God's kindness

We found out last night that Joe's cousin and her husband gave birth yesterday to a little boy named Jacob. We've been expecting that Jacob would have some disformities based on previous ultrasounds, and yet that information doesn't adequately prepare one for the reality when it's presented. Our hearts are filled with lots of questions about how to react. We are celebrating the new life that God has given, and do not want to discredit the hope that is present with new life. Truly, He is a God of miracles, and mighty to do beyond what we think is possible. We also realize that there is confusion about what his little life will hold, and how he can best be cared for. A parent's decision for the care of their child is limited to what we can see on this side of heaven. It's hard to know all the right answers, and responses right now. It is easy to see the difficulties in this situation, but there is also much to be thankful for. Our heavenly Father is also kind in that He will use this too, to bring about good for those that love Him, and are called according to His purpose. May we seek His purpose each day. We pray that this event within our family will be used to bring glory to God, and to shape each of us into a better reflection of His image. May God bless you, Jacob.

One Flat Sunrise

Well, yesterday was a longer than usual day. I got up at 4:30am, in order to leave the house by 5:30 for the town of Andrews, TX. Btw, my eyes don't work so well at that time. As my friend Erin used to say in college, "If God still has the lights off outside, then we're not meant to be awake...". I would have to agree with that sentiment, but sometimes the occupation calls. So, I was headed southwest to sell more software.

I've seen the sun rise before, and it's a nice peaceful scene, but I have never seen a sunrise so unobstructed as driving through West Texas at 7:00 in the morning. I mean, it is flat here. How flat is it? you might ask... well, there's plenty of time to look at the scene without worry of an upcoming hill or forest to block your view. And frankly since the roads are so straight here, you pretty much can just hold the steering wheel steady and look for a good long while. It was an impressive view, and I appreciated getting to be an audience. That said, I don't plan to be awake and driving at that hour on any sort of regular basis.

After spending time in Andrews, I headed on over to Midland. If you work in Midland, there's a good chance you work for an oil/gas-related company. Therefore, it's a good place to make sales calls. Which might lead you to believe that I sold a lot while I was there, but you'd be wrong. Instead, I ended up spending most of the day with current clients, answering their questions and building good rapport. Too bad that doesn't add to the wallet.

Got home from Midland around 7pm, and washed the car quickly before sundown. Joseph called at 3:30am to let me know I should head up to campus to pick him up. He and several others from the SPE club had been in San Antonio for the ATCE show. Finally got back to bed around 4am. Like I said, long day.

Long day, but a day with a great sunrise, and an even better ending because it brought Joseph home safely. How happy I am to have him back home...

General Appreciations

Well, I was composing my "About Me" section, and realized that I don't give enough air time to the things I enjoy about life. So, I've decided to list out a few for you.

My favorite weather is early October when the sky is clear except for white fluffy clouds, and all the colors are more crisp; a temperature of the low 70s, and the smell of fall. I love sitting in front of a fireplace in the evening with Diana Krall or Nat King Cole singing in the background and sipping a cup of coffee. Speaking of which, I love a cup of good coffee early in the morning on the patio before anyone else is awake, and the air is still cool- it's my favorite place to have devotions. It's a setting that puts life in perspective for me.

I like cooking a big Italian meal for my close friends or family, and then finishing the evening with a delicious dessert and, you guessed it, coffee. I love baking wonderful desserts that makes the whole house smell good, and then having a neighbor over to chat. I love cooking in the kitchen with my nephews and nieces- it reminds me of the fun of cooking, why it's exciting to learn, and the great memories I have of cooking with my mom.

I love walking down Henrietta St. when it's snowing big heavy snowflakes at 1 in the morning, holding hands with my husband and breathing in the purity of the moment. It's so calm at that moment, and it's hard to remember if there was ever anything to worry about. I love walking through the woods on a fall day when the trees are in full color, and kicking my boots through the leaves. I love the orange color of dusk in the fall as the sun sinks; it makes me want to stay in that moment for days, and yet I know it's only a season so I try to breathe in as much as I can. I love a summer night that's warm and breezy, laughing with best friends, and hearing a familiar song being played somewhere nearby. I like Spring Saturday mornings at Quailcrest with my mom picking out the new plants for the coming season.

I like Saturday mornings at Muddy Waters and listening to Standard Time play some of my favorite songs. I like spending time with friends I have a history with, and knowing we can discuss anything new or old no matter how involved it is. I love girls weekend together and remembering why we all became friends in the first place. And the food! So good.

I like the white quilted tablecloth on my mother-in-law's kitchen table, but mostly I like the peaceful moments we spend at that table over coffee talking about life, and how much our family means. I love the window over her kitchen sink that's bright, and promising to look through; and I like the pot of Baby Tears she has next to it. I like going to auctions in the fall on Saturday mornings, not really to buy, but just to enjoy the event. I like walking into a house and recognizing the smell of a wood-burning fireplace- I still think it's the most inviting scent, they should make that into a candle... nah, it'd probably ruin it like they did apple and cinammon.

I like camping in the fall on a clear, cool night with a full moon, and a campfire, sipping hot cider. And then crawling into our tent to cuddle up next to Joseph- that's the best. I love spending time with my Joe walking down a trail together, or driving across the country, just talking about all the things that come to mind, and then enjoying the shared quietness when there's no more words for the moment. It's times like that when I realize he's the best friend I've ever had- and I have GREAT friends so that's saying something. I like working on a project with him, and knowing that we're accomplishing something together. Makes me look forward to being parents together someday.

I like sitting outside on the porch with my brother listening to him play guitar quietly. I love talking to him when we're both in that relaxed state of mind, and generally reminiscing about all the good times we've had. I love sharing time with Maggy and knowing there are things only she can understand because we're girls and in the same family through God's great providence. I love the way my nephews snuggle up to me when they're sleepy. And I love the way they smell right on the top of their heads when I lean down to kiss them. I love the way my neices curl their heads right into my neck when I pick them up from their naps.

I like sitting on the front porch of Harper's eating pizza and looking up at Seneca Rocks for the hundredth time with my dad. It's technically the same view, but seems a little different each time. I like the way he looks at me like he just knows I'm going to reveal something amazing- and sometimes I wonder how he stifles the disappointment when there's nothing mind-boggling to share. I love the way he listens to me, and how he takes a deep breath in and out before responding to my big questions about life.

Most of all, my favorite thing in life is being with Joe. I love you Honey, and I'm so glad to be on this adventure with you!

Give it a shot...

well, after many admonitions from our good friend, Luke (www.lukearmour.blogspot.com) to start blogging, I'm jumping in. I hope I don't disappoint. I'm also not sure how faithful I'll be to this task, or how entertaining I'll be, but I'm going to... give it a shot.