Update

Well, the second surgery did become necessary for my father-in-law. He is now putting his efforts into recovery and rehabilitation. We would certainly appreciate continued prayer for both him and my mother-in-law. Their lives will be changing a great deal in the weeks ahead.

Thanks to the kindness and hospitality of family, we were able to spend the better part of a week in my husband's hometown keeping a close eye on Dad through his ordeal (which is ongoing). We stayed with Eustace's oldest brother, his wife, and their 4 kids. The kids were consoled by all the fun they were able to have with their cousins. There's nothing like togetherness to strengthen family bonds. All 5 brothers and families were able to be present for most of the week.

God is good, and we pray for a smooth transition for my in-laws as they enter the next phase of their lives.

Prayers, please

Please pray for my Father-in-law who is critically ill. He had an emergency surgery on Saturday and is in a great deal of pain. We are hoping that his body will respond to the initial treatment, but he may require further surgical intervention.

Thank you very much.

My Lunch Buddy

It's just Vic and I at the table for lunch today. Colds have sidelined his sisters, so it's just the 2 of us, seated across from each other at the table. He insists on sitting in a grown up chair now, so he's only visible to me from about the chin up. I'm looking at his sweet round cheeks, randomly spiky hair, and big brown eyes and wondering at the conversation that ensues. Occasionally he covers his face with the trusty blue blanky and all I see is black eyelashes and eyebrows darting up and down. The blanky 'hides' his thumb-sucking, which we're trying to discourage, but when one part of his face is occupied, he compensates with exaggerated eyebrown movement, so they're darting up and down as he considers his next point.

I remain silent, occasionally commenting on his fascinating stream of consciousness. It goes something like this:

"Mom, when I grow up I want to be 2 things: a checkout person at Target and a priest."

"What's your favorite non-armoured carnivore?"

"What's your favorite herbivore?"

"did you know that _________(can't remember) is a raptor? A raptor is a meat eater that's covered with feathers."

"let's go over the difference between omnivore, carnivore, and herbivore."

"Do you know the difference between the Green Lantern and the Headless Horseman? (then he explains... I think I need to have a talk with Daddy...)

"Do you think the Headless Horseman could be hiding in my closet?"

"How big do you think ghosts are?"

"Do you know that there are some things that are too high to reach? You can't reach the tops of buildings, the sky, t-rex's head or the spine of spinosaurus."

"I think apples with peanut butter and cinnamon are better than candy, cake, cookies, even cupcakes!!!"

After our lunch date, I can't wait to type this post, so my little guy snuggles on my lap as I write. Do I mind that he is almost 5 and still wants to be carried? Not right now.

Moving Part 2

I think the de-cluttering is almost finished. I can hardly believe how much stuff has been given away, boxed up and moved into storage, or just plain pitched. Feels good.

In the midst of all this, we've had 7 (not exaggerating) trips to various dentists in the past 3 weeks. Eustace commented the other day that when listing our daily plans, in this family it would be safe to include 'dental appointment.' We've had 2 cleanings, 2 consultations, 2 root canals, one follow-up visit, and one trip to the oral surgeon. Everybody (and by 'everybody' I mean 'Lucy and I') is healing up just fine.

So, I'm just a little behind on my painting plans (just some touch-ups here and there), but not much, all things considered.

Life is a bit overwhelming right now, which is good in that I'm forced to take it day by day, minute by minute. I'm trying to capitalize on moments of high energy, to take breaks when needed, and to pray often.

It takes a special kind of daddy...

...to have a tea party with his baby girl during the Rose Bowl. Especially when it's his team (Go Buckeyes!).

Happy New Year!