Remembering Miracles

The other day I was reading about one of the many miracles in the Bible and I was thinking how wonderful it would be to see, firsthand, a miracle. And, then I remembered a whole lot of miracles I had seen, firsthand, in my life. One in particular really stuck out in my mind. I know I have never shared it before because I did not even know blogging existed when it happened.*gasp* I know, weird to think there was ever a time like that in my life. Here is the story of one of my miracles...
We had gone on a business trip to Denver with Brian. I had gotten REALLY sick while there, flu like symptoms, high fever, super sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea. Long story short, I ended up getting super dehydrated and that landed me in the ER. They gave me IV fluids for several hours and some medicine to stop the uncontrollable diarrhea and vomiting.Once fully hydrated and stable they sent me with a prescription to a 24 hour Walgreens nearby, in downtown Denver. We found the Walgreens, it looked open, it was the only thing that looked open, everything else was deserted and we found that odd. Brian dropped me off at the door and said he would circle around the block and pick me up. I walked up to the door, it didn't open, I tried to open it, it's locked. No business hours posted on the door. Oh no! Brian was long gone by this time. I knocked on the door. Someone had to be in there. Why were all the lights on? No one came. I have to admit I really started to freak out at this point. I looked up and down the street. I was completely alone. Not a soul in sight, including Brian. It was eerie. I told myself he'd be coming shortly and it would be alright until then. I stood against the building and started to wait. Then my heart sank, I saw a group of young men coming down the street, on my side. Oh no! From their appearance and what I could hear them talking about they were more than likely one of the gangs I had read about in the paper and seen their tagging on the buildings all around me. Oh Lord, what I am going to do? There was still no sign of Brian and they were closer now probably 5 yards away. I stood as close to the wall as I could get and just starting praying to myself over and over, "Lord please make me invisible, protect me." The boys passed me literally within inches. They were so close I could feel their clothes brush up against mine, see the details of there faces, and hear every single word of what they were talking about (although I don't remember what it was). They never saw me. They never even looked my direction. We were the only ones on the street, no one else was there. Even if they were just a group of great guys walking the streets at 2:00 AM, why didn't they look at me or acknowledge my existence? It is my belief that the Lord hid me that night. It is also my belief that had He not something bad would have happened. After they had passed and I started breathing again, I thanked God for answering my prayer. Still no Brian, by this time probably 10-15 minutes have passed. Finally I saw headlights coming my way. As they got closer, I realized it was Brian. Thank You again Lord. Once in the car, he apologized and explained that he sort of got turned around and lost because there were so many one way streets. I relayed everything that had just happened to me and we both thanked God together for His hand of protection. We ended up finding a Walgreens outside of the city and getting the prescription filled. I have often wondered why I went through that. Why did that have to happen? In hindsight I can come up with several answers, one of the greatest is that I would learn firsthand that God is capable of anything. ANYTHING! He made me invisible that night. By all logic and reason those boys should have seen me, noticed me but they didn't. Amazing! God hid me, as He has before and will in the future, under the shadow of His wings. What a beautiful promise to us as Christians, as His children. He does indeed never leave us or forsake us.

Adventures in Babysitting

Brian and I babysat last night. Some friends of ours needed to move, which is hard enough in itself, but with a 4 month old and a two year old it becomes, well, impossible. We decided we would help by moving heavy furniture and a million boxes...er... babysitting the kids. This was in a lot of ways a huge blessing to us...er...me because I am going through my once-a-year-crazy-I-want-a-baby whinefest; in which I, even if it is just to myself and/or the Lord, moan and complain, and question every good thing I have been given and wonder why I can't have more children, so unfair, to the Lord that is. It is WRONG, I make no excuses for it. Anyhoo, I digress. So, we watched a 4 month old little girl, so sweet and a 2 year old toddler, so cute. They were fun and good kids don't get me wrong. But the little girl cried, WHY? I don't know. And the 2 year old could get out All. Of. Jadon's. Toys. in about 5 seconds. Oh yeah! I forgot this is what kids these ages do. They cry. They make (ack!) dirty diapers. They are professionals when it comes to making a mess. All of a sudden I felt way too old for all of it. It was fun for awhile and I will be more than happy to babysit any and all children again. I just like it when I know it is going to come to an end. I get to play with, hold, fuss over, and try to please the babies and then send them on their way so their parents can lose a whole night of sleep while I sleep soundly. I like the sounds of that plan. At one point I looked over at Brian and he had this sort of glazed look about his eyes and I realized at that very instant, oh good, it is not just me. I guess we are spoiled by our get yourself dressed, go potty by yourself, help out around the house, keep you room clean, start the car for us, do your chores, self sufficient boy. He's great! And so easy!

I'm in Love and a Homesick Boy

I got to see my niece on Saturday and can I just say that my heart feels like it will explode with love for that little girl. I love that little Emalee with all I am. I mean obviously she is as cute as the day is long but there is something about her, some kinship, kindred spirit sort of thing that just makes love her so deeply. I can not wait to get to know her better. To watch her grow and come into her own ways and personality is going to be such fun. I am thanking the Lord that He did not will us to move away. I can not imagine being far from her..or the rest of my Fam. What a blessing to be here. I want to enjoy every minute of it.

We had YFN on Saturday. Jadon decided he wanted to stay with my Mom and Dad since my Grandparents, Uncle, and Cousin were visiting from the Boise area. When we walked through the door he ran up to me and hugged me so tight and said, "Mama, Mama, oh how I missed you! I got really homesick" We were away from him for 7 hours. He said he imagined hearing my voice and got really sad but just had to pray and remember I would be coming back soon. I love that kiddo. He reminds me of me. I never could handle being away from home. Still can't! I went on a retreat about 2 years ago now. I was away from Brian and Jadon for less than 24 hours. I called them and started to cry because I missed them so badly it hurt. Needless to say leaving again for any extended time is not in my future and Brian and I plan to never leave Jadon overnight. EVER.

Happy Birthday kiddo!

I am so blessed to be celebrating Jadon's 9th birthday today. Wow! Has it really been nine years. Impossible! I was talking with a good friend the other day and I sort of had one of those "ah ha" moments. I realized the saddest part about my "having- a- baby" days being over is that when I look back I didn't enjoy my pregnancy, I survived it. Sad. One shot at the whole thing and I feel as though I squandered it. I could start crying right now kids, but I won't. Ever the optimist I am I thought well, how sad would it be if I looked back on these days, 9 years from now and felt the same way. I resolved right then and there to take every.single.moment. of pure joy and pleasure captive, not only that but to purposefully seek them out. Make the most of this beautiful life the Lord has graciously blessed me with and say, well the house may have been a mess at times, laundry may have piled up a bit, but I enjoyed every moment with my kiddo while he was all mine. After all I am now at the half way point with him. That's right we are half way to 18. So, on this your 9th birthday son, I wish you all the best. I hope I can bless your life with the same sort of over-the-moon happiness that you have blessed me with. I thank the Lord for you. Always. period.