Monday

Sleeping in!

Waking up!

I took the big kids with me to buy a bathing suit. They were exceedingly patient with me, but by the 3rd store and 20-tried-on-suits later Gavin said, “Just pick one out and let’s go!!” as if it were simply just a pair of swim trunks! Hahahahaha!!! If ONLY it were THAT easy!!! Must be nice to be a guy in that regard!!! I did eventually find one that wasn’t Aztec print with metal decorative anchors and chains hanging off of it!

“Gavin, go over there and see if you can give that guy a hand.”

It wasn’t the most exciting of outings, but we had fun anyway!

“Oh, it’s good to have my people home!!!”

Tuesday

Three generations of runners! Nornor brought her baby along with us on our morning run.

“I get all filthy stinky after my run and I have to get a baff!”

“I have a lot of stinky muscles to soak!”

“And I needed an evening baff too. I made pukes and tinkles all over me and Daddy! Scyooz me, Daddy!”

“I get some sweet loves from my sister!”

Nora was pretty fussy throughout the day which had me a little down. Her belly issues were undoubtedly the root of her troubles. We hadn’t seen/smelled any stinky diapers in a few days and she was uncomfortable as a result. Despite her sadness, she was in capable, loving hands and I had to get out and do something fun for the big kids. Shopping yesterday didn’t quite cut it; TV and video games weren’t an option, so I took them swimming.

From the moment we walked in I was hit with a pang of sadness. The “should be’s” and “supposed to be’s” will really do a number on me if I don’t quickly turn my focus to God. I remember being there while I was very newly pregnant with Nora, still in my bikini, imagining frolicking in the baby pool someday with who ever was growing inside me. Nothing cuter than a big toddler belly and chubby little bum packed into a swim diaper and bathing suit. That image put such happiness in my heart back then. As the tears welled up behind my sunglasses I was reminded to be so thankful for what I have instead of saddened and bitter about what I don’t have. This isn’t the life that I imagined, but that doesn’t in any way depreciate it.

Wednesday

Greta and Nornor getting some last minute cuddling in before the big kids took off for Texas this morning.

G & G flew down to Austin, Texas with their MeeMee to visit their Aunt, Uncle and cousins for a week! I dropped them off at the airport this morning. They were so excited!

Daddy checked everyone’s luggage then we hugged and kissed goodbye several, several times!

I drove away with a big lump in my throat. They run me ragged when they’re here all day, but the second they’re gone I’m a mess of tears. They were a little sad to leave us too. Gavin commented that he wished there was some way he could sniff Nora’s sweet fuzzy head over the phone! Oh, I LOVE those kids!!!!

They did arrive safely. Greta called me before bed time, as she promised and read me her Jesus Calling book for kids. Gavin said goodnight too. I love those sweet kids so much!

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Since Sunday my cousin’s young daughter has been hospitalized. I’m not exactly sure of the specifics, but one of her kidneys wasn’t functioning properly and they have been running a barrage of tests on her trying to figure out what is wrong. It could be anything from an autoimmune disorder to a kidney infection, but so far they have not been able pinpoint exactly what it is. If you could please keep L in your prayers, I know her family would greatly appreciate it!

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
(Matthew 18:19, 20 NIV)