What if...

Luke twisted his ankle yesterday, jumping off the swing. The boy, that is, cause you know, fish don't have ankles, nor do they swing. I know "twisted" is not a formal diagnosis, but at this point I am attempting to let "time" do her thing because she charges a lot less than the hospital. I still have a $300 medical bill from October when xrays confirmed that yes, Lily had injured her arm (boy, was that helpful info) but since it wasn't a break, no additional attention needed, just time. Because Luke is limping (even when he doesn't know I'm watching), I know something is going on, but we'll skip the xray and go straight to the medicine of time because I'm pretty sure it's not broken (no swelling, no discoloration). But keeping a 5 year old off his feet with one leg elevated is like, well, everything else that's really hard to get a 5 year old to do.

When I first started blogging a little less than a year ago, one of my primary motivations was the fact I was sending a weekly email to about 40 people back home in FL to update on our transition, family milestones and Elevation's growth. I started the emails as soon as we moved and continued them for a year. But the list kept growing and I was losing track and constantly being told Add Aunt Such-n-Such and Cousin What's-His-Name to your email...the weekly email became a bit overwhelming. So I switched to a blog, I could post what I wanted, when I wanted and whoever, whenever could check it out. And although the blog had random family stuff here and there, in the beginning, there was also that ever important "Weekly Update." It didn't last long. I'm not sure when or why but I think just because life moves at break-neck speed and posting here and there about silly incidents and the occasional deep thought was much easier than attempting an all inclusive "update." So formal updates don't happen much anymore. I find it much more manageable to post little stories here and there that give the same info...you just have to keep up, put the pieces of the puzzle together. Now, with all that said, Pastor shared some wonderful news from the stage Sunday and my mind jolted back to those weekly update emails. I wonder if I could dig back through and find the first one I sent. I wonder how this number would compare: 2000. That's the number of lost people who have accepted Jesus as Savior in the 2 years of Elevation Church. 2000 people who didn't know Jesus, 2000 people who weren't in a relationship with Him, 2000 people who were captive to sin, 2000 people who may have died and gone to hell...2000, set free. 2000 heavenly celebrations.

2000. But how many more haven't been reached?

Life is so hard. Is it okay for me to say that? This isn't a pity party, not a poor me post. I'm blessed, beyond measure. But life is hard. Everywhere. There are sick kids and broken marriages and financial strain and abuse and addiction and life is just hard. People lie, people hurt you, people fail; even good people, even Christ-followers. Happens all the time. Those things are a part of life no matter where you live, who you love, what you do for a living, how much money you do, or don't, have. Life is hard no matter what. I miss home. I miss my family. I thought life would get easier as I got older, you know? I thought I'd have money in the bank, I'd only surround myself with people I could trust, I'd no longer care so much about what others think of me...I thought life would get easier as I got older. I was wrong.

But 2000 people. Wow. God is active, God is moving in my city and all over the world. I want to be involved. Life is hard, but lives are changing. I want my life to count. I want hard to be worth it.

I really have no time to post but Gina won't be here for about 10 minutes, the kids are playing next door and I am dressed and ready on time :) so why not push my luck by posting so I'm not really quite ready when the Windstar chariot arrives?

Great day today: beautiful weather, lots of down time, excited to hang out with some great ladies tonight as we celebrate Baby Evan...and his mommy Nicole, dying to dive into some strawberry shortcake.

Oh, big news: Lily had Field Day today! You know, three-legged race, baton relay, tug-of-war...Field Day! At least that's what we did when I was in school. I wouldn't have a clue what Lily's FD consisted of...what exactly does "fun stuff" mean? Oh, well...I loved FD...non-athletic as I am, I love to play, still call my casual clothes "play clothes" (which drives David a little nuts).

Hey Jessi, what about a Field Day picnic? Nothing says team bonding like tying your leg to another's!

Okay, gotta run. Kids to retrieve from next door and then, much like a baton relay, I've got to meet David to pass them off!

Luke and I have gotten very attached to the little fish. Despite his casual mention of the toilet funeral, Luke, the boy, is very compassionate and worries about his fish getting too hot, too cold, too much to each, not enough to eat, etc. Last night, I turned on the aquarium light so Luke, the boy, could watch Luke, the fish, until he (the boy) fell asleep. I assured him that I would come back in and turn the light off. After a few minutes, Luke, the boy, turned the light off himself because he was concerned Luke, the fish, couldn't fall asleep.

This is what it sounded like as Lily and I left Luke's room last night:

Goodnight, Luke. Goodnight Luke.
Goodnight, Luke. Goodnight, Luke.

Goodnight, Luke. (from boy to fish as we walked out)

David did not say good night to the fish.

This morning, Luke, the boy, was concerned that Luke, the fish, would be lonely while he was at school. I assured him I would check in on the fish regularly (just as I did last thing before I went to bed and first thing when I woke up). He told me to tell the fish that he would be home from school soon. He said, "Mom, I want you to say this: Luke, Luke will be home soon." Okay, buddy, I will. Only I didn't. Not because I'm above talking to a fish, because believe me, we've talked, but because today is allergy shot and dance day for Lily so Luke won't be coming straight home after I pick him up and I didn't want to lie to Luke, the fish.

But just so we're not all too confused, Luke gave Luke a middle name. Duke.

On the drive home from church Sunday, Luke started up a conversation about pets...I should have changed the subject. He'd just found out some friends had added a pet bunny to their family, and he wanted to know when he could have his own pet. He does NOT consider the 50lb dog that shares our home to be his pet. He sadly stated that he really wants a cat but knew it would never happen since Lily is very allergic. His second choice was a fish. Well, like all good mothers, guilt and fear often fuel my decision making process (afterall, he may grow up resenting his sister if he can't have the pet he really wants because of her allergies...quick, get that boy a fish!). LONG story short, today Luke is the proud owner of a new blue betta fish...named Luke. Unlike many bettas that live in a simple glass vase, Luke, the fish, has a very cool aquarium complete with heated water and fake plants, purchased by Luke, the boy, with his very own birthday money. Luke, the fish, has survived for 3 hours under our care, wooo-hooo! Luke, the boy, seems bored with him already. Aside from using one of my favorite kitchen utensils to transfer the fish, things are going well. Luke, the fish, seems content, swimming around vigorously. Luke, the boy, has already described to the next door neighbor how he gets to flush him down the toilet if he dies.

I just deleted over 40 drafts from my draft file. Dating back to January, but many within just the past month while I've been so scarce in my posting. I have started several posts in the past week but nothing really "developed" so into the draft folder they go, to be worked on another time. Oh, well, just wanted to let you know I have been writing posts, you just haven't been reading them :)

-Friday night my mom cooked the best "zingers" I think I've ever had...that's what we call boneless buffalo chicken strips. Mmmmm, mmmm. There were only 2 left, so there was a odd moment at lunch the next day as David and I danced around the topic of who would get the leftovers. Not only did I let him have them, I convinced him I didn't even want them. Now you know, Buddy, I was totally going to eat those things :) And while on the topic of my mom's cooking, boy, are we gonna miss her.

-Saturday was the Saturday of all Saturdays. Rainy weather perfect for sleeping in, pjs till noon, ventured out only for a Sonic shake, back home for a chili dog. Great lazy Saturday.

-Sunday (today) is Amy's 3oth birthday, I just hung up the phone with her. Glad to hear she had a great day. I didn't get to see her today, but I am certain she looks as fabulous at 30 as she has the other 20+ years I have known her.
Another highlight of the day was playing frisbee in the backyard with David and the kids. Who knew throwing a plastic disc could be so much fun? Probably all the people that play frisbee, but for this uncoordinated, non-athletic gal, it was news to me.

Luke: Mom, it feels like poison is in my nose.

Me: What!?!

Luke: Poison.

Me: Luke, did you put something up your nose?!?

Luke: No, it just feels like there is poison in it.

Me: Son, what do you mean? What does it feel like?

Lily (in background): Poison, Mom, he's saying poison. It feels like poison.

Luke: Poison, it feels like poison is in my nose.

Me (very concerned, examining his nose): Buddy, I don't understand what you're saying. I don't know what "poison" feels like. Just tell me how you nose feels.

Luke (slow and deliberate): Mom, it feels like a tiger is biting my nose.



Oh, so that's how poison feels.

I just haven't had much blog life in me lately. But here are few random things that coulda, woulda, shoulda been developed into singular posts but will become bullet points instead.

• Luke used some of his birthday money (early) to buy a junior golf set...a real set, not a toy...that clarifer is important to him. Today, our first sunny day in several, he headed outside to golf and said I could be famous at this. And the "could be" seemed contingent upon his willingness to accept fame, not his skill level. He was confident he could be famous, should he choose to be. I like that.
• I have 2 of 8 working light bulbs in my bathroom. TWO of EIGHT! Explains why my eyeshadow seems a little to heavy lately, huh?. The living room is down to 3/5, Lily's bedroom, 1/3, the breakfast nook 0/1...Why is my lack of bulbs noteworthy? David sells electrical supplies. Yes, that includes bulbs.
• Mama's in the house! Home-cooked meals nightly...full pantry...and fresh, clean laundry magically appears stacked and folded at the foot of our bed :) Kids (David and I included!) are happy and spoiled, life is good.
• Spring has sprung! As I sit here, my back door and kitchen windows are wide open...love it!