Around the World in . . .

80 Days - that's right. We are down to to 80 days, 24 shifts, 2 weeks of testing, and who knows how many silent prayers of "Oh, God can we do this?"

80 seems like a drop in the bucket when compared to 856 - Yes I figured that one out.

Lilyisms

1. “It’s okay Mommy. Daddy is a good finder. He can look for it when he gets home.”

2. Ok, so this one has happened on several occasions. I think I have learned my lesson. Lily was hunched over very quietly. Me: “What are you doing? (in a not-so-pleasant tone)” “I’m praying for your back Mommy!” She, indeed, was praying and not getting into trouble.

3. From school: What is special about your family? “They have clean hearts.” I asked her about this. She said, “When we do bad things, our hearts get dirty and we have to ask Jesus to forgive us. You help me have a clean heart.”

4. “I like spending time with you, Daddy!”

5. “Daddy, are you going on rotation? I don’t want you to leave,”

6. “Oh, I hope there are some surprises in there!” She was VERY excited. Said as I was getting ready to change GA’s diaper. GA had not been having too many “surprises” for us and we were starting to get slightly worried

How did that happen?

I mean - getting so behind in updates and pictures that you don't realize you posted your September pics as August pics. I suppose that is what an infant (going through a growth spurt while you are nursing all while she is recovering from a kidney infection) will do to you.

Here are the August 2010 pics on FB.

I have decided that I need to start blogging once a week as a sort of therapy. It helps me track my accomplishments and appreciate the beautiful moments in the midst of the not-so-beautiful moments. I'll see what day will work best for me over the next week or so.

Steve has 34 more shifts and a total of 94 more days until graduation!!!!!!!!

New Pics on FB

I finally got July's pics up. Click here.

I went ahead and started August with a few pics of an "incident". Click here.

Enjoy~

My girls

Lily: She was crying BIG crocodile tears as the garbage truck was picking up our garbage. She thought it was going to take our garbage can and not bring it back. Later on, "I hope the garbage can doesn't take our truck." Took all I had not to laugh!

Graceanne: She is SO, SO very close to crawling. In fact, it is making it more difficult for her to go down for her naps. It took her 40 minutes to fall asleep and then only slept for 25 mins. I kept checking on her and found her in too many different positions to count. At one point, she was playing with the slats on her crib. Less than two minutes later, she had her legs stuck in the slats and coundn't get turned around.

I am thankful that I don't have to leave my girls in the care of someone else everyday. I realize that there are many capable people, but I am thanking God in advance for providing for our every need until Steve is done with school. I am sure he will continue to provide after that as well. : )

God give me the peace, wisdom, and dare I ask for it (patience) to mother these beautiful blessings. 116 days until Steve graduates.

The Battle is His

I am weary. I am tired. I don't know how to do my life anymore. I have made a point to stay off the computer more lately. I tend to get depressed when I feel like I am wasting my time. I woke up this morning about 4. Not been sleeping well. Thought it was better, but not really.

Graceanne is discombobulated (is that even a word?). Lily is more defiant than ever. Is their behavior a result of mine? No - I don't believe it is. Satan let up on us for awhile, but I believe his is back - not that he ever really went away. Kept at bay by your prayers?

Steve is about to start what will probably be the worst month of his entire program. I don't know if the sleeplessness is from the Zoloft or the uncontrolled anxiety. It has been nearly two weeks.

I asked God if I could check my email and felt like he said it was okay. I then checked a couple of blogs. "The Battle is His." Two in particular were helpful. I am really indecisive. I need clarity - who doesn't? Just pray - please.

I sat down to just type simply - PRAY! But . . . these words came out.

Stealin' a minute

I really haven't had a minute to spare to be on this blog or hardly even to check e-mail or FB. The girls are keeping me busy and my brother and his "fam" are in town.

The girls are great. Graceanne can nearly sit up without support. She looks like she is about to take off and crawl when you put her on her tummy. Her gums are bulging (or at least I think they are). We might have teeth before too long.

Lily is still Lily and has ever more witty things to say. She is LOVE, LOVE, LOVIN' having her cousins in town. Although it is busy, I really am enjoying her play with Chris and Kim's kids. My parents have been the official photographers for me, so you'll just have to wait on pics.

Steve has one more week working at the hospital in South Boston before he moves on to C-ville. He will be home tonight - though not until after Lily is in bed. In another week, we will be through 7 of 11 clinical rotations! Please be in pray that God will make it VERY clear where we are to be. We don't really have any idea where we are going to be and I think Steve is getting a little nervous.

Me - well - I've been better to be honest. I started back on some meds to help manage the stress and anxiety. I don't hide it, because I know it is very real and hopefully, what I say and experience will encourage someone else. I have been on it now for a week and have had only one major side effect, but it is a DOOZY! Insomnia is just not fun when you have a 4 yr old and a 5 mth old. Please keep me in your prayers. It should start easing up in the next week, but it is a VICIOUS cycle. Lack of sleep breeds anxiety and anxiety breeds lack of sleep!