120 Days… and counting

Today was supposed to be THE day.  Finally the days are all marked off Stephen’s calender.  Though as most of you that read this and Joe’s blog know, we are still counting.  But in spite of the yuckiness of this day, my sweet husband has done it again!  I am getting a little worried about his ability to keep things “classified”!  What is he learning over there!?  Apparently today was Phase 2 of “Operation Overwhelm”.  This surprise had been planned a couple of months ago, along with Spa Day.  The timing was perfect.  So “there I was…”

…Waiting for my ride to “dinner in Conway, AR” with great friends (and sneaky, now I know…) Barry and Chris.  Joe’s accomplices (my mom and Gay F.) had to widen his Trust Tree this time to pull another major surprise off.  It couldn’t just come from the same people!  Many thanks to the people in on this and the secrets you kept…?… and the trouble you went to!  But I was on to something… I am not sure what it was, just something was a little suspicious.  All it was, is that I had in my mind, that this fancy dinner was just a front for Joe to actually be home on time to meet me for a romantic dinner.  I think I was mainly in denial that he wasn’t coming home.  But when the LIMO was waiting on me as I went out the front door, I was flabbergasted again.  As I drove to my secret destination, I pondered where I could be going and where Joe would be meeting me   Sad, I know.  But my spirits were lifted as I discovered the plan.  We pulled into a local (reputable!) photography studio.  A lady met me at the door, taking me back to the place where they do the photo shoots.  Hmmmm….  She tells me my husband wants me to feel special and take some “sexy” photos!  Oh boy!  An accomplice had already been by to bring a few changes of clothes for the shoot!  (Gay F. you should work for the FBI or CIA or some other agency with secrets!)  These outfits were pre-arranged or pre-ordered by my husband!  Skip this sentence if you don’t care to know what they included…my black dress I was wearing, a gym outfit, a man’s white dress shirt, and my bikini (that has not yet seen the sun!).  The lady was so professional and really sweet (and tasteful!).  The proofs will be ready Monday, with a copy to send to Joe and one for me.  What a fun and inventive and creative way to make me feel special.  I hope he enjoys the photos as much as I enjoyed making them!  There are some pictures that would be suitable to be posted on this blog, (none were X rated, mind you!  Maybe some PG-13!) so if I get a chance I will post some when I get them back.

Today was a perfect way to reassure me that if Joe could, he would be here with us.  He loves us and misses us and is so involved and cares to the sweetest, orchestrated detail.

Lord, Thank You for my husband.  Do You ever tire of hearing that?  It is an offer of praise to You, because I know he is a good and perfect gift for me, from You.  You orchestrate the details of our lives to the good of us and Your glory.  A godly, healthy marriage is a good way to glorify You, and I pray we do just that.

First Day of Homeschool

 

I think the blogs have been loaded lately with sentiments of their “babies” starting school.  Here I am, no exception.  Well, maybe a little of an exception.  We have prayerfully decided to homeschool.  It just makes sense for us for so many reasons.  Not to defend it, although I do feel like I need to explain to complete strangers why our son is getting a haircut on the first day of school, while everyone else is sitting at their desks.  People ask of my concerns of his “socialization”.  If anyone knows Stephen, they would quickly agree that he is quite social!  He makes me more social.  As we walk up to new places, I am somewhat timid, but he says “Hi!” and carries on like he knows everyone.  We went to see Wall-E and we were the first ones in the movie theater.  When the next people came in he says, “Hi!” and asks if they are here to see Wall-E, they say they are, of course.  Then he excitedly says, “ME TOO!”  Like it was some huge coincidence all worked out to his advantage to make a new friend!  Maybe it was.  I sheepishly said “Hi” so as not to be outdone or rude. ha.

Anyway, that was a huge digression!  I am here to say, the first day of kindergarten was not that bad for me!  I did not say “bye” to my baby, and watch him leave for a whole day in someone else’s care.  Not that I look down on those who do, we may be in that boat next year.  We are taking it one year at a time.  But for now, I am thankful.  I get to be the one who teaches him to read, add, subtract and most importantly about God’s Word and how He loves him. 

The pictures are of a possible new tradition.  We made “back to school” cookies last night.  The pictures above are of the decoration process and the finished product.  He said it was the best cookie he had ever tasted and that he is going to open a store and sell them with a sign that says “Best cookies in town, only costs 1 penny!”….We will get to cost analysis later!

Lord, I am so privileged to get to be my son’s caregiver and now, teacher.  I pray that I will do it justice.  I am humbled by how much there is to teach him.  I am thankful that I get to see this early process of learning.  Please keep my attitude patient and loving and not overwhelmed.  Help me to look to You everyday for what he needs to know.