Odds and ends...

First, I'd like to highlight the comments that have come to my blog recently. It seems there are people in the world that are much more disgruntled than I...and I actually find that somewhat amusing. I don't think I was very anti-American in my previous posts...but I do admit to expressing some frustration with one store. Oh well, the 'woman' out there who was offended should maybe just overlook my annoyance and not let it wreck her day!

Oh, and thank you to the lovely American who offered to buy the pants and let me pay her back. I have an idea of who you are and even though we haven't met, that was very gracious of you! I enjoy the family we share!

Christmas was a mixed bag of emotions. It was so good to see our families and spend time with them:
We got to spend Christmas weekend at my parent's house and we both thoroughly enjoyed the down time. It's so relaxing there even with the boys wanting to play. I suppose most of my relaxation comes with the familiarity of knowing my family so well. One down side was my grandmother's illness became more clear. She is suffering from a rare form of cancer that seems to be slowly disintegrating her digestive system. It's very painful and hard for her to deal with. She is still so independant even though we wish she would accept more help. It's so difficult to live in pain...but I think the doctors have come a long ways in that area in the past two weeks. She spent a week in the hospital over the holidays, so while it wasn't what was planned, it was nice to be able to go visit her and have some time where there were few people around. We also got to visit with friends of mine from high school and their significant others. It was a great time of reconnecting and for Stewy to get to know them better.

Regina was our next stop. We arrived on Wednesday evening to 'The Schedule'. :) Stewy's dad was so excited to have everyone home and he's bright enough to know that if you want to get everything in, you have to be organized. So, we had a fun three days that were packed fuller than I'd expected...but were a great chance to get to know my in-laws better. Everyone was home together and we enjoyed a sleigh ride and many games together. Some of us even got some shopping in which was a great time to spend with Tammy and Todd. There were many babies which gave us the chance to get excited and nervous all over again! It'll be so different next time when we also have our own! Our time in Regina also had some mixed feelings attached to it, however. Stewy's grandparents from Montana were in a great transition time of their lives and it was obvious that our thoughts and prayers were just as much in Montana as they were in Regina. Things are pretty stable there and grandma seems to be doing well in the new care facility. I think the biggest change will be for grandpa who has been taking care of her so many years. It's amazing the ministry he's had to her. I have never met either of them, but I see the legacy of servanthood in my husband and in his family. I hope I get the chance to meet them soon.

On to other things. This morning I was listening to good ol' Crowder. You see, if you've never taken the time to enjoy him, you need to make that a priority. I was enjoying the sunrise as I often do on the way to work...and the following song began:

Stars (David Crowder Band)

you should see the stars tonight
how they shimmer shine so bright
against the black they look so white
comin down from such a height
to reach me now, reach me now

you should see the moon in the flight
cuttin cross the misty night
softly dancin in sunshine
reflections of this light
reach me now, you reach me now

and how could such a thing
shine its light on me
and make everything beautiful again

and you should feel the sun in the spring
comin out after a rain
suddenly all is green
sunshine on everything
i can feel it now, i feel you now

and how could such a thing
shine its light on me
and make everything beautiful

and you should hear the angels sing
all gathered round their king
more beautiful than you could dream
i've been quietly listening
you can hear 'em now, i hear em now

and how could such a king
shine His light on me
and make everything beautiful

and i wanna shine
i wanna be light
i wanna tell you it'll be alright
and i wanna shine and i wanna fly
just to tell you now
it'll be alright, it'll be alright
it'll be alright.

cus i got nothing of my own to give to you
but this light that shines on me shines on you
and makes everything beautiful, again.
it'll be alright, it'll be alright.

I've been so discouraged by things that have been happening in our spiritual community lately and they've been a distraction to me from the beauty and love of God. I know that's not an excuse as God never changes, but it's so hard to see past His followers sometimes. I've always found encouragement in God's creation and this song just reminded me that I need to rest in Him and He will deal with the things I feel are unjust. He reaches down to us...such a King has time and love and friendship for US!! I admit it, there was a tear...or two.

And now to baby news: My last day of work at school is going to be February 24. It's crazy to think that's only 7 weeks away. I'm still in disbelief most days even though I can feel more and more of the baby's parts. We were so excited to be feeling bones and limbs on Sunday night. You should have seen how proud and excited daddy was! Stewy's going to make such a great dad. I'm so anxious to see him with baby. He's still convinced that baby is a girl...and while it's taken me until now to believe that could be true, I'm starting to swing my vote! I guess we'll just have to keep waiting to know for sure! It's possible that Grandpa McMillan is that last 'boy' voter....besides part of me. :)

Anyway...enough odds and ends for one day. My prep here is over. Thank you to those who have stopped by to comment...even "American Woman". :)