Updates and not so Randomness Part 2

Here are some pictures of the house we've been really looking at:

The facade is awesome. Vinyl!! Sage greeny...it's been landscaped. Living room is a tad small but ok for right now. The kitchen is AWESOME!!!! The utility room with washer/dryer is AWESOME!! Bathrooms are awesome with their tile and rain showerheads. Backyard is huge with two decks (one for the grills and one for hangin' out). Three bedrooms, two full baths; 1500 sq ft AND at a great price. Pray that we will be able to find a good banker and interest rate and everything goes smoothly. This would be my first house and Jason's second. Woot woot!!!

All these updates to say we are doing well and there are some exciting things happening right now. We are very blessed with what we have and what we could have.

On another note, I just want you to be in prayer for my family, specifically Drew and Mandy and the girls, Alex and Emma. As most of you know, sweet Alex has had physical problems since birth. She goes to therapy several times a week and has checkups several times a year. Over the past couple of months Mandy and the therapist have noticed that Alex favors her right arm and hand. She draws them up to the side of her body. About a week ago her tongue started pushing to the right side of her mouth and she does have a little bit of a drooling problem. That prompted Mandy to expedite an appointment with Kansas City Children's hospital. The appointment was yesterday where she had an MRI done. The doctor thinks he knows what the problem is and it's probable that Emma has it too.

The doctor is French and they like him very much. He is sending Alex's bloodwork to France to be tested because, so far, there isn't a facility in the US to test for this particular genetic disease. According to Drew the doctor said if it is in fact this very rare disease, it is progressive, meaning it will get worse. Pray that this is NOT the case.

Updates, Randomness Part 1

Well I thought I would first start off with some updates on the past two months.

1. I finished every knitting project I was on (except the ongoing project of the afghan for over 11 years).
2. Christmas, as always, was too short with family. We had a good time and also celebrated Alex's 6th birthday. I made a "present cake" for her!
   
3. I got a bike from all the Christmas money I received (thanks to all who contributed!!)
4. Christmas has come and gone and now I have springitis as well as my students.
5. Jason and I have been house hunting for several months now and I think we have found a house that would suit us... (pictures in the next blog)
   
6. Here are some pictures:

Me with Alex and her knitted presents


Happy/Sassy Emma with her knitted hat



Nephews TC, Bryce and Devon on Christmas Day



Brother-in-law Cliff with his new gun...it was like he was a kid...
he wore it all day around the house



My beautiful bike with awesome helmet. I actually did ride it the other day when the temperature was actually WARM!!!!



New Years Eve picture



Alex's cake Mom and I made for her!

Valentine's Day revisited

Hmmmm....Valentine's Day seems like a cuss word lately. Several people I know have explained why they hate this holiday. Granted it is VERY commercialized, so is every other holiday, but so many people hate this particular one and not the others. I wonder why. Is it because they have no one to love? Or no one loves them? Most of the people that I have heard complaining have significant others, so what's the deal? Should we not celebrate with the ones we love? My most memorable Valentine's day gift was from my father. I remember coming home and there was a big heart balloon standing in the floor. Yeah, standing. It was a heart person. It had legs and feet and arms too. It was soo cute.

Maybe we get so upset is that we have to spend money. Really? Do you? Does it cost money to spend time with the one you love? I have made it clear to my husband that flowers that cost $50 or more is cool but not necessary. I'd be happy with a single rose. I told him that we didn't have to go out to eat, in fact, I'd rather stay in so I can cook him a nice meal. Do I like Valentine's Day? Sure. Do I hope I get something? Sure I do.

What my brain has been pondering is maybe people crave this day is because they don't get any other day. Yes, they may be married or have a girl/boyfriend...but do they feel special outside Valentine's Day? A lot of people say we shouldn't have a holiday to say you love someone and I totally agree but does anybody on a regular basis show they love someone not on Valentine's Day? Do you ask how their day is? Do you do the dishes without being prompted? or fix dinner when not asked? Do you kiss them for no reason? Do you sit by them on the couch when you watch TV? Do you suggest things to do with them? Do you tell them they are handsome/beautiful? It's easy for me to ask if they do those things for you, but do you do those things for them as well?

Just some thoughts while vegging in the tub.

I should be writing about the other stuff that's happening but don't feel like it...maybe later.

Peace,
Jess