Quiet Last Days of 2010

I have to say this past week has been very peaceful and quiet.  There have been no couples to chaperone, no weddings to plan, cantatas to practice, deadlines for classes, packages to wrap, or major family happenings.  Mom and I have been sick with head and chest colds, so we take turns coughing and sneezing.  Victoria and Kate have dropped by for dinner several times this week, which we've enjoyed very much.  Meagan Simmons spent an afternoon with us watching old tv episodes on dvd.  Alyssa gave herself a "spa" facial tonight.  Scott has fallen asleep "watching football" several times after working 14-16 hour days.
As I pondered our peaceful state, the phrase "and it came to pass" kept coming into my mind.  The trials and seeming hardships of 2010 are behind us, we have passed through them.  We went through many valleys through the grace of God alone. Thank the Lord for several mountain top experiences that helped to balance out the depths.  For today there has been some peace, well, except for the sneezing.
Scott and I are thinking there may be some more difficulties around the corner, but we can't focus on what may happen, just do our best with what is at hand.  We are thankful that our two oldest daughters have their own places with husbands who love them very much.  We are thankful that Leonard has been safe in South Korea despite the turmoil there.  We are thankful for Alyssa's health, attitude, and loving spirit.
Thank God for this peaceful retreat at the end of 2010. Whatever 2011 has in store, God has His perfect plan and will for each of us.  I just need to take a deep breath and trust in Him each day. Happy New Year dear friends!

Wedding Over, New Chapter Begun

Yesterday was our oldest daughter's wedding day.  I believe everything turned out as wonderfully as possible for Jessica and Martin.  They were surrounded by family, a pastor, and friends who were very supportive and who gave of their time and resources to show their love.  Wonderful people cleaned, set up chairs, decorated, hung dozens of snowflakes, lights, and tulle.  Family members cooked a rehearsal dinner and reception dinner with food, cake, and drinks to spare.  Dear friends helped un-decorate, un-set up, clean, organize, load, and transfer hundreds of chairs and props.  Scott and I were there until the last light was turned off and door was locked.  The best man and crew were still placing chairs in the church building at 11:00 p.m.  We came home very grateful for our wonderful friends and church family.
Today was day "one" of our lives without Jessica in the house.  I did keep looking over my shoulder, wondering if she'd zip through the kitchen or burst through the door - nothing but quiet.  Jessica's wedding gear and several boxes of odds and ends still occupy one corner of her bedroom (until her return from the honeymoon....).  Alyssa now has her own bedroom which we organized and cleaned today.  She has the entire closet to herself!  This frees our hall closet for our coats.  Hallelujah!  I am trying to focus on the "bright" side of the change, although it seems like the second wedding in our family was a little harder on me emotionally than the first.
We have already hung her bridal portrait next to Victoria's in the living room.  There is space for one more, but we won't go there.  I have praised the Lord for bringing Jessica into and through our lives.   The road has been a challenge but it has been an exciting journey.  Someone asked me what was different about mine and Jessica's relationship.  I had to answer that I have had to chase, pull, out-think, out-plan, out-smart, stay a step ahead of this child since we brought her home from the hospital.  There has never been a dull moment, there could not be.  Every day brought hundreds of questions and comments , "Let's go, Mommy", "What's next, Mommy?", "Why that, Mommy?", "I'll do it myself", "Let me try", etc...  My standby response to Jessica since she was two was "Remember, I am the the mommy and you are a child.  Repeat - I am a child"....  Since she was five-year's-old I've never had to call in a pizza order, answer the home phone, order at the drive through, take drink "orders" from guests, program the VCR, or give her order at a restaurant.  I may have to start doing these things now, but I don't have to stay a step ahead or outsmart her....I think.
What's next in our future?  It's a little more simple - candy selling, an orthodontist appointment on Monday, and piano lessons.  Merry Christmas!