unexpected blessings

“Hi Mom, guess what? You’re a Grandma! LC just had a baby girl!” What a wonderful phone call, and one I will remember the rest of my life. But hang on a minute-I wasn't expecting this phone call from college kid. Let me back up a minute. College kid had a great life with his new job, and his significant other, LC. Making good money, goofing around, coming home frequently to visit, and enjoying life.

Nowhere did a baby figure into these plans, until she was here. LC became very sick one day, and college kid rushed her to the hospital, where they were introduced to their new daughter, Jasey Rae Lynn. What a tremendous surprise for everyone, including the parents! How could they not know? No idea really, except their minds were elsewhere, and they just didn't think baby.

We went up a few days later, and it was so stressful trying to drive in big city traffic, then of course I got lost. I panicked, and cried, and totally stressed myself out. But when college kid opened the door to his apt with Jasey Rae on his shoulder, all of three days old, and tinier than seemed possible, it didn't matter anymore.

I held her, and surely felt Heaven in my arms. Her little weight against my body, her impossibly small features, her precious baby smell, it was just pure happiness. Certainly God sent a bit of Heaven down to us that day. I introduced myself to her, and let her know she could expect to be thoroughly spoiled by all of us.

I also watched the interaction between college kid and Jasey. I saw a new side of my son; a protective, head over heels in love side that I've never seen before. It was beautiful watching him hold his daughter, and talk so lovingly to her. He cradled her in the nape of his neck, lovingly fed her a bottle, and it was something heartwarming to see.

I just couldn't get enough of Jasey. I wanted to look at her constantly-take in all her expressions, her little nose and ears, her little mouth, it was just precious. Even changing diapers didn't bother me.(Good thing, that suddenly became my job!) She was (is) so perfect in every way. A full head of strawberry light brown hair on her soft head, adorable little blue eyes.

LC was over the moon happy. I have a picture of her holding Jasey with the biggest smile on her face. So proud and happy with her unexpected blessing from Heaven. She went straight into Mommy mode, and was (is) thoroughly in love with her little one. I can see her dressing Jasey in different outfits, and trying different styles with her hair. I’m so excited for Jasey. She may have had an unexpected start in life, but she has parents that dearly love her, grandparents that are happy beyond belief, and more than ready to spoil her. Also the aunts and uncles, who having gotten over their shock, love her just as much. Welcome to the world, Jasey, we love you so much.

Children are a heritage of the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3

Deer

I apologize in advance for this one, but I need to fuss. I'm so tired of deer running in front of me when I'm driving. At first, I'd enjoy seeing deer as I was traveling down the highway. They are so pretty and elegant. Then they started running in front of me. It's not fun to see them anymore.

After a few very close calls, the inevitable happened, and I nailed my first deer- a spike. I cried like a baby as he died on the highway. I was lucky to be in my truck at the time, and there was no damage to it. The truck instantly gained the nickname "Little Sherman" after college kid's video game involving a tank.

Six months roll by, and again, I'm driving Sherman, and hit a bigger deer. This time I take out Spike's dad. I don't cry this time, but I'm still quite upset. There is some damage to the truck, but it's mostly cosmetic.

Two months later, tonight, we are coming home, and barely out of town, and bam, another buck. I saw him, hit the brakes, and had the 'I'm going to hit him' realization. Then by the grace of God, I missed him. (Thank You Jesus!)

I am so tired of this! We were in the van tonight, and it would have been totaled. We were 45 minutes from home, and someone would have had to come get the three of us,and all our groceries and our stuff. Then we'd be down to one vehicle. Not to mention the stress involved in having an accident.

I just wish they would learn to look both ways, but I guess that isn't going to happen. It's so frustrating knowing there is really nothing I can do to prevent it. Whenever I hear of a hunter bagging a deer, I am always happy. One less deer to run in front of my car.

Too bad I didn't have one of the zoo's jr volunteers with me tonight. When I mentioned to her my problem of hitting deer, she replied, "Oh my gosh, how do you hit a deer?" It's quite easy, actually. Hop in, buckle up, and I'll show you!

God Bless,
Chela

Good Friends

Earlier today, I was upset about something, and feeling quite sorry for myself. I tried to put this issue out of my mind, but it was really taking over and putting a huge damper on an otherwise wonderful day.

Then out of the blue, a friend called to wish me a happy anniversary! What a bright spark in my blue feelings, to be remembered so thoughtfully. My friend reminded me of the cruise dh and I had taken 3 years ago to celebrate our 20th year of marriage. Oh what a wonderful, perfect, blessed trip that had been.

After talking about anniversary stuff for a while, she moved onto some interesting news from her own life that was wonderful to hear. We talked and laughed, and had a very nice conversation.

After we hung up, I realized my mood was greatly lifted. I had so many more things to think about than what had originally upset me. The rest of the day, I felt sheer happiness in my heart. To my friend, it may have been just a quick phone call, in the midst of a hundred other things to be done. But to me, it was one of the best moments I had all day.

You know who you are, and thank you from the bottom of my heart. :0)

God Bless,
Chela

Sweet Pea’s letter to the neighbors

Hi, my name is Sweet Pea, and I am the bird dog/terrier mix next door. Maybe you've seen me around. This is really embarrassing, but I have to admit I have a huge crush on your dog. He is so handsome! I tell my owners I really need to go outside just so I can look at him. My mom is getting really tired of this, but what can I do? He is such a dream.

Well I was kind of wondering if it would be okay to come over and meet him one day, actually muzzle to muzzle. Don’t worry, I’m not one of those girls, and besides, I had that spay surgery last spring. I would love to look into his eyes, and perhaps play spit head with the cute guy.

My mom says I act like a wild hyena around other dogs, but that is only till I get to meet them. Then I remember my manners. I have a brother at home, but he’s 12, and isn't interested in playing with me. Actually, he’s really grouchy. I’m only 3, so you see why I like to play.
You've never met me, and this is crazy, but here’s my number, call me maybe!
Sweet Pea

First Crush

My dog Sweet Pea has a huge crush on the fella next door. I mean huge! She'll beg to go outside, claiming an impending potty disaster, just to catch a glimpse of her beloved. Now she's never met face to face with this guy, but she is simply head over heels in love with the bull dog next door.

Up until this week, Bullet has been tied close to his owner's home,and he wasn't able to come close to our fence. Well Bullet received an early Christmas present this week when his entire yard was fenced. For the first time, he ambled over and said hi to Sweet Pea.

Now picture a giggly, movie-star/music artist obsessed 14 year old girl. Imagine the object of her infatuation walked up and said "hi" to her. That's pretty much how Sweet Pea reacted when Bullet greeted her yesterday. She spun around, huge grin on her face, and....this followed:

and this:

then this:

Finally:

I'd say I have a very happy dog!!

God bless,
Chela

Good Friends

Monday afternoon, a bank in our town was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight. The assailants escaped in an SUV and have yet to be caught. This is highly unusual for a small town like ours, and left the residents on edge.

Although I was concerned about the situation, it was really up to the police, so after a prayer for those involved, life continued on in our house. Evening brought homework, dinner, baths and bed.

With the house buttoned up tight, I headed onto bed, and quickly fell asleep. I was awakened some time later by my dog. She started out growling, then woofing, then downright furiously barking. I started to chastise her for barking at her boyfriend next door, when I heard someone knocking on my door!

It's 12:30am, a bank has been robbed a mile from my house, I'm not opening the door! I jumped out of bed, cell phone in hand, and my finger hit the speed dial 5. No, not 911, but my best friend two houses down. I'll get to that in a minute. I run down the hallway, with my dogs carrying on like a pack of wolves, and my heart racing like crazy. Still someone is pounding on my door.

It's not college kid, it's not my husband, they both have keys. If it was the police, they'd announce that, right? So, this can't be good. Friend tells me to call the law, then says to hold on. She woke her dh, and they came flying down here to see who it was.

I soon found out everything was okay, the person outside was a neighbor of mine. She wanted to tell me about the bank robbery, and that the perpetrators hadn't been caught. I appreciate that, but she really frightened myself, and my children. Plus pulled my other neighbors out of bed, and surely scared them as well.

So why did't I call 911? I am not sure. I picked up my cell, and went straight for their speed dial. They're always there for me, no matter the hour or the problem. They are the best friends I could ever wish to have. By the way, they are the ones I had invited over for Thanksgiving just days before. When I mentioned this to them, that I really should have called the police, my friend mentioned that they would have been here first anyway-they would have heard the call over the police scanner.

So I learned a few things from this experience: lock your house at night, keep a phone by your bed, have a dog or two with a big bark, and good friends are worth all the gold in the world. Whether I need to talk, want to chat, or have a dire emergency, my friends are always there for me. Thank you T and T for everything, you are the best. Thank You Jesus for such wonderful friends, and for keeping us safe that night and always. Amen

Chela

A Thanksgiving to Remember

Ahhh..Thanksgiving...a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy a delectable meal, and remember the first settlers to make our wonderful land their home.

Sure...in a Southern Living magazine, maybe. Here is how Thanksgiving played out at our house! The week before the holiday, I had helped our zoo with a booth at the fair, talking to hundreds of people. Naturally, one of them was kind enough to share some crud with me, so I spent the next several days in bed.

After a visit to the dr, a sore hip, and a boatload of meds, I was starting to feel human again. Just in time for a pipe to break in our bathroom. Now remember, this is only one week before Thanksgiving. The break flooded both bathrooms, and left us unable to use the kitchen sink or dishwasher.

Friday, ds #2 has his wisdom teeth out. I also receive a phone call informing me of unexpected company for Thanksgiving. I thought college kid and his girlfriend were coming the week after the holiday.

Monday, college kid and I hit Lowe's for supplies to fix the pipe. Washing dishes in coolers is quickly getting old. College kid then informs me he is going to remodel our kitchen floor over Thanksgiving break, replacing the horrid brown linoleum with beautiful ceramic tile.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, he didn't get the first tiles down until Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. Did I mention they can't be touched/stepped on/breathed upon for 24 hours? Fortunately, by the time I needed the kitchen to start preparing our meal, the floor was dry and able to be stepped on.

Since the kitchen/dining area was a work in progress, we rolled up our beautiful area rug, and ate in the living room. The day before Turkey day, dh and I had visited a friend of ours, and found out they weren't having a Thanksgiving. Due to a planned road trip on Black Friday, they were not going to mess with cooking a big meal. Before I knew it, the words, "Please come to our home, and share a meal with us. We'll have plenty of food" came tumbling out of my mouth.

I prayed as we prepared food, that we would have enough. Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed the 5,000, surely he could multiply our feast enough to feed eleven. (John 6:1-14) And He did. We ran out of only one dessert, and in fact, had enough leftovers to feed us for 4 days. Twelve baskets of leftovers indeed.

For all my stressing, worry, and craziness leading up to the celebration, we had a great Thanksgiving. Jesus keeps working on me, and I shall one day learn to trust Him to supply all our needs. Thank You Father for a great celebration. I love You, amen.

Chela