Time Keeps Getting Away From Me

I'm not sure if it's time that seems to be playing a cruel joke on me or the health status of our kids that is doing it.  The last week of school knocked us down.  While Janessa healed from pneumonia, Jonathan succumbed to strep throat and I to a sinus infection.  Neither diagnosis' were fun when there were so many end of the year things to tie up.  But, as we usually do--we survived if not thrived during the chaos.

Monday we said good-bye to our cousin Devin.

His service was beautiful, heart felt and inspiring.  So many people had so many great things to say about the life he lived.  Although it may have been too short by our standards, I was so impressed by the young man he had become.  The one we hardly knew, but one whose death made us long to know him better.  It was nice to be around Ernie's extended family and listen to stories of their days past and to laugh.  Laughter was alive and well, like the hope we have that one day we will see Devin again in heaven.  Maybe Devin's death will inspire us to seek ways to get together more often, to love each other for who we are, and to create a stronger knit family for our kids.  Maybe. . .that is my prayer now.

Saturday as part of my mission to stay in touch and forge those connections I went to a Fit Camp that Devin used to run.  His big brother is taking over the assignment.  It's a free, hour long fitness boot camp that kicked my butt.  Two days later and I am still sore.  I think I have muscles I didn't know I had.  I've been doing Insanity at home in the privacy of my bedroom--and truth be told, sometimes I fast forward when the going gets too tough.  In real life, I think I pushed myself harder and I couldn't pause or fast forward through it.  I just had to do it.  Thanks for the motivation and inspiration, Devin! Now let's see if I can Get E to go with me next week. . .

The last week of school meant one last graduation for me to attend with  my dad.  It was fun to watch him and his friends pass out cards to graduating seniors.  I'm not sure it had hit him yet that this was it--his last working graduation.  It hit me though.  My dream was always to fill his shoes and counsel from his office when he was through.  My dream changed.

I would have to say they are worth it!  I'm so glad God's plans for me are so much bigger than I could have ever dreamed!

Finally, Nessa Bessa went through a preschool promotion.  She will be returning for one last year but it was cute to watch her on stage.  She has come a long way from lying on the floor during their Christmas sing along: )

This little girl stretches me.  She pushes me beyond what I think I am capable of.  She is strong-willed and loving.  She is feisty and fierce but happy.  She is demanding but absolutely understanding.  I have enjoyed this year with her immensely.  For the first time I felt like a stay-at-home mom with a little escape once a week to work.  Who would've thought it would turn out as beautiful as this?

 

Life is full of unexpected surprises. . .Sunny Summer days are on our horizon.