Friday, September 24, 2010

TGIF... for real

I'm pretty excited when every Friday rolls around, but today I have to say that I'm extra thankful that it's Friday and just hours away from the weekend. This week has just been one of those weeks.. you know the kind.. those weeks when you feel like you can't catch a break as one thing happens after another.

My week had a rough start on Monday evening when I was at home alone and Scarlett had a seizure. It was extremely difficult for me to watch her suffer through that, and I pray it never happens again. Today she's doing better, but still just a little weak and sore from the way her body was so contorted. Tuesday was spent taking Scarlett to the vet so they could watch and her and do e bloodwork. The bloodwork came back normal which is good but complicated too. This could be a one time occurence or if it happens again in the near future, it could be a neurological issue like epilepsy or something. Scarlett has certainly had her fair share of health issues since we got her in March, but even so, we wouldn't trade her for the world. We adore that dog, and we really believe God placed her in our lives for a reason. She's certainly teaching Bill and me lot about what parenthood will be like one day, and I know I'll be thankful for the preparation when that day rolls around. Alright, I got a little side tracked so now back to my week. As we were leaving the vet Tuesday evening, on the way to the car Scarlett's nose started bleeding out of no where, so right back into the vet we went. We aren't sure why it happened, and again, it was just another thing to have happen on top of an already not so fun situation. Luckily there haven't been any nose bleeds since.

In addition to the Scarlett episode, it was just a busy/stressful week with work, needing to run several errands, and trying to schedule the cable guy and treadmill guy to come make repairs (they were scheduled for the same day but of course came at completely different times). There's simply not enough time in the day. Also, on Thursday I rear-ended someone on my way home at lunch to check on Scarlett. While I was extremely emotional at the time, I know these things happen, and it could have been a lot worse. Luckily no one was hurt, and cars can be repaired.

So while I didn't have the time to clean, cook dinner, or clean the house this week, I realized that it's all ok. So what if I have a list of things to do and get absolutely none of it done? It's not the end of the world, and while seemingly stressful at the moment, it's important to pause and realize that these aren't the things that really matter in life. Also, even in the midst of the small struggles, there's still so much to be thankful for. I'm thankful Scarlett is alive and doing better and that Bill's sweet parents were able to come over and help me with the situation, I'm thankful Bill randomly got off early (which is very rare) so he could meet the treadmill guy at our house and I can now enjoy running again, I'm thankful for the dinner Bill had on the table for me when I got home from work late on Wednesday (in the midst of his crazy schedule he made time to show me how much he cares and that means the world to me), and I'm thankful the guy I rear-ended on Thursday was so kind and gracious towards me in the midst of a very frustrating situation.

So while I was stressed and worried so much this week, looking back at it, I must say it turned out alright. It's amazing how God always takes care of us, and no problem is too big for him to handle. Now I feel selfish for even letting this week get the best of me, considering I have several friends going through very difficult situations right now. I know without a doubt that God will see them through this time as well. It's all relative though, and every one of us is going to have those days or weeks or months that are just tough.

Praise God that we have a Savior who loves us and wants to care for us in our weakest moments. A song that has recently really spoken to me is Lincoln Brewster's "The Power of Your Name." Listen to the link below if you get a chance. It really inspires me to look outside myself like never before and live with a passion to go beyond what I've known thus far in my relationship with Christ. There's a line in the song that says "surely faith without action is dead," and those words are extremely convicting to me. While I have a strong faith in God, I know I need more action in my life to reach out and share the love of Christ with those around me. Often times I am way too consumed with myself, and I pray in the weeks and months to come I could really break that mold in my life. Life is too short to not live it fully and completely for Christ and Christ alone.

Well, I know this was a really long post, so I'll try and wrap it up now. Sometimes I let my wordiness get the best of me. So in closing, I am glad it's Friday, but I am also thankful for how God has both provided for me and taught me this week. Happy Friday!

The Power of Your Name by Lincoln Brewster
Play song from iLike.comToday Is The Day - 2008 - 5:44
Listen

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Lately

Bill is currently on his surgery rotation (his second rotation of third year), and tonight happens to be one night out of many in which he is on call at the hospital all night. Personally I think 32 hour calls are far too long... I would much prefer to have him home with me right now! Apparently surgery rotation is the busiest, most time consuming of all, and I believe it. That said, at least this gives me a good opportunity to write a new post. I knew this blog would come in handy during my times of boredom!

Scarlett and I have enjoyed a quiet evening at home, and after a short jog, she's now curled up asleep at my feet. I love it. :) I thought I would use this time to post a few pictures and write a quick update of what we've been up to lately. I've been able to enjoy some quality time with family and great friends the past few weekends, and these days I appreciate those times more than ever.

For Labor Day, Bill and I were able to get away and go to Waco for the weekend. We had a blast seeing family and some of our close friends who were in town. The weekend started out somewhat emotional/shocking when I got into Waco and Amanda, one of my best friends in the world, told me she was pregnant!!!!! She was absolutely glowing and looked as beautiful as ever (I know it's cheesy, but it's true!). I can't even begin to express just how happy and excited I am for her and Matt. God is great, and the gift of life is really so amazing. I can not wait to meet this precious little baby come April! I mean it was just yesterday that Amanda and I were 5 years old and dressing up and pretending to marry each other... and now she's pregnant?! It just seems so surreal. In addition, I recently learned that two more good friends are pregnant and due in April as well. Is that crazy or what?! I am ecstatic for each of these friends, and I am praying for a healthy pregnancy and baby for each.

While the baby news was obviously the most exciting of the weekend, the fact that Baylor won their first home game was also pretty exciting. Sic 'em bears! It may have only been Sam Houston State, but still, a win is a win, and that's what Baylor needed. My brother, Boyd, was also in town for the weekend, and since he lives in D.C. it was definitely a special treat to spend time with him. Love you Boyd! We all spent a relaxing night at the ranch on Sunday, which was wonderful. I hadn't been in a while, and I had forgotten just how beautiful and peaceful it is out there. Dad took us all on a ride on the mule throughout the property, and Mom cooked a delicious meal of twice baked potatoes, homemade biscuits, steaks, fruit salad, and homemade ice cream and oatmeal cookies. We ended the night under the most amazingly bright star filled sky with a cup of coffee on the porch...The perfect end to a perfect weekend.

Prior to Labor Day, my weekends consisted of a trip to Austin for Catherine's bachelorette party (and the opportunity to meet Merrill and Chase's beautiful baby girl Parker!) and a visit by Erin and Sam (and Reilly and Berretta) to see us here in Lubbock. Both weekends were a blast. I would post pictures now, but I am having issues with downloading and formatting them. As I said in my very first post, technology just isn't my thing. I'll post pictures just as soon as I figure out how!