Counting My Blessings

So it's been a while...a long while. Suffice it to say, I've been counting my blessings. In a few months, I will be holding Carter Jeffrey in my arms...and all will be right with the world.

October was an interesting month. I'd love to share all the gruesome details with you...but not now. Stop by sometime with a bottle of merlot, a little time...and who knows...

So, I am approximately 67 days away from being a grandma! Wow...what an exciting experience it's been, WAITING for this day...I can hardly begin to think about when it actually happens...what that will feel like.

I'm leaving on Thursday for Nashville. Alyson's "Nashville" Baby Shower is on Saturday and I get to be there! Last weekend Chip and I spent our time at the mall buying just about every cute outfit in Las Vegas for Carter. By the way...I haven't told you... our grandson's name is Carter Jeffrey. It's so surreal to have a name for this little guy, whom we've loved from the minute we knew he was a being...let alone a little boy. Excitment just pours through my veins like water...I can hardly stand it! I watch all the baby shows on TLC (crying as if they are one of my own family)and see the excitement (and relief of the mommies) when they see their precious newborns for the first time. Soon that will be us. We made our flight arrangements for the January delivery today..now Carter needs to cooperate with Grandma and Grandpa's schedule *wink*.

So back to counting my blessings...I am truly blessed. I have a job I love...I have 3 kids and a husband who truly love me (and I think even like me at times)...my extended family of sisters and a brother, my mom and in-laws are all doing well and thankfully we're all physically healthy, even if the mental health is in question at times...and I have friends.

I had lunch today with 2 long time friends (notice I didn't say old?) I used to work with Linda and Michelle many years ago at Drs. Medical Billing. A couple of us hadn't seen each other in close to 7 years. We've been through both good times and bad as our 3 hour lunch today reminded us. It was fun to get together...I missed them without realizing it, until we sat down together and started reminiscing. Ironically, we had pretty much kept up with each other's lives in some form...generally through other friends who we talked with (some form of gossip I'm sure...but the good kind)...it was a great afternoon. We said our goodbyes, promising to get together soon. I hope we can, but life can be so demanding. If I haven't heard from them by the middle of January I will call them. After all, I'll have to share pictures of my grandson...by the way...did I tell you I'm going to be a grandma?

Heavenly Father,
When I stop and think about Your unconditional love, I'm overwhelmed. How can you continue to love me, when I'm so unworthy of that love? But you have shown me your faithfulness, time and time again. Thank you. Thank you for Your love, thank you for allowing me to be loved by my family and thank you for the gift of friendship. Today I became accutely aware of these gifts. My prayer today is that I show Your love to them all...today and always. In Jesus' name...Amen