Friday, July 31, 2009

Psalm 77:14
You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

If Only My Thighs Were As Thin As My Patience...

I awoke this morning to find that all the major muscle groups in my back had formed a mutiny against me. And they apparently talked my stomach into joining their gang. Screaming pain met me step for step as I made my way to the bathroom. And the only thing that took my mind off of all the discomfort was the churning nausea.

I knew that my solutions weren't far away, though. Tylenol for the muscle aches and Zofran for the nausea, and I'd feel like a new woman by the time I sat down for breakfast.

Unfortunately, I'd left my purse full o'drugs in the car last night when, instead, I had to carry my slumbering 4 year old from his carseat to his bed (ah.... back pain, is that what you're so bent out of shape about today??).

And more unfortunately, someone decided that my car would be much safer if it was locked.

Most unfortunately, that someone was my 4 yr old son, who couldn't remember... to save his life this morning... where he'd put mommy's car keys after he'd decided to lock the car up nice and safe!

So,while Drew searched high and low in his typical unhurried fashion, I stared through the car window at the relief that mocked me from the passenger seat. I considered a few options (coat hanger, baseball bat) before I remembered the spare keys.

And although they weren't where they were supposed to be, I eventually found the extra set and secured my medications.

As the drugs began their work, my son also managed to break the television remote, "fix" it by shoving the batteries back in the wrong way, knock everything off a shelf in the garage while attempting to grab that one little blue soldier action figure that he just had to have, and give me seventeen opportunities to remind him that we DO NOT EVER grab a dog by the tail.

Drew's daddy is in strategy meetings all day today. He works for one of the big pharmaceutical companies. I'm tempted to send him an urgent text, something along the lines of "need to develop drug for patience.. AND HURRY!!!"

But my bright idea is going to have to wait. I just discovered a trail of sticky, syrupy waffle mess on the floor that must be cleaned up before the dogs get to it.

Although I do have something that would settle their upset stomachs...

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Old Dog, New Tricks

I can't help but feel a bit old and tired. With the extra 15 lbs sitting at the forefront of my frame, everything is just getting a little achy.

So, this old dog decided that I needed to try some new tricks to perk myself up this week.

I had my first EVER massage. Sorry, IKEA, I think I've found a new love.

I had my first EVER chiropractic consultation and adjustment. Immediately after the massage. Let's just say that Wednesday afternoon was all about me, me, me.

I purchased my first EVER "Homecoming" outfit for a certain daughter-to-be in the softest shade of pink, with matching slippers and crocheted hat.

The combination seems to have done the trick. I'd say my tail is wagging again... but I don't want to throw out my back!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Good Question, Preacher...

As I sat with a friend's mom in the hospital emergency room, I watched her eyes beg the question that she didn't have the energy to ask out loud.

And I am pretty sure that I yelled it myself in a fit of frustration when my son ran through the office yesterday with stapler in hand and the "RECEIVED" stamp plastered approximately 72 times across every inch of his bare skin.

Whether it's been your response to something relatively mundane or a situation so heartbreaking that it has taken your breath away, I'm pretty sure you've asked the same question recently, too:

"How Much More Can We Take?"

It was the title of Sunday's sermon at our church, and I'd already decided that it was a darn good question.

Now, did the man behind the pulpit have an equally compelling answer? I was all ears...

My ears were not disappointed. And my heart was blessed. So blessed, in fact, that I am having to muster up a substantial amount of self-control not to just re-type the sermon outline below and link you directly to the podcast to take a listen for yourself. (I think I'm going to provide the link anyway once it's up...)

Instead, I just want to post a few things that the Bible says on the subject, and leave it to sink in however it's supposed to for you today.

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."


The common theme of these verses is that we really can't take much at all. And it appears that God's not asking us to.

He is just asking us to take it to Him.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

"Strange Symptoms"

"Hey, so I have a strange new symptom." I tell my doctor this morning as she examines my burgeoning belly.

"I don't know if it's even worth mentioning, but my right leg gets goosebumps about once every 15 minutes. Only from the knee up. It's been happening for a few weeks."

She hesitates briefly before offering her dianosis. "I think you need to see a psychologist for that one," she deadpans.

"Yeah. My husband couldn't agree with you more."

After chasing this squirmy little girl across my abdomen for several minutes, we are finally able to listen to the beautiful sounds of a steady, perfect heartbeat. And I'm so relieved, since we've been keeping a close eye on that little heart for the past few weeks.

So, I'll live with all the weird little sensations that this pregnancy can dish out. If it means 15 more weeks of sleepless nights, 105 more days of swollen ankles, and a chilly right leg... so be it.

Because, from the examining table I can see my little man sitting tall in his church clothes (he insisted on dressing up for the appointment), talking with the doctor about his baby sister and his summer swimming plans, and I know this is all worth it!

Friday, July 10, 2009

Fabulous Friday



Today, I'm participating in the Fabulous Friday fun (click HERE or on the button above to read more). This came along at the perfect time because A) I'm fresh out of stories to share and B)If I'm not sharing stories about my Drew, I don't know if there's anything else I'd rather be talking about than SHOPPING!!!!

Shopping is more than a hobby for me: it's therapy, it's sport, it's culture, it's cheap entertainment (ok, hubby might disagree on that one).

So, I'm compiling a list of some of my favorite places to shop, and why I love shopping there. Enjoy! Please feel free to leave comments about your favorite shopping experiences (and whether you agree or disagree with some of my picks!).

1. Ann Taylor Loft. Sure, I fell in love with Ann Taylor, proper, first. But who doesn't love the AT look for a little bit less? I always go straight to the back of the store for the sale racks. They always have a HUGE selection of sale items, and their pant sizes run a bit large. Can't tell you how much it means when you know you shouldn't be able to fit in those Size 6's anymore, but they still slide on at the Loft!



2. IKEA. I've written about this store before. And my "like" for this modern, clean-lined furniture/accessories store borders on an unhealthy obsession. So that I don't lose my train of thought and spend the next hour wistfully walking you through the aisles of IKEA, I'll move on. (But before I do... I have to share my latest "Favorites". We bought these brightly colored plates ($1.99 for package of 6) and utensils ($1.99 for 18 pieces) on our most recent excursion. Drew is almost tempted to eat some veggies when I serve him his dinner these days!



3. DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse). Wait. Did you catch that? Building the size of a warehouse. Full of Designer Shoes. I want to dance when I think about this store. And they'd probably have the perfect dancing shoes...


4. Sam Moon. I've never actually purchased anything from this online jewelry trader. But it's one of my frequent stops when I'm daydreaming about jewelry (What? You don't daydream about jewelry??). I really need to purchase something, because this look for $18? I'm just not sure you can beat it:


5. Uniquely Monogrammed. One of my friends is responsible for all the adorable, irresistable goodness found here. Her dresses have been the objects of my affections for several years, but I had no girls to buy them for. I'm already warning my hubby that I see many monogrammed dresses and too-cute hairbows in our very near future. Check out her blog here or on my sidebar for all the latest product offerings!

6. Kookie Krums. Another personal friend, Janet, owns a wonderful cookie boutique in downtown Dunedin (just a few short miles from where I live). She's exceptionally talented and makes delicious AND beautiful cookies. Individually packaged, they are PERFECT favors for wedding and baby showers. And in the festive bouquets, they make wonderful gifts for teachers, get-well wishes, and any other celebration you can think of. Because, c'mon, who doesn't love cookies? (Oh, and the Kookie Blog is a great way to get to know the lady behind all the cookie goodness!)

Let me know if you decide to head over to Danielle's blog and play along! I would love to know where your shopping dreams come true!

Have a FABULOUS FRIDAY!

Monday, July 6, 2009

FREEZE!

"Time"... I will not ask again politely. I am ordering you to FREEZE right where you are! Because I cannot keep up with the pace you choose to run.

Looking back on this past holiday weekend, I now know that we have hit the perfect age of summer. And I'd like for my little boy to enjoy the pleasures of this four-year old summer forever.

So stop rushing by like you have some place better to be. Stay a while... please!











Wednesday, July 1, 2009

In The Middle of His Night...

... He watches the lightning flash through the cracks in the blinds and listens for the accompanying thunder.

He is scared. He is unsure. He feels unsafe over there...in his room... by himself.

He doesn't sit in bed contemplating the storm. He doesn't try to brave it on his own. He doesn't worry about whether he'll be a bother.

No, he just runs.

Those little bare feet hit the cold tile floor hard as he sprints through the darkness.

He leaps into the familiar big bed and nestles under the protection of his father's arms. And he promptly finds rest.

Oh, that I would always do the same.


Psalm 91 (New Living Translation)

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.