Good News Edition

I am not a lot of fun to be around these days. We are struggling, and are grateful for all the support from friends and family as we address one issue after another. I find myself crying, first at something bad that comes up, then because someone nice has helped me through it and that person is part of a community I am leaving. I need good news. You live in this economy too. You need good news. So here is some highlights of stories that have been brought to my attention by various people who have given me a pep talk when my pep has gone away.

A man has survived going over Niagra Falls. If you have ever seen Niagra Falls, you know that is pretty cool.

A man in Michigan has started a donating chain for kidneys. By agreeing to donate to a stranger, he has started a domino effect that has 10 completed transplants behind it and potential to go to 28. One altruistic effort that has saved 28 lives. That is good news.

A pharmacist in Alabama gave each of his employees $16,000 bonuses in his own heroic attempt to stimulate their local economy. I would love to see how that chain worked, he gave it to them in $2 bills so it would be noticed as they were released.

An Indiana town that has been hit hard by the economic decline got a little help in feeding over 5,000 people. Hmmmm, who can't see the miracle in feeding 5,000?

A 7-year-old girl wants everyone to know there is always hope. 3 months ago, she was told her cancer was in-operable. Today she is cancer-free.

Reality Check

If you leave two 4 year olds alone with a light bright, you will be picking up light bright pegs for weeks.

If you are moving to Tucson with dogs, not only do you have to check if rentals allow dogs, you have to check to see if you are old enough to live in the potential community (rule of thumb, if you are getting excited, you probably have to be at least 50 to live there).

If you are trying to pack up your house, your children will help you. They will pack stuff for you. If you are called away while you are packing, you should inspect any boxes for cups of milk or favorite lovies, or baby sister's favorite toys (I suspect she would put baby sister in there if she could) before you continue loading the box with your possessions.

Moving is not fun. Selling your house is not fun. The addition of children multiplies this effect. The addition of dogs makes the multiplier exponential.

Random Acts of Cute

Cacti and Sunshine

The average high in December is 66 (low is 42). Hmmm. I can deal.

We get to see real cacti (my boss spent a lot of time trying to help me learn the proper pronounciation of Saguaro).

I may find a latent ability to tan (OK, this is a stretch, but I will try).

Elspeth is excited about staying home with Mommy (and so is mommy).

For someone who struggles with depression, moving to the sunniest city in the Continental U.S. (I am not sure that is a fact, but I am sure it is close) is not a bad thing.

Little girls in summer dresses 9 months of the year.

All these are good things. Last night Addie started coughing and couldn't stop. We finally went in with medicine. After we coaxed her to take it, she rested her head on my shoulder and relaxed. I held her and was surprised by how HEAVY she is. I spent hours holding Ella like that, but Addie's life is slipping by and I am not savoring the days. For at least one year, I will spend my days with her sunshine smile. For at least one year, I will help Elspeth continue to develop into the amazing young lady she is becoming.

I am not sure how domestic I will be, I ruined 5 lbs. of roast yesterday (in my defense I was slightly distracted in my preparations by the sudden epiphany that I was moving over a thousand miles away and I ONLY forgot the water, which was apparently important).

But no one seemed to mind pot roast veggies and pizza for dinner, and the company was still good. So I guess I will laugh and move on when my lack of domesticity rears its head.

This Day is not Real

I have had to look at people I love today and say over and over "We are leaving."

I realized we are taking Ella away from her best friend.

I just got done re-writing my job description with my boss so the search committee can be convened.

I have to say goodbye in a very real timeframe.

I had babies here.

I grew here.

I watched my husband grow.

I keep stopping to cry at my desk.

I am excited. But goodbye is not easy. Most likely, we will not come back this way again.

This day is not real.

Adventure-Bound

Tucson. Tucson. Tucson.

In too much shock to comment more.

Going or staying?

Congratulations! You have been matched to an internship position.

That's the email I (Jeremy) received a few minutes ago. So our family knows that we'll either (a) move someplace much warmer late this summer or (b) stay put in Central Illinois.

I know which option I prefer but it's not exactly my choice at this point. On Monday morning, we find out which path has been set before us. The challenge now is to not worry about might be, but to remember that God is good whether or not things work out like I want.