wrapping it all up, by miss grumplestiltskin

Just in time for the holidays, I get to finish NaBloPoMo. And, like the two previous years I've participated, it has officially kicked my butt. I praised the Lord in Heaven for the beautiful, wonderful camera at my disposal, an adorable subject to snap pictures of, and grace that a picture actually counts as a day's entry for blogging purposes. Otherwise, I might have been really clogging up my little cranny of the Internet with mindless landfill material.

I had very much intended to write each day, something deep and personal, something funny and yet profound, and I think I started out well. But by the end, between getting back into the rhythm of full-time work while adding the additional juggling "ball" of a 3 month old boy and everything that comes with that, well... uh, yeah.

So, I end another November, bloggingly exhausted and maybe a little grumpy. But I have a feeling that in another eleven or so months, I'll be gearing up to do it again. For the moment, however, I might take a mini-break from all this blogging, because the daily obligation of it all? Well, my son's face put it best:

thumbs are for sissies

Aidan decided that it was just wrong to only suck your thumb when you've got YOUR WHOLE FIST at your disposal:

five superpowers I would like to have, if I were a cartoon and/or a character on Heroes

1. The ability to make time stand still while I still moved. Think of all the sleep I could catch up on.

2. The ability to fly through the air. I think it's one of many reasons why we love Superman and Spider-man and Batman.

3. The ability to become invisible. Black Friday would be so much more fun that way.

4. The ability to heal anything and everything. I often wish I had this power when I'm at work.

5. The ability to wear spandex and still look hawwwwt. Okay, so not technically a superpower, but it would still be nice.

thirteen reasons I am grateful

1. My wonderful family - those who I share living space with, and those who are worlds away from me. I love them all.

2. My new job - even in the craziest moments, I am still happy to be there.

3. My house - it may be laden with 1970's wood paneling and hide the occasional critter in the roof, but it's ours, and I am grateful for it. I love our house.

4. The delicious dinner that we're only hours away from consuming, most of which I do not have to bake but simply savor and overstuff myself.

5. My beautiful cat, who just got up from her warm spot on the couch to come snuggle next to my leg.

6. My church family at Grace Fellowship - Sunday is always my favorite day of the week because of you.

7. My amazing friends, near and far, who remind me how wonderful life can be and how to laugh from my belly.

8. My Wednesday night group, who sees all the good, bad, and ugly, and still loves me all the more.

9. My amazing little boy, who gets more and more wonderful with every single day.

10. My wonderful husband, who stands by my side and loves me even when I am completely unlovable.

11. My family's good health. Every day I go to work, I am reminded why I never take that for granted.

12. The promise of an amazing year ahead - I can't wait to see what blessings come about.

13. My sweet Abba, always with me, loving me, protecting me, comforting me.

Wishing everyone a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving today!

wordless wednesday: all in an evening

random updates: cheat-of-a-post edition

Thanks to all of you who gave me input - and sweet compliments afterward - about my new hairdo. It was time for a change, and Kim did a great job. Plus, I bought the best hair product ever: this sea spray stuff that makes your hair look all tousled, like you've had a day at the beach except without the matted, post-sea-swim hair.

After reviewing the contents of both my pitiful wardrobe and my husband's much-less-pitiful wardrobe, it's official: our son is much more fashionable than we are. He gets all the latest baby styles; I'm wearing t-shirts from the 90's.

We were planning a summer vacation to Grand Rapids, Michigan, but it looks like we'll be there much sooner than expected: my brother-in-law is getting married in February, and Jason will be an usher. Anyone have any suggestions for winter wedding wear?

New job is going well - I'm learning more about hearts than I ever dreamed possible. I've also discovered, amidst all the delicious homemade baked goods my coworkers keep bringing in (and I keep eating), that I've adopted a do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do policy when counseling my patients about their new, heart-healthy diet options.

On that same note, our floor pharmacy keeps an unhealthy stock of Dove chocolates and miniature Reese's in a large drawer by the door. While I was putting an IV in a patient, I jokingly told my preceptor at work that she needed to keep me away from the "pharmacy candy", and my patient gave me this alarmed look. I'm sure he thought I was stealing Percocets.

Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, and I've scored another year of not having to make my own turkey. We'll be going to my dad & stepmom's house for the day, and I'm realizing I'm so much more thankful of my food when I don't have to prepare it.

The day after Thanksgiving? I will be giving thanks as I sleep in. I do not do mad-crushing-screaming-mobbing Christmas shopping at 5am at the Store Which Must Not Be Named. No sir. I'll take my Monday-after-Thanksgiving, quietly-economical gift deals online.

luvs my hairdresser

I went to get The Haircut on Friday. I took a picture of number #3 with me to Kim - it got the most votes, including the trumping vote of my dear husband. And here is the result:




This was taken after a long day at work, no less, so just imagine how fabulous it looked in the salon.

are you ready?

Big unveil of new hair tomorrow. I was going to do it tonight but alas, I am too tired. And I want to make you wait JUST one more day.

Off to bed.

goodnight moon

five things I want my children to know before they grow up

1. It's okay to not be happy all of the time. Sometimes, you just need to work out the angries and the unhappies and the cries.

2. Sharing is SO much cooler than hoarding or selfishness.

3. Jesus loves you. NO. MATTER. WHAT. Even more than Mommy & Daddy love you.

4. Forgive generously. No matter how hard it is or how much it hurt or how many times you have to say "I forgive you".

5. Never be afraid to stand up for what you think is right, even if most of the people around you disagree.

(And the honorary #6: Middle C.)