The Day After...

I can't say that I am surprised by the outcome of this year's election, but I am still disappointed. I woke up feeling heavy-hearted about the turnout and worried about what the future holds for our country and more particularly for our children. It's hard not to let fear and discouragement overcome after watching our "team" lose.

But I must echo my sister-in-law Julie's words, since she stated my sentiments better than I could.

"Certainly I am disappointed, but watching the whole thing unfold on TV last night it was evident that we were watching something very historically significant. I think that last night was a defining moment for an entire generation. I think we have a responsibility to pray for Obama that he would do what is in the best interest of the country and that God would protect us. I thought that John McCain’s concession speech was very heartfelt and poignant and I still have just as much respect for him as I did before. We have to rest in the fact that God is in control and has a purpose for Barack Obama becoming president."

I cried as I watched McCain’s speech last night, surprising even myself! I guess I didn’t realize how emotionally involved I had become in this whole thing… but Julie's words renew a sense of hope in my heart. It is a reminder to be fervent in prayer for the leaders of our country and for the future generation. Now more than ever I am being awakened to the importance of my involvement in the decisions our country makes, not only for our present time but more importantly for our children! I look at Isaac, and I wonder what the world will be like for him in the future… I have to fight the surge of fear that comes at the thought. I must remember to keep faith in the Lord, who is still seated on His throne, and also to no longer live with my head in the sand. No matter who is in the White House, God is still sovereign.

Did You Vote Today?

Isaac did!!

Well, not really, of course. But he did accompany Daddy to the polls and experienced his "first" election day. How patriotic!

Whew! With all this activity, I'm pooped!

Footsies

There are so many things about Isaac that we find endearing ... like his contagious smile, his bright eyes, his excited squeal, and ... his clammy feet? I don't know how but when his feet get cold they get downright wet! Eek. But I can't help but find it endearing because it's him. He has no idea how adorable he is!

L is for Lion who is Lovable in every way

Isaac says, "I can't believe I'm doing this..."

"...I don't know whether to laugh or cry..."

"...so are we done yet?..."

"...no really, you're about to hear my roar!"

"...How about I be that Lovable Lion without the mane? Ahhhh, so much better!"

Happy Birthday to ME!

It felt like just another day... except that my phone was ringing more than usual and my email and facebook were getting hit with happy birthday messages (which made me feel special). I don't know why but this year I wasn't all that excited about my birthday. Maybe it was overshadowed by all of the life changes that have come the last couple of months. Maybe it snuck up on me and caught me by surprise. Or maybe I'm just getting old and the childish excitement of birthdays is starting to wane..... (sad!!).

No matter... I had a nice quiet birthday with Kevin and Isaac tonight, and it was fun. We went to Red Robin for dinner, and I got everything I requested from our server David. My wish was his command - sweet! I got my free ice cream sundae minus the birthday song and unnecessary ado and a basket of fries to begin with, followed by dinner with a cherry coke. We risked taking Isaac out at his bedtime, but he accomodated us by falling asleep on his own while we were out. Happy birthday, Mom! Just for you I'm going to put myself to bed for the night. And when we get home all you will have to do is take me out of my carseat and put me straight into bed because I'll be out like a light and content to just sleep. I love you but go hang out with Daddy for the rest of the night!

Along with the sweetest card, Kevin made me a birthday cake - Chocolate chocolate, YUM! Of course he topped it off with some humor... "I don't know about this, Honey. I don't think we have a fire permit for all these candles!" Ha ha.

27

I couldn't blow them out in one breath! Does that mean I don't get my wish?

One perk of having our own private party... we don't have to share the cake with anyone! Fork in one hand, milk in the other - Dig in!

This is the birthday card that Isaac made for me with Mindy today. So precious! I will treasure it forever.

First Week Down

Well, with our good Lord's constant help and the encouragement of many friends and family, I made it through my first week back to work since having Isaac. This week was a blur since my working day didn't end until my head hit the pillow. Such is the life of a working mom, I suppose! My biggest remorse this week has been only getting to spend a couple of hours each day with Isaac - and that during his most tired and fussy time of day! I really missed him!! My special time with him has become putting him to bed each night. We get to cuddle together as I feed him and rock him to sleep.

Today was Isaac's first day with Mindy, and he did so well! I'm so incredibly thankful for Mindy. She is a great mom and takes such good care of the little ones. Isaac really likes her too; he always smiles and coos at her when she talks to him. She is so great at keeping age appropriate activities going for both her 18-month-old Addie and 2-month-old Isaac. Today he "read" books, played in the play gym, had some tummy time, and even had a craft project (which you'll see in my next post) along with a few naps and lots of eating.

I know that God has each of us where we are for a reason, and I trust that He has a purpose for me at my workplace beyond just earning a paycheck and doing a job. My prayer is that He will use me for His purposes and that I can be a light for him there. I sense Him using me, and I just want to continue to make myself available for Him every day so that others may know Him through me. If I must be away from my little one, what better way to spend that time than this?


Thank you friends and family for your overwhelming encouragement this week. I have deeply appreciated it more than you'll know. Please continue to pray for me if it crosses your mind, first that God will be able to use me where I am, and second that He will continue to help my heart during this tough transition of leaving Isaac.

Engaged!

I have exciting news! My younger brother Caleb is engaged! After a beautiful day with Anna, celebrating their two year anniversary, Caleb asked Anna to marry him. We're all so thrilled to welcome Anna to the family!

Deception Pass at Whidbey Island. Caleb coaxed Anna down to the beach even though she wasn't wearing the right shoes for the sand. And that's where he popped the question. :)

A nervous (and handsome) Caleb right before he asked the big question.

A thrilled Anna after the surprise!

I Did It!

I survived my first day back to work! It was incredibly difficult to leave Isaac this morning, but the Lord encouraged me all the way to work. He helped me to hold back my tears, which I much appreciated. Isaac got to spend all day with his Daddy, and Kevin did a great job! Isaac had a bath, went for a walk, had some play time, took a couple of snoozes, and ate to his heart's content. I checked in with Kevin a few times today, as only he could expect! The only time I teared up today was when I got to "talk" to Isaac on the phone. Kevin put me on speaker, and I could hear Isaac babbling. I started to talk to him, and he got quiet at the sound of my voice. I talked to him some more, and he started up again sounding very excited. Kevin told me that Isaac's eyes lit up when he heard my voice... and that's when I cried. Fortunately I have the most caring and encouraging husband ever, and he gently cheered me up and pepped me back up for work. I love him.

All in all, it was a good day. I had a very warm reception at work, and the day went by pretty quick. It was really nice to see all of my friends again and to feel so missed.

Thank you to all my friends and family that were thinking of me and praying for me today! I so appreciate you!!

Chuckles

Isaac found his laugh! Watch this... he's so squeezable. :)

A Bit 'O History

We went downtown today to check out the Phoenix Museum of History. It was small, but pretty interesting nonetheless. We learned about the origins of Phoenix and what life was like back when it was first settled. Sounds like it truly was the "wild, wild west!" They had to bring in women to civilize and beautify the city! Ha! I can only imagine how crude life was when this place was overrun with men... messy, violent, dirty men. Good thing God made women to soften things up!

One thing we found interesting was learning that Phoenix has been a melting pot of nationalities from the very beginning. People from everywhere found their home here, including Indians, Mexicans, African Americans, Chinese, Japanese, and almost every type of European.

Anyway, my favorite part was looking at all of the old pictures. I tend to stare at their faces as I imagine what kind of people they were and what their lives were like. Beyond the black and white shades, they used to be in color... This has always fascinated me about history. Although sometimes blank and creepy, their eyes grab me and seem to tell a story.

This is the Rosson House, once one of the most prominent homes in Phoenix. After the railroad came to town and provided a way for the people of Phoenix to recieve goods and materials from farther away, wealthier people abandoned the old adobe brick homes and began to build homes in the popular Victorian style. This one was built in 1895 for Dr. and Mrs. Roland Lee for a whopping $7,525.

We were also surprised to discover a beautiful park just a short walk away. This small oasis is a part of the Phoenix Center, which has a movie theater and outdoor mall. To our delight, this park was so inviting and peaceful! Rows of stately palm trees and wide mesquite trees provided canopies of shade while fountains sang a relaxing bubbling tune. We enjoyed sitting on one of the many benches and just having a moment of peace together as a slight breeze rustled the trees and made the temperature perfectly cool.

Sweet little snoozer. Isaac had a good nap as we walked along.