Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Grandma-In-Waiting

Yesterday I spoke to Candie and was pleased to hear her routine doctor visit went well. She said the ultrasound showed that nothing had fallen off and the baby is still a boy. I'm glad to hear that, not because I have a preference between boy or girl, but because so many things we've purchased and made are geared for a boy.

This is such an exciting time. I remember being pregnant with my children like it was yesterday. In my lifetime I've given birth to 3 boys and 2 girls. My pregnancies with the boys involved lots of nausea and blotchy skin. With the girls, my hair grew long, thick and luxurious, my skin was aglow and I was never nauseated once. I know that the medical community would not agree, but I know my body definitely reacted differently depending on the sex of the baby.

My memories of all 5 pregnancies involve the excitement and anticipation of giving birth, then discovering what kind of personality each child had. The comforting thing for me is that, even as adults, each child of mine has the ability to put a smile on my face and bring joy to my heart just by being who they are.

I wish all the best for Candie, Thomas and their new little person. And I'm looking forward to getting to know the baby and, maybe, being able to add to his life experience. It's like God has given us a present to open slowly so we can savor every moment.

Please continue to pray for our troops and their families. With the Holiday Season coming upon us very soon, there are many who will be separated from their loved ones. They, especially, need our prayers and support.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

My Year So Far

I realized that I hadn't posted anything since last January. I will update what's gone on so far this year.

On January 21, my husband was let go from his job. He began looking for a new one immediately. Then in May, we discovered that a hot water pipe to my shower had broken. Long story short, we had to undergo a complete demolition of both our bathrooms, mold/asbestos remediation, then reconstruction of the bathrooms as well as one wall in my daughter's room and one wall in the hallway. We spent 6 weeks at the local Best Western while all the work was taking place. Thank God Ray wasn't working and was able to rebuild both bathrooms with the help of some of his friends.

Also at the beginning of the year, I found out that Candie and Thomas were transferring from Hawaii to somewhere on the mainland. The possibilities included Colorado, Washington and Fort Irwin in California. On Mother's Day I was overjoyed to find out that they were being sent to Fort Irwin, which is a 126 mile trip from my house! It was a very good Mother's Day knowing that next year they will be home. Then on May 23, as I was getting my nails done, my cell phone rang with Candie's special ring. I answered and she said she had another surprise for me...she told me she was expecting a baby! It was just too good to be true-they were coming home to live and I am going to be a grandmother! The Lord has really smiled on me this year.

It's been a wonderful time looking forward to Candie and Thomas moving home and the new baby. We've since found out that it's a boy and appears to have all the necessary parts. Now that they're home, Candie is in "full bloom" and looking radiant, happy and healthy. Thomas is also looking forward to having his son and has been supportive and loving during this huge transition. They recently moved into their home at Fort Irwin, which is roomy and perfect for them.

Ray found a new job in September and was put to work immediately. He likes what he's doing and is busy learning all about his new company. This job is also two blocks from our home so it's very convenient. He is also busy studying for his contractor's license. I encouraged him to get his license because he enjoyed rebuilding our bathrooms so much. He is happy and I'm very grateful that I have him as a partner in life.

The lesson I've learned this year is to always trust that the Lord knows what He's doing. The dark cloud that appeared when Ray was let go from his job turned out to be a blessing and now every thing is better than it was before. Until next time, God bless you!