Dell, you are swell.

Just to give you an idea of how overwhelming life has been these past few weeks, (more to come on why, later), this gorgeous new baby of mine sat in her box completely ignored for almost a week.

I am so in love with my new laptop. She is so shiny that I just hate getting my fingerprints on her. Which is why I had to steal a fingerprint-free photo from Dell's website.

I had made it clear to Jerry that this was going to be mine. I knew he had taken me seriously when he made me do all the setup. Looking for new drivers and updates? Huh? Hopefully I did everything I was supposed to.

Oh, how I've missed having a laptop. When mine crashed a couple of years ago, my mom was kind enough to let us have her old desktop. I can't believe that dinosaur lasted as long as it did. I may have had to euthanize it if it had held on much longer.

I feel my bloggy desire coming back, so watch out. And I'm sure this is going to do wonders for our marriage. Does surfing the web side by side on the couch for hours each night count as quality time?

Reason to Celebrate!

Have you ever looked forward to a doctor's appointment? I can honestly say that today as Lily and I ventured to her Pediatric GI, that I was completely excited. Excited to brag on Lily and how well she is (finally) doing with her GI issues.

I will honestly miss seeing him. He is the kind of doc that serves more as a counselor/friend type...a parent in the trenches with similar aged kids. He was genuinely proud of her and she just ate it up.

When we left his office over a year ago, we had a plan, medicines to try, and a stack of play therapist cards. We were told not to come back until she was having no problem going potty on her own all of the time. Then we could return to get a plan from him to wean her from her medicines.

12 weeks into play therapy, medicines, and sheer frustration, I honestly thought I'd never reach the day when I was sitting in his office with such good news...able to make a discharge plan.

But 13 months later there we sat...reason to celebrate for sure.

I told Lily we could go to a special restaurant afterward. She was thinking Chick-Fil-A.

Mommy was thinking Cheescake Factory.



I should have gotten my own slice of cheescake. That girl can hold her own.

I couldn't think of a tastier way to test one's GI tract.

Fun in the 4x5 bathroom for 45 minutes

I was taking a much needed snooze upstairs when my hubby awoke me with news of tornado warnings.

The girls were already in the tiny "central" downstairs bathroom, and when Jerry and I joined them there I knew we were in for some fun. They were in hyperactive mode and loving our "adventure".

As the winds picked up and the lights flickered we uttered prayers to our God in heaven and hunkered down.

Then the playing continued.

Zipping and unzipping the sofa cushions as well as flashlight play were the top two faves.

Lily even took a potty break in the midst of us. Thankfully it was just a little tee-tee.

Soon enough we surveyed the damage and found several limbs down, potted plants overturned and broken, and patio furniture blown everywhere. I was surprised to see that our little "roller coaster", which locks together, was separated and blown throughout the yard.

Most notably though we lost about 40% of the siding on our chimney.

Thankfully I haven't heard of any injury reports and everyone is resting soundly in this house anyway...lulled to sleep by the soft rain.

And this mama is about to see if it can work its magic on her as well.

Goodnight, folks!

Whirlwind

Wow. The only word that is coming to mind right now is exhaustion...physical, mental, and spiritual.

We have spent the last several days celebrating my stepfather's life. Visitation, funeral, interment, and multiple meals. And if I am tired, I can't imagine how my mom and his children are feeling.

Everything was very well attended. His life was definitely honored and remembered well.

It was only the fourth funeral I've ever attended. And the first time I've ever stepped foot in a funeral home or been a part of a funeral procession or graveside service.

As expected as his death was, all of these events and the planning of them was still very difficult. I could not stop thinking about how those who suffer a tragic or sudden loss even begin to get through the preparations much less the actual events themselves.

Only by the grace of God I imagine.

Anyway, I'll quit my rambling and leave you with the poem printed in Charlie's visitation program.

I'M FREE

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God has chosen for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I've now found peace at the end of day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Oh yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I've savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all to brief;
Don't lengthen your pain with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now-He set me free
Author: Shannon Lee Moseley.

Rest in peace, Charlie. You will be missed.

Charlie went home.

Just a little over a year ago, my step-dad suffered a major stroke.

I contemplated his frustrating loss of speech in this post. It has been a difficult year of seeing him slowly decline and watching my mother care for him in a tireless and selfless manner.

Over the past week it became apparent that his time with us was drawing to a close. Charlie passed away around 5:30 this morning. While we were very sad to let him go, it is a true joy to know that he is no longer suffering. I can once again hear his voice in my head as I imagine him walking the streets of heaven and chatting with everyone in his path. Walking and talking...two things he hasn't been able to do in so long.

I covet your prayers as we walk along side my mom during the funeral planning, visitation, lunch, internment, etc. I don't do any of those things well. Does anyone? Thankfully I don't have much practice under my belt in this area. I just want to be supportive and encouraging to her during this difficult time...trusting that the Lord will show me the best way to do just that.