Joseph had surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids this week. I was nervous leading up to the whole thing. Its a very simple and surprisingly quick procedure and also very common, and safe, as these things go. But, its always hard to put your children in the hands of another, especially in such a physical way, as a surgery of any kind. I had had it on my mind a fair amount, and so as we got closer to the day, I got more and more irritable and overwhelmed. There seemed to be so many little details to work out, and plan, and call about, and email about, etc. I know its mostly just my personality here, but I felt like my phone and emails were off the hook, and the weight of everything, at least within my little family, was resting on my shoulders. I know these things are always an opportunity too, for God to show His care for us, if we can simply give it to Him. And even though its like prying my fingers off of a railing that I am afraid to let go of, His faithfulness and care were demonstrated yet again, to my doubting and anxious self.
As it went, all of the planning that I thought was so important, ended up being unnecessary because all of the things the kids were supposed to do ended up cancelled due to the snow! God showed me the beauty and simplicity of placing all of my plans in His hands, and trusting them to His care, without any anxiety or irritability, or worry... something I tend to be horrible at every.single.time.
The next thing God showed me, that often I unfortunately take for granted, is the love and care of my mom...
Peter and I were both able to go with Joseph to his procedure, because my mom came over and watched all the rest of our kids for the day. I had a refrigerator/freezer stocked full of yogurt, pudding, jello, ice cream, juice, and milk so that Joseph would have plenty of things to choose from after his surgery. She made a delicious dinner for my kids, with plenty left over for us all, for dinner the next day. She has done things just like this for us when we have gone in to deliver each of our babies. Never does she make me or my family feel like we are burdens to her, or that she has other things she would rather be doing. She also works full time as a doctor, no less, and still it seems that she is always willing to help out in any way she can, even when she is tired. I can honestly say, I do not know anyone else with that kind of loyalty, generosity, dedication, and care. This is really nothing new for her, but I think it struck a special chord with me, as it was because of her generosity, that my little boy could have me and Peter to himself and we could focus on him rather than the details of grocery shopping, cooking, and child care. Whenever someone does something so loving for my babies, it cannot go unnoticed or unappreciated by me :) It was such a gift...she is such a gift. I don't tell her that enough. In fact, I am really bad at telling her that. I need to change that. I am so very grateful for the gift that she is to me, Peter, and our kids. I pray that I will be as dedicated and generous of a grandmother one day...
Thank you, Lord, for my mom.
My mom and I, like any mother/daughter duo, have our differences. Sometimes, they are glaringly evident, and irritating to both of us. She is certainly not perfect, and neither am I! We are also very very much alike, and that too can be difficult in any relationship, especially when you see the very thing you struggle with, in someone you love. However, for all the differences and faults that we have (and there are many of them), she is the most sincere, generous, and caring person I know. She is fiercely loyal, unceasingly generous, and her feelings of love for her children and grandchildren know no ends. We don't always understand each other, but I can not ever doubt her care and love.
Peter and I were both able to go with Joseph to his procedure, because my mom came over and watched all the rest of our kids for the day. I had a refrigerator/freezer stocked full of yogurt, pudding, jello, ice cream, juice, and milk so that Joseph would have plenty of things to choose from after his surgery. She made a delicious dinner for my kids, with plenty left over for us all, for dinner the next day. She has done things just like this for us when we have gone in to deliver each of our babies. Never does she make me or my family feel like we are burdens to her, or that she has other things she would rather be doing. She also works full time as a doctor, no less, and still it seems that she is always willing to help out in any way she can, even when she is tired. I can honestly say, I do not know anyone else with that kind of loyalty, generosity, dedication, and care. This is really nothing new for her, but I think it struck a special chord with me, as it was because of her generosity, that my little boy could have me and Peter to himself and we could focus on him rather than the details of grocery shopping, cooking, and child care. Whenever someone does something so loving for my babies, it cannot go unnoticed or unappreciated by me :) It was such a gift...she is such a gift. I don't tell her that enough. In fact, I am really bad at telling her that. I need to change that. I am so very grateful for the gift that she is to me, Peter, and our kids. I pray that I will be as dedicated and generous of a grandmother one day...
Thank you, Lord, for my mom.
Joseph right before he had his procedure. He was very worried.
Joshua was happy as a clam while he waited with us.
Joseph right after he woke up. He was doing well but very tired and no appetite. Its heart breaking to see your baby in pain. I would take it from him in a second, if I could.
Doing a little better today and getting a nap with baby Joshua.
My mom (Nony to my kids), with my brother, Johnny, celebrating Gianna's recent birthday!
