The End of an Era

One of the fun things about M is how she is so close to pronouncing things right, but doesn't quite get there. My favorite has been her attempts to say "Sit up," which, until recently, sounded like "shaw bup." The best part would be when she drew it out, as in "shaaaaaaaaaw bup." Always brought a smile to my face, and it still does when I think about it.

Right now she is giving some of the best hugs known to man. She wraps her arms around your neck and pulls tightly close to you. As Barry White used to say, although in a much different context, "I can't get enough of your love babe!" She will also ask to do "eh kisses" and we'll proceed to rub noses. That never gets old.

It is pretty close to 6 weeks left before S is set to arrive. December 31st seems a lot further away than that, but with Thanksgiving only two weeks away, it's much closer than I'd like it to be. But I know C is ready to get her out. Both Momma and baby have been quite healthy throughout this pregnancy, with C's symptoms and pains noticeably better than with M.

Well, the new guy at work has been here for three weeks now. I'd liken it to parenting, in that, many times I just want to step in and do things for him so we'll get things done faster, and, more importantly, "on time", but that will just stunt his growth and will be bad for both of us, because I'll get frustrated and he won't be able to learn. He's right on the cusp of letting him fly on his own, but there's still a few things that aren't sinking in, and I wonder if he needs a different perspective than what I can give him to get those fundamentals down.

On the home-front, things are going fairly well. We had a very productive day last Saturday around the house, and tomorrow should be more of the same with yard-work. One thing that I have been a little worried about is finances. There are a lot of one- or two-time-a-year expenditures that are happening all at the same time and it's going to be really tight through the middle of next year. Well, we are blessed at our church to have the wisdom of Dr. Chris Thurman, who has just finished a series based on his book The Lies We Believe. I am noticing that one of the lies that I have been believing is : I am a bad husband/father if we go into debt. Last night after C and I prayed about this, I had a dream. Now, a disclaimer must be stated: although God still works through dreams, this one won't come true. So, C and I were at a restaurant and received the worst service, even to the point our entrees did not come out. I asked to speak to the manager and she said they don't usually give meal vouchers for poor service. However, there was something she could do and proceeded to take a $1000 bill and a $3750 bill and hand it to us, at which point I started crying because I was so grateful that God had provided in such a miraculous way. Yeah, a $3750 bill. Told you it won't come true. But I think He did work through that crazy dream in reminding me that He will provide our daily bread. What that looks like is up to Him. It may not mean a cushy retirement or even staying out of debt all our lives--which would be a miracle for most Americans--or a pantry-full, but wants me to have an even deeper and fuller sense of trust in Him. No doubt, He has provided miraculously for us in the past, and I know He will continue to do so. Hopefully I will remember to be thankful and give Him the glory.

So, that's pretty much me in a nutshell. The Longhorns are trucking along. I am very excited about the Colt McCoy era at Texas. It'll take a lot to get us back to the title game, but even if we don't make it, we are headed in the right direction. Thanks to Rutgers, though for taking care of Louisville last night. One less hurdle.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

R