Me a Mother? You Heard it Here First

I have a wonderful friend who I will call Kari (mostly because that is her name.) She is a wonderful mother and her story of motherhood is a series of miracles.  When I get discouraged about wondering how the things that are happening in life will ever make sense in the grand scheme of things — I think of her.   By a series of events that no doubt had a divine design, she was able to adopt a daughter that she has loved long before she was “officially” hers.  Then she gave birth to her own son, Noah.  Her and her husband also do foster care and for the last several years has had a severely disabled girl living with them.  Things do happen for a reason and during the years she endured heartache as she ached for a child — God already had a plan in motion.

Her son is now 4-years old and adorable and funny.  I now have the opportunity to teach his Primary class every Sunday (with 2 other equally funny and adorable 4-year olds.)  The other day her son, who I will call Noah (because that is his name) complained to his mother about the unfairness life.  Being 4 can be very hard and terribly unfair at times.  You see — his sister who is adopted has a birth mother.  His friend (who is also adopted) has a birth mother.  And even his foster sister has a birth mother.  He said to his mom “everyone has a birth mother but me!”  But then he said “I want DeAnn to be my birth mom!”

Kari called me at work to tell me the news.  I laughed right out loud and then even cried a little.  I told her I would be happy and honored to be his “birth mom”.  She gave him the news and she reported that he grinned ear to ear.

Today at the end of our church class Noah said to me “You are the best birth mom ever!”

So here I am thinking about what life has in store for me (because it certainly hasn’t turned out as planned) and I can hold on to the hope that God already has something wonderful in motion for me.  After all — by some miracle, as of this week, I became a “birth mother” to a 4-year old.

Hang on, because this is going to get good!

Year of Me — and YOU

So a few weeks ago I came across a little contest on Facebook to win a 4-week stay at the Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge.  I went to the site and read the rules. I thought how much I would love to do this.  I have a friend who spent 2-weeks at Fitness Ridge last year and have been amazed to watch her transformation.  But then I realized I was smack-dab in the middle of the Christmas Season and basically my job owned me for a few more weeks.  There would be no way to make a video to enter in the contest – well one that wasn’t dumb anyway.  Plus there was no way I wanted to beg people to vote for me.    It was a nice thought.

A few nights later I received a message from my friend Laurel — with the link to the contest and the message said “have you seen this, I think you should do it”.  I replied that ironically enough I had seen it and that it sounded awesome but it was Christmas time . . . blah, blah, blah.   Then she said “we can help you.” meaning my group of friends I lovingly call GNO.   My body and soul was still filled with doubts and exhaustion but something in me said that I needed to try.  That I needed to do this.  We agreed to talk about it at our Christmas gathering and make a plan.  The next thing I knew we were brainstorming and tossing around ideas on how to make a video.  Should it be funny?  Serious?  A little of both?   To make a long story at least a little bit shorter . . .  With all of their help (and I include one husband who filmed and edited) I did it!  Well rather — WE did it.

So this is the part where I ask you to go to the contest site and vote for my video.   HERE

Since doing this I’ve had a few thoughts running through my head.  First is that I am so incredibly grateful that I have friends who will support me and help me believe when I’m feeling a little short in that area.  Also — contest or not contest, it’s time for me to put my life in order.  It’s time to do what is required to have the healthy life I want.  I’ve also learned that it’s okay to let go of my pride and let people help me.

It’s a new year and it’s going to be a year of “Me” – where I dedicate myself to improving my physical body.  But It’s also a year of “YOU” because I know that I won’t get there alone.  I also know that by being healthy I can better be utilized by the Lord to help others.

 

Random Thoughts in December

 

• Why haven’t I been blogging like I used to?  I blame facebook.  Instead of spending time thoughtfully expressing myself in writing I’ve turned to short quips, “likes”, and sarcastic (and sometimes funny) retorts.

• If you enter Publishers Clearinghouse online even once – they will email you every day with another chance to win a bajillion dollars and at the same time offer you “amazing deals” on things that you should own.  Really important things like Eggies.  Because as you have probably seen on T.V. you can waste hours of time trying to peel hard-boiled eggs.  Little did I know that they don’t just sell magazines anymore at PCH.  They will also sell you the Perfect Meatloaf Pan , lighted tweezers, clever organizer wallets, and the ultimate Elvis CD.

• I’ve officially turned into a “lister”.  This is where you list out to another person either the things you are going to do that day or the things you have done that day.  I used to secretly make fun of my sister for doing this as pointed out by her children — until I realized that my mother is also a “lister”.  My sister comes by it legitimately.  THEN — I caught myself –  I LIST!  I do it all the time.  I’ve officially turned into my mother.  Next I’ll be wearing slippers all the time and carrying zip-lock baggies in my purse.

• I have a new theme song called Dancing in the Rain.  It’s by Hilary Weeks on her new album Every Step. The lyrics that have been running through my head are “I grabbed my polka dot umbrella – and I danced in the rain.  I told my dreams I haven’t forgotten them . . . “  (to get the full effect download the song and them imagine me singing it in my car really loud. ) Love this.  I bought myself a polka dot umbrella and it’s in my office.  It’s way past time to remind my dreams that I haven’t forgotten them.

• New calling in church — teaching the 4-year old.  I’m totally excited. We are going to have so much fun!  (Note to self: practice being the mature one in that class)

• Why do little kids not cherish “the nap”?

• It still cracks me up that I still get “hits” daily on a post I wrote a few years ago about Velma from Scooby Doo.  Seriously do THAT many people Google “Velma” and “Scooby Doo” every day?

Officially out of random thoughts.  That is all.

 

And She Stamped Her Foot and Said . . .

Hey you!  Food!

You are NOT the Boss of ME!

Should . . .

Dear “should”,

You exhaust me.  I listen to you way to much and then I always feel bad.

I can’t hang out with you anymore.

That is all!

DeAnn