Stuff

It's finally started to rain in Oregon. We've had 2 big snowstorms, but little rain. It's nice to know that we will have a green summer. I just hope it doesn't rain for months on end. I know I'm a true Oregonian because I only wear a raincoat when it is really, really rainy. And I hardly ever take an umbrella. My skin is becoming impervious to rain.

If you are a person who prays, consider praying for Kyle. He's trying so hard to have enough publications to go up for tenure. Our kids are happy and settled and I think we'd rather not move, but we might just have to. We've been praying so much that I feel like a broken record. A sincere broken record, for sure. It's hard to know what the right thing to do is.  I guess I just want his hard work to be recognized and for us to have the option of staying. We have been very blessed and I am grateful.

My February funk settled in a few weeks late this year. Luckily February is almost over. I hope my funk leaves with it. Until then I'm a bit moody, tired, and grumpy.

I am now the parent of a teenager. She is mostly a delight. You know how people say that childhood goes by quickly? When I'm home day after day with a stubborn 3 year-old, it feels like time has stopped. When I consider that I only have 4.5 years of Jillian living at home full time, it feels like a whirlwind. I want to make the most of the time we have with her. I can't imagine what it will be like when she's gone to college.

We are at a very fun stage in our family. I like having older kids. It's nice to be able to play games and talk about more complex things, even with Kara. Kate is in that fun stage where she is recognizing letters and taking baby steps towards reading. She also tells big imaginative stories that I think she believes. We are taking a 2-3 day vacation over spring break around Oregon. Traveling without babies and toddlers is dreamy. I'm looking forward to having more traveling adventures with my family.

We are saving money this year so we have a nice down payment if we move next year. It's kind of hard to save. We already save quite a bit of money, so saving even more is taking some effort. At least we have money to save, right? I hope watching the bank account grow is motivation.

I am learning some important lessons about myself and my character this year. Each year as I get older I feel more mature and better able to navigate life. I'm glad I generally like who I am. I'm starting to think about my life beyond being a full-time stay-at-home mom. I have been a freelance writer for over a year, and I've also been grading essays for Jillian's language arts teacher. I really miss teaching. I attended a meeting for the honors program for the high school Jillian will attend next year (yikes!). The 9th grade English teacher spoke and I missed being a teacher so much.

I don't have any sort of cancer that I know of, and that's a great thing! I am still working on getting my back healthy and a few other things, but apparently it's going to take awhile. I am trying to be patient. Not easy for me. My goal is to be in top shape before I'm 40. I have 3 years to get it done. 

What are you thinking about lately?

Life can be fleeting

My friend lost her husband of 10 years a week ago. He was 34. He died of a heart attack. They have 3 children. They were about to buy their first house, a brand new house. They slogged through 4 years of optometry school and countless shady apartment complexes during their marriage. He was practicing here in the area, and the dream life was just beginning.  It's been a tough week, but also intensely spiritual. I've been able to serve her and her family in many ways and that has been a blessing.  A few things I've learned or been reminded of this week:

1. Tell the people you love that you love them. Hug them, kiss them, forgive them, be patient with them. You never know when they will be taken from you.

2. There are so many good and loving people in the world, and in my church. Helping hands are everywhere, even in the form of angels allowed to come and assist here on earth.

3. Being a friend is a blessing. I am thankful for my friends, who I know would come to my aid if I were in need. I witnessed amazing sacrifice and love from one of my friend's friends this week. I love my friends.

4. It's never too early to prepare for the future. I've been in touch with my insurance agent this week to review our life insurance options. If you have children, you need life insurance. Term insurance is not terribly expensive, but it can make life so much easier for your spouse if a tragedy occurs.

I will continue to help my friend and her children in the tough weeks and months ahead. She is doing remarkably well, but misses her husband greatly. He was an intense person who pushed himself to succeed. He was well on his way to success. I will remember him as very funny and kind, and he always showed great patience and love to my family, especially Hayden.