Hind Sight Is 20/20

It's a cliche I know, but it really is. When I'm worried about life and the challenges it brings, I look back at where I've been. Then one thing that brings me the most comfort is knowing God is in control. Now, I know that He is in control and things work out according to His will but, I sometimes like to think I can have some input. However, ultimately He knows what is best even though we may not always agree. Like for example, when I was pregnant with our daughter, I said "Ok Lord, I don't care if it's a boy or a girl, just let it have dark hair and blue eyes." Well, He was listening! That's exactly what I got, a beautiful, healthy, dark-haired, blue-eyed baby girl. Awesome!! It doesn't always happen that way though. Next example, I'm in high school. I'm president of a marketing club, taking business classes, and preparing to be a huge ad exec in NY. Does that happen....no. I go in the total opposite direction and earn a nursing degree and devote my life to taking care of others. At times, I'm frustrated, confused, angry, scared and so much more but, then I look back. I see His hand moving in all of it. He carries me, guides me, loves me, comforts me and shows me where I need to be. When I finished nursing school, I had job offers for 3 different floors in my hospital. I was fully prepared to stay on GI and take care of all of the ulcers, GI Bleeds, pancreatitis', etc. I had been there for a year and a half. Did I stay there no. I went to work on a renal unit and started taking care of people with kidney failure. Little did I know He was preparing me to serve my sister. My little, beautiful, wonderful, innocent baby sister. Recently, she was diagnosed with kidney failure and will soon start dialysis. God has prepared my heart to love her even more. I don't know why she has to go through this, but I know He has never let me down and like my sister Kara says, he has plans for her. I know someday I will look back and again see His hand moving in this and again hind sight will be 20/20. For now I will "trust in Him with all my heart" and take every opportunity to squeeze my Grace. Grace......what a perfect name for her.........

Get Down and Get Funky

Ok I must admit that I love "Dancing With the Stars." I can't help it, I just turn it on and I am instantly in a good mood. I love ballroom dancing, and only wish I could cha cha or rumba with the best of them. So I sit and watch and secretly visualize myself on TV. Well tonight, my husband and daughter were at the gym when I got home. I had the TV all to myself and was all into the action when they walked in the door. It was Apollo's turn and it was the freestyle. Well, Layla decided to do a little freestylin' of her own. I almost peed myself as I watched her try and imitate the head spin on the carpet. She was really into the music and breakin' it waaaayyyy down. I only wish I'd had a video camera on hand. Watch out America...

ps kara, brett dennen is awesome.

Girlfriends

So I just came home from my first trip away without my husband or baby. Two of my oldest girlfriends and I drove to a town just outside of Pittsburg for a baby shower. It was about a 3 hr drive so we had ample time for "great" conversation. We laughed our butts off through the whole trip. It was sooooooo great spending time with the "girls." I have missed that so much. When you get busy with life weeks, months, or even years slip by without you even noticing. My girlfriend Jessica moved to PA and married her dream guy. We both just sort of got wrapped up in work, and husbands and such. When I saw her gorgeous pregnant self I was just overwhelmed. I can't wait to share mommiehood with her. I am looking forward to the next road trip to meet their little bundle of joy. I love you girls!!!!

Headed for trouble

Well, it's already happened. Yesterday, I was emptying out the stack of crap that had collected on the front seat of the truck when I noticed something. My husband has been dropping our daughter off and picking her up from daycare on days when I work. Usually when he picks her up there is a note from the daycare telling us what Layla did that day. You know, when she ate, when she slept, when she pooped etc. They also throw in cute little things like, "Layla really enjoyed playing outside", (code for she threw a fit when she had to come in). However tucked in with "Layla really enjoys playing in the sandbox" was "Layla needs reminded not to hit or push" Gasp......! Ok so my little darling is now the bruiser on the playground. I immediately start picturing in my head, Layla pushing some cute little pony-tailed girl in a frilly dress off one of the ride-on toys and standing over her victoriously. I see her sitting at the table, smacking the little boy next to her, then jerking the box of crayons away. Who knew my quiet perfect little angel had it in her. I blame the Irish, it's in our blood.