228. Answered Prayer

Family 0

Today I learned about an answer to prayer. My sister Abby recently finished her PhD in Educational Psychology and had asked for prayer about what job to look for in the Fall. We don’t know if she will still be needed to help care for my mother, who is in the last stages of Alzheimer’s. So she wasn’t sure where to apply or whether full-time or part-time.

Well, through a friend of a friend, she was put in touch with a professor who was looking for someone to teach a course in educational psychology this fall. After talking 3 minutes on the phone, she was hired!

It’s one night a week, 3.5 hours per night, and sounds like a course she’s interested in teaching. And the professor has some very good connections for when she’s looking for a long-term job.

It’s lovely to see prayers dramatically answered.

206. My Dad’s Care of my Mom

Family 0

Today in my small group we were talking about a mother with dementia and how hard it is for the father who can’t take care of his wife, because of his own health issues. One of the other group members had the same thing happen before his mother died – it was so hard on his father.

So even though it is awful that my mom is in late-stage Alzheimer’s at a relatively young age – I’m so thankful that my Dad is still healthy enough to care for her at home.

I know it’s awful for him, and he is truly amazing and so loving and kind.

I’m thankful that he’s able to do it and thankful that he does it.

194. Hiking

Activities, Events, Family, Nature 0

I do love going hiking. My kids know that, and agreed to go hiking with me, but I don’t know if they know that part of the reason I love to go hiking is that when I was a kid, the only time I got to do it was when we were on vacation going to Oregon. And often we would go to Silver Falls State Park to do it.

Growing up in the Los Angeles area, the idea that I can walk out of my house and walk in the woods still blows me away.

But it was extra nice to hike at Silver Falls State Park on this vacation. And I really believe that I remember South Falls – and going behind the falls – from a much shorter perspective.

Anyway, it was a lovely day for walking in the woods with my kids. And they didn’t even complain when we got caught in a rainstorm at the end!

193. Playtime with my Little Nieces

Events, Family 0

The other huge highlight of my trip was getting to play with my preschool age and toddler nieces! There’s nothing like it for forgetting worries and bringing smiles! They are so very sweet!

Meredith (one year old):

Zoe (just-turned-two):

Arianna (four years old):

Alyssa (almost five years old):

Getting to spend time with these wonderful girls was a treat that will keep me smiling for months!

125. Becky’s Visit!

Events, Family 0

My sister Becky visited this past weekend, at the end of a conference she attended in DC.

We had dinner together, she went to church with me, we roamed around DC, and then roamed around Manassas Battlefield Park.

And did lots and lots of talking.

I’m so blessed to have my sister — and so blessed to have a chance to spend time with her.