Thursday, January 27, 2011

Thinking

A couple of days ago, I finished up The Potluck Club, Book 1 by Linda Shepherd. It was entertaining enough. Not a great novel by any means, but it held my attention and passed the time.

There was one theme though that struck a chord with me and it's been weighing on my mind. It seems right now in my life, more than any other time I can remember, I'm caught up in the cycle of birth and death. Obviously, birth is on my mind with the arrival of this baby girl getting closer and closer. But it's not just me. A couple of girlfriends and I were conversing and we've discovered that just over 10% of our graduating class is pregnant right now. (Well, we were, one friend had her baby earlier this week.) And at least two of us have had babies over the past 6 months. That's a lot of births.

On top of that, everywhere I look, there are pregnant women. At least two co-workers are pregnant, a co-worker's wife and my friend, Amanda is also expecting. Babies are coming in every which direction. A baby boom of the modern age.

Juxtaposed to all the births though is death. I am getting to the age, and my friends along with me, where people we love are reaching their time to move into the next life. My Mammaw hasn't been doing so well these last few months, moving in and out of being in the now. My dearest friend, Tamara, is living through this as well with her grandparents. A dear, Godly family that I grew up with is in the midst of losing their father and husband from brain cancer. And as I posted a few days ago, a former classmate, Sara is now beginning her battle with Stage 4 colon cancer.

Birth and Death. We rejoice at the births, but being the humans we are, we find it hard to celebrate the deaths. We are selfish beings and it's hard to lose those we love.

Back to The Potluck Club. One of the characters is diagnosed with cancer in the novel and she and another character discuss healing. The character with cancer is a pastor's wife and she discusses the five types of healing. Four of the types most of us could come up with.

The first type is our body's natural healing process. Anti-bodies and such that fight off those bad germs that float around.

The second type is miraculous. God touching the afflicted with his hand and without explanation of modern science or medicine, the person is healed.

The third type is the medical profession. The doctors and nurses who spend years studying and then countless hours working to heal the sick.

The fourth type is a healing of the spirit. When you accept your ailment, grow and learn.

The fifth though, is hard to accept for most people, but in actuality may be God's greatest gift.

Death.

For those that are so ill they can no longer function. When quality of life is gone. When your body is so tired, you just want to rest. God then steps in and gives us death. The ultimate healing. One that results in a new body and life that's not burdened with the troubles of this world.

It's so, so hard for those of us left behind to not be saddened by the loss of a loved one. But looking at death from this perspective may just give an ounce of peace and comfort. Lately, I've talked to quite a few of my friends and we'll all say, "Getting old sucks." But maybe it doesn't so much. It's a lot to take in, but in an effort of continuing my walk with God, maybe I should start looking at getting old as a blessing, rather than a curse.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

28 Weeks and the Tri-mesters

The tri-mesters in layman's terms:

First:

Holy crap, I'm what?
Oh, I don't feel so good.
Bed, sweet, sweet bed.
Good grief, I'm bloated.

Second:

This pregnancy thing is pretty cool.
oooohhhh, just felt the baby kick.
Clean, clean, clean, clean.
We're having a baby! Wheeeeeee!!!

Third:

I'm so fat!
Can't. Roll. Over.
Ow, that was my rib.

But mostly, I am so ready to meet this little girl.


Monday, January 24, 2011

The Match

It was set to be a match-up of Epic proportions. The number one and number two seed pitted together on a blustery Saturday morning. Both teams were undefeated; however, they had only wins and we had one draw. After coming off an easy victory of 10-0 last week, our kids were a little lackadaisical, appearing almost sluggish on the field. We were missing one of our best forwards and the kids were going to have to work hard to pick up the slack.

The first half was tense. The ball hovered around our goal for almost the entire time, causing our defenders to work extra hard. Our goal keeper was on point though and saved us again and again. The score remained 0-0 almost until halftime till unfortunately two goals got through and we found ourselves down 2-0.

Our players are tough though and that was the motivation we needed. A fire was lit under their butts and we were out for blood. Despite many a call against our team and not very many against theirs, we finally managed to score a goal. Our spirits began to raise and the boys began gunning for more.

Our coach noticed that in an effort to protect their win, the black team had all but two players defending their goal. This would prove to be their downfall. During the second half, the ball stayed near their goal and our forwards made strike after strike. Unfortunately, they didn't go in, but we were now in the zone.

We were finally able to score a goal and tie up the game. While I breathed a sigh of relief, our coach was adamant he wanted "More! More!" and the team began working to grant him his wish.

With less than five minutes left, one of our defenders made an amazing stop and booted the ball to the other end of the field. Our midfielders quickly picked it up and began passing it up to get within striking range. With a mighty kick, the ball went in the goal!

The roar from the crowd would rival that heard round Toomer's Corner not too long ago. A parent frantically asked the ref, "How much time?" and three minutes was the reply. For a long 180 seconds, our defenders worked to protect our goal. Finally, the sweet sound of the whistle blast ended the game. We WON!

The parents were beside themselves, the kids were grinning from ear to ear and the coach was bursting with pride.

Our boys had held it together, even though they were short a couple of players, and had fallen down by two goals. They dug deep and came up with a win. A win that was well deserved and hard fought.

It appears now though that we will have a rather large target on our backs and I think we are just fine with that.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Second Verse

I successfully memorized my first verse of the 24 Bible verses in 12 months challenge:

For the Lord your God is with you. He is Mighty to Save. He will take delight in You. He will quiet you with his love. He will rejoyce over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

This verse is a bit easier to remember, but still a great reminder nonetheless and one I'm sure I will need to refer to more and more over the coming months and years as we add another little one to the family and the boys quickly approach their teenage years (or so it seems)

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

For Tamara:

Light up the Sky by The Afters

When I’m feeling all alone and so far to go
The signs are nowhere on this road guiding me home
When the night is closing in
It’s falling on my skin
Oh God will You come close

Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I, I, I can’t deny
Oh I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me

When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don’t feel them shining
When I can’t see beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I’ve almost reached the end
Like a flood You’re rushing in
Love is rushing in

Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I, I, I can’t deny
Oh I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me

So I run straight to Your arms
You’re the bright and morning Sun
To show Your love, there’s nothing You won’t do

Light, light, light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me You are with me
I, I, I can’t deny
Oh I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me

Friday, January 14, 2011

Heavy Heart

About a month ago, my friend, Carrie, posted an entry about a former achool mate of ours, Sara, who had just lost her baby due to stillbirth. Obviously, I was touched and I think even more so because she has two young boys already and the precious one she lost was a girl. I just couldn't even imagine.

We then learned that through other testing, they had found a spot on her liver and she was scheduled for a CT scan. This morning, I learned through another school mate that the spot was malignant and there are also abnormalities on her colon. Now Sara is set for a colonoscopy and scheduled to get those results next Thursday, which is also her birthday. She was a grade below us, so I'm guessing she is turning 33.

33

Even though I may say I feel old, 33 is still really so young. Especially to have cancer. It's awful for anyone to be diagnosed, but it just particularly painful to see a young mother experiencing the horribleness of the disease.

My heart just hurts for Sara, her husband, those two little boys and her family.

I didn't know her well at all in high school, but she always had this true demeanor about her. One of genuine niceness and tender heartedness. She was quiet and kind and I seriously doubt partakes in the offenses of this world that one would think of when linked to cancer. She will definitely be on my heart and in my prayers.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

She's a Maniac

To say that I've now lost all good sense is an understatement. But, I'm pregnant and my hormones are whacked out, so let's just roll with it. Mmmmkay?

Wheeeeeeee!!!!!!

So, we needed (wanted) a small little itty bitty table to put at our front entry. The area isn't huge and we thought it would be nice to have just a little something there with maybe a picture or mirror on the wall above. We've looked a couple of places, but most long tables are wider than 12" and we really didn't want to go more than that. No sense in harming our guests as they walk in the door.

The need (want) was there. I've always liked building things. Home Depot is right up the house and they sell lumber. What else was I to do? So I built (attempted to build) a table. I looked at a cool website, Knocked off Wood, written by a SAHM, who builds things for cheap that look like expensive pieces you would find in Pottery Barn, Ballard Designs, etc. She has tools and a square and a level and more than half a brain. Most importantly, her furniture looks good and she makes it look easy.

I can do this, I thought!

Shey and I headed to Home Depot. I selected my 1x4s and 1x3s and 1x2s all based off an idea in my head and scribbles on Post it notes.

Did you know Home Depot will cut your lumber for you? The nice guy working told me that they are only supposed to give you two cuts for free and then charge you $.50 for the remaining cuts, but he took one look into my beautiful (crazy) brown eyes and made all 50 bazillion of my cuts for free.

$40 worth of wood, $8.00 for the screws and $12 worth of sandpaper later, we headed home. And yes, by this time, I realized I probably could have found a little table for this much without all the hassle, but I was a woman on a mission. I was going to build a table, dang it.

Bless my husband. When I got home and he saw the pieces of lumber, he just smiled and helped his delusional wife into the house with it.



Well, about an hour into my project, I realized I had no idea what I was doing. There's actually a reason that a square is needed and plans are helpful. My measurements were off and it really didn't look anything in person like it did in my head. I told Larry as much and he said, well, too bad we can't all live in your head. We laughed and then he posted that incriminating photo of me in all my crazy glory on Facebook.

I left my project there for a bit. Not sure if it was salvageable or not. I really hated to waste all that wood, but I was at a loss. About an hour later, I decided to do what I could to at least make it look like a table, which meant giving it a top and the ability to stand alone.

Funny, the boys thought it was cool and told me so. They thought I had done a splendid job on my table.






At this point, I was a little tired and disappointed, but inspiration struck again. What if we cut off the bottom, as the structure (or sculpture as Larry called it)was a little tall and then I covered it with fabric? Then no one would see the odd angles and mismatched legs and I wouldn't have to sand the thing. Bonus!

This was the plan until my friend Shannon and her husband came over for dinner. She looked the table over and deemed it "Not bad." Shannon is pretty honest and I knew she wouldn't lead me astray. She offered some decorating ideas and told me to go for it.

Recharged, I went to Home Depot again, bought some stain and began once again. A few days later, Shannon headed with me to Home Goods and we picked up the necessary accessories to transform my entrance into a Foy-yay. I still need something for the wall behind the area, I'm thinking a piece of wall art, but overall, I'm happy with the results and I built it myself!





-

Eternal

by Sanctus Real

I know this life I lead will pass away
Along with every other earthly thing
So I will set my heart on a higher plain
Where my treasure lies with You

And in this marriage of our hearts
There is no death do us part
For You are eternal
And I am eternally Yours

And I could never lose Your love to sickness
Oh I could never lose You to divorce
And there's no concept of abandonment
For I am safe within Your arms

And in this marriage of our hearts
There is no death do us part
For You are eternal
And I am eternally Yours
Oh I am eternally Yours
I am eternally Yours
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com

(No abandonment)
(Safe within Your arms)

I never had enough until I found You
I never knew love until I met You
I never had enough until I found You
And now I have everything

And in this marriage of our hearts
There is no death do us part
For You are eternal
And I am eternally Yours
And I am eternally Yours
Oh I am eternally Yours

I could never lose You
No I will never lose You
I could never lose You

And this life will pass away
But You will never change
Oh this life will pass away
Oh but You will never change



Mighty to Save is one of my favorite songs, especially to sing in church, so when I saw the verse as I was flipping through the comments on The Siesta Scripture Memory Verse Day 1, I knew that was to be my first verse as well.

“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

25 Weeks

Excuse the baggy pants. I didn't feel like wearing my maternity pants, so these are Larry's jeans that are too big for him.




I think we can safely say that I look pregnant now. I think I can thank all the ice cream and German Chocolate Cake I ate at mom's house over the holidays. I can't believe I only have 3 to 3 1/2 months left. CRAZY!

Blogger Love

I just happened to stumble across a new blog to read as I was perusing the comments on The Pioneer Woman's photography post about black and white photos and I'm so glad I did. I normally don't look at the comments, but Ree was asking for B/W editing advice and I'm always keen on reading about photography, even if I don't get to actually take photos as much as I would like to.

One commenter mentioned The Coffee Shop Blog and her creamychocolate B/W action for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. I followed the link expecting to find a site that offered actions for a price. I was so happy to find that all the actions The Coffee Shop offers are FREE! Yes, FREE! Plus, she has a ton of tutorials and other good stuff for making your photography better.

I use The Pioneer Woman's action Boost on almost all my photos, and I'm excited to download some of The Coffee Shops' to try out too.

Check her out!

Monday, January 03, 2011

Whew

Today, I feel every day of being six months pregnant. Yesterday, Larry, his brother and I worked in the house from the time we got up (10 am woohoo for late sleep in) till 9:00 last night starting the first phase of Making Room for Baby. The furniture was removed from both the boys rooms, some set aside, some set outside and at least 5 trash bags were filled. I'm not sure if my boys are hoarders in the making, or just lazy. I think it's a bit of both.

Well, Shey is lazy. His room was pretty easy. I sat in there while he came in and out and just threw things away when he wasn't looking. Even when he did pay attention, he was pretty agreeable to dumping things not needed. His room was mostly cleared and we were able to paint it last night. It now awaits the bunk bed we ordered last week before we can really go any further.

Oh, Peyton. He does love to hold on to some stuff. Papers, namely. Some cool picture that a friend made. A cut out animal that looks to be on its last leg. Thankfully, he let us chunk the collection of dried lizards he had accumulated. His room still has piles of stuff to go through, but I just ran out of steam. Larry wants Peyton to go through it again, but I think I'm going to see if I can sneak in there and just do it myself. So much more will get done. I mean, seriously, if it's been at the bottom of a toy box for months, do you really need it? I honestly don't know how we are going to fit all of it into one room. They will definitely have to be more conscious of actually throwing things away rather than just cramming junk under a dresser.

I took photos, but I'm waiting for rooms to near completion, so I can post a room transformation all at once. This should hopefuly start happening in the next couple of weeks. I hope so, my aching hips can't take much more.

***Edited to clarify: Wow, you guys are concerned about the dried lizards. ha We have geckos everywhere down here and sometimes the baby ones will get in the house and if I don't find them or usher them out, a lot of times they will die and then shrivel up. Okay, that is gross, but not really as gross as it writes. So, that's the story behind the lizards.