Saturday, December 31, 2011

Ninjas and Butterflies

I got a text from my sister last night that's worth sharing (T is her son, and J is her husband). It said:

"... T got two of those foam swords from Target and J stuck them in the back of his shirt, so he could grab them like a ninja. T kept running around saying, 'I'm a butterfly!' Bahahaha!!!!!!! J is like 'What?! No you're not! You're a ninja! Stop saying that!' It's hilarious!!!"

I love my nephew.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Provision

Today, I'm reminded once again of the Lord's provision and grace toward my family. Most of you probably know this story, but it's always nice to be reminded.

Approximately 10 years ago, my father learned he had a cyst on one of his kidneys. It ended up not being a big deal, and the doctors were unconcerned about it. A little over a year ago (October, 2010, to be exact), he went to the doctor for a check-up. While he was there, he asked if he needed to get the cyst checked out. The doctor said no, that they didn't normally do that sort of thing, since there was no cause for concern. On my dado's way out of the office, he was stopped by the doctor. He changed his mind and ordered a scan.

A few days after he had the scan, my dado got a phone call. He had a spot on his kidney, and one on his liver (it actually may be his lung, I don't remember exactly). If it was cancer, it was bad. It looked as though it had already started spreading. This is when we started praying. Hard. More tests showed that the two spots were unrelated, and the one on his liver was not a big deal. Praise the Lord! The one on his kidney was cancer and needed to be removed.

They scheduled an appointment for surgery as soon as they could... 2 months later. 2 months full of stress and fear and lots of prayer for our family.

Exactly a year ago today, my dado had the surgery to have it taken out of his body. No radiation, no chemo. He was even home for Christmas! By the time most people catch kidney cancer, it's too late-- it is rarely cured with one surgery.

The Lord's hand was all over this situation. I know that He is the reason the doctor ordered the scan. He is the reason they caught his cancer early.  The Lord has used (and continues to use) this situation to bring glory to Himself.

Another reason I'm more aware than usual of God's provision is because Christmas is in 4 days. He provided a Savior to come to earth, and take my sins away forever.

Happy birthday, Jesus!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Little L

Well, my life hasn't been super exciting lately. It has been crazy busy, though. Due to the lack of excitement, though, I don't have a great story. My sister, on the other hand, has a good one on her blog, so I'm sharing it with you. Enjoy!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Christmas Chaos!

Every year about this time I reach this phase in life where I get really busy. As in, schedule time to shower because if I don't, it doesn't happen. I find this ironic because I've been doing something different every year. 2 years ago, I was in finals week. Last year, I was teaching. This year, I'm a nanny. IT doesn't matter where my life has me, I just get SO busy. This year, I realized that I need to schedule time to do laundry. How did I realize this? I ran out of socks. However, it was too late when I realized this, so the following week, I started "borrowing" my mom's socks (I have every intention of returning them, but by now, they're lost in the mess that is Mount Laundry). I went to grab some socks earlier this week and noticed that she had run out of socks, too.
Obvious solution: Schedule time to do laundry.
My solution: Pick up new socks while I'm at Walmart.
Every night of the week has something scheduled, so I'm not sure when I can work in the laundry... But something's gotta go. This is ridiculous.

Anyway, the real reason for this post: I figured that if I manage to over-schedule myself during this Christmas Season every year, I'm sure I'm not alone. We all get caught up in the preparation for Christmas-- Buying presents, wrapping said presents, putting up trees and lights, etc. I want to encourage everyone to prepare your hearts for this holiday, as well as your homes. Schedule time with Jesus. Remember why you're baking those cookies and singing those carols. We're celebrating the birth of our Savior. The Savior who has set us free from our sin. Our Comforter, Protector, Healer. That's a big deal, guys. Don't be too busy to keep your focus on Him.

Isaiah 9:6-- For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

PJ Days!

Yesterday we had a pajama day. We didn't have any plans, and I wasn't feeling 100%, so we decided to take it easy. I didn't get the memo (from myself...) so I wasn't in my pj's. Both boys, though, spent the whole day in their footie pajamas and loved it. Seriously, loved it.
I got to work this morning, and B was in some footie pj's again. Today, though, we had to drop the kids' mom off at the metro station. I figured we'd be in the car the whole time, what's it hurt to stay in them for an extra hour or 2? I didn't think about the fact that I had to baby-sit this morning for a Bible study at the church... By the time I realized that pajama day was spreading to a more public location, it was too late. "Throw on your shoes, baby! It's time to get going!"
His shoes of choice today: cowboy boots.
That's right. I took the kid out in public in some footie pajamas and a pair of cowboy boots. And a satchel full of rocks (another bribe).
I think I'm up for some sort of nanny-of-the-year award for that one.