the unexpected....

As I was ending Sunday night after having spent time at church and then making goodies to be enjoyed while we did NOT watch the superbowl...things began to take a turn that we haven't seen in quite some time. 

A fever.

We pushed through the night...both afraid of taking Lola to the ER and putting her through that if it was unnecessary and both hoping things would just right themselves.

But instead of getting a chance to write my Monday Gratitude Gift update...I got to drive my daughter to the hospital and check her into room 3013.  Watch her fever grow stronger and stronger and finally max out at 105.1.  I got to sit with her while she shrieked and wailed and cried at being touched.  I got to watch as the medicine finally kicked in and she fell to a thick slumber covered in sweat.

So today...I get to really look at this past week when I was watching my child with one eye...and the monitors she was attached to with the other.  While I would pace a room and try to keep her comfortable.  I get to truly be grateful for what I was given this week.

23.  A calmed heart

24.  prayers heard and answered

25.  God lead mentors providing direction

26.  Communication Growth

27.  Blood donors

28.  Knowing no matter how hard the road, the outcome will be worth it

29.  Learning to let go and let God speak and direct

30.  The interenet with so much available information!

31.  Doctors who take the time to really look at my daughter

32.  Modern Medicine

33.  Good friends willing to send love through so many means

34.  A husband's patience

35.  Going Home

36.  A rare day home with a baby who has an ability to jump back to health so quickly

37.  a good nights sleep

38.  Getting back to myself and finding my energy

39.  New experiences, movies with bean

40.  friends "paying it forward"

41.  Inspired men speaking of God's Word to my heart

42.  a Special day with my man and baby

43.  Birthday celebrations

44.  Watching my baby sister grow into a woman

45.  Fondue.

time...

I'm realizing how much time is spent running and wasted.  There just never seems enough.  I'm sure many families go through this, and I'm sure many are far busier than our little homestead...yet I can't seem to get a grasp on things.  slow it all down.  make time for the stuff that matters.

As different issues heat up in our home and tensions continue to rise...I realize when a negative behavior takes over any situation I need to learn to embrace the person instead of push away.  For that behavior is a longing for something.  An outward expression of a need.

So today...I take a prayer passed on from someone far smarter and Godly than myself and I hold it dear in my heart as I go through the hours.

Dear Lord, time passes so fast and I feel pressured by so many things. Please take inventory of my life and show me the places where I need to adjust. Look at every area and help me to know how to find balance, and to connect with my beautiful child. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

running time?

Moab...I wish I could be there in March to test my abilities and my perserverance.  Not going to make it this year.

So instead, I suppose I can settle for the views of Utah Valley.  key word - settle.

I'll still miss you Moab.  But we'll meet soon enough.  don't you worry.

and Utah Valley Marathoners...I hope to be included in your numbers come this summer.