as the deer

We have lived in our home for almost eight years... which means that I have been driving the same route to anywhere... for almost eight years. Along the way... to everywhere, we pass a few small canals, and a small lake-ish body of water. We have watched for alligators for years- almost an everyday guaranteed sighting! Once in a great while, we'll see a wild pig out on the hill of the golf course- or maybe a couple of turkeys. For the past year or so, I have begun to spot deer. Yes, deer. I remember seeing my first deer ever... in Virginia, while Eric was stationed in Yorktown. It was really cool- a special thing for me. And now, when I see a couple of the hill, it brings it back. I don't know why the deer have this affect on me... but, oh how I love to see them grazing. I'm sure the golf course doesn't mind, either! Lately, with all the rain we have had, the hills and the canals seem to have come alive- egrets, herons, woodstorks... all knee deep in the running water... and deer on the hills. Today I saw seven deer... all together. My heart leapt, and then laughed as two little ones scampered up the hill. I just love them. And I hope that they are relatively new to the area... because I hate to think they have been there... almost eight years... and I have just not seen them.

As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee...
You alone are my hearts desire and I long to worship Thee.
You alone are my strength my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire and I long to worship thee.

overcome

He sits and works... diligently... for hours. He wants to get his work done... he wants to do well- his best. It just takes time. A lot of time. And he never complains. It makes my heart hurt, just a little, to see him sitting there so long... but it is his way. And he is doing so well. I don't think proud is the right word, although I am. I am just... relieved. That his work is paying off, where it hasn't before. I would be happy if he didn't need to take medicine to stay focused like this... but I am happy that the medicine does help. And I am happy that he qualifies for extra help in school... of course, I would be happy if he didn't need it. He is my son... my baby... my heart. And no matter what the report card says at the end of the quarter, I will love him no differently. It has always been this way... for my boy who gives everything. The grades are secondary... it is the effort that counts. He has put his heart and soul into this middle school transition... and today he came home saying that he has the second highest average in his geography class... and that his teacher thinks he should be on the scholar bowl team. Imagine that...

a silly surprise

One of the things I like best in life is to make someone smile... or laugh... or just feel loved. I have this great friend who makes me laugh... always. Sometimes with her humor, and sometimes with her need to have things... just so. Last year around this time, she was so excited that she cleaned her chair mat... you know, that thing your computer chair rolls around on? And so, because it was so shiny and clean, I gave her three little paper pumpkins to put under the mat as decoration. She thought I was as crazy as she... but they made her smile, and think of me. And so, this morning, I am picturing her smile, and imagining her laugh, as she finds the three silk autumn leaves that I shoved under her office door... and my heart will smile with her.

a man and a can

Some are lucky to never have experienced a bee sting... and I suppose, a sting could be somewhat like childbirth- after a while you forget what it actually feels like, and are confident that it wasn't so bad. The other day, Cam & I were finished washing the car, and he went to wind the hose up... there was a wasps nest behind the hose reel. He was very careful, and didn't get stung, but what went through my mind? It wouldn't be the end of the world... Tina was always getting stung as a kid... oh, I hope he's not allergic. Okay, not a gold star moment in motherhood, but what goes through your own mind is nothing but honest, right? I was thankful that we walked away, unstung. Yesterday, Eric & I were working on the garage- and he simply walked around the corner near the hose reel, and I heard the scream. Stung!
Oh, the pain... the rushing around for a remedy... the pain. Oh a whim, I shared my previous thoughts with him... and the look he gave me. And then a statement about the pain that I cannot repeat here! I suppose honest thoughts aren't always accurate... Once our store bought, and homemade remedies began to slightly ease the sting... and we were able to go back to work. And then, Eric came across the most powerful method of pain removal... for him, at least! After a sting, nothing says I feel better than a quick shot of wasp killer!