Friday, July 23, 2010

He's still involved

Over the last few months things have settled into a routine; raising the boys, work, teaching aerobics, church and the youth group, seeing Chris. It seems that now that things are quieter around here I don't notice God's hand in every detail of my life as much. For almost a year I had become accustomed, more like addicted, to seeing God move daily, if not multiple times per day. I guess that's why the Bible says "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18) In those long days and months of complete misery and question there was no doubt He was there with me and seeing His presence energized me, but now I wonder. I mean, I know that He never leaves me, but it's been awhile since I have seen Him and I miss it.

This morning, however, I saw Him move clearly. Cammy, a fellow aerobics instructor and member of my church, had subbed my aerobics classes all last week while I was on vacation. When I taught this week I saw the sign in sheet for last week and noticed my name was on the classes that she subbed. I crossed my name out and wrote in Cammy's so she would get paid for helping me out. I taught again last night and again, my name was written in and Cammy's was crossed out. I was puzzled, so when I got home I emailed Cammy to see if she knew what was going on and her reply was God's reminder that He is still involved.

"I did it- my way of thanking you for all you do with the youth at Church- please accept it!
Cammy"

I am so blessed to have those around me so in tune to God that they just respond to His leading with no questions asked and in turn, bless those within the community of followers that are needing help. God is so faithful!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Does it have to end??






We are headed home and I hate this part of vacations, but here are my favorites from this trip:

Favorite meal: At Oceana - Queen Snapper with spinach-asparagus risotto followed by creme brulee for dessert - it all just melted in your mouth.

Favorite drink: Pomegranate martini

Favorite purchase: a new sundress and necklace that my mom found.


Favorite activity: making pizzas with my uncle. He lives on Water Island so he came over and picked us up on his boat and we went over there to see his house and deli/bar. Once we got to his island we parked the boat and got into a golf cart to drive to their house. It was quite an ordeal to just get to their house, but a great adventure.
me driving the golf cart...and they drive on the opposite side of the road so that was interesting!!




Favorite place: in the lounge chair, reading a book, listening to the waves. I think I was doing this 95% of the time!!!

Favorite outfit: Provided by Chris...THANK YOU!!!




Favorite memory: Seeing a rainbow streak across the sky one morning during my morning devotional.

Favorite animal: Although there were iguanas, lizards, cats, birds and chickens on the hotel grounds, my favorite two things were the crabs on the beach and the cute little clear and yellow fish I saw while snorkeling.



Favorite "take-home" thought: "Say what you need to say" I heard this song alot while we were here and it really made me think. So, whether positive or negative, I will try to follow that saying. I know who I am, what God is asking of me, what areas to strive to improve and that I am the only person that knows all of those things, so I will stand firm in that. It's great how a vacation can completely clear your head. I needed this more than I realized.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Virgin Islands

Everyone keeps asking why am I on Facebook or texting or blogging while on vacation, and the answer is because with two kids I don't really get to do all those things WHENEVER I want and for this whole week I can!! I can text ALL day, take 2 hours to create a blog and check/update facebook without ever being interrupted. It is so nice. Here are a few pics from the last few days. My aunt and uncle, Becky and Mark, have been able to take us around the island and eat dinner with us both nights so far, so that has been alot of fun. Other than that, I have spent alot of time on the beach just relaxing!! More pics to come later in the week.


dinner at Greenhouse



Happy Hour at the hotel!!

Dinner at Wikked

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Mystery Man










Ok, so I wanted to share more about my mystery man. To be honest I wasn't sure how I felt about dating at this point, as I shared earlier, but after several weeks and alot of prayer and advice, I am more comfortable with the idea. So...

this is Chris.

We have spent alot of time together over the last few weeks and I have really enjoyed getting to know him. He is the kind of guy that you can get dressed up and go dancing with or grab take out and curl up on the couch and watch a movie with. He knows Austin well and always has a new, original place for me to experience. I really enjoy his company and humor and great conversation. I guess I assumed I would date alot of "frogs" before I found someone worth spending time with, lucky for me that wasn't the case.







Time at GG's

We were able to spend some time with GG this week. We went to the zoo to see all the animals, played in the sprinkler, rode a merry go round, but I think the boys had the most fun playing with the doggy door!! The video is a little dark, but you can still get the idea of the endless fun they had going in and out.














Tuesday, July 06, 2010

July 4th

Another year at the lake with family!! We always have a lot of fun and this year was no exception. Between skiing and tubing and eating and fireworks, we made alot of great memories.












Thursday, July 01, 2010

A whirlwind

I have gotten alot of comments about where I have been in the blogging world lately. I went from blogging almost daily to maybe once every two weeks, if I can fit it in. The last month has been a whirlwind of activity and emotion.

Back in March I started a new job with a company that contracts with Child Protective Services as a Homemaker Provider. I go into homes where the kids have been removed or are about to be removed and re-teach life skills to the parents. It has been really rewarding and I have seen some crazy things over the last few months. Last week, I increased my work load by double, so although I will love the extra income, I have been a little overwhelmed! Yesterday I saw the worst case yet. There was trash a mile high out front and the stench was just overpowering as I got out of my car, but to my surprise, inside was not any better. There were 4 girls in the home; a 1, 2, and 3 year old and a 9 year old. The 2 year old has cancer, a eye that had to be removed due to the cancer, and was just diagnosed with autism. The other two small girls were pretty much neglected because of the attention the special needs child needed. The house was filthy and I felt so bad for the girls that they had to endure that kind of living situation. I just wanted to take them all home with me to love on them. After my visit with that family, I came home and was served a subpoena to testify in a different case that I have. I was shocked and never thought this job would be so dramatic, but I am really enjoying every minute of it and hope God can use me in each one of these cases.

Also capturing my attention lately is a gentleman. Over the last year I have had to fulfill two different roles in the home. I love my role as a mom and a woman; one of cooking and nurturing and cleaning and loving and serving. I do not love my role as pseudo dad and man; one of changing light bulbs and taking out the trash and fixing things. I have been lost in a world of survival...until now. In the last month God has surprised me with a man that has taken romance to a new level; purple flowers, wine and cheesecake, a surprise car wash, a shirt just perfect for me, drinks overlooking downtown, a gift certificate to the spa, long talks under the stars, time spoiling the kids, country dancing; I could just go on and on about how the last month has brought back a spark within me. I have no idea what God is going to do with this relationship, but I am thankful for this man who sees me for who I am.