Thursday, April 28, 2011

Resting...

When it rains it pours. Literally. As it poured last night I got to experience each moment because I was up from 12:00-3:00 with a stomach that wouldn't stop gurgling. I've had this weird stomach bug all week. Finally this morning I took a half sick day and went to the doctor. Of course I started feeling better almost immediately after making the appointment. On the way to the doctor appointment Ysmaille called to tell me that his car was most likely totaled. He is okay, but his car is certainly not. Now we need to make a decision. Do we buy another "junker" because he really just uses it to go to and from work. Or... do we get a car payment and get something a little nicer and roomier? I told Ysmaille tonight that God saw this happening in our future and has made a provision for us. Now we just need to rest. Oh, I wish I were better at resting. I wish I could lean back in Daddy's arms just a little easier. He is so faithful. He is a beautiful Provider. Why do I worry? Do you ever feel like you just can't win? It's been one of those days. The toilet won't flush. The basement has water in it. And still I am trying to rest because my Father told me, "Daughter, you are mine. I have a beautiful destiny for your life. Rest in Me."

Monday, April 25, 2011

Baby!

No, no. I'm not having another baby. Yet. But I am an aunt again as of 3:00 this morning. Ysmaille's brother Josue, and his wife Erika, just had a perfect baby boy-- Santiago. Looking at his pictures makes my heart yearn for another one. He is so sweet and perfect, a perfect blend of his Mommy and Daddy. Then I had to look back at Amirah's baby pictures. She, too, was (and is) perfect! Where does the time go? How is it possible that only 15 months ago she could only sleep, eat, and poop. Now she is this walking, talking bundle of energy who brings a smile to my face even on the toughest days. Here's a walk down memory lane...



37 weeks pregnant with my little peanut.



1 week old (Pose Photography)



What a face!


I wanted to add more pictures, but blogger and I don't get along when it comes to adding pictures so we are ending this walk down memory lane at six months old. Check out facebook for the latest updates :)


Saturday, April 23, 2011

Small Town Mentality

I reread my last post and felt that I needed to clarify. In no way did I mean that if you've never travelled outside of the United States or even out of the area where you live that you have a "small town" or closed mentality. Mentality is just that. Mental. It's less about travel and more about how you perceive the world around you.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Small Town

Sometimes the "small town mentality" can drive me crazy. I've traveled to Europe and Africa, as well as lived in the Caribbean for two years so I know firsthand how experiencing another culture can expand your horizons (both literally and figuratively). I'm married to a man who is now a US citizen, but spent the first 25 years of his life outside of this country, so I experience this cultural differnce on a daily basis. It's a huge world out there and I think experiencing other cultures can change the way you think in a way reading or watching movies can't compare to.

Okay. I love this blog. I intended to write all the things I love about living here, but apparantly I got side tracked. Back to my original intended post....

As I ran outside today the smell of sweet spring flowers made me smile. Then the not-so-pleasant smell of manure assailed my nostrils and I wrinkled my nose. And then it occured to me. Good smells or not I am so glad I live in a small town. I love that I get to run next to fields and cows. I love the smell of my skin after I've been outside. Life is good. So despite the fact that we may very well be the only biracial/bicultural couple in our community and sometimes the small-mindedness of people does make me role my eyes I know I'm exactly where I need to be. I love my small town.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

I'm A-Okay!

Thanks for all the concern spawned from my last post. It is sometimes hard to walk the road you've been called to when not everyone understands why you're walking it. I really do feel fulfilled in my job, and I know that I have the full support of my husband. That's all the confirmation I need. Anyway, on to "funner" topics... I'm already looking forward to my summer vacation. I love lists. I makes lists at home and lists at school. Sometimes the only way I get things done is by making lists. Here is my list of things I'm looking forward to this summer: 1. Planting a garden with tomatoes, peppers, herbs, radishes, lettuce zucchini, and cucumbers. 2. Going to the park at least once a week with Miss Amirah. 3. Traveling to Tennessee to see Dukens and Angela. 4. Monica's wedding! 5. Reading books while Amirah naps. 6. Strollercise! 7. Talking longs walks in the evenings with my family. 8. Sleeping in (Oh, God, please let Amirah sleep past 7:30 at least once this summer!) Ooh, I can't wait. Until then I am looking foward to the following at school: 1. Pajama day! 2. Having a poetry cafe in my classroom. 3. Field day. 4. The last day of school :)