Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Thankful... looking back and now

More pictures of Ohio trip to come... but, since uploading pictures has been next to impossible, i thought I would write a few things I'm thankful for!


It's interesting and bittersweet to me how growing up just happens. One summer night, I'm a little girl in bed at 8:oo, looking out my bedside window and chatting with 'all the neighborhood kids who get to stay up and ride bikes in the circle street'. A few days later, it's 7:12 PM and my gold engagement and wedding rings clink as I'm typing on my blog while I should be rushing to the rescue of my poor neglected living room or scrubbing a greasy and awkward pile of pans and plates. (By the way, myboy is sound asleep on the couch:) I remember, bedtime was especially frustrating to me in the summer, and for many reasons. The number one reason was that the big sun took forever to fall. I mean, it was light till 9:00 PM or later. I wanted to play! Another reason was that once it did get dark, I would lay awake thinking about one of two things: playing "girls' camp" with Jacquelyn the next morning or thinking that there were Indians and coyotes in the neighborhood. I would often ask Lizzy (we shared a room at the time) if we could close the window to make me feel better...so, we would...and I lay there sweating like a pig(Liz was too, I'm sure)...but, hey- at least the coyotes wouldn't get me! Sometimes, Liz would even let me sleep on the top bunk with her. We would talk a little while and scratch backs, then I would usually pick at the popcorn ceiling, always getting some in my eyes. Anyway, growing up happens much quicker than anyone imagines it could, and sadly, for some, growing up happens way too early!!! I am thankful for happy and silly memories such as these(I obviously did not grow up too quickly).I am thankful for a sister like Liz who was so accommodating, caring, and selfless with an annoying, curler-headed, and sleep-depriving sister such as I. I am thankful for a husband who loves to be my 'boy' and yet, is the best MAN of God. I am thankful for parents, sisters, brother :) who love each other no matter what. I am thankful for The Word that teaches me to still have 'faith like a child'. And, I am thankful for a Father in Heaven who watches over my soul from the real wild "coyotes" in my life: you know, those things that seek to whittle and weigh us down with fear. Well, like I said...I should be doing other things, because right now, Myboy and the Christmas tree are the ONLY things nice to look at! 
 

6 comments:

Grace Caroline said...

Your blog is cute!
You seem to be having a blast with 'your boy'...lol...ya'll are so cute

Nelly said...

thanks gracie! You are so sweet! I love to see you smiling every sunday! nel smith

Ginger said...

I like this post. I remember laying in a hot bed at night..early evening really. I think my mom put us to bed as early as possible sometimes! You are adorable..we want to get together soon. It was fun running into you the other night! You and Jordan are so sweet together. sleep well!

Kate Van said...

hehe-nel, i can assure you that jack & i in the room next door were burning up too- especially since we -or i should say i- was too scared to sleep in my own bed. those curlers were torture! love you!!!

Leslie said...

love your thoughts, you should write more often, so pleased that the Lord has given you such a mantle of blessing. so happy for you and yourboy,...love, your long lost friend in san diego.

Lizzy said...

My sweet Nell ~ it was one of the highlights of my childhood to share a room with you...your eloquently-written memories of summer nights, coyotes, our fun "popcorn" ceiling, and just being kids brought tears to my eyes. This beautiful, but melancholy song you have on your blog doesn't help that either!! just kiddin' love you so much, sis.