A Gift from God: The friend we gave the baby shower for a few weeks ago gave birth to her son Nathan today October 28, 2011 at 4:15am. He’s 21.5 inches long and weighs 8.152 lbs. He and his mommy are doing just fine. Please pray that continues to be the case as they ease into their new life together now that he’s left the womb.
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Heaven is for Real Several months ago the father of the family we’ve been “adopted” into was telling us about a book that sounded like it would be a great read. He described some of what he’d heard about Heaven is for Real, and I knew immediately I wanted to read that book. Those of you who know me as a voracious reader and rapid reviewer will understand that with so many books coming in for me to read and review, I don’t often buy books. I was planning on purchasing this one, but when out with my husband one Saturday, he said not to bother looking for it. I knew that was code for I already ordered it for you. The book is beautiful, authentic, deeply moving, well-written, and definitely a must-read. I started it yesterday and finished it today, haven’t even written the review yet, but had to mention it here. (Check back for the review.)
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“I wish everyone would write a memoir.” –Jennifer Fulwiler Interestingly enough this is one of the 7 Quick Takes from the originator of this trend. I’ve been thinking a lot about working on the memoir about how God brought Kevin and I together and closer to Him. A number of incidents, blessings, and circumstances have reminded me how miraculous it is that Kevin and I ever became a couple, that my husband ever returned to the Catholic faith, and that we both have grown so much it’s mind-boggling, humbling, and certainly reason to praise God. I’m gathering that getting back to writing our memoir is part of how God would like to be praised and glorified.
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Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton has become a favorite for Vivi and me. The other day I scooped her up suddenly and gave Vivi a big hug and a kiss (She’s absolutely adorable, super-loveable, so gets many hugs and kisses from me throughout the day). When I put her back down, she went over and picked up the Snuggle Puppy book and handed it to me to read as she backed into my lap. My heart melted. The book is a great one that includes a cute song and kisses. It’s quite a catchy tune, so it sticks in my head for a while afterwards (not just because she usually wants me to read it to her multiple times in one sitting). I was telling Kevin about how she’d brought it over for me to read to her, and when he came over she brought it over to him to read her. She climbed up on the couch next to him and gave him kisses on the right pages. Too precious! His heart melted, too!
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Birthday Celebrations: I enjoyed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday meals out as birthday celebrations with some of my fave peeps. I had lunch with my mom. Wednesday Kevin and I had dinner with John and the Baab clan (including Vivi and her mom). Carl, John’s dad, has the same birthday as mine, so we had a joint party at a local barbecue joint. Last night, Kevin, my mom, my sister Mary, and her husband Jordan, and I had a scrumptious meal at P.F. Chang’s. Jordan’s birthday’s on Sunday, so it was also a joint celebration. My youngest sister Theresa called me sometime after 10pm to wish me a happy birthday. It was good to hear her voice and catch up with her a bit.
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A Nanny Again: I can’t tell you how much joy it’s brought me that I get to take care of Vivi, who is definitely one of the cutest little ones on the planet. I’ve babysat for a number of children over the years, even after taking care of my two little guys, but this is the first time since then that I’ve considered offering to care for someone for 20+ hours over three days a week long-term. I knew it was the right thing for them to do at that time, but I was heartbroken that I wouldn’t be taking care of the boys when each of their mom’s decided to quit their 60+ hour a week jobs to stay home. I went through a tough mourning period once I no longer was taking care of my little guys for 54 hours a week. Not until recently had I thought about nannying again, though I absolutely adore children, because of how attached I get. Kevin and I knew God was telling me I was ready to let another little one into my heart and life that I have and will love almost as much as I would one of our own.
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No Greater Love: This past week, a friend of ours passed away after having spent two months in the hospital. Joseph Francis Geiger was a remarkable man, husband, father, grandfather, and minister. He and his wife Kay Marie have led the Rachel’s Vineyard ministry in our area for a number of years. Seeing the two of them together was such an amazing testimony of true, selfless love. The tenderness, compassion, concern, and gentleness they had toward one another amazed me. Please join Kevin and me in praying for the repose of Joe’s soul, for Kay Marie, his dearly beloved wife, and his family who are deep in the throes of grief over such a tremendous loss.
