whew

Matthew is somewhere in these mountains in Nicaragua. He is with a group of students hiking about 14 miles a day, sharing the gospel as they go. I haven't been able to talk to him all week but have been praying for their journey. I did talk with Matthew on Sunday before they started their trip into the wilderness of sorts and he was a little wary of the long journey ahead. I am praying that His heart is set on the kingdom and not on every step taken b/c it could be rough.
Grey and I went to Simpsonville for my birthday and my grandma's birthday. It's funny how different birthdays become once you have a child. I found myself spending my day doing things with him that I knew he would enjoy and in turn I enjoyed them. I would have never chosen to sit in a baby pool and splash all afternoon by myself. But that's what we did. I did get some good family time but really really missed Matthew. I just wanted to be with him on the ol' 25th birthday. Maybe on my 26th we'll be a little luckier.

I have also been quite the baby this week. I'll admit, I've had quite a few pity parties for myself. It does seem that lots of things go wrong when the man of the house is gone. Grey has been getting three of his four one-year molars so he's been quite out of sorts and gone through a whole thing of tylenol in less than week. He's on the up and up but ya never know. I also have had quite a few moments where (if this gives you any sort of help in knowing this feeling) it feels like the cops were about to pull me over...you know that adrenaline rush. Since Matthew's been gone so much this summer, he has lacked in his "ontopofthingsness" which has resulted in me having to take care of things I am not normally accustomed to. I'm fine with it and can handle it but have had quite a few freak out moments. I received a few letters in the mail of things that Matthew normally takes care of. These letters of course threatened to take our child, everything we own, and then chop our heads off. I took care of them but that's not to say it didn't leave me in a few seconds of tears.

For those of you who don't know, we have a contract on our house...HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! of course it happens while matthew is out of the country and unable to be contacted. It's all going smoothly but seriously, I have no idea what I'm supposed to do.

Then today as I was backing out of the garage, I ran into Matthew's car...that's right. Fortunately I just scraped paint off of both of our cars. I know he's going to love that. I might just wait and see if he notices. I hate and love times like these because I realize things about myself but hate having to deal with them in the moment.

I will say that in these moments that I have freaked out and felt sorry for myself and attempted to throw the biggest pity party in town, the Lord has brought me to my knees and led me to the cross. This, of course, puts all of these minor life situations into such perspective to me and I am reminded of what really matters. He is teaching and growing and stretching and molding and transforming me to bring Him more glory! I am learning and in the end when I get past myself, i am thoroughly enjoying it.

Grey with Gram on her birthday

excited about marmie giving him a fresh peach!

Playing peek-a-boo