The Waiting Game

I'm getting so antsy to decorate for Christmas.  Everyone I talk to has their tree up, the lights strung, and all of the festive decor up.  But we have to wait. 

Why?

Because we are old school and get a real Christmas tree.

Now, I'm not complaining, because getting a real Christmas tree is one of my favorite thing to do in December.  We drive out in the country to this patch of woods where a guy sits in a little shed (no phone, no hours of operation posted, just him and his fireplace).  We pay him $30 and he gives us a saw.  We stomp out through the trees to find the one that will stand in our living room.  Then David hacks her down and we drag her home.

It's so much fun, and it really is so beautiful.

But we can't do it yet, or come December 25 the tree will have approximately 9 needles left on the tree.

(Oh, and I need to mention that David, being the engineer he is, has created a self-watering system for the tree.  I can't even explain it except to say that it is worth coming to our house to see, and should be on an episode of  "Modern Marvels".)

And so I wait.

But in the meantime, enjoy your imposter of a tree!  (Just kidding. . .)

Torn

We had a wonderful vacation (which I will post about soon, I promise), but in the midst of the fun, I got an email that left me feeling, well, torn.

Bob Pemberton, a missionary in Zimbabwe who was only 52, died of a heart attack.  I have known Bob since I was little.  He is one of the first missionaries I ever knew.  I have memories of him eating dinner at our house and telling stories, teaching us songs and dances, and telling us about the amazing ways God works through us if we just let him.

I had several opportunities to spend time with Bob and his amazing wife Nancy.  And every time it was so good to catch up with them.  It was so inspiring to see that there is so much more God has planned than this "American Dream" we all try to chase after.

So, on the one hand my heart is a litle broken.  I think about how Nancy, and their children, and their grandchildren.  I think about how much the church in Cheredzi will miss Bob. I think about how 52 is way too young to die.  And then I think about where Bob is now.  He is celebrating in Heaven.  He is walking with God.  And I can't be sad about that, can I?

If you're reading this today, please take time to realize how short life is, how wonderful God is, and how others need to know that too.

And we're off. . .hopefully

On Saturday we will embark on our first Wittenbach family of four vacation via an airplane.  We're headed to Sanibel Island to be with some of David's family for the week of Thanksgiving. 

These are the things I'm excited about:
*warm weather
*flip flops
*getting away from household duties (aka cleaning)
*spending time with family
*the beach
*relaxing
*good food

These are the things I'm nervous about:
*both of my kids are congested and coughing.  I really don't want sick kids on vacation!
*sleeping arrangements
*flying with 2 little ones on an airplane
*spending time with family
*what to pack/how to pack

I'm trying not to let the "nervous" list get the best of me and just enjoy this trip.  I get so worked up about little stuff, especially when it comes to my kids.  It's so strange because when it was just me I hardly ever let the small stuff get to me.  I guess that's what happens when you're in charge of more than just yourself.  Another thing I never realized before becoming a parent.

Bon Voyage!

If you're reading this. . .

If you're reading this,
*Thank you for not giving up on my blog even thought I've been very negligent.
*Please know that I have all kinds of intentions to blog regularly again soon.
*Life has been crazy the past couple of days.
*Noel has been sick with 3 different illnesses in 3 weeks, and 3 trips to different doctors.
*I've been sick, run my first 5-mile race, played single mom for three days, and worked on an upcoming retreat for high school students.

Please forgive and don't forget me.  I'll be back as soon as I get caught up with all kinds of thoughts that you could probably live without. Ha!