Chrissy's Wedding

It was a beautiful day for a wedding. Kendra, Gram, Hannah, and I drove out together to the Brown farm. Melrose reminds me so much of a Southern Anne of Green Gables. We were all dressed up and it was beautiful and a wonderful occasion. We made our way down the dirt road in our high heels (minus Gram, of course).

We got there just on time so there were many people already there. The tables were set up for the supper following the wedding. The chairs were set up under the avenue of pecan trees. We sat in the back behind Gram's family. We had been seated only a few minutes when Gram asked Kendra what time it was. She was the only one of us wearing a watch. She informed him that her watch did not actually tell the time. It was just an accessory. Of course, the four of us responded in stifled laughter which seems to be the norm when we all get together. We were all bent over trying to keep quiet and we did a good job. Being in the back was very helpful.

The bridesmaids wore grey dresses and carried yellow flowers. Chrissy wore a beautiful lace dress with a yellow ribbon (worn by her mother, but redesigned). The song was just perfect. I'll see if I can get the lyrics sometime. A handful of people who have influenced their lives in Christ were asked to stand in place and read a scripture. I took it in... the word of God being spoken out loud over their marriage... over and over. Then, some prayers from the prayer book were spoken after they were proclaimed husband and wife to which we all affirmed through an "Amen" after each one. They danced down the isle and then had a receiving line. Chrissy looked absolutely gorgeous.

Refreshments were served while the wedding party took pictures. We enjoyed exploring the grounds and catching up with Gram and Hannah. They had made peach wine which was delicious! I was surprised to like it so much since I normally don't care for white or fruity. Very good though. The sun was going down and it was starting to get chilly.

We chose seats with Gram's family at the end of one of the beautifully decorated tables outside behind the back porch. Chrissy and John were in our view. The meal was catered barbeque- a whole hog with an apple in his mouth for the special occasion:). They also served red rice, green beans, mashed potatoes, chicken, rolls, and salad. After the meal, we went inside the beautiful house for the cake to be cut. It was good to warm up inside and I even got some coffee just to keep me warm.

Next, we made our way to the barn for some dancing. It was so cold with the concrete floor that I was shaking. I had been hoping we would get to do some contra dancing, but was not sure if I would be up for it with my high heels slipping slightly from my panty hose. But, I decided to just try it out and see if I made it. Of course, it was so much fun that I quickly forgot about my discomfort. We all had so much fun making a very large circle learning the dances. There were young people, older people, and even a few children. It was fun to dance with so many people we didn't know. The other benefit was the WARMTH it provided. Oh, that was nice. I especially enjoyed watching Chrissy, her sisters, and a few friends clogging (without clogs) to one of the songs. Very impressive. That would be a fun one to learn:).

They also had a picture booth set up outside where you could take pictures and see what you looked like. Hannah, Kendra, and I did a regular posed shot as we couldn't decide on what all to do. I am sure they will have a good time looking at all the photos.

Finally, they left the barn with all of us lined up with sparklers. We walked back down the long dirt road. We enjoyed some more laughs on the way back to Gainesville. And finished the weekend off with a really great morning at Servants of Christ. They always joke about being introverts and how I am the only who gets everyone together so now that I am gone no one gets together. So, as we said our goodbyes we thanked Chrissy for having a wedding so we could all get together. Mmm, I really love these friends.

A1A

Labor Day started off at the birth center at midnight checking on a couple who thought they might be in labor. After an hour and a half of contractions not far enough together and not enough "progress" I sent them home. This was actually their tenth child and they really wanted to be in labor... but that was no reason to keep her. She was not ready. It was late when I got home and I kept wondering if they would call back during the night. Sure enough morning came, and I was glad to be off call even though I did not have any special plans for the holiday. My roomates were mostly out of town as well.

I slept in and them met a different couple at the birth center late morning to take the baby's cord clamp off and do the pku (heal stick to test for metabolic disorders). In the meantime, I was wondering what I would do for Labor Day. It was a hot day and I wanted to do something special, besides go to the pool or beach by myself:). I decided to drive down to the outlets in St. Augustine. They are not too far, should have good sales, and I need a few shirts and a dress. I liked my plan. I texted Tara, another midwife who graduated a year ahead of me at FSTM who lives in St. Augustine. I figured maybe I could make a visit if she did not have plans. To my delight, she was available and her husband was out of town. She invited me to join her and the kids for a beach walk or dinner at the cafe. We ended up doing both.

I covered all of the shops that interested me at the outlets. I got a couple of casual shirts I was looking for, but no dress. After I finished up at the outlets, I drove out to the beach where they live. I met them at Cafe Eleven (her family's restaurant). We hung out a little bit while it rained. Then, we walked down to the beach. We came back for a delicious and healthy meal. Then we walked back down to the beach so the kids could play while we talked. We actually had not spent much time together before. It was good and we encouraged each other. It was good to see the hand of the Lord in her life and to remind each other that being midwives are about being faithful to Him. We said goodbye and made plans to do lunch occasionally when she drives into Jacksonville.

For the ride home, I chose to drive straight down A1A instead of 95 (the Gap could just keep the $4 shirts I had on hold). And, it was BEAUTIFUL. The drive in itself was worth the trip. I put on some worship music and enjoyed the gorgeous road surrounded by water on both sides. It is not often you get to just drive through open beauty like this. I was reminded of God's goodness. Thank you, for letting me enjoy your beautiful creation, Lord.

Kate and Scott

Today I got to visit with Kate and Scott and their family. It was an unexpected treat and so good! I called just in time to ride with her to pick up the kids. When we picked up Leeli two children caught my attention. One friendly boy asked me my name and told me his. Another little boy muttered in my direction, "You're not my friend." I had to laugh. Good thing I like kids! We rode back to the house and she asked me to stay for supper. Yes, that would be nice. While Kate worked on supper the kids and I played hungry hippos, showed me what they wanted in the toy catalog, and played cars with me. We had a delicious supper of Freschetta pizza and yummy salad (tomatoes, avocados, cucumber, cheese and something spicy that made me want to choke often though I made it with the help of my water). Scott got home after we ate and shortly afterward a friend who "happened" to stop by. While he was in the other room she mentioned that he was the one they had wanted to set me up with. I don't think I ever even knew they wanted to set me up with anyone. I lightheartedly scolded her along with Kristin. It will happen in the right time... and the right man.

Throughout the night Kate was making some cake pops, but she realized she was out of lollipop sticks. So, she and I walked the girls down to a friend's house around the block while Scott and Gary had a beer and stayed home with the kids. Kate asked which dog I wanted and I chose wisely:). When she realized it was raining she ran in to get an umbrella and came back out with two mini striped umbrellas. One says "Austin" and one says "Leeli." I laughed. This is what I love about Kate. I don't think she was trying to be funny. She just didn't want to carry the heavy umbrella and these were lighter. So, off we went down to her friend's house around the block. Back to the house. Kids in the bath. Goodbyes. So many good memories in this house both with and without them. It was a good afternoon. Lots of laughs. Good to be with Kate, Scott, Austin, Leeli and of course, the girls!

My Side of the Story

So, I really regret quickly mentioning our middle-of-the-night adventure over the phone to you. It would have made for a great post. Since it was so eventful and all, I decided I would just write out the story for you. So, here's how it went down...

As you know, the four of us each have our own cars here at the house in Jacksonville. Two of the roomates park in the driveway. Two of us park on the street. This way we do not block each other in. Last week, both Shay and Leslie were out of town. So, Joanna and I both parked our cars in the driveway, which I never do. What I did not know is that Shay was coming back a day early. She came in right around bedtime on Saturday and I gave her a hug and then went to bed in the next little bit. We all must have been tired because none of the three of us woke up to hear the loud crash outside of our house. I would like to think I would have heard the beeper go off (probably) since I was on call! But, I managed to sleep straight through the crash, but then woke up not long afterward to a loud knocking sound. Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam!

Mmmm, is Shay knocking on my door? What is going on? Something must be wrong? When I came out there was no Shay. But, there was a young man knocking at the door. I was so sleepy that when I saw this man that I don't know I made a puzzled face (a mmm, I-don't-know-you face) and turned around to go back to my bed. He saw me through the window and said, "Wait! I'm your neighbor." I think you may have met him when you got locked out come to think of it:). Anyway, he explained to me that someone had hit the gold cavalier parked on the side of the driveway and the police were on the way. I knew Joanna drives a black car and Leslie's car was in the garage, so that left Shay. So, I went into Shay's room, who has a reputation for being hard to wake up. I wanted to shake her leg enough to wake her but not to scare her. So, I gently placed my hand on her leg and gave a firm touch and said, "Shay..." Her eyes opened. Good! "Do you have a gold cavalier?" Yes. "Okay, our neighbor just knocked on the door to tell us it has been hit. They think the person did not get away. The police are on their way." She got up and out to the scene. I went back into my bedroom to try to sleep. I was still on call for another 30ish hours and knew I should try to sleep since there was nothing I could do anyway. The police and firetrucks came. Throughout the night there was a lot of noise, lights, conversations. It was pretty crazy. Reminded me a lot of the canine chase around the house in Gainesville you got to experience. It was a pretty crazy event when you think about it. But, we all were a little nonchalent about it, mostly out of fatigue and just plain necessity. But, at the end of last night, the three of us were sitting in the den. We all agreed that was pretty weird!

A Day to Rest

I certainly missed a lot of sleep this week. I woke up with a huge (sleep) hangover this morning too. I had to hold my head as I got up to walk to the bathroom. I got right back in bed to lay down for a few more hours. Once I got out of bed a few hours later I was feeling better. Made some pancakes with the Trader Joe's multigrain mix the girl's neighbor had left and poured in your chocolate chips from France. Thanks! They were very good. I cleaned up a lot after eating. Researched a few things online.

This afternoon I walked down to the pool and went swimming along with several families with children and a few older people. It was overcast but no rain. It was good to get some exercise. Came home. Showered and off to the hospital to visit one of our Mom's and babies. Sweetheart! Ran an errand on the way home and then Panera because I really wanted something healthy to eat and I did not have plans for the night.

I was sitting by myself when a young black man who had a friendly face got up to walk to the bathroom. He smiled and asked how I was doing as he passed. I wasn't expecting a conversation and had my mouth full. So, with my mouth closed full of salad I smiled and said, "great, thank you." Wish I could have seen myself. I know I would have laughed! I made up for it though as he was leaving. I made sure there was no food in my mouth and smiled and said "good night" and he smiled back. To top it all off, on my way out I was looking for the trash can. These days they bring your food to the table and take it from you. So, when I did not see one in the whole resteraunt I just figured they might have gotten rid of them. (They had a small trash can near the cups, but nowhere for plates, silverware, etc). I should have asked, "excuse me, where is your trashcan?" Instead, I found myself asking, "ma'am, do you still have a trashcan?" It was actually right behind me by the time I made it over to her. I'm sure they think I am weird:).

Back home. A lovely walk around the neighborhood at dusk. I walked by a group singing Tom Petty in their garage and later passed a racoon walking across the street. Read some, phone call from a patient needing instructions with breastfeeding, and checked emails. Now, to bed!

Abbapoola

I finally got to spend time with Dad yesterday afternoon and it was so good. He just had a few stops to ride around in the truck. Just what I love! So, first we headed to Rackity Hall. When we turned onto the dirt road we discovered it had rained. The rain gage showed 3 inches though we think that may have been for the past two days. There were puddles in the fields. Dad drove into the field behind Frederick's house to pick a couple of cantelopes while I sat in truck and watched. It looked like a good place for snakes to me.

Next, we drove out to the dock to check on the boat since it had rained. Dougie met us out briefly to talk to Dad for a minute. Then, since we were out there and it was high tide and gorgeous we took the boat out. Ah, beautiful. Two days in a row on the beautiful Bohicket. After the boat ride we drove out to Gangee's on Bohicket Rd instead of Edenvale which apparantly Dad never does cause he doesn't like the trees. He told me a hunting story from when he was a boy that I had never heard. Cute:). Quick stop to Susie's to drop off a cantelope then Gangee's. Got to see Sinclaire who looked absolutely adorable.

Last stop was Abbapoola also known originally as "the farm." I was blown away by how amazing it is out there. I am not sure how long it has been since I had been out there, though it is possible it had been fifteen years. The funny thing is I did not even realize there are rivers on both sides of the farm. Who knew "the farm" was on a peninsula? This time I got out to help Dad pick some tomatoes for me to bring to Florida. We both realized I don't know much about picking tomatoes though. The few I pointed out were no good. So, Dad nominated me to be the box holder which I was glad to do. He picked out a lot of good tomates- a few reds, several orange, and several green. They should be ready soon.

Finally, back to home. I ended up staying over to watch the Wimbledon finals and eat a sandwich. Mom was sweet to crochet in the den so I could watch it with someone. Way to go, by the way, for keeping the secret. A good end to a good afternoon of a good day and a really good week... Ah, refreshed.

Isle 14

It was a WONDERFUL and FUN weekend in Gainesville/Tallahassee this weekend. Friends... lots of good food... fun... lots of laughs! Not too bad of a drive back to Jacksonville and of course, a stop to Publix to pick up a few groceries for the week.

It was supposed to be a quick stop, but you just never know what amazing sale you might miss if you don't just check out certain isles. Well, they did not have those yummy healhty version onion rings on sale as I was hoping. But the onion rings happen to be on the same isle as the ice cream. And, Publix brand ice cream IS on sale. So, I was standing for a longer time than anyone should stand in front of the ice cream flavors trying my hardest to pick a good flavor. The ones that sounded good were fake and even one that said "all natural" had high fructose corn syrup so I just left afterall and will go back when I can decide. But, in the meantime...

A man around our age was standing not too far from me taking about as long as I was looking for ice cream. I had walked to the right and then back. He was still there and with a perplexed look on his face. He looked over my way and asked, "have you seen chocolate chip cookie dough, by any chance?"

Me: No! (with an intenation that said, "can you believe it?!"

Him: (with the same intenation) Is that what you are looking for too?

Me: No, but I had noticed that I didn't see it.

Him: I just can't believe it.

Me: Maybe they don't make it.

Him: No, I have it!!

Me: Oh, that's too bad. I'll let you know if I see any.

Him: Please do (desperation)

Him again after a pause: I guess I will just have to settle for the next best... cookies and cream, oh well.

Me: sympathetic smile

Afterthought: Should have told him to ask for a raincheck!

For All Who Wait

Waiting is on purpose, a plan from the Lord to prepare our hearts for what is next. His purposes. He is here. He is with you. Love Him. Worship Him as you wait- the highest praise. He is worthy. This is RIGHT (to wait).

The way is ahead though you can't see it. It is good. GOOD. It glorifies Him. His purposes will be fulfilled.

Waiting is only a season. Let the strivings, ambitions, hopes die. He will return them, purified. Ready for the service of the King. Many will see and praise Him because of it.. His work.

Don't fear. He will sustain you and give you new strength. Strength for days to come. He knows what He is doing.

from the Holy Spirit Dec 2010