Rolling with the Punches

I'm pretty good at rolling with the punches, but sometimes those suckers come hard and fast. Fortunately, I have a heavenly Father who loves me, and He shows me his love daily. I won't go into all the lame things that get me down, but I will share with you how God has blessed my socks off in just the matter of a few hours...

1. I have a wonderful husband who encourages me daily to do the right thing. He listens to me vent, doesn't egg me on, and softens my heart to the things of Christ.

2. I have a special friends (well, lots of them really) on speed dial. They listen, make my concerns seem valid, and encourage me. Man, I'm gonna miss these friends! I know without a shadow of a doubt that these people will be a part of my life until the day we meet our Savior. Today one such friend listened to my woes, and she just loved on me.

3. I have had the same mail lady for years. Recently, I got a new mail lady. She is a believer, and I was able to share some baby items with her that I would otherwise have donated to Goodwill. Little did I know how much these items blessed her until I got the kindest thank you note in the mail this morning. Her daughter is having a baby girl, and she doesn't have much money. I forgot all the things that were in the box, and each item ended up being very specific things that she needed. Her baby is being induced for medical reasons this Friday. I got that card today.

4. Andrew has precious teachers. Each of them love Andrew like I do, and they too encourage me by loving my child. They also send me sweet notes encouraging me.

5. I sent a package to Mat nearly 2 weeks ago. The package was returned as undeliverable b/c the US postal service doesn't deliver to the Wide World of Sports?! However, Mat called me today (after the package had been lost for a week) thanking me for all the things we sent him. He got it (and on this specific day when he needed encouragement.)

All of these things happened within just a few hours of each other this morning. I was feeling way down in the dumps and super sorry for myself, but God sent me encouragement through these special things. God is alive and working on my life. If you're not a believer, I hope that this message softens your heart toward His ways.

A Little Too Much Adventure

Life wouldn't be fun without a little adventure. That's kinda our motto lately with this whole moving thing. Well, I believe that sometimes there can be a little too much adventure. Take this story for example:

We woke up Saturday to major thunderstorms and torrential downpours of rain. So t-ball was canceled. However, we still had fun in sight with the prospect of meeting Dad & Nani for lunch at Stevi B's Pizza. We stayed there a lot longer than expected when the rain came down so hard no one was willing to leave...including us.

Got home, got Lizzy in bed for a nap, and watched some TV. That's when I noticed Andrew had some strange bumps covering ever single piece of his entire body. Emily was over, & we promptly put Andrew in a bath. Some FB friends suggested that I take him to our local fire station to get a paramedic to tell us what the deal was. The paramedic said to take him to the ER at Scottish Rite by Northside so off I drove with Lizzy, Em, and Andrew in tow.

I love the ER there. We were in and out in 2 hours flat. Andrew has viral exanthem which is basically a rash associated with a virus. The virus had passed, but the rash was the after effects thus non-contagious. Doc said Lizzy would likely not even get it, and so far we are all just fine.

The rash is still freakishly covering his entire body including his palms and the bottoms of his little feet. It should go away within 3-5 days. Weird! I'd show you a pic, but you can't see it unless you look at him closely. It's the strangest thing I've ever seen!

Thanks, Em for being there for us during our fiasco and for taking such great care of us on Saturday even when you weren't feeling well yourself. I'll never forget how you got Andrew his milk, Lizzy her nugget, Andrew his napkin and kept me stocked with fries. Ya had to be there, but it was a hoot! You'll make a good Mommy one day...when you move to Florida with us and find Mr. Right :)

Lizzy in Braids

I asked Elizabeth to do something this morning. She said, "yes, ma'am." Well, ok so it sounded like 'hut mine." I guess she's been picking up some German in Epcot :)

Sossy

Awesome...Elizabeth just handed me a piece of pre-chewed roast beef. Yes, I had a roast beef sandwich for breakfast b/c I happen to hate breakfast (well, for the most part). Then she proceeded to hit Andrew and pull his hair. I sent her to the naughty step, and she went on her own willingly (for the first time). She sat there contentedly (which I don't think is what's supposed to happen b/c there should be remorse?) but ok. Then I went to retrieve her from the step, and she looked up at me with those gorgeous big blue eyes, snot streaming out of both nostrils (b/c she wouldn't be Lizzy if she didn't have a runny nose) and said "Sossy." I think I'm in love. How could this sweet girl, be anything but wonderful. This one pic was taken after she used a red pen to draw on the hotel's white bedsheets.

Heart of Gold

I had a sweet conversation with Andrew tonight. It went like this:

Andrew played a t-ball game & got Oreo cookies for his after game snack. He asked if he could eat them, & I said yes. He then shared a prized Oreo with Elizabeth, & it wasn't like he was full and didn't want the cookie. He just wanted to share.

I said, "Andrew, I think your heart must be made of gold....No, I think it must be made of chocolate b/c you are too sweet."

His response, "No, it's just Jesus filled."

That boy warms my heart and makes me so proud!

Beautiful Busy Weekend

This weekend was filled with t-ball games, fun times with friends and family, and sweet memories with my children.

As a mom, each day can be challenging. As a currently single mom, I'm trying to relish in the sweet moments. This weekend there were tons of them.

Elizabeth learned to say "love you." She first said it to my nearly 90 year old grandfather who came out for Andrew's t-ball game. It meant the world to him. Then she said it on a message she left for Mat, and he turned into a puddle of mush.

Andrew has been an angel. He's done just about everything I've asked him to do immediately, and he's been so responsible that most often, I haven't had to ask him to do things I need done. Fed the dog. Fed the baby. Helped me in general just get things done. We've had moments of "challenging times," but they have been brief - thankfully!

Elizabeth sat between Emily & Papa for dinner. She HAS to touch people all the time, but this particular time she kept touching Papa which was getting food from her hands all over his arm and shirt sleeve. He gently asked her to keep her hands to herself. Emily was a little more forceful with her reprimand, and Elizabeth pooched that bottom lip out so far - and it quivvered! I tried to get a pic, but then I felt so bad that I comforted her instead.

It was a sweet reward to see them loving on one another after a crazy long dinner with friends. Elizabeth was completely restless not to mention exhausted from no nap, but her brother was amazing. She went straight to him for some affection which he amply showed her. Warmed my heart!

I love my children! I added a pic from our whirlwind trip to Orlando to find a house. We had to throw a little fun into the trip to so this pic is from our trip to Epcot. I thought it apropos to be holding my son up like Simba :)

Loss

This afternoon my friend’s husband unexpectedly died. He left behind 3 little girls all around the same ages as my children. My heart aches so much for this family. That is one super sweet family, and I am blessed to know them. But now my biggest nightmare is her reality. Now her young children are fatherless, and she is a widow. I can’t even begin to imagine how she feels right now, and I wish I could just make all the pain go away for her. What words do you say to someone going through this? Precious Karen, if you read this, know that I am SO SORRY for your loss.

I read her Facebook status from yesterday, and she said that she was so excited about tomorrow even though it was going to be one long busy day. I know she didn’t expect this day to be a nightmare – a day that seemingly would never end.

I just think about how difficult life has been with Mat gone preparing a place for us in Orlando. I’ve been a single mom, a chef, a maid, a taxi cab, a jungle gym, and a whole lot of stressed out. I’m so thankful that I still have a husband though, and I pray that tragedy stays far away from my household. I know ultimately that God is in control. He has a plan for me, my family, and my friends, and I try to rely on HIM first and foremost. It’s not always easy to remember especially when the children have gone bonkers, but I try. This tragedy helps me remember that the most important relationship is my relationship with Jesus Christ.

School Blues

It seems like every time I blink my eyes there is another decision to be made. We finally were able to secure a house. I'm super excited, but anxious at the same time. Here's the deal:

I'm not thrilled with the public elementary school in the area. Andrew will be starting Kindergarten this coming August, and so I've toured EVERYWHERE. If you read my blog, you've seen my concerns for Andrew about school. It seems like the moment I decided to send Andrew to our local public school in our area, God had other plans for us - like moving to Florida.

God clearly wants us to have this house as all other doors completely shut, but the school doesn't give me warm fuzzies. It's not that kid of situation. There are lots of reasons for the lack of peace for this school, but the top reason is b/c they won't let me tour the place. I've called a handful of times only to be put through to the AP's voice mail. I finally decided to just go over there. They said I had to wait to get a return phone call to 'schedule' a tour. It's been over 2 weeks now and nodda...no phone call, no scheduled tour, no entry into the school period. So I sat in the parking lot and freakishly "stalked" the school. I've found some interesting things that don't set my heart at peace. I did finally get a phone call from a 2nd grade teacher after telling my Realtor in FL my woes. He also lives in my new neighborhood, and our neighbor is that 2nd grade teacher. She didn't put my worries to rest but added to them through our discussion.

My current plan is to PRAY first and foremost. I feel like I need a clear sign after all we are talking about my precious first born one and only sweet son here. I'm currently learning all I can about home school. I simply want what's best for Andrew - not just what I feel is best for him. I want GOD'S WILL. Now if I could just figure out what that is.

My Wife Is Blind

This is Mat. I hijacked Genny's account so I could show her how to insert a picture. I told her on the phone that you just have to press the button that looks like a picture in the toolbar. She insisted that it is not there. Well, here ya go babe!


Enjoy! I love you!

Pics of the New House

Here's the new house: http://vt.realbiz360.com/MLS-321385.html

Yeah, the music is cheesy so turn down the volume :)

The house is in Windermere in a gorgeous neighborhood just North of Disney, West of Orlando, and far away from tourism. The area is relatively new - reminds me an awful lot of Dacula in that respect. There are still pastures filled with cows and horses nearby. There is a Publix just around the corner, and there is also a brand new outdoor shopping mall like the Forum (only much bigger) about 5 minutes from our rental house. That's also where Target is - my fav store!

I'm not sure I like the elementary school for Andrew. I can't get past the secretary at the door to tour the school which I find very disturbing. I've also left messages to tour the school, and I still haven't received a return call. Maybe that's God's way of nudging me to homeschool, but we'll just pray and wait for God's guidance in that area. I'm not sure if Andrew or I would endure a single day of homeschool together b/c "someone" has a super strong stubborn personality.

Mat's commute is going to be like 20 min at most. Most of his drive will be within the Walt Disney Park itself since we are North of the parks and his office at the Wide World of Sports is on the South side of the parks.

Our New House

Many of you have been praying - especially after I came home without finding a rental home in Orlando. However, today has been a day of rejoicing. Mat found out that one of the houses that I looked at last week was miraculously still on the market - and they let dogs as big as Sydney (our 85 pound golden retriever) stay too. Ahhh...what a wonderful feeling to have a place to live. And it's a wonderful reminder that God will provide all our needs. I can't wait to post pics of the new house. In the meantime, I'm going to try to find a pic of our sweet doggie (and 1st born).

Thank you so much for your prayers & for all your encouragement!

Helplessness

These are proving to be such difficult days. Mat has already gone to Florida. I think he's been there 3 weeks now. We (the kids & I) spent a week & 1/2 in Orlando trying to find a place to live. We came home after being cramped in a 1 bedroom suite still homeless. We found plenty of places, but the rentals are pretty expensive. We are trying to be very reasonable with the cost of our rental. After all, we still own and have to continue paying the mortgage on the house in GA. The house we wanted to rent didn't accept dogs - well, dogs as big as Sydney. So now Mat is alone in Orlando trying to find us a place to live, and I'm alone with the kids in Georgia.

It's tough to be here and so helpless. I'd much rather be in Orlando...not only b/c I LOVE it there but b/c I feel like I have some inkling of control there. I'm sure God will provide. He's provided this far, but it isn't in MY timing. I'm so selfish. I've watched God provide over and over, and I still want/expect more.

So here I am trying to keep myself busy - and the kids too. They are getting lots of sleep. I am not. There's just too much going on in my head to rest. I am excited that Andrew will get to spend more time in school, & he will get to play more t-ball games before we permanently leave.

Some cute notes:

Elizabeth got her first molar. She learned how to say she is 1 by holding up her index finger. She also learned how to say "shhhh" by holding her index finger over her mouth saying shhh. And finally, she learned how to say her name. She calls herself Zeezee. She is a mess. She constantly climbs, and she bites when she doesn't get her way. Today she bit a baby, and then she proudly announced that she "bite, bite bite" nearly yelling it so there was no way to hide her "incident." A lady told me that I need to teach her to use her words...as if THAT is the problem. Moms are so judgmental. Live one day in my shoes, and then you can tell me what I need to do.

Andrew is sooo excited about moving to Orlando. I asked him if he would like me to home school him, and he said "NO" b/c he would miss his friends. What he meant to say was that he was afraid his mommy might kill him by the end of a day of home school. He enjoyed our daily swimming, and I plan to find swimming lessons for him there ASAP. Every day he tells his Daddy to "stay safe...and don't lose your job." He is super scared that Mat will quit working at Disney. It must be the coolest thing in the world to have your superhero dad work at the happiest place on earth. He is a great big brother, but he remains super strong willed. God's got big plans for Andrew. I don't know what they are, but he is going to be one strong man of God. I'm proud of him.

Finally, I'm pretty sure that Mat has his dream job. He's like a little school boy excited to go to work every day. I'm pretty sure he's having an affair with Cinderella (Cindy as he calls her). He claims he isn't into her, but my guess is that he's trying to hide his crush.

Leap of Faith

We're taking a step... make that leap of faith tomorrow by letting one of the rental properties that we love pass us by. Rental houses are flying out the door like hot cakes around here. We've already seen several get snatched up, and we've sat by "feeling" like God has something else in store for us. We believe we've found it, but we won't get to see it until Thursday. So...we are letting a house go on Wednesday to hold out for the diamond on the roth (or is it ruff - I always get those sayings wrong).

There is a quaint little (well, rather enormous) neighborhood here that is exactly like the town on the movie The Truman Show. It holds a small rental house just the right size for our family, and it's in the price range that we set in our budget. I toured the elementary school in that district today, and I fell in love with it. I believe this is where God wants us, but it's so difficult to know God's will.

All you prayer warriors out there, pray hard for us! And we know that if this one passes by, that God has something else in store - at least we believe that. Sometimes it's difficult to trust though. We'll know on Thursday. In the meantime, I mean to post pics on FB as soon as I get some computer time before 11pm :) These past few days have been exhausting!