On Reality Checks

from google images

God hands me little reality checks, and I need them.  Lately I've gotten a series of them, gently reminding me that things could be much worse and to be thankful for what I have.  I don't know about you but I never get one little reality check at a time, it seems when it rains it pours.

Sometimes I feel like I'm standing still just observing my life and so many around me are going through something so difficult and I'm helpless.  I stand there with a heavy heart, empty hands that are clinched in prayer yet I feel so helpless.  Parents are struggling with their children's illnesses (cancer) while trying to manager their own (cancer).  Marriages are failing apart, two of my co-workers are in the middle of nasty divorces as is a close friend.  I could go on and on, my heart breaks for friends/co-workers etc.

I don't consider where I am in my life perfect but I have so much to be thankful for....and it's time to be mindfully thankful each day.

Today I am thankful for my son's health and my God's grace.

2 Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for you."

Much Love,
Jen

Rain, Rain....I'm ok if you stay.

It's been raining here, not everyday and the forecast says it will stop later in the week and *gasp* warm into the seventies.  But last night it rained all night, I couldn't sleep and when I did manage to fall asleep V would wake me (he talks in his sleep).  I had the window near our bed cracked, I just lay there listening to the gentle sound of the rain and feeling the cool air circulate in our room, I so enjoyed it.  If I had my way I'd sleep with our noise machine on rain every night but V can't sleep with it on, last night nature gave me the sounds although it didn't help me sleep it was glorious, .  As I lay there the little guy would give me a kick/punch or two, probably trying to get comfortable enough to sleep himself, I rather enjoyed it though.  My days carrying him are numbered and God himself only knows if V and I will have more children so I cherish each moment I share with my child inside me.  It wouldn't really bother me if it rained every night this week, even if I'm awake to hear it, rain rain I'm ok if you stay.

Winter

Have I mentioned lately it's winter here?  I'm talking real winter, with standing snow on the ground, maybe 5 inches and below freezing temps.  I know some places don't get all the seasons and for those people I am deeply sad.  I totally complain about winter but I wouldn't have it any other way.   Even with all the bad drivers and the people who are terrified to drive in the snow and thus drive 10 miles an hour, even then I still love each season, even winter.   I grew up in a town about an hour away with a higher elevation and we got WAY more snow so I can totally drive in it, so if you go 10mph I'll just pass you!

I love all the seasons and how they bring something new and fresh to the world.  I know it's cheesy but true.  This winter feels particularly special and exciting, I'm more excited about the Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years) than I have been in a long time, and I'm usually pretty excited.  Although I've had no time to decorate just yet, hopefully this weekend I'll have a two hour burst of energy to get some things up and have our little house feeling more festive!  V and I have gotten real trees every year since we were dating, at the very least that would be the last 5 years and even during my childhood I've never had a fake tree.....this year V wants to move to fake and I'm just not ready.  I LOVE the smell of a real tree and can't imagine not having one (until babe is a toddler and a fake tree is more stable). 

Here is a picture, I stole from google, it's of the University in my town, all covered in snow.

Fall's Rapid Approach

I don't know about you but where V and I live, fall is rapidly approaching. Our temps didn't get too high this summer (never over 100 which is unusual) and now they seem to have rested in the mid 60s for a while. The sky is overcast and we've had several rain showers. Yep fall is coming, quickly.

I would be lying if i said I was 100% ok with it, I love summer and never feel like I get enough hiking or time at the cabin in during our few hot summer months. Perhaps it's because our winters are so long here (I honestly think we get at least 6 months of fairly predictable snow fall) and our spring is usually long and wet. But it I could be the only one that feels this way, who knows. LOL!

The fall season is gorgeous here though. I was running an errand the other day and had the chance to drive in a part of town I don't frequent much since finishing my degree 3 years ago, I forgot how much I love this particular area. The mature trees are super tall and have been groomed in such a way it's almost like a tunnel of trees for a block or so, and when the leaves change it's breathtaking. I must remember to stroll over that way again in the next few weeks (I'll try to remember the camera to show you as well.)

I've don't struggle with the change of seasons, as sad as I am to see summer go I'm looking forward to fall and winter for so many reasons. And I know that spring and summer will come again. I guess that is where I am at right now, just looking forward to the good that is to come while trying to enjoy the change going on around me at the same time. My dr appt is 2 weeks away and I am more ready than ever, I am so ready to have some answers and a plan of action. Last weekend I had the chance to chat with a good friend who has dealt with and overcome the same fertility issues I am, it was so great to speak with someone who fully understands and is on the other side with her beautiful almost one year old baby girl. Perhaps I'm more ready for the coming season than even I realize.

What about you? Are you excited for Fall?