Another reason to trust in God

Last year I started thinking about starting a blog while following my dear friend, Ann's. We have experienced God's hand in several wonderful ways in this journey that I'll never forget. I try so hard to lean on God's faithfulness and plans, but sometimes my human fears cloud the way. I do intend to post some of these blessings...if life slows for a bit. But, yesterday a new one occurred.

As most of you know, we have been "deferred". With this is many, many benefits. But a big negative is losing some of our friends and support network as they moved around the country. The hardest to adjust is Mermaid Girl. She does not remember the life back home that Shark Boy grieves. She LOVES to visit, but doesn't remember actually living there. She is really grieving her daycare provider and all of her friends. She has been in her new daycare since the beginning of June and she still cries everytime I leave her. I had made the decision to call one of the "social butterfly" classmates to try to arrange a playdate... but kept postponing it, because "cold calling" is never a strong point for me.

On Monday, the child center had a Meet the Teachers event and of course Mermaid Girl was thrilled to show off the center, teachers and her favorite toys (the place really is good.) In fact, I know most of the tears are for "my benefit or 'punishment' for leaving her" She does have fun! And is learning a lot.

We played along side another little girl "Beautiful Brown Eyes". Yesterday....the tears were especially bad and I made a definite decision to get "Brown Eyes' mother's number. I became busy at work until I received a phone call from "Brown Eyes' mother"!!--Turns out she recognized me after a retreat we had last week. We work for the same hospice, but in different buildings and different roles. "Brown Eyes" is also new and having the same problem. We had a great play date, today. Our girls have alot in common - including their Dad's professions!! We are planning another play date.... the girls really connected as did the Moms. But - most importantly -- we hope we will see FAR less tears every morning at the "goodbye chair". God knows his plans for us, he knows his people and supports each one of us. Now if I could just have constant faithfulness and trust! I'm learning, even if it is a slow process.

Blessings, Patty

My Niece!

2 weeks ago my almost 14 year old, Niece, "Namine" came too visit. I have no idea what her name means....it was her choice. She brought her brother "Yugioh"(his choice), who is also a 3rd grader. Her Mom, "D" and her Mom's boyfriend, "K" also came.

The weather was a bit hot for "The Northeners", but we had fun checking out the sights and catching up. Shark Boy and Yugioh had a blast playing 8 and 9 year old games, while trying not to let Mermaid Girl pester them. Namine loved to give MG fashion advice and dressed her in all the "cute" clothes! MG loves Namine!! She KNOWS that she is the BEST!

I was so impressed with Namine....she is growing up to by a beautiful and kind young lady. She is growing up so fast and I miss her!!! She is so quick with the computer and caught on quickly that Aunt Patty has NO patience with waiting for the computer to load. (Namine - you will be happy to know that I fixed the delays and Aunt Patty will not have a stroke.) D and Namine gave me makeup tips on a new product I have seen on TV. I have ordered it and have buffing the redness away!! Thanks ladies!!

It was good to meet K and catch up on all the last 2 years. We had a great time!

For some reason - all of my pictures move to the top of the post despite where I want them to go --- so be sure to read below about my nephews' visit. God has blessed us with wonderful nephews and nieces!!

Blessings, Patty `

My nephews!

What a month! I always feel so busy.....but feel like nothing exciting is happening. The "busy" has prevented me from blogging on some major excitement!!

My nephews and niece came to visit. The visits were way, way too short but cherished just the same. First...Almost 3 weeks ago. "Lightening McQueen" and his brother, "Snuggle Bug" came for an overnight visit. They arrived during one of our major thunderstorms, with a brief lost of electricity.....but fun was had by all. 4 month old "Snuggle bug" played, snuggled and drank some milk before bed at 9 and slept until almost 7! Yea - "Snuggle Bug"!!!! Aunt Patty loves a full night sleep!! He is such a happy and content baby. It was hard to give him back! Thank Goodness- I get to see him again in 5 days!! But -- I'm positive he has ignored my insisting that he not get bigger :-)

"Lightening McQueen" is a bundle of energy. He is just like Shark Boy was at age 3 1/2. I am amazed at how smart, vocal and quick he is! He loves Mermaid Girl, but ADORES his big cousin, Shark Boy. They play everything and anything for hours and the laughter is deafening!! I hope and pray we move closer to our family next summer. We are missing so much. Lightening just started the same preschool that SB did in 2002. Wow! What fun he will have and he will be so blessed with all he learns!!

We love you!!! Lightening McQueen and Snugglebug and S and P!!

Blessings, Patty

Weight Watchers

Well - I should have done this about 7 years ago....but I rejoined Weight Watchers today. I have around 9 months until the big move - and that is about the time it took to lose the 50 pounds the last time. I am tired of being tired and realize that I am carrying an extra "Shark Boy" around ALL the time. I will feel tons better even if I just lose an extra "Mermaid Girl". I'm counting on even losing just 10 pounds making me feel better. So counting points - here I come !!!



Perhaps I'll even have the energy to blog regularly -- I still need to update and post pics of the nephews and niece visits. But, time to put kids in bed. Tomorrow B and I have the first of our mandatory meetings. Hopefully, we'll know a little more about what to expect.



Blessings,

Patty