Wednesday ponderings....

We are doing well. I am resting. Sore, yet this time was a breeze compared to the last. Almost forget I had surgery- "almost". Tomorrow is my one week check up. Woohoo!

Whew! Seems like so much has happened since our last visit. And there has been much. Too much to fit in this blog so you'll just have to check back in sometime soon! =) At present, we are finishing up our "goat shed" for my girls. LOL! It is a riot and something we enjoy doing! I mainly hand Aaron the tools and keep the "silence level" to a minimum. I know he appreciates it!

Cade is doing well with Soccer and School. Loves them both, but would rather read than kick a soccer ball. Such is life. I have decided I will not push him. He will love what he loves because that is what the Lord made him to do. He is developing quite the sense of humor. A couple of weeks ago he began asking questions about false teeth. (?) I made the mistake of sharing a story about one of my grandmothers when I was growing up and now he thinks it is hysterical to retell. (I am truly sorry G'ma). It is a rather funny story, but to have him tell it, well he takes the cake! He gets that from his father..."ahem".

Speaking of Aaron, he has had so much happening in his life right now. Recently we were asked about taking on two foster kiddos. 3 years old and 6 months. We made the decision today not to do this based on the bulk of what we have going on (more later). It would be too much. There would be mounds of paperwork to bring us out of retirement from the state system, classes to bring everything up to date and there would be a strong possibility of them having to return home. I just don't think this little heart of mine could take that. I was sad, disappointed, but not willing to dishonor my man in this. He is the head and I respect him for it. Its a big job. I would probably have 16 children, no home and a heap of trouble if I would let myself decide things. Just because I have a heart the size of Texas doesn't mean I have to neglect what the Lord tells me to do, and in this case it was to listen. So we continue to listen and learn. I am choosing to be content in that. In today and all we have.

The rains keep coming around here. Making up for the loss during the summer. I LOVE this time of year. Beauty and color everywhere! Almost like a party.

My day today is filled with paying bills, dishes, laundry, writing, reading and study. I know, it's pretty exciting stuff, but I can handle it. ;)

Devotions this morning were on listening. (Go figure!) When Jesus cried out from the cross "It is finished!" the temple curtain that once separated us from Christ was torn in two. Allowing us to bypass a mediator and stand in the presence of The Most High King; you and I speaking to royalty and you know what? He hears. And when He talks to us He asks us to listen. He doesn't command. He asks. Calls. This is a spiritual discipline that I am learning and working through. To listen to His voice.

My blog catch-up day was yesterday, but somehow it was missed in the shuffle of lunch menus and Ibuprofen.

It was good to chat, but my work calls me on. And with my newly typed admission, I must do as I said above... and listen.

Mustard Seed Faith

I sit here this morning at peace.

My coffee still giving off its good morning goodness that I have come to depend on. We're old friends. Decaf or not....I have no enemies where coffee is concerned.

Bills paid, laundry done, house cleaned from top to bottom, dishwasher going, my man off to work and it's 3:39am as I write this. I woke up at 1am unable to go back to sleep. My pre-surgery routine has begun with my powerhouse energy.

Isn't it funny how just yesterday started off so differently?

In short, I slept through my workout alarm, awoke to my workout buddy pounding on my door checking on me...it was a first and hopefully no repeats. However, she took pity on me (or was terrified by my morning "Medusa" looking hair) and told me to go back to bed. I promptly obeyed only to oversleep my back up alarm, waking up Cade and I for school. We had minutes to get ready and I had yet to put out my girls (goats), shower, and wake up my boy. Wow. Did I mention it was my turn to drive carpool?

Whoever thought jeans and heels were a good idea would have had second thoughts after seeing me yesterday. I filled in for the secretary at the school until noon. Stairs, heels, plus me is not a good combo. Suffice it to say that my sore pride ankle allowed some movement and I made it through the cough drops, band aids, Tums, phone calls and tardy slips. Mrs. Simmons...You deserve a medal AND a vacation.

After stopping off and picking up my new Scentsy pot (LOVE) I stopped in to see some sweet friends and their darling little baby. What a blessing to hold such innocence! Her soft little downy cheeks were like seeing the tender side of God in the flesh.

On the ground level of the hospital, I was almost to the door when I decided to stop in and see my nurse/hero friends at the cancer center. I am so glad I did. Those ladies continue to bless me even today...So thankful.

Three different times today I was approached about adoption. Had we? Were we? What are we? I don't know. However, after my day today, I was once again reminded to live in the moment of today. Embracing all that I  have right in front of me. If & when the Lord decides to give me another child to fill my arms, I am honored to care for His. Each and every person I saw today is precious, loved and totally cherished by the Lord. His children....needing that tender loving care, hug, listening ear, shoulder to cry on, arms to lift them up. What a blessing to be called to such a purpose. I am honored and humbled, Lord. Truly.

While mowing in the late evening hours, I had exactly 45 min to pray and think about the day. 45 min to race the neighbor guy mowing his yard. I knew he would want me to win. 45 min of uninterrupted time to feel the cold in the air, smell the gas tinged aroma mixed with the fresh green all around me.

Yes, I am at peace.

Nervous about tomorrow? Yes, but at peace.

This is a milestone for me. A big one. No one told me it would be almost two years later that I would approach the end of what has been a beautifully scandalous journey.

My heart beats stronger.

My faith has been tested and tried. Yielded and growing.

My body is healing.

My soul has found its rest beside the still waters of peace. Beyond my understanding my Shepherd stands close by. Watching and waiting. Loving and protecting. He has plans for this girl. Not sure (exactly) everything He has, but learning to enjoy the little of this and that...that He blesses me with every day.

Lord, may I be found worthy.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers. Surgery is at 7:30am. My surgeon is Dr. "H". I will be resting a bit. Much less than previous surgeries. My 6th and LAST of the last two years....and hopefully for my life as the Lord moves me forward.

Yes, this girl will be resting and enjoying it, for when she wakes, she will be ready to move mountains. Offering up everything I have with my mustard seed faith....in Jesus.

HELLO!!!!

Yes, I am here.

Writing.

Working.

Cleaning.

Changing.

What a crazy couple of months this has been. I will be able to fill you in on it some more as time goes on, but suffice it to say change is in the air.

I LOVE fall. I love the change that the cooler season brings. I doubt I will see much color this year as the years worth of sap was probably already withdrawn for the time of hibernation, occurring much earlier due to the drought. But fall is upon us...ready or not!

Cade began Soccer so Saturdays are usually filled with games and weeks are flowing over with practice. Let's just say that he play a "supportive" role. He has his moms sense of fun and his dads carefree attitude. You get my meaning.

Aaron and I are doing great. He is busy at FORD, working some overtime. Doing some pulpit supply as a preacher. He is loving it. I had my remission check up and long story short, I am going to see my oncologist in a couple of weeks. Nothing to alarm anybody with, but as you recall he was transitioning to another office. While this took place it was decided that I just see his old partner. Well, they didn't think it was necessary to do any blood test or scans because I "didn't feel sick". I didn't feel sick when I had cancer, either. So I called him and he would like to keep up our old routine of things so I will see him and then he will be able to schedule his normal tests. Will keep you updated on that! Prayers are always and so very much appreciated!!! I love you guys for your care of my family! Goodness! My estrogen is flaring this morning.....

I am busy writing. As many know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We celebrate recovery, remission, the fighters and the fallen. It is an emotional time. I see the pink and I remember. I notice the hairless women, and I recall just what it was like. I read through my journal as I write and write and write and it all comes back. But, as I write I think of the countless women this could help it keeps me writing. Praying. And Thankful. Your prayers would be most appreciated as I continue this project!

Below are a few shots from our past couple of months weeks.

                            
                                                 From VBS....My good friend Raelene and I.

                                                 My little munchkin going off to his first day of 1st grade!!

                             
                        Cade and Captain Patrick...He is our three little billy goat. He gets the Patrick part from Sponge Bob...and Aaron thought he looked like Captain Morgan. Don't ask how he knows! =)

                                                     

I know you are totally loving my green garden crocs, but look at the cracks in the ground. They were ALL over the yard. Seriously, a person could lose their children if they get much bigger! =)

Love to all!