Family and Fun

This was a great weekend.

Friday I drove down to Houston to spend some time with my parents and sisters. My mom let it slip to my younger sister that I was coming. We talked about it, though, and really, there's no need to try and surprise her. I am within driving distance, and I only get to see her a few times a year, so if I can come, I will. My older sister, however, was VERY surprised. She, her fiance, and her fiance's mother came over to my parents' house Friday night. Conlan, Cassie and I hid in a back room. When they came into the living room, we sent Conlan out to meet them. They had no idea. Then Cassie came out of the back room. More surprises!! We played Apples to Apples late into the night. We went to bed around 11:30 or so after Kristen and company left.

Saturday we spent the morning lounging around and drinking coffee. This is typical when we're at my parents' for a Saturday morning. I love it. We normally go sit outside for coffee, but it was raining. Around 10:00, we all realized that we were leaving in an hour, so we rushed to get ready. Of course we were late. (We're always late.) The shower was nice. There was wonderful food and family I hadn't seen in a while. After the shower I drove back to Longview.

During the drive, I realized that I didn't have a babysitter for Conlan. I had Jonathan call a few people, but when we realized how closely I was going to be cutting it on time, I called some people who were closer to his parents' house. We ended up leaving Conlan with our friends Ginger and Russell. Their daughter Piper and Conlan both stayed with Adriana this last fall, so it was good for him to see her again. When we dropped him off, they were sitting in their front yard playing. Conlan didn't even notice us leave.

The ballet recital was wonderful. We really enjoyed watching Mary and Camila dance. There was a lady sitting next to me though who thought it necessary to take pictures using the flash. I missed a large portion of the dance that was after her daughter's because I was blind.

Sunday morning Jonathan got up and went to worship practice early. I woke up and had a hard time going back to sleep, because Conlan decided he wanted to serenade me. He did that at my parents' house as well. I got up and ate breakfast and just sat and talked. Jonathan's parents' house is relaxing in a completely different way. While Tom was waiting for the younger kids to get ready so they could head to Sunday school, he played praise songs on the piano. It just made the whole rushed feeling that was starting to creep up melt away. The rest of us got ready and got to church right as the service started. It was Jonathan's last Sunday to lead, so it was difficult for him. Calixto spoke, which was wonderful, because he and Brenda have been gone for a while. I stayed in for most of the service, but I still have the nasty congestion that's causing headaches.

The left side of my head has been in serious pain since Saturday morning. I'm wondering now if it's allergies and not a cold (that's still left.) Every time I cough, pain shoots up my sinuses. I could have an infection, but now is a horrible time for me to take time out to sit at the doctor's office. I just don't have the time for it. If things are still nasty next week, I'll go first thing.

What am I thankful for?
23) Saturday mornings and coffee
24) Surprises
25) My sisters
26) Dance recitals
27) Sundays with my in-laws
28) Tylenol Cold :)

Sick

Yesterday after my doctor's appointment, I decided that I wanted to take Conlan and go to the zoo. It was the 18 month birthday. :) So Dana and Lindsay came along. I sure am glad that they did. About 10-15 minutes after we got there, I started feeling really dizzy. I laid down in the reptile house while Lindsay went and got someone to help me. I didn't eat before the zoo (I didn't have time), and they had taken blood at my appointment. Well, the zoo security took me over to the restaurant and I tried to eat a hamburger. Didn't work. I sat in an office for about 10 minutes to cool down. After that, we walked around for a little bit longer. I was okay then. I drove back to Longview and dropped Lindsay off at her car. When I was driving from Longview to Shreveport, however, I felt like I was going to pass out again. Doing the stupid thing, I kept driving. I got home okay, but I was cold. Jonathan went to get dinner, and came back with chicken. I couldn't eat, so I just got into the tub to warm up. That helped a lot. I went to bed around 8.

All that to say, I woke up this morning with the same pounding headache that I went to sleep with. I think it's safe to say that I'm sick. Not good. I could use prayers this morning, because I'm anything but hungry, and I know I need to eat. I guess it's chicken soup and 7-Up for me today.

What am I thankful for?

20) The zoo
21) Wonderful, understanding and caring friends
22) Zoo security

Quote

Sorry to post a lot this afternoon. I have a lot of stuff to share.

20) Amanda Morgan...if you know her, you understand

Amanda shared a quote with me this morning.

"Why am I afraid to dance, I who love music and rhythm and grace and song and laughter? Why am I afraid to live, I who love life and the beauty of flesh and the living colors of the earth and sky and sea? Why am I afraid to love, I who love love?"
--Eugene O'Neill

Strange how well it applies.

I feel like writing all the time. I really should start again.

Crayons

19) Non-Toxic, Washable crayons

I learned a lesson today that I think every mom (or dad) has to learn at one time or another. Crayons are food to munchkins, especially when in use in a high chair.

I bought Conlan some age-appropriate crayons today so he could occupy himself while I pack. Yeah. I learned that's not going to work. As soon as I walked out to get a box, he had the entire tip of the crayon broken off and in his mouth. The picture above is what I bought, so he couldn't get the whole crayon in his mouth.

Well, I had to scrub his teeth with his toothbrush and also with a rag.

I've learned my lesson. No more crayons unsupervised. :)

Today's Sermon

Church was good today. There was a guest speaker who talked about the broken heart of God. He was talking about how God used a certain event to help him understand how God grieves over the loss of His children. I felt like God was really speaking to my heart. I feel like I have more compassion now for those who are lost, because I have now lost someone dear to my heart.

So...what have I been thankful for today?

9) Convicting sermons
10) Applicable life lessons
11) Outdoor potlucks on a warm day
12) 5 year olds eager to help my child play like a big kid
13) Huber girls who can't keep their shoes on while swinging
14) Listening to Jonathan talk football with 4 other men
15) Afternoon naps on the car ride home
16) Stuffed animal diving with my 18 month old
17) Frozen lasagna
18) Quality time with my hubby after the munchkin is asleep

Amen

8) See above

Thankful

I feel like I need a special kind of therapy right now. I've been thinking about Jenna's 1000 things that she's thankful for, and God has been really impressing on my heart that this is a good thing for me to do as well. I can't promise that it will be continuous, since we're moving in a few weeks, but I'll keep going. If I don't, please hold me accountable to it!!

So, here we go..

1) Rainy days that force relaxation
2) Silly 18 month old boys who run and squeal for no particular reason
3) Understanding, loving husbands who sacrifice their day to provide for their family
4) Cuddly, funny dogs who curl up at your feet just so they can touch you
5) Indistinguishable baby languages that show intelligence and determination
6) Caring mothers that drive late into the night just to be with you for a day
7) God's timing

Love you all.