Predicting The Future

Todd and I were up in the Bay Area a week or so ago moving in to our new place. It's rare that we are out without Nolan, and even more rare that we were out to dinner without him. Since unpacking boxes would be next to impossible with his grubby, inquisitive little hands deterring us from the task at hand, Mom and Dad graciously kept Nolan at their home while Todd and I "nested" in our new home.

So we were at Chili's, dog tired after a day of moving mayhem. A group of five "tweeners" came in to the restaurant with their parents after their soccer game to grab a bite to eat. All five of these boys were so stinkin' cute and I immediately had an "I MISS NOLAN SO MUCH I COULD CRY!" attack. Todd and I observed them the entire time as they interacted with one another and their parents. We came to the shocking conclusion that, despite popular belief, not all "tweeners" are brats! These kids were respectful and well-mannered. They had fun without being obnoxious. They were not "the norm," I guess you could say.

So we started dreaming...what will Nolan look like, be like, act like when he's ten? Will he be short, tall, skinny, "husky," athletic, artsy, kind-hearted, sharp-tongued? A combination of Todd and I or a personality uniquely his? Truthfully, we were stumped! It's hard to imagine your baby as a "big kid." All I know for sure is that he will be taller than he is now and, God-willing, have more than five teeth. We assume he will be sweet natured and a people person, just as he is now. We assume he will be athletic, as he can't seem to get enough "ball time" in the day right now. We assume he will be the "class clown" type, as he thinks the world is absolutely hilarious at his current age. But who really knows? There's no way to predict the future accurately. All I can do as Nolan's Mommy is hope and pray that my child will be a bright light in a dark world--that he will know Jesus and live his life as Jesus would desire. Nothing else truly matters! Yes, it would stroke my ego to be the parent of a "model child" that everyone adores and wants to be around. It is my right to be a proud parent, after all! But it doesn't really matter to me, as long as Nolan's future is with Jesus.

The Blessing Of Friendship

I had a calendar back in college that had a quote on it that has stuck with me over the years. It said something to the effect of "Old friends are the best friends, unless you've made a new friend to make an old friend out of." Every day we interact with people, some of which will become our dear friends, some of which will be mere acquaintances and some that won't affect our lives one bit. This weekend I felt so blessed to spend time with some of my oldest and dearest friends, Danny and Mary Still, who were visiting from Texas. They left the Texas heat to come to the California heat (Hello! What's up with the 103 degree weather in April, God?) and celebrate their anniversary.

Danny and I met in high school when we were both 17. I have known him for more than half of my life! We even went to our senior prom together. At one point he lived with my parents...so they love him too. He is truly like a brother to me and is "forever family" in my book! Mary and I met our junior year in college and bonded over dating the same guy (at different times, of course--and not Danny!) as well as in our small group Bible study. I love Mary's caring heart and how relationships with people are of utmost importance to her. But I especially love how the Lord brought these two wonderful people together! They are a fantastic couple and great friends that I will forever cherish.

I've been so very blessed with true friends throughout the course of my life. Some friends have been "for a season" and others are for life. Whether old friend or new, I am so grateful that God has addressed my human need for relationships and has seen fit to bring special people into my life. Of course I love my "old friends" and my "current friends," but I especially look forward to having "new friends" become "old friends" over time.

A Lesson Learned From My Son

Just Chillin'

We are in the throes of moving. The packers came on Monday, the loaders came on Tuesday...but before the movers even arrived we had to pack up our "essentials" to temporarily move to my parent's house. "Do we really need this?" "Can I live without that?" The answers to both these questions came easily...if we "really need it" there's always the world's greatest store, Target! So, the necessities of our lives are reduced to one suitcase per person. Wouldn't it be nice if we could always live so simply?

In the midst of all this hubbub I give huge kudos to my good-natured, easily adapting, happy-go-lucky son. He doesn't seem to care that we are not at "home" because at Grandma and Grandpa's house there are different (more sugary?) snacks, a big backyard and 24-7 attention. The only "gripe" I've heard from him is when it's time to sleep in the pack n' play. It is SO NOT his beloved crib!

We'll be in our new home soon enough and all this transition will be just a blur. Til then, I need to learn to just chill out like Nolan, enjoy the extended time with Mom and Dad, and not let the chaos of life get to me.

Would I Pass The Test?

The link on the right side of my blog, "Pray For Ethan" needs to be updated. If you have ever clicked on this link you most likely would have fallen in love with a very special little boy, just as I have. Ethan Powell was a sweet gift from the Lord that, unfortunately, battled leukemia. As of last Saturday morning, April 5, his sixteen month birthday, Ethan's fight is over and I'm sure he is now running, playing and giggling with Jesus.

Ethan's fight against leukemia was valiant. He was such a little warrior. Millions of people all over the world heard his story and prayed that a miracle would take place and that his life would be spared. But God, in His wisdom and understanding that is far above ours, decided He wanted Ethan with Him. Despite the prayers of many, Ethan was not healed here on this earth, but he certainly is healed now in heaven. His parents, Ben and Becky, have such amazing faith. They never for one second thought that Ethan would not be healed. Up until the moment Ethan took his final breath they knew that God could miraculously heal their little boy. Although God chose not to heal Ethan in the physical sense, Ben and Becky wholeheartedly believe in God's plan for Ethan and trust that Ethan's life was not in vain. They harbor no anger and they have not lost their faith even though they, no doubt, ask "Why Ethan, Lord?"

Nolan and Ethan could have been buds. I can just imagine them playing ball together or climbing like monkeys on the playground. If Nolan were the one who was sick and died, I have to wonder if my faith would remain steadfast. Would I pass this test of faith? Would my soul be shaken and my faith falter? Would I accept God's soveriegn will graciously or would I lash out, shake my fists in His face and curse Him? How I pray I am never so tested!

So now I am compelled to pray for Ben and Becky. Their lives will never be the same without their precious Ethan. I will most likely never meet the Powell's on this side of eternity, but I will certainly look for them to let them know I love them in heaven.

Favorite Things, Part 3

Food, food, glorious food! Whet your apetite with these...

• Baskin Robbins Chocolate and Peanut Butter Ice Cream...the best ice cream ever, hands down!
• Dark Chocolate and Almond "Laceys" from Trader Joe's...possibly the world's most perfect cookie!
• Avocado...creamy goodness that's oh so good for you!
• Vanilla Diet Coke...straight from the fountain at Ruby's!
• In n' Out Cheeseburger...I'm so glad that In n' Out has expanded north! It's not just a "SoCal tradition" anymore. I can get my fix in the Bay Area, too!
• Terra Sweet Potato Chips...yummy, and relatively healthy!
• Berries...strawberries, blueberries, raspberries!
• Steak...marinated and barbecued a la my dear husband, Chef Todd!
• Mexican Food...pretty much all of it, but nothing beats a great tamale!
• Millionaire's Delight...my Mom's signature dessert is absolutely delightful!

Off to lunch!