Stuff of Life

Yesterday was my ninth wedding anniversary. 

It didn't make my blog, but I didn't forget.  In fact, I spent most of the afternoon making Kevin one of those fabulously sappy videos I am notorious for, only to have it disappear into thin air juuust before I saved the finished product. 

Thankfully, he was able to console himself with the twelve string guitar I bought for him. 

(Wife of the year?  Check.)

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My friend Breain has inspired me to start running.  So far, I love it. 

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Earlier this month, lost in the thick of homeschool, laundry and long fall walks, I met with a new doctor concerning the state of my reproductive organs; to tumor or not to tumor.

Not to tumor, my kind new doctor tells me, and probably not even the ovarian cancer before long, as had been predicted last year by my previous physician.  Not really the need for tests every couple months now that we are past one year, and not really the need to worry about what monsters, in the form of really bad news, could be lurking around the corner anymore.  Many people have something like this, and then never again, she says.

Having buried my aunt just a few months ago, after her tough battle with breast cancer, knowing what she went through and how it ended, my second opinion sort of sounds like a new lease on life-- Raise your family, write your book, adopt your African babies.  You're okay now.

Beautiful relief.

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I recently finished another quilt.  It is perfect, just like sweet little boy I made it for.

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My husband works in a tall building in downtown Chicago, and on his walk to and from there every day, he encounters many homeless people. 

He often gives them dollars from his wallet, and sometimes we buy a handful of gift cards to cover a couple meals each, and he hands them out.  He stops all the time to ask people how they are and if they need anything that he can help with.  He has a friend that we pack the occasional bag for, with clothing and toiletries, and he sometimes brings him dinner late at night, on his way back to the train.  Recently he bought another man dinner, and stayed to sit across the table from him as he ate, listening to the man tell his story of how he ended up on the streets.

I won the husband lottery.

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My oldest child, who I brought home for first grade because he is a brilliant little boy, who I committed myself to educating in the most hands-on ways by running with his best curiosities, who has finished his first grade math book in the first eight weeks of school and nearly all of spelling, who I love with my whole heart and soul, is showing strong signs of Attention Deficit Disorder.  My instincts tell me so, as does everything I know from being a licensed special education teacher, but I will wait on the official word from a child psychologist down the road.

Add to the list of ten thousand reasons why we homeschool, because I am the teacher who will stop at nothing to ensure his success.

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My children somehow each ended up with two or three Halloween costumes apiece this year.  I can hardly figure how there grew so many, but we've had great fun with it so far.  Turns out everyone loves Batman in Target, and a baby pumpkin at the library.

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On my way home late this evening, with my three children asleep in their car seats, I witnessed a high speed police chase.  The vehicle being pursued was driving at least seventy miles per hour on a four-lane street through town, headed East.  I was headed West, and while nearing a red light I realized in great horror that the car approaching the red light on the other side, with the flashing red and blue on its tail, was going to blow through the intersection. 

He did.  He smashed into a truck, sending it skidding to the other side the road, and then he veered across the median into oncoming traffic for a moment, where mine was the first vehicle approaching the red light.  Had I been a second or two earlier, actually stopped there, he would have hit my car head on. 

He skidded back into his own lane again and hit the gas.  A minute later the hood of his car flew up to cover his windshield, and the chase came to an end.  The light turned green and I continued towards home with my intestines quivering and every hair on the back of my neck standing up, thankful for only a close call.

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All is well.

Comments

[Frema]

Happy belated anniversary!

Your godson loves the quilt, and his mother is having a hard time not stealing it for herself.

My heart was pounding for you at the end of that story. So glad you are all okay. I'm sure I would have wet myself.

I can't wait to see pictures of the kids in their various costumes, or to see you all in person on Sunday.

[debi]

Oh Lord, I am so thankful that you and your babies are okay. Happy anniversary! I love the sound that comes from a twelve string. Kevin does sound like a wonderful human. I am blessed to know a few like him and wish the world had more. Did you take any pics of your quilt? I am done collecting fabric and will start cutting today on my quilt for Bella. I can't wait to see your Halloween pics. Have a happy one!

[Cindy]

As I sit and read your about your fab life, I quietly shed a tear. I am so happy that your life, family, kids, marriage is so healthy! I am so happy for you!

Ours on the other hand is not. Which is why I shed a tear. I can only dream and imagine of such a life as yours.

We are struggling in all ways possible, kids - not so healthy, my weight, finances, again not so healthy, each of those making for a not so healthy marriage. Although we are trying.

So, until all those things resolve, I will pull up my big girl undies, put on my HAPPY face, tell people who ask - That life could not be any better!!

Your friend is a big fat LIAR! Sorry.

Again Moll, I love you death and could not be happier for you!

* So glad that God was watching out for you and the kids during the high speed chase!

[Bunny/Jess]

Molly, I wish we lived near each other. Because I feel like I just got caught up on what was going on with you and I know we haven't talked in a while and I'd like to maybe meet you at the library with batman and a pumpkin. I'll drop by for a cup of coffee after I leave my kids at school, secretly so I can watch this homeschool stuff in action, contemplating whether I could ever pull that off.

[Jen L.]

SO glad to hear you and the kiddos are ok. Happy belated anniversary, also! And WOO HOO, no tumors!! You guys are an awesome family.

[Jenny]

That kind of thing with Kev is exactly how I would like to be and am not. I think that is absolutely wonderful.

Amazing about the chase...wow. So glad that nothing happened - and also glad the kids were asleep so they didn't even see it. I am always amazed at how many close calls there are. Thank God all is OK.