Oh Happy Day!

I turned 31 today! That sounds really old. And I have two (almost) kids and a mortgage. I can't believe I'm "in my 30s"...feels weird to say. I've heard folks say that they would do anything to go back to high school (um, vomit?!) or college (nope), but I can honestly say that I am completely content right where I am.

This summer, I found myself walking through our yard in the heat, following a toddler son, dodging dogs, and toting around a robust belly. I had a momentary thought: "Wow, so this is my life....sweaty, pregnant, and working to pay the bills". I remember when I wasn't sure if I wanted kids. And I planned to live in a big city. (I have since learned that I am a country girl at heart.) And I was going to travel, travel, travel! I quickly realized, however, that I am truly happy where I am. Sweaty and pregnant, working hard, and seemingly tired alot of the time....doesn't matter. There's a quote from a Jack Johnson song that sums it up perfectly:

We got everything
We need right here
And everything we need is enough.
Just so easy...when the whole world fits inside of your arms
Don't really need to pay attention to the alarm...

My whole world DOES fit in my arms. Maybe not all at once, but my "world" consists of Chris, T, baby girl, parents, and dogs. I would live in a box with all those things and be okay. I would miss my bed and tv. And my coffee maker. Okay, so it would have to be a big box. And a box with electricity :)

Seriously, what a day full of blessings straight from God. Trafton woke up in a happy mood and invited me to join him in his crib. Why, of course I'd love to haul my huge self over the side of your crib to snuggle. Don't mind if I do. After a few minutes together, I took him to Miss Angela's house, only to discover a homemade "happy birthday" sign on the door from their family and flowers waiting for me inside.

When I got to school, I found out that Debbie had gone above and beyond to celebrate this day with our grade level. After leaving her house at 5:40 am (yes, that early), she went to Krisy Kreme, Bojangles, and even had a coffee ready for me when I walked in to school. That's what I'm talking 'bout :)

Several sweet cards from friends and students, texts and voicemails from special people. And finally, a yummy dinner with some of my very favorite people in the world. I'm so encouraged by the kindness shown to me today; hopefully I can pay it forward.

I haven't had time to write much recently, but today just felt like one of those days. SO much to celebrate- little things and bigger things...

First off, today is a special day. My "FMM" (Fort Mill Mama) turns 25! Um, yes, math folks, I'm kidding about the age. But Debbie's birthday is today and I can't wait to celebrate her. I know that on Sept. 5th, God thought to himself, I need a spunky, kind-hearted, uber-generous lady who is beautiful inside and out. And then he created my assistant.

One of my kindergarten mamas from last year came to visit yesterday. It was so nice to look up and see her happy face in my room! She popped in just to say "hi" and to tell us that she would come help us if she had the time. Nevermind copying and all that mess- I was just glad to see her. I have gotten the sweetest emails and texts from other mamas- just checking in on our family and on baby girl's arrival.

We still don't have a name for the baby that's on the way, speaking of which. Doesn't sound like something to celebrate, but it IS to me. I've always been a control-freak. It's entertaining and abnormal for me to laugh at the fact that I am almost 34 weeks pregnant and I don't even know her name yet. With Trafton, I had prayed for him by name and had every little thing ready. With this sweet baby, I just feel a sense of peace. She WILL come, she WILL be loved by our family, and she WILL be taken care of. Maybe we'll give her a name when we see her precious face.

After the torrential rainstorm last night, a water main broke in Fort Mill. So...no water = day off for us! Only a few days in to the school year, and already we are given the gift of a day off. (Or cursed with a 'make up day', depending on how you look at it.) Personally, I'm glad to be home with my little boy and my big boy. We have stuff to clean and errands to run; I'm happy to do them, as long as I'm with my boys.

Trafton is learning his letters. When we ask him what his name starts with, he shouts out "T!" He also told me that daddy started with D. Granted, those may be the only two letters he knows. But I can live with that. We're still working on saying "please" and "thank you". BUT- he has learned "please" in sign language and he's using it when he asks for something. And imagine my amazement when I went to wipe his nose the other day and he blew. That's right- blew his nose into the tissue! Ahh, the little victories are so sweet. He's a smart cookie (and a darn cute one at that).

Last, but not least, my husband is the man. He met me at the car yesterday with an umbrella when I got home and said he didn't want me running in the rain. Also got home to supper in the crock pot. We have our struggles, but he makes me feel so loved.

Thanking God for this day.  :)