Oh, so thankful…
I’ve been very stressed lately about the big test at work, partially because I didn’t want to owe the company the $105 if I failed and partially because I didn’t want people to know I had failed. I know that’s petty, but the particular position I’m in now requires that the kids I work with believe that I know what I’m doing. And it was important to me to pass.
And I did, which was super.
But what was better was how sweet and encouraging everyone was to me. I was quite touched. I’m in a very secular environment (one of my closest friends at work is an aethist), and there’s a lot of negativity that comes from the job itself. So it was really quite lovely to have so many people being so encouraging.
It’s been an encouraging week, I suppose, in odd ways. When I did my meme earlier in the week, one of the questions was to name seven things I do now that I know Jesus really loves me. I hesitated initially, thinking ‘I’m probably not the best one to answer this now. We don’t have a church. I don’t read my Bible as often as I’d like… blah, blah, blah.’
But when I started my list, I found that it was pretty easy to come up with ways that my life is created around the believe that Jesus Loves Me and that I am a child of God. Love and kindness and consideration and tenderness. All seven of my answers came quickly and easily. And I was relieved to see that, to feel all of those aspects of life with Christ.
It reminds me that our lives - my life - is on more stable ground now than a few years ago when we were new to Florida. This life isn’t perfect, and there are still things I could like to change. But when I look at the fundamentals of what is important to me, we have those things in spades.
And I am blessed. I’m hopeful that maybe part of why people are so kind and encouraging to me at work is because I am kind and encouraging first. I want people to see something different in me so that when they ask about it, I have the opportunity to share about how Jesus does love me.
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Thankful Thursday - tired but thankful
It’s hard to believe it’s only been a week since last Thankful Thursday! It’s been one wonderful week! And I am sooo grateful and thankful for so much of it.
I’m thankful for…
- Mandy, Josh, and Olivia - none of whom are related to us by blood and all of whom are related to us by love. These are the family of our heart, of our choice. Spending days upon days with them was bliss.
- Sunny skies and pleasant weather.
- Mike, who indulges me.
- Love. Hope. This time last year, I didn’t much believe in hope any more, and I’m surprised and delighted to find that it’s back in my realm of vision.
- Deals made between friends. I didn’t much follow the spirit of the deal in my head - sorry, Josh - but I did out loud, and sometimes that’s enough.
- Books.
- Jobs. Mike’s and mine. Mike’s because it allows him to follow his passion. Mine because it allows us good health insurance.
- Compliments and positive reinforcement at work. I honestly thought they changed my job description because I was nurturing and nice. Turns out, my numbers aren’t as bad as I’d originally thought. When I got back from vacation on Tuesday, I discovered that my numbers are pretty good in the rankings. Out of 80 or 90 individuals in my division, I’m ranked #11. I was stunned. And very pleased.
- Four and a half hours of enjoyment at work. A rarity for me. But I really enjoyed my time this afternoon helping with the training class. Who knew?
- For old friends and new connections… through Facebook, I found an old college friend & we went to dinner with her and her husband last night. It was a super time.
And lastly, I’m thankful for a soft bed. In NO way did we mind our alternate sleeping arrangements in order to have dear friends here, but it was so nice to sink back into our bed this week.
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Surprise photos
The boys were both soooo surprised when they saw each other last night. It was the most fun. And it was super to have them together again. I am always surprised at how easily they slip into being together.
The boys spent forever building cars at the Lego shop at Downtown Disney.
Will’s built like his daddy… all stocky and solid. Griff looks skinnier than usual next to him. But aren’t they all cute in their little reggae Mickey hats. They spent a good 20 minutes trying on various hats. Mike commented that only at Disney would I allow kids to try on hats that countless others have tried on before. Lice? Never heard of the concept. It’s the Happiest Place on Earth! Try this one on next!
Will said, ‘I wish ya’ll hadn’t moved.’ To which Griff said, ‘me, too.’ Will asked Mike, ‘When are ya’ll moving back?’ which began their discussion about how they were planning - their 8-year-old selves at that time - to sabotage Mike’s interview with his current employer. Sweet if heartbreaking.
Tagged with: Downtown Disney • friendship • Griff • love • Will
Loving it…
I’ve been all negative girl lately. Thought I’d take a few minutes this Saturday night to mention a few things I love.
… I love ‘iCarly’ way more than I should.
… I love a clean house.
… I love a good book, for me or for Griff or Eliza. Mike can read crap for all I care.
… I love chicken ceasar salad. What I love more is that Griff tried it on his own and liked it.
… I love holiday decorations.
… I love fresh limes squeezed into my Diet Coke.
… I love that God knows me and cares for me ALL the time.
… I love friends who point out that thinking less of myself is diminishing God’s creation.
… I love surprise packages in the mail from friends.
… I love going to sleep early.
Filed under Most Everything | Permalink | Comment (1)Tagged with: Diet Coke • love
Happy Birthday, Eliza!
Hi, there, precious. Happy 5th Birthday!!
I can hardly believe this is my fifth such letter to you! I know you’ll think it makes me sound old to say this, but it honestly is like I blinked and you were big.
Really… look at this when you were a year old … or this when you were two … or this from when you were three … or this from just last year! I’m astounded at how quickly the time is passing. I want some days to scoop you up and hold you so tight, to pull all of the energy and love out of my time with you that I can. I want to surround your little self with all of the love that your daddy, Griff and I can give you.
You are amazing, you know. You’re strong and brave and powerful, even if all that force is squeezed into a tiny package. You drive me crazy, of course, pushing all of my buttons. I can only imagine what we’re going to be like together in another decade. Your daddy dreads it already. Think of it, by then, Griff will be away at college & it’ll just be the three of us. Two strong-willed girls and Mike. Makes me smile, little chickie.
But to tell you the truth… the things that drive me crazy about you now are the things that I want you to really embrace when you’re older. You’re independent and determined to do things your own way. The fact that everyone else is doing something has little bearing on your decisions, which will serve you well as you get older if you can hold onto that.
You make me smile, Eliza. These last couple of years have been hard on us, me and your brother, especially. Last night, Griff told me that when he is angry or sad or upset, he thinks about you and he feels better. You don’t know it now, but that’s a really groovy thing.
As for me, I look at you, and you take my breath away. You are so beautiful. And you are so strong and spirited. And I am proud of you. When people say you look or act just like me, I remember that I should be proud of me, too. So I thank you for that reminder of the woman I am apart from just being The Mama.
I’m quite sure you know already that you’ve got your daddy wound around your little finger. I’m pretty sure he’s ok with that.
You crack us up these days. You like to sing everything like we’re all in some weird non-school version of “High School Musical.” You could live on sausage, popcorn, cheese and chips. You could eat your weight in sausage, frankly. Grosses me out. You have to take a stuffed animal or baby with you EVERYWHERE you go. You push that darned baby stroller all over the house with any number of babies in it, making such a racket! You like to pretend you’re a cat… drives your daddy bonkers, which makes Griff and me laugh.
I’m glad you’re still little enough to be sweet and give hugs and kisses and first-thing-in-the-morning snuggles.
We are endlessly blessed to have you. We are ever-thankful for Dr. A for seeing what needed to be done for you and for me and for doing it quickly and without hesitation. He’ll be getting birthday goodies himself today. Some day, when you’re bigger, we’ll tell you all about how he saved us. For now, just know that you are dear to us beyond words.
We love you, sweetie.
love, mama
Filed under Jewelry, Most Everything | Permalink | Comments (3)Tagged with: Eliza • Eliza's birthday • love
