Friends

     I was reading in Proverbs this morning and came across this verse: 

Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? (Proverbs 20:6 NLT)

While there have been times in my life where I have felt this way. This morning I thought about the friends who have taken my hand and walked this journey of grief with me.  

Friends who said, "I can't even begin to imagine how you feel." And held me while I cried. 

Friends who said, " We know the depths of your pain and grief." And held me as I cried. 

Friends who cooked us dinner or took me for coffee. Or wrote us cards. 

Friends who made copies for my classes and made sure things were ready to go for my subs. Friends who stepped up and covered my classes. 

Friends who rode the roller coaster of hormones and emotions with me. They were just there. 

Most importantly, friends who prayed. And pointed us back to the truth about God and who He is in His Word. I still carry my "heart" Scriptures with me. They're torn and worn, but such a comfort even still when grief overwhelms. 

Today I'm thankful for loyal, reliable friends. And that they can be found. 

Date Night

     We took the boys to MRBC Parent's Night Out tonight. Logan was a little nervous because it was his first time staying there, but he felt better once he realized him and Lucas would be together. 

     We actually dressed up and went to dinner. I even wore my pearls. We ended up just eating at Beto's. It was so nice to sit and have a conversation without being interrupted. It was also nice to enjoy dinner without rushing through or taking a million trips to the restroom. 

     After dinner, we decided to go ahead and pick the boys up. Joshua was at work at 6:30 this morning. The boys were having so much fun. They had played outside and eaten chicken nuggets and tater tots. They were sad to leave, and asking if they could go back. 

     Now we're home watching 7th Heaven. It's been a pretty perfect night. It was exactly what I needed. 

Happy Place

    Today I'm exhausted. A lot stressed. And a little more than frazzled. 

     So in the middle of answering emails and dealing with loud, rowdy boys, I decided to take a trip to my happy place. 

     My happy place used to be in front of the fireplace with a salted caramel mocha and a slice of sweet potato pie with Crimson Tide football in the background.

    I realized today my happy place is no longer a place, but a series of events to relive. Getting a positive pregnancy test in the middle of the Crimson Tide/Chattanooga game. Showing Joshua that test and then sharing the news with Heather, Elizabeth, Krissi, and Leigh Ann. Then texting with Joel after Heather told him and sitting in a baby shower knowing that when it was asked who would be next that it would be me. Then I'm standing in the park with Meg as she takes the pregnancy announcement photo of the boys. Joshua and I are "arguing" about boy names over dinner at Abuelo's. And the sonograms and hearing the heart beat. And my last happy place moment. Waking up that Monday morning snuggled between Logan and Lucas with Joshua and my hand on my growing belly thinking about that moment when it would five of us snuggled up in our king size bed. 

     Then tears slide down my cheeks as reality slaps me in the face. Logan hugs me and asks if I'm okay. I smile and he squeezes me a little tighter. And I realize my happy place will always end as a beautiful tragedy. The beauty in the tragedy is that we have such a precious little person to lose. While I'm not happy she's gone, I am happy that I had her and I have my memories and dreams for her. 

AWANA

     The boys finished their start zones and earned their handbooks tonight. Logan earned his T&T shirt which he is super excited about. And he helped with opening ceremony tonight. 

Fall Swim Lessons

    Tonight the boys started fall swim lessons. Timid lil Lucas really came out of his shell. He was even asking to jump off the side of the pool by the end of the lesson!

    Logan is super excited about his teacher. He has a young guy this time. Logan is doing really well; we just have to work on straight legs when he's kicking. Logan jumped into 6ft tonight and swam to the side. He was so proud of himself! 

Teamwork

     Sometimes being forced to work together is the only way to figure out how to get along.
   

Things They Said

"I'm almost a grown up! Hello!"~Lucas

"I know my corvettes! Right, Dad?!"~Logan