Prayers for my dad

Let's be honest, I'm normally not one to ask much for prayer.  I'm also apparently the kid that can go weeks at a time without having a conversation with either of her parents.

But when I lie awake past midnight thinking of conversations with my sister-in-law and father today, and it stresses me out, I know it means I need to rest in Someone else's power.  And since I feel like I can't do that alone right now, and more words come to mind than what I want to send in a mass text... this seems like a logical place to do it.

While galavanting Columbus, Ohio today, I learned two things (via phone calls) about my father's current life situation:

1)  He went in to the hospital today for tests regarding stomach pain and concerns he's had for the last week.  My dad is a 67-year-old generally healthy, hasn't been to the doctor in 30 years kinda guy.  (Yes, we know that's not smart.  He's stubborn?)  Ultrasounds show that there are some gall bladder issues, so he's scheduled for surgery in the morning to have it removed.

I'm not there to do anything about it... so if anyone wants to visit Regions Hospital on my behalf, it would be appreciated...

2)  He also recently found out that the house he's been renting for over 20 years has gone into foreclosure.  Do we start with the fact that that makes me want to punch this landlord dude in the face?!  Seriously.

He has two months to find a new place and move 20 years worth of collected belongings, etc... (half a bedroom full of mine that I need a place for!)  The reality is that the home is somewhat of a disaster that he hasn't well cared for.  This is way too big of a task for my brain.  And it stresses me out because I know I'll have to take a load of responsibility to make this move happen.

So.

A)  This is me sharing a part of my life that I'm not usually good at sharing.  Thank you for reading and caring.

B)  Your support is much appreciated.

Vacation

Well, I've got three hours to kill on a layover at the large and chilly O'Hare airport, on my way to Pittsburgh.  So, the natural thing to do is to pay $6.95 so I can get on the internet and write a blog post again, right?

I actually want to write a series of posts of happenings lately that include photos.  If this happens?  It will be fun.  We'll see.

I'm gonna start with my last vacation in February.  A mini-vacation, really.  I took a long weekend and advantage of a great Southwest sale to visit one of my dearest friends in life and favorite families.

We didn't really do much.  And that may have been the best part.  I mean, we ate Chick-Fil-A (twice), some really great Mexican food, and we went to church, and to the park, and a BK playland, ... and, well, Walmart... and that was about it!

Selah Dawn is the youngest of the three.  She loves me, she really does.  :-)  Precious little darling was wearing an outfit I sent for her birthday while she tore apart my wallet.  Yes, simply precious.

Titus is a little Monster truck all on his own... has become way more verbal than when I saw him last, and is hard to get still for photos.  :-)

Then there's this girl.  Five and absolutely amazing.  So proud to be her "Auntie Sarabody".

Her theology needs some work, but she's learning!

Love these kids!!!

Nate's farewell statement included, "thanks for doing life with us for a few days".  And I couldn't have asked for anything more.  I sure miss doing life with them here in Minnesota.  But at least when I visit them in Texas, I get to wear flip-flops instead of snow boots.  I won't complain about that!