Long Overdue

Several times over the past month I have thought that I really needed to update this blog( for both of you who read it! LOL!). One thing or another has stopped me in the process. So, here I am..

Back to School....
We got back into the swing of things with school the first week of August. We are really enjoying this year so far. We made a few curriculum changes that have been for the better. We are studying American History which I am so excited about! (I couldn't have cared less for it when I was in school.) We start our co-op in two weeks - Hayden is really looking forward to that.

Loss, Changes and Transitions.....
Most of you know that Jimmy's mom passed away on Sept 3rd. The last 6 months have been tough on her and she went down progressively the during the last two weeks. It was almost relief to see her in the casket all fixed up, which was something we hadn't seen in quite a while. Although she will be greatly missed, we know that she is completely whole again and in the presence of our Lord. Jimmy, Gelette (J's dad) and Hayden are doing remarkably well. Having walked that road, I know losing a parent is not easy. I still grieve frequently. All along I wondered how J would react. You may not realize it, but he is very tender hearted and can cry with the best of us! So far, he has seemed to have strength beyond my expectations.

And of course, I worried about Hayden as well. The day before she died, the hospice nurse told J that it would only be a day or two at most. I knew I had to get busy with some preparations - mainly, Hayden had outgrown anything near appropriate for a funeral. However, I knew I couldn't just take him shopping without talking to him about what was going on. We had been careful to down play her condition as to not upset him. (He still grieves over my dad) I was concerned that this would "do him in." I calmly told him we needed to run some errands and he questioned what for. I told him that Grandma was not having a good day and asked did he realize she could die. He, very matter of fact, told me yes he knew that. I then explained that it looked like it could happen soon and we needed to go shopping for the funeral. He never flinched and was adamant about buying another suit, shirt and tie. Of course we had to have shoes too (Men's size 9! OUCH!). We talked again that night at bedtime. He explained to me that he was sad, but the he was completely expecting it, unlike with my dad. I don't know that he ever even cried. During the funeral, he laid his head over on me. He hates the visitation / funeral, probably because it forces him to deal with the reality of the situation.

Jimmy's dad has been with us since she passed away and will be with us permanently. He is very laid back and thoughtful. He offers to help me several times each day and is making efforts to learn how I do things around here. He is accustomed to doing all the cooking and cleaning, washing, etc. so I think he will be a big help. Hayden is enjoying having him around and I think that it helps Gelette keep his mind busy. Right now they are sharing a room, but we are in the process of rearranging the house to accommodate him. We plan to up size a little later down the road. First we are in the process of cleaning out and preparing to sell both of their properties. Yes, I said BOTH...2 large houses FULL of stuff. It is overwhelming to say the least, but we are doing it a little at the time.

Update...
I got a call tonight from my friend who originally contacted us about the possible adoption situation. The birth parents originally said they didn't want the baby to stay in the state of Alabama. The entire time, I have prayed for this couple and baby. That God's will be done and that they would be drawn to Him. She wanted to let me know that the couple decided to keep the baby and it should be born within a couple of weeks. She also shared that it was a baby girl. I will admit that my heart was a little sad when I heard it. I have always so wanted a baby girl. ( Not that I don't adore the strapping young man I gave birth to! ) But my heart does rejoice that that family is celebrating this birth. I know that Grandmother is tickled pink (no pun intended) that she will get to watch that grand daughter grow up. I realize that God knows best for us and has a perfect plan already laid out for our lives. For that, I give Him all the praise!