God was telling me that CHANGE was my word. I didn't like it. I didn't want to know what else would come with such a tough word.
It's been almost a month into this new way of life. I've lost some weight slow but sure and feel a sense of accomplishment as I watch my clothes loosen up a bit and my body feel stronger. Yet, slowly I could hear that still small voice telling me that change was not what the Lord was leading me to. Although changing my lifestyle was huge, it was not meant to be my word for the year.
Today I realize that the Lord has lead me to a word that I know without doubt is meant for me to focus on and meditate on daily. My word for 2012 is humility.
It's funny how God works. He slowing and steadily was showing me that being proud is a sin. It's wrong to be proud in the face of others about what you know, who you know, and the things you have accomplished. I believe the Lord desires for me to reflect Christ in all things and pride is the complete opposite of what Christ is. Not only does the Lord desire for pride to be cast out of my life, but He desires for pride to never be held up as a substitute for His goodness and His grace.
I recently read that many people have the wrong idea about God, the Bible and humility, or being humble. They think being humble means groveling in front of others or thinking we're no good and others are good. That’s not how the Bible demonstrates being humble.
God says when you are humble, you are free from pride and arrogance. You know that in your flesh you are inadequate, yet you also know who you are in Christ. You are able to be a peacemaker without needing to fight for your rights. You are able to walk humbly in the power of God’s Holy Spirit, not your own personal power.
Godly humility is being comfortable with who you are in the Lord and therefore putting others first. The meaning of humility in the Bible is one of loving others.
Being humble allows me to not feel the need to always be right in every argument, nor do I need to always win.
Being humble means that I can respond to unfair treatment without being overcome by bitterness. I do not need revenge.
Being humble means that I do not have to act like a big shot. Because in knowing God I have nothing to prove. I can also deal with my failures without being emotionally hurt.
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23-24).
Being humble allows me to talk with a gentle spirit and in love even if it means I need to be firm and strong. Again, I do not need to prove anything.
Being humble allows me to act in a godly manner and therefore I will not regret my words or my actions.
So, with all this being said, I can only pray that each day the Lord reveals these things to me in such ways that I cannot close my eyes to them, but rather have a teachable heart and a heart that is open to change (there is that word again). May I be a teachable child of the King and may humility be seen in the things I say and do. I have a long road to walk and much to learn, but in Christ all things are possible.
I didn't really search out a word, but I knew change was what I wanted. I was tired of the extra pounds I had gain, tired of my lack of exercise, and tired of being 51 yet feeling much older on most days.
I set a goal for the new year to try to get a bit healthier. I began on January 1st by instituting a daily exercise routine. Although it was slow and very beginner like I knew I needed to begin somewhere. I agreed with some friends to be held accountable for the next four weeks as to what I was eating, drinking, and how much exercise I was actually doing.
I was sure God was telling me that CHANGE was my word. I didn't like it. I didn't want to know what else would come with such a tough word.
It's been almost a month into this new way of life. I've lost some weight slow but sure and feel a sense of accomplishment as I watch my clothes loosen up a bit and my body feel stronger. Yet, slowly I could hear that still small voice telling me that change was not what the Lord was leading me to. Although changing my lifestyle was huge, it was not meant to be my word for the year.
Today I realize that the Lord has lead me to a word that I know without doubt is meant for me to focus on and meditate on daily. My word for 2012 is humility.
It's funny how God works. He slowing and steadily was showing me that being proud is a sin. It's wrong to be proud in the face of others about what you know, who you know, and the things you have accomplished. I believe the Lord desires for me to reflect Christ in all things and pride is the complete opposite of what Christ is. Not only does the Lord desire for pride to be cast out of my life, but He desires for pride to never be held up as a substitute for His goodness and His grace.
I recently read that many people have the wrong idea about God, the Bible and humility, or being humble. They think being humble means groveling in front of others or thinking we're no good and others are good. That’s not how the Bible demonstrates being humble.
God says when you are humble, you are free from pride and arrogance. You know that in your flesh you are inadequate, yet you also know who you are in Christ. You are able to be a peacemaker without needing to fight for your rights. You are able to walk humbly in the power of God’s Holy Spirit, not your own personal power.
Godly humility is being comfortable with who you are in the Lord and therefore putting others first. The meaning of humility in the Bible is one of loving others.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3).
Being humble allows me to not feel the need to always be right in every argument, nor do I need to always win.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1)
Being humble means that I can respond to unfair treatment without being overcome by bitterness. I do not need revenge.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Being humble means that I do not have to act like a big shot. Because in knowing God I have nothing to prove. I can also deal with my failures without being emotionally hurt.
Being humble allows me to ask for forgiveness no matter how much or how little I might have been wrong.
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23-24).
Being humble allows me to talk with a gentle spirit and in love even if it means I need to be firm and strong. Again, I do not need to prove anything.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).
Being humble allows me to act in a godly manner and therefore I will not regret my words or my actions.
So, with all this being said, I can only pray that each day the Lord reveals these things to me in such ways that I cannot close my eyes to them, but rather have a teachable heart and a heart that is open to change (there is that word again). May I be a teachable child of the King and may humility be seen in the things I say and do. I have a long road to walk and much to learn, but in Christ all things are possible.
Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Looking back at 2011
I entered 2011 with a word for the year, I felt the Lord directing me to the word "found". I knew in my heart that I needed to be found changed in many ways. I longed to be changed spiritually. My life was in a dry place and renewal was one of my hearts deepest desires.
Today as I look back I can see huge changes that occurred throughout the year, not just for me, but my family as well. Some things we walked through were pure joy and some were very full of pain. Through it all I truly have found myself walking closer to the Lord, thankful and very full of hope for the new year that lies ahead. I am counting my blessings and naming them one by one.
Our family was blessed with a year like none other. Over the past ten years one or more of our daughters has lived out of state. This year we enjoyed more visits than ever. We started things off with an unexpected trip home from Beto and Lindsey in February. They spent a few days here in Michigan getting a taste of winter weather. This was a first in all the years they've been together.
In March we took a much unexpected trip to Dallas to be with Jenna after the breakup of her engagement only two months before her wedding day. It was a difficult trip, but one completely set in motion by the Lord. The month of May brought us back to Dallas, along with my 81 year old parents, to spend the week that would have been Jen's wedding. We did plenty of celebrating that there was no wedding. Along with the heat of summer August brought Dave back to Texas for two weeks of work and time to see the kids.
The fall brought us to Chicago to help Alfred and Alicia move in preparation for Alfred starting school for nursing. After winning a free flight through Orbitz on Twitter we booked a flight for Dave as well and made a September visit to the Lone Star state for a few more days.
In November we found ourselves on the road for a 17 hour road trip for Thanksgiving. This time the entire family, all five kids, Dave and I were together. Although we were only there for about three days it was wonderful!
I never dreamed we would be so blessed to all be together again for Christmas. All five kids came home! It's been years since we've all been together for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My heart was bursting as I sat and looked at my entire family around the table on Christmas night. My parents joined us as well and the tears fell as Dave thanked the Lord for everyone being together.
My photographer daughter knows the joy it brings to me whenever I get new pictures of my family. Since we are so far apart the photos are treasures to me and I have them all over my house. Our Thanksgiving trip was the perfect time to grab a photo shoot. Christmas brought me a wonderful assortment of new pictures for my home thanks to Lindsey Joy.
Dave and I have had a good year. Although the pain of being apart from Jenna during one of the roughest times in her life was huge, we saw the Lord peeling layers of blinders from her eyes and bringing her into a new and better life. We found a new church to attend and after years of being one of thousands we are now two in the midst of what I call our church family. This has been a huge answer to my prayers.
I am more than blessed to have such a wonderful guy by my side. He sees me through the good and the bad. There is no one I'd rather walk through this life with. He loves me so unconditionally that at times I feel so undeserving. He loves his kids and is a devoted dad.
Beto and Lindsey have had a year blessed with their business growing and continuing to prosper. They love being photographers and do an outstanding job at it. We couldn't be more proud of their hard work and talent. They have been married for more than six years and are totally and completely in love.
Alfred and Alicia have had a year jammed full of work, school, work and more school. Alicia continues to thrive at her job at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Her long commute baffles me, but she never complains. Alfred has just completed his master's degree while working up to three jobs around the clock. This next year will be a whole new challenge as Alfred has been accepted to nursing school, another answer to many prayers. They have been married over three years and are also a beautiful mirror of what love and marriage should be all about.
I hope you have found yourself changed during 2011 and may you find all that the Lord has ready to bless you with in 2012.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
A little lack of sleep, lots of food, and a full heart
Last Tuesday at 2AM we peeled our eyes open, showered, hopped in the car and headed on a road trip. The excitement was so strong that within about an hour I had drifted back to sleep as Dave drove the car south for our 17 1/2 hour trip to Dallas Texas. I am not a morning person so sleep was the best place for me to be.
We passed this brand of truck many times and I snapped a pic because it's my dad's name. As excited as I was to be with my family in the south I would be missing my extended family back here at home.
The weather was good the first part of the drive and the only downer was that I was fighting a migraine. I ended up sicker than usual and I'm sure the lack of sleep and stressing over leaving my job at the holiday were the cause of it. Bless Dave's heart for being so great and driving the entire trip without a single complaint. He's always so good to me when I'm battling head pain.
We hit some rain along the way, but still made good time stopping only to get gas and take the much needed restroom breaks.
We had hoped to stop in Wagoner, Oklahoma to see our friends Susan and Mickey, but I was just so sick. Bless Leigh Ann's heart for letting Susan know we would not be stopping on the way down. I had to laugh how I connected with a friend in Pennsylvania to let a friend in Oklahoma know that we would not be stopping. Crazy? Maybe so, but it worked. (Thanks again Leigh Ann)
We did snap a picture of the Wagoner water tower just to prove we were really there and also of the MacD's were we met Susan and Mickey two years ago on our quick stop while heading to Texas. See Susan, I really was thinking about you.
We arrived at the kids around 7:30ish PM on Tuesday night. Beto, Lindsey, and Jenna were waiting for us and ready to serve us up some hot homemade soups which were so yummy after eating on the road. The next day Alfred and Alicia flew in from Chicago. I almost couldn't contain myself that the whole family was together after three years. I didn't want to drive everyone crazy so I tried to just keep my enthusiasm to myself.
Later that day after much wardrobe deliberations by the girls we headed to a gorgeous spot to do some family photos. Our last family picture was taken at Alfred and Alicia's wedding over 3 years ago.
Lindsey and Beto set us up and got everyone in order. I had my little point and shoot along just to capture a few candids. The good photos are yet to be seen. Lindsey's working on that right now. I wanted separate pictures of the kids as couples and of Jenna. I haven't had a new photo of her in some time. She likes to change her look so my current ones don't really look like her.
Beto has found a love for Dave's medium format camera that he used for many years. It shoots film and Beto has been having fun with it. Film, it's a thing of the past, but a new thing for our kids. It's like listening to albums on Beto's turn table. Huh, I thought those things were antiques? Yet our kids love the record player. Go figure.
These two have been married for over six years and are still crazy in love.
Alicia took over the digital to photograph Linds and Beto while Dave got his hands back on his film camera and snapped a few shots. I loved watching them in action. Notice the color on the trees. Michigan has only bare branches at this point waiting for snow to cover them. Oklahoma was beautiful and spots in Texas as well.
The whole gang.
FINALLY, me and my girls, Alicia, Lindsey, and Jenna. Yes, this was my greatest blessing and I'm so thankful for each one of them and how very different they all are from each other.
David and his oldest daughter, Lindsey Joy. The two photographers being photographed by none other than me.
We moved from that location just down the road to the lake. It was beautiful. I never knew there was a lake close to where the kids live. What a great sunset.
David and his daughters.
My girls, youngest to oldest. Jenna is not really that much taller, she just had on high heeled boots. My girls are all quite tall, but pretty even in their heights.
After photos we headed to dinner. The place we wanted to go to was closed so we went next door to Tillman's. We had been there before, but not Alfred and Alicia. The meal was great and the dessert consisted of making your own smores at the table with all homemade ingredients. Such fun!
A couple of nights Jenna stayed overnight rather than driving all the way to her place. Thanksgiving morning was a busy time of preparing food. Jen and Alf got the job of snipping the beans. Trust me whatever you do with Alfred is an experience. He is crazy funny and always kept us laughing. Yeah, he looks all innocent here, but I rather doubt he was that intent on those beans.
Alicia was busy making homemade biscuits in the kitchen. My family has a tradition of eating biscuits and gravy and it's now a tradition for my girls as well.
Beto and Lindsey getting ready to carve the bird.
Someone in the family LOVES her mashed potatoes. We had red skinned potatoes this year and I think someone ate them all. Did you Alicia? Actually she had her own plate due to an allergy and couldn't eat them prepare the way everyone else's were made.
Dinner was outstanding. My girls did all the cooking and I was the head cleaner-upper. That worked pretty well in my book.
Beto's dad joined us as well since his wife was not able to be there. We snapped the picture before he arrived.
We really enjoyed our time with the kids. I could have taken tons of photos, but I think these were enough. The kids spent some time playing Settlers of Catan. We did a tiny bit of shopping including Black Friday morning for Alf and Alicia. The rest of the time was just hanging out and having fun together.
Saturday morning we all went out to breakfast before we hit the road for home. Lindsey came down with tonsillitis on Thanksgiving night and was a real trooper despite a fever and sore throat. She headed to the doctor right after we left.
One last photo snapped at the restaurant, Alicia and Alfred. I snapped a few more, but Lindsey was just not feeling well and Alfred was misbehaving on all the rest.
I was not happy to be leaving my family behind. Actually this is my, "Your mother is getting frustrated with you" look, but Alfred didn't really seem to even notice, LOL. It was all good fun.
Our long trip to Texas was over all too fast. Three full days together was far better than spending the holiday without any of our kids. Although I felt a ton of stress leaving my job during the holiday time my husband knew that getting me to Texas was the only way to have a happy wife. He was right! Some things in life cannot be done over. A holiday with the entire family just never works for us since we all live apart from one another. This Thanksgiving will be one to hang on to. We, as a family, never really know when will be the next time we see each other.
I look forward to Christmas in hopes of having the kids all home for at least a few days. Nothing is quite set in stone yet other than Jen has her plane ticket bought. I will just try to relax and let it come as it may.
I hope you all had a blessed holiday whether you were with loads of family or none. I've learned over the years that being together is best, but it's not always doable. I'm thankful that God in His goodness allowed the plans to be carried out and memories to be made to cherish for years to come.
We passed this brand of truck many times and I snapped a pic because it's my dad's name. As excited as I was to be with my family in the south I would be missing my extended family back here at home.
We hit some rain along the way, but still made good time stopping only to get gas and take the much needed restroom breaks.
We had hoped to stop in Wagoner, Oklahoma to see our friends Susan and Mickey, but I was just so sick. Bless Leigh Ann's heart for letting Susan know we would not be stopping on the way down. I had to laugh how I connected with a friend in Pennsylvania to let a friend in Oklahoma know that we would not be stopping. Crazy? Maybe so, but it worked. (Thanks again Leigh Ann)
Later that day after much wardrobe deliberations by the girls we headed to a gorgeous spot to do some family photos. Our last family picture was taken at Alfred and Alicia's wedding over 3 years ago.
Lindsey and Beto set us up and got everyone in order. I had my little point and shoot along just to capture a few candids. The good photos are yet to be seen. Lindsey's working on that right now. I wanted separate pictures of the kids as couples and of Jenna. I haven't had a new photo of her in some time. She likes to change her look so my current ones don't really look like her.
These two have been married for over six years and are still crazy in love.
The whole gang.
After photos we headed to dinner. The place we wanted to go to was closed so we went next door to Tillman's. We had been there before, but not Alfred and Alicia. The meal was great and the dessert consisted of making your own smores at the table with all homemade ingredients. Such fun!
Dinner was outstanding. My girls did all the cooking and I was the head cleaner-upper. That worked pretty well in my book.
Saturday morning we all went out to breakfast before we hit the road for home. Lindsey came down with tonsillitis on Thanksgiving night and was a real trooper despite a fever and sore throat. She headed to the doctor right after we left.
Our long trip to Texas was over all too fast. Three full days together was far better than spending the holiday without any of our kids. Although I felt a ton of stress leaving my job during the holiday time my husband knew that getting me to Texas was the only way to have a happy wife. He was right! Some things in life cannot be done over. A holiday with the entire family just never works for us since we all live apart from one another. This Thanksgiving will be one to hang on to. We, as a family, never really know when will be the next time we see each other.
I look forward to Christmas in hopes of having the kids all home for at least a few days. Nothing is quite set in stone yet other than Jen has her plane ticket bought. I will just try to relax and let it come as it may.
I hope you all had a blessed holiday whether you were with loads of family or none. I've learned over the years that being together is best, but it's not always doable. I'm thankful that God in His goodness allowed the plans to be carried out and memories to be made to cherish for years to come.
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