Sunday, November 15, 2009

The Countdown Begins. . .


Less than one month to till Nate, Sophia & I head to Chad, my husband's home country. It's crunch time. For the record we're only going to be there for two weeks. But like any adventure, we'll live a lifetime in every moment. We appreciate your prayers as we prepare to be reunited with family & friends.

Our official itinerary is:
1. December 12 through the 16th in Paris
2. December 17 through January 5 - N'djamena and Southern Chad.
3. January 6th in Paris
4. January 7th - head back to Iowa
Please pray for every step of the trip.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Oh look, my daughter's the raisin fairy!

Everyday musings from my house:
"Daddy! The new mayor just won by 62%." Sophia informed Nate this past month. Obviously impressed.
"Oh?" Daddy asked.
"Yep, he's going to give Pooh Bear band-aids to all the children!"

"Mommy, I'm not scared." Sophia informed me during a Disney movie."I'm just looking under my blanket."

"Would you like A or B?" Nana asked Sassy giving her two options for lunch.
"Nana, that's not letters. It's cheese!"

"I think I just took an anti-biotic and a pro-biotic?" I remarked to Nate confused. Without missing a beat. "May the best pill win!"

Monday, November 09, 2009

Tuesday Tips: A Couple of Page Turners & a Hole in the Wall

The Bellini Card by Jason Goodwin
I read it in four days. It's my favorite combination; historical fiction & mystery about Renaissance art with a great Byzantine Empire & Istanbul twist. A couple gory parts but that's why I love reading--easily skippable. Other than that very good & clean! (Available at your local library--support your library donate your time and/or books!)

The Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith
I've read several of McCall's books but I don't share them here b/c I personally find them so-so. However, the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series (this is one of them) are great! Especially paired with Lissete Lecat as an audio book! Her African accents are sooooo good! This one is especially good! It's like being there! (Also available at the Cedar Rapids Public Library)

Thai Flavors-Iowa City. Fabulous little place with great fresh cuisine. Coconut milk, fresh ginger, lemongrass, peanuts. If you love any of these in combinations you'll LOVE this place.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Dark Day's of Motherhood


Friday was a bad day as my family's learned to call it. Fibromyalgia strikes again. This time though something is different. This past year I began praying for God to help me with my health. Although, I've been battling with fibro symptoms for over fifteen years in numerous forms, I'd never specifically asked the Lord for help. Until being Sophia's mother brought to light just how sick I'd become. The chronic, ongoing, fatigue's become crippling. Hearing your toddler crying --No mommy don't lie down again. Pounded me with another kind of pain unlike anything I'd felt before. The inability to engage, my beautiful little girl, day in and day out.

Nate's flexible schedules brought another voyeur into my difficult days. I'm eternally thankful for the kindness and grace my husband and my family have extended to me. But it made me see just how private my pains become.
You're not supposed to see this. I'd joke, at his concern over the groggy, somberness that no amount of coffee can kick. Think of it as trying to go to work with the flu, or a persistent hangover. Personally, I feel like I've got molasses running through my veins. My whole body is running sluggish and the engine in my brain just won't turn over.

This has been my life, until recently. A culmination of health choices & answered prayer, my family has witnessed a reanimated mom, sister, daughter, wife. Maybe that's why the blog's been a little quiet. I have so much more energy and so much to do!

It's been odd--to be on the other side of the looking glass. I keep thinking--is this how everyone else feels??? No wonder I never got anything done! The other day I spent all morning at play group, then took Sophia to the library and THEN went grocery shopping!!! All in one afternoon. The other day, in early morning conversation with my mom I moved to help her make a bed. She stepped back startled. "You don't want to crawl into it?" She asked trying to play down her amazement. It's been the little things that have helped me see how life is changing. (Hopefully, it's not just a flash in the pan.)

This Friday helped me see just how bad, my bad days had gotten. Instead of being the norm this was the anomaly. Every little thing about the day was difficult, like I couldn't stay ahead of her. She'd get upset and I couldn't think fast enough to discipline or redirect. The stiffness, flu like symptoms, frustration all add up. I could see just how debilitated I could be--for my little girl. Most days I can stay ahead of her, coaching, modeling, creating a structure that would help curb the frustration for both of us.

In the midst of a terrible day, I've got much to be thankful for. My amazing family that gives me support & grace. My little girl who's never stopped loving mommy no matter how tough the day's get. My faith for reminding me that God really does care about my health & body. And especially for good days!

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Happy Halloween!

Sophia & Unca Banga--On his way to Army Officer Training. We're so proud!
Sophia 'trick or treating at Gigi's!
Look at my little cheerleader pose! I have no idea where she gets it!
My brother Dana dressed up as his hero--the Roaming Gnome!
Sophia & her 'boys' as she calls them. Iron Man-Asher, Darth Vader-Gabe and little Zig Zag!
My little cheerleader with Uncle Fester & Grandmama (from the Adams family)

These two crack me up!!!! I had to share!
Sophia enjoying her sugar binge!!!
Trick or Treat with Sassy's biggest fan--Nana!

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