the [almost] missed blessing

You guys, this is the sweetest creature I've ever encountered. She is ever ready with a smile. An amazing sleeper. Great eater. Happy player. Over all an amazing child.

I'm not blinded. I know this child was born with a human nature like the rest of us but gracious this lady baby is such a blessing. A blessing I almost missed.

A blessing the Lord had been preparing for me that I almost didn't get to encounter.

 

A year ago my life was headed in a very different direction. After working for the same family for five years I was on the cusp of marriage which meant moving to the other side of the city. It would have been a foolish move, financially speaking, to continue with this job living where I was going to be. Plus, he didn't want me working as we had hoped to start a family soon after the "I do's."

Almost a year ago plans changed in the blink of an eye. At the time the only thing I could see was the life that just dissolved in front of me. My heart ached as I watched dreams and plans crumble. But this isn't about that. This story is about almost missing this because at the time the hurt was the only thing I saw and felt.

One day I sat talking to this baby and listening to her giggles and it dawns on me. He's blessing my days by my caring for this child. He sent a bit of joy wrapped up in a little girl. I wouldn't have ever met her had I gone through with what I wanted. Now I get to soak up days of this blessing. They may be long. I may clean up more puke than I care to recall. I can constantly smell baby on me somewhere. She's a pretty big deterrent to single male attention. (haha!) But she is such a blessing. This lady baby. This girl! Such a blessing.

Happy Monday Everyone! Enjoy my happy girl!

Chunky "Punkin"

When Cam was two he came up with this song he sang about pumpkins. The little ditty, though incredibly aggravating, gets stuck in my head this time of year.

Chunky punkin,
Chunky punkin,
Look out the window,
who you see?
Chunky punkin!

This year, he and I have had two opportunities to visit two different pumpkin patches. One out of choice the other as a field trip with school. We had gorgeous weather both days and a fun time with the different groups of people.

The first trip was with a homeschool group my mom and sister are a part of. My sister, grandmother, Cam, and I all tagged along. The 6,000 acre farm includes large patches, an extra large corn maze, a pasafino horse barn, hayrides, sunflower fields, and picnic areas.

   His pumpkin that he chose in 33 seconds flat!

 My four year old has mad picture taking skills! I love sunflowers and he knows it. He has the sweetest little heart.

 My not-so-chunky punkin and his pumpkin.

The field trip with his school left the two of us somewhat on our own. We have had some trouble with his teacher lately and we were left to our own. It was fine by me. Being a nanny in the a world of mothers makes for some loaner times more often than not. This pumpkin patch had so much for the kids to do and see and we took time to do and see it all.

 Other than the scheduled activities with his class we went and explored. These massive bins of dried corn kernels were top ranking for him. We played here longest.

We took a hayride out to the pumpkin patch where it took him just about 47 minutes to choose the "exact" pumpkin he wanted. This boy!

He and I both love this time of year. The time with him both days was sweet and memorable. He's a mess but he makes my days entertaining and louder.

Happy Wednesday!