Crash Course in Cobb Life

So...I have neglected my blog. So I will use this post to catch everyone up on the last 3 months or so of our lives! :) Aaaand I would like to do so in photos.

Bo and Jack playing golf in the back yard

Hanover Children's Festival (Oct. 1)

Jack and Me on Oct. 1

Lily Linda-Mae
Born Oct. 6
5 lbs. 13 oz.

Jack loves his baby sister! He turned 3 Nov. 22

Family Photo!

Bo, Jack, and Lily at our first annual Christmas dinner with friends!

Lily and me...this was taken on her first Christmas!

Poor Jack got a 24-hour bug...on Christmas! :(

I'm FREEEEEE!

I am officially off bed rest! On Monday at my doctor appointment, my doctor let me know that although I am now dilated to 3 cm, she decided to let me off bed rest. I am still on nifedipine to prevent contractions and will be on it until next Wednesday, Sept. 30. Meanwhile, I am enjoying my new freedom after 3.5 weeks of bed rest! I overdid it a bit the first day, doing laundry, getting my flu shot, shopping for a picture frame, going for a walk, and going grocery shopping...but I didn't put myself into labor, so I count it as a success. Today I had Bible study (yay!)and now we're headed to Nick's football game! I love freedom!

I hope waiting a month between posts isn't a problem...ha

So. We moved into this house a month ago and have settled in pretty well. There are a few things we still want to do around here, but apparently those things will have to wait...because I am on strict bed rest.

You may wonder if this has to do with the complications (PIH and IUGR) I had when I was pregnant with Jackson. The answer is: no. This time it's preterm labor. In other words, I am really, exceptionally bad at being pregnant.

Last Wednesday morning I woke up around 6 am with menstrual-like cramping. I thought it was weird but knew if it went away when I changed positions then it was nothing to worry about. So, I changed positions. Several times. And it didn't go away. Around 6:15 I knocked on the bathroom door (Bo had just gotten out of the shower) and told Bo I was cramping some and I thought I should call the doctor. He agreed.

I called the after hours line for my doctor's office and the doctor on call called me back within 10 minutes. She asked me some questions, including asking whether the cramping had a pattern or if it was just constant. At the time it was constant. She told me I should come in to labor and delivery, but when I mentioned I had a 2 year old to deal with, she said it would be fine just to try to get an office visit first thing that morning. I agreed and hung up.

Within the next about 15 minutes, the cramping took on a pattern; it turned into distinct and separate contractions, about every 4 minutes. I called the doctor back and she told me just to come in that morning and they would monitor me.

I got an appointment for 8:45 am and Bo, Jack, and I headed to the office (with my mom on high alert in case we needed her to take Jack). In the elevator on the way up to the office I told Bo, "They're just going to tell me I'm a hypochondriac and send me home." Not so.

I was examined and put on a TOCO and fetal heart rate monitor (as well as a kick count monitor) for I guess about 45 minutes. I was definitely contracting, so they had me wheeled over to the triage area for labor and delivery at the hospital (it's attached to my doc's office).

I was monitored in triage and put on IV fluids for about 2 1/2 hours or so. They did a test that is supposed to indicate whether I would go into preterm labor, and it was negative! We were happy about that...but at the same time I was having painful contractions regularly at 2 to 3 minutes apart, so the doctor was concerned.

They gave me a shot of a drug that stops any contractions that aren't real labor contractions. It worked for 20 minutes and then the contractions came back, full force. At that point I was diagnosed with preterm labor. They gave me steroids to help Lily's lungs develop faster and started me on antibiotics in case my group b strep test came back positive. The doctor examined me and was very concerned that my cervix had changed in the couple of hours I'd been in there.

I was admitted to the hospital and sent into labor and delivery to receieve magnesium sulfate to stop the contractions. I won't go into details, but that is one nasty drug. I was on it for 24 hours, at which time I was also given another dose of steroids. I was also started on nifedipine to keep contractions at bay, which I am still on and will be until they decide I am ready to deliver.

Over the next couple of days I had some bleeding. They did tests and decided it was just my irritated cervix. I also continued to have contractions off and on so I was monitored off and on. I was getting better but they were still concerned, so they kept me 5 days total. On Sunday I was examined, and since my cervix hadn't changed any more they discharged me to strict bed rest.

Strict bed rest means I must be lying down (not even sitting is allowed) except to eat, go to the bathroom, or take a quick shower once a day (I've been ordered not to "linger" haha). I am only allowed in the car to go to doctor visits.

I will be on strict bed rest for at least 2 more weeks, at which time I will have a few more liberties, but will still have to take it easy. If I do go into labor at that point though, they won't stop it, especially since Lily has had steroids so she would probably be okay.

I saw my doctor yesterday and all is well for now- Lily already is estimated at 4 lbs 3 oz, which is only 8 oz less than Jack weighed at birth (36 weeks)! That was very encouraging.

In the mean time, my mom is helping a TON and Bo has been incredible. My MOPS friends are going to bring us meals, too, which is such a blessing. If we can just hang in here for 2 more weeks, we'll all be okay. :)

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7

Okay.

So I realize it has been almost 2 months since my last post. Oops!

This past weekend, we moved into a rental house. It's nice to have our own place. Unfortunately the place was filthy when we moved in so that has added an extra element of stress to an already stressful event. Good times. So in all our spare time we are scrubbing inactive baseboard heating units, washing windows, and bleaching grout.

All of this excitement has apparently led to overexertion resulting in swelling. Yep, my feet and hands and legs are all swollen. I never had swelling when I was pregnant with Jack, but just the right amount of heat and stress have done it to me this time!

In other news, I am almost 29 weeks along and Lily is doing great! She's growing perfectly, so that is the rose-colored lens through which I see life these days. :)

It's a....

GIRL!

My 20-week OB-GYN appointment and ultrasound were today, and we received the wonderful news that we are having a girl! We are so thrilled.

Her name will be Lily Linda-Mae Cobb: Lily because I LOVE that name, Linda because of Bo's wonderful aunt Linda who passed away last summer, and Mae because that is my lovely great-grandma's name.

I am sooooo excited, in case you couldn't tell. :)

She looks fabulous, we are both doing very well!
Profile shot as she's gulping some amniotic fluid :)

Lily's precious, tiny foot

Happy Early Father's Day and Anniversary!

This past weekend, I surprised Bo with a weekend getaway as his present for Father's Day and our 4th anniversary, which are both coming up soon.

He thought we were going to Wintergreen, but instead the plan was to take him to Washington, DC to see a couple of things we had wanted to see when we were there in November (they had both been closed then).

Bo had really wanted to see Ford's Theater, where President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth in 1865, so after our picnic lunch, that was our first stop.

(Adorably waiting outside the theater and the box where Lincoln was shot)

Then on Sunday I surprised Bo with tickets to a Baltimore Orioles game at Camden Yards, a ballpark he has always wanted to see! He was like a little kid, he was so excited. I'm so we did this!

Today is a big day.

Okay, not really. But for me and my little one-person world, it is!

1. Today marks the first full day of knowing that we will be ready to buy a house THIS SUMMER!!!!! WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. Today was the last MOPS meeting for this year. I have to wait all the way until September for my next "pep rally!" :( Boohoo :(

3. Today, I am 18 weeks pregnant. In 2 1/2 weeks, we will find out if it's a boy or a girl! I can't wait!

So that's it. I have not been feeling very verbose, so we'll leave it at that for now. But as you can see, times are a-changin'.

a word I never thought I would speak with such joy

Benign.

I have been waiting for a while to post about this because I wanted to have news first. The news is: The lump on my left breast is benign.

The ordeal started roughly a month ago when I noticed a small lump. A few weeks later I noticed it had gotten bigger, so I scheduled a visit with my nurse practitioner. She felt the lump and thought it was okay, but wanted to be sure, so she sent me to a specialist.

I went to the specialist this past Tuesday. I was scheduled for an ultrasound, and I ended up having an ultrasound and 3 mammograms. Then they had me come back on Wednesday for a biopsy.

After 2 long days of waiting, I got a call at about 7:20 this evening, letting me know that I do not have breast cancer.

The relief is incredible. But the really incredible thing is what has happened over the last week and what I have seen God do in my life.

Of course my human nature has had me nervous throughout the ordeal, but I really have had a peace that passes all human understanding through it all. God has been with me in a very real, very comforting way.

Today I realized that, no matter what the diagnosis, I was ready to trust in God and His plan. None of this has been a surprise to Him, and if He decided that I should have breast cancer at age 25 and pregnant, I actually would have completely trusted that.

I realized it today and I was having a very honest discussion with my mom. I told her that no matter what the news, I didn't think I would be shocked or even really surprised at all. I was prepared for anything the Lord had in store, truly. She confessed that she understood and actually felt the same way. We talked about what would happen if I were to leave my earthly body behind, and although I felt melancholy about the prospect of leaving my child(ren) without a mother, I felt comfort and peace that he/they would be cared for, and that they would be okay.

With that, over the last 24 hours I have truly realized what my family means to me. My WHOLE family, and of course specifically my husband and my son. I ADORE THEM. I adore them so much. And I think I just felt the depth of it for the first time today. Literally. For the first time.

Within minutes of realizing that fact, the doctor called to let me know that I do not have cancer and that the only "treatment" required would be a follow-up ultrasound in 1 year.

So I am spared, at least for now, and I am so thankful. I am so thankful for the peace God has given me through this whole thing and I am so thankful for the new insight I have because of it. I have truly grown through this trial, and I am so, so joyful because of that.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. [James 1:2-3]

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, [being] much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see [Him], yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of [your] souls. [1 Peter 1:6-9]

I realized that, compared to actually fighting cancer, my "trial" was pretty weak. But it did the trick. It made me focus on the Prize--it made me focus on Jesus.

God pulled one over on us...

So you may recall that a few short weeks ago, Bo and I were lamenting the loss of a possible huge promotion. Since then, he has received a small promotion, and we are content with what God has given us.

Fast forward to yesterday.

Bo decided to go ahead and apply and interview for 2 branch manager positions that had opened up. Although he has only been an assistant manager in Virginia for about 3 weeks (typically it's a matter of 6 months at least (usually more) before you can be a branch manager), he had been an assistant in Texas for quite a while (a year I think?), so he decided to go ahead and try his best to convince everyone that he was the guy for the job.

He came out of his two interviews yesterday with very distinct impressions. The first was for a position in Farmville (90 minutes away!!!). He thought it went really well, so I was happy for him. The second was for a position on West Broad Street (about 25 minutes away), and he thought that interview went terribly. He got the impression that the guy interviewing him there really wanted nothing to do with him.

We knew that either position was a long shot, and after his interviews, we figured that if he were to get one of them, it would probably be the Farmville one.

We were wrong; he did NOT get the Farmville one.

He got the West Broad one.

WOW.

We are so thrilled; Bo is shocked and ecstatic! This means a significant pay raise and a company car!!!!!

I am constantly amazed by God. We couldn't see the whole plan; we never can. One month ago we were devastated that Bo had missed out on a big promotion. Today we are thrilled that he has gained a wonderful, huge, different promotion.

God really does cause all things to work toward good to those who love Him. I always knew it was true, but this is a clear example of it in our lives. Amazing.

In other news...
We heard the baby's heartbeat again today...briefly. The nurse had a really hard time getting a reading of more than a few seconds because that little bugger would not hold still! It was so funny; the nurse would find a good, strong heartbeat, and a second later it would be gone. Then she'd find it again on the other side of my abdomen...and then it would be gone. Then she'd find it up near my rib cage...and then it would be gone. Looks like we have another energetic baby on our hands!! :)

12 weeks

I had my 12 week OB-GYN appointment this morning. It went really well! This was the first appointment with my actual doctor. Last time I saw the nurse practitioner, and she was fine, but I was not terribly excited about her or impressed.

In fact, after relaying to her my history of PIH, she actually said sarcastically, "and now you're pregnant again, great."

That was a turn-off.

But I digress.
My doctor was FANTASTIC. She is friendly, informative, helpful, etc. And her family lives in Austin, so we bonded over that! She was very encouraging, and she spoke to me like a person, not like an idiot, which is always nice. She had a satisfying answer to every question.

As expected, she wants to watch my BP and the baby's growth very, very closely, especially as we get to the end of the 2nd trimester and into the 3rd. If anything is amiss, I will immediately be put on bed rest.

However, she had lots of information to share on my previous condition, and she seems optimistic that even if I do have BP/growth restriction issues again, it is usually a later onset in 2nd pregnancies, and it is typically less severe than in the first pregnancy.

She also had lots of info on research that has just come to light in the last couple of years, so if you're interested, I'll tell you, but it's a lot to blog. And it would probably bore most people. :)

I also brought up the fact that my previous doctor did not think I would be able to deliver a baby over 5 lbs. I asked her what she thought she would want to do if/when the baby starts measuring over 6 lbs. She basically said it was up to me, that we could try a vaginal delivery and if the baby gets stuck or whatever we can always switch to a c-section if need be. She also said that if I really wanted to she would be willing to schedule a c-section, but I think I'll at least try to do it the "old-fashioned way" haha. We shall see; we have a while to think about it!

Anyway, I am feeling much more comfortable after talking to Dr. Powers. She is very, very astute and she has a great bedside manner. I feel great knowing she is in charge of my care!

Oh...and we also heard the baby's heartbeat today! 163 bpm.

The day that True Love died

Today is the anniversary of that day--the day that True Love, in the form of Jesus Christ, died.

Phil Wickham sings:

"When blood and water hit the ground,
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down

Tears were filling heaven's eyes
The day that True Love died."

Jesus knew what was happening; the night before He was crucified, He prayed that if there were any other way, God the Father would spare Him the suffering of death. But He most importantly conceded, "Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done."

Hebrews 12:2 Tells us that Jesus knew the shame and suffering that were imminent, but He also knew that the reward of the shame and suffering--namely, saving the world, saving YOU, saving ME--would be worth it. "for the joy that was set before Him, [He] endured the cross, despising the shame."

That joy, the joy that was set before Him, is the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him as their Savior.

As Jesus hung on the cross, He thought of you. He thought of me. Yes, I believe He literally thought of me, specifically, even though I wouldn't be born for nearly 2000 years. He already knew me and He died for me. And for you. Specifically, you.

He thought, "This is incredible pain and suffering, and I will endure it because that way Eryn will never have to endure it. And that way Eryn and I will get to spend eternity together."

Wow. I love Jesus.

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Nothing ever goes the way you plan...

including, and especially Monday mornings!

UUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH

This morning Jack woke up saying he had to go potty. I rushed him into the bathroom, and since we didn't have his potty seat upstairs, I helped him to stand up to pee.

Except it didn't work out too well because he had to poop.

He pooped all over himself, the floor, and me. And mind you, it was mushy green poop (Lord knows why).

...to be followed up 90 minutes later with a pee-pee accident in his pants.

AWESOME.

Gold Medal Mom

Oh my. What a morning.

After getting all my siblings off to school without any major issues, I was feeling pretty on top of it this morning as I headed for MOPS. I got a pretty good parking spot, locked the car, got out, and went to get Jack.

But the car was locked.

And my keys were inside. With my phone. And Jackson.

Enter panic mode.

I started by trying to get Jack to get himself out of his car seat. He didn't know how (although he's done it before when I didn't want him to) and he just got frustrated and started to cry. I started to look around frantically for anyone I knew (I knew my MOPS friends would be arriving and parking nearby), but no one I knew was around.

Finally a young man crossed the street near us. He could tell we were "in distress" and he looked over quizzically. I asked him if he happened to have a cell phone I could borrow. He did! Praise God!

I called Bo several times (he doesn't answer when he doesn't know the number) before he finally answered. However, I hadn't thought of the fact that I was driving my mom's car, to which Bo does not have a key.

In fact, the only spare keys were 30 minutes away from either of us, at my parents house. That meant that the fastest we would be able to get them and unlock the car would be at least an hour. I asked Bo to please think of something, call the insurance company, do something, and I hung up, thanking the young man profusely. He asked if there was anything else he could do, but I couldn't think of anything, so I sent him on his way.

Thankfully, by that time my MOPS friends were arriving. One of them, Betsy, offered me her phone and suggested that I call either the police or Pop-A-Lock. I tried but couldn't get through to anyone.

By now, Megan, Karen, and a bunch of my other wonderful MOPS friends had surrounded me with love and encouragement...and just as I hung up the phone there was a fire truck coming around the corner. All my awesome friends started flagging them down; someone had called them to help us!

The firemen were so kind; they saw that Jack was confused but okay, so they called Pop-A-Lock so that the car wouldn't get messed up in the unlocking process. They talked to Jack and Jack was very entertained by the fire truck.

Bo showed up for moral support and talked to Jack too. That made Jack's day--firemen AND Daddy?! Too good to be true!

Finally Pop-A-Lock arrived (FREE when there's a kid in the car YAY!!!) and Jack was out of the car, about 35 minutes after the start of the ordeal.

When I got that child out of the car I didn't think I would ever put him down, but soon he was asking to go play with his friends in church. I obliged and my MOPS experience continued as usual, without further event.

Let me just say: Thank God for my good parking space, near the church and in a high-foot-traffic area! Thank God for my mystery friend with the cell phone! Thank God for all my MOPS friends and the fire department and my supportive husband! Thank God Pop-A-Lock was free since there was a child in the car! And thank God it was 60 degrees and overcast so there was no danger of Jack getting too hot or too cold!!!

Boy do I feel like mother of the year, though...man nothing makes you feel worse than hearing your child say "Help me, Mommy!" and being unable to help.

Praise God for this too, though:
As we were leaving MOPS, there was a crowd of kids in Jack's little "classroom." As he was making his way to the door (carrying his own diaper bag, no less), he said "Excuse me! Excuse me!" To every kid he passed, very politely indeed. It was so sweet I nearly cried.

So...there was a HUGE blow to my mommy-ego...and then there was some awesome affirmation that I am helping God to raise an awesome, sweet, smart kid. That was so appreciated.

I just don't have much to say these days

I don't know what it is; maybe it's writer's block or just plain old laziness, but I just don't feel like I have much to say on this blog these days.

There's plenty going on in our lives:

-Jack is talking up a storm and can count to 12!

-Bo will start his new position with Enterprise on Wednesday, April 1. Just kidding! No, I'm serious.

-We have started taking the Leadership Family Orientation class at church, which is basically the class you have to take to be in a leadership position at church, or just to become an "official" member. It's also very informative and the church is very open and honest with whatever questions are brought to the table. I like it.

-Jack has not watched much TV at all this week. In fact, up to this point, he has maybe watched 45 minutes all week. Until now. I am so tired, I am guilty of putting on the TV this evening. Yes, I do feel a little guilty.

-I am now 10 weeks and 2 days pregnant. Yay!

-Spring is here and I am soooooo excited!!!!

-Jack had a "sleepover" with Sam last night. It was devastatingly cute! They slept in Jack's little play tent for a while, until Jack had a nervous breakdown and wanted to move to his bed. It was very cute and very sweet that Sam (age 9) wanted to hang out with his little nephew.

I could not get them to both hold still for the life of me.

Promotion news

Bo was up for 2 more, small promotions this week, and he got one! We are excited for the change; it will be a little more money, and much better hours (8-6 M-F). He was working an erratic schedule that often included Sundays and always included at least one weekend day...and we never knew if he would be working 6-6, 9-9, or 12-12. It will be nice to have consistency and to know that Bo will always be off on Sundays.

With this comes another prayer request. This position comes with the opportunity for commission. Please pray with all your hearts that Bo would make just a ridiculous amount of commission each month, above and beyond the expected.

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I barely hear You whisper through the rain: "I am with you."

The promotions were not in God's will for us. Neither.

Friday was a tough day: a lot of tears, a lot of begging God for answers.

He has not revealed His reasons, but He has comforted us both immensely over the last few days. It still hurts, but we are truly believing that this is what is best for us.

"I'm reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there's so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good.

This is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Oh and I won't worry about tomorrow,
I'm trusting in what You say
Today is the day."

By faith--NOT by seeing or feeling--Bo and I are believing that today IS the day the Lord has made. And we know that all He has in store for us is good.

Keeping you posted...

So....still no word on Bo's possible promotion. He had a second interview yesterday, and we are now waiting. Worshiping while we wait, but nonetheless...waiting.

Otherwise things are about the same; I had MOPS today which is always fun! Jack is doing awesome. He is so hilarious! It's definitely true that kids say the darndest things...

Blog problems

It has come to my attention over the last several weeks that my blog has been causing problems. I have been trying to figure it out and I have as yet been unable. I am thinking about importing my blog to Wordpress; I would rather not, but I don't know if I am going to have much of a choice!

Anyway, things are going well; we are very, very busy!!! Bo should find out tomorrow whether or not he gets a second interview for a HUGE promotion.

#1 Ultrasound of #2!

Today was the first ultrasound of baby #2! It was, of course, very exciting. The coolest thing ever is that even though this baby was conceived mere weeks ago, her (I call her a girl for now until I am told otherwise haha) little heart was beating away. Coolest thing ever to see that little peanut with the flashing light of life in her chest. So cool.

The rest of the appointment also went well...there are a few concerns though. The doctor seems to think I am going to have similar issues with this pregnancy as I had when I was pregnant with Jack (PIH and IUGR). She doesn't really seem to think it's a question of "if," but "when." That was a bit discouraging, but we will just have to remain in prayer.

The other thing was that when they ran my blood work, my thyroid function came back slightly abnormal. They re-ran the test and it came back okay, but they are going to have to keep an extra close eye on it throughout the pregnancy.

Anyway, for now, everything is fine and dandy!

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I know, I know

There haven't been very many posts lately. For some reason I just haven't had the urge to post at all. Ups and downs, you know.

We're busy, as always! Tomorrow we have our first ultrasound (8 weeks, to verify that everything is normal), so that is really exciting. We should be able to hear the baby's heartbeat!

I just read the book House; has anyone else read it? Very weird. Not sure how I feel about it. I mean the end message was good but man it was weird/freaky.

We need YOU.

That is, we need your prayers.

Bo applied for 2 separate promotions today. Please pray that he'll get the right one! We want him to get a promotion, but we definitely want to stay in God's will.

Thanks everyone, we appreciate it so much!!!



Love,
A couple of real winners. ;)

Isn't it strange and inhuman?

Have you ever had someone look you in the eye, tell you they love you, and then stab you in the back?

Is it not the most strange, inhuman, soul-crushing, surreal experience?

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Home Again

Well the last week or so have certainly been an adventure.

After Jackson got sick, 9 members of my family (including myself but not including Bo) followed suit. It was a nasty bug, with vomiting and diarrhea lasting 24-36 hours, and full recovery taking up to 3 days. Not fun, especially since we were scheduled to leave for Houston last Wednesday, before Jackson or I had really fully recovered.

In fact, on the way there, Jack puked about 6 times on the plane. It was not fun.

We got back from Houston yesterday afternoon, without incident.

Now for a special announcement:

Many of you already know, but here is the official announcement: I am pregnant! YAY!

Bo and I have been praying about this for a long time. We know we want to adopt in the near future, but we also were having a desire to have another baby. We prayed that God would show us what He wanted us to do--and He did, by blessing us very quickly with this pregnancy. We are really excited!

A nice, relaxing weekend...

NOT.

This weekend was supposed to be a great time for Bo and I to have some quiet alone time. We had a leaders' retreat to attend on Saturday, so my parents had offered to take Jack up to Wintergreen with them Friday afternoon and keep him until Sunday.

On Friday, everything went according to plan; my dad said that even the drive up to Wintergreen was uneventful. Unfortunately as soon as they arrived at the house, things changed.

Jack started acting weird and he threw up at dinner. I was concerned, but Jack throws up pretty easily so I decided to wait until morning before panicking.

Saturday around 5:30 am I got a text message from my mom saying that Jack had the flu coming out "both ends."

I panicked and called her. She assured me that he was better that morning and that she would keep me updated. By the time Bo and I left for our retreat at 9am, Jack hadn't vomited at all that morning, so we figured we were home free.

Not so. In the midst of the retreat I got another text from my mom telling me that Jack had puked again. We decided to go up to Wintergreen as soon as the retreat was over, despite the fact that we had no extra clothing or overnight supplies. We needed to be with our baby!!

After the retreat ended at 3:00 we made the 2-hour trek up to Wintergreen. By the time we got to my parents' house, Jack seemed to be doing much better. He was walking around, talking and even playing a little, despite the fact that he still had severe diarrhea.

At dinner time I gave him a small piece of bread to eat. He had two bites--nibbles really, they were such small bites--and promptly threw up. We put him in the bath for a couple of minutes and then gave into his pleas to go "night-night in my bed." He went to sleep at about 6:30pm and I paged the doctor on-call with his pediatrician's office.

At 8:15pm we still had not heard back from the doctor, so we called again. This time the doctor called right back. His advice was Pedialyte (and if he doesn't improve today we'll have to take him to the ER, so please pray for us!!).

We didn't have any Pedialyte, so Bo and I (at about 8:30) took off for Waynesboro and the nearest Wal-Mart, about 40 minutes away.

We finally got back at about 10pm. We woke Jack up and had him drink some Pedialyte (orange, because that is his favorite color). He sipped a little of it, then cried a little, then went back to sleep. I collapsed onto the bed in my mom's awesome MC-Hammer-style windpants from the early '90's and my dad's giant long-sleeved t-shirt and Bo collapsed next to me. We slept until about 7:40am, when Jack woke up.

Jack woke up in a good mood, comparatively. We drove the two hours home from Wintergreen this morning without incident, and he even ate a few Cheerios along with his Pedialyte. He still has diarrhea but I'm hoping if we can get some carbs into him that will help.

Please pray for us!

Oops

It's been a few days since I last posted.

Contrary to what you may be thinking, there is actually a lot going on right now; the time just has not been right to blog about it yet. I'm getting there.

In the meantime:

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.











Psalm 139:13-16

Drumroll, please...

I am writing to announce that Jackson is POTTY TRAINED!!!!

This announcement is not made lightly; I have been waiting a few days to make sure we don't have some freak relapse. I think it is safe now, though, to declare Jack's success to the world.

We now have more Accident-Free Days than Accident Days, and he is telling us when he has to go pee-pee! We made it through two 2-hour car trips without an accident, not to mention playing in the snow (in a snowsuit...that was fun to undo for potty time!), and diaper-free nap times for the last 4 days.

I am beyond thrilled.

Of course we still have to be careful and take frequent potty breaks, but they worst is definitely over and I no longer live in constant fear of an accident.

The best part is that the hard-core training only took about 10 days to get to this point! WOO HOO!!!!!

I'm so glad we didn't give up; it was tempting on that first day when he had an accident after only 20 minutes in his big boy underwear, but I am so glad we stuck with it.

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My TOMS are here!

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Bo's V-day present...he loved it!

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Bo loves his Valentine's Day

Bo loves his Valentine's Day gift...photo to come!

Everyone should read this. Everyone.

WE DID IT!

We finally did it:
Jack had his first accident-free day yesterday!

It wasn't even an easy day; we went to story time at the library, then to the park and he managed not to pee in his pants. So far so good today, too!

Next step: he wore underwear to bed for nap time. He's been dry after his naps all week, so I figured we could give it a shot!

TOMS shoes

Apparently I am a little late (thanks, Suz...haha), but I just discovered TOMS shoes. What a special company!

For every item they sell, they donate a pair of shoes to children in need. "One for one" is what they say. Awesome.

Bo is getting me one pair for Valentine's Day:

And I bought one with my saved "spending money":

Yay! And 2 pairs will go to children in need! Totally and completely worth it. They have so many awesome styles...I doubt I will buy shoes anywhere else again. :)

I believe

I believe the Bible is God's authoritative instruction for my life.

I believe in the work of the Holy Spirit to change and empower lives.

I believe Jesus Christ was sent from God at the ultimate revelation of God's love for humanity. Jesus was born of a virgin, was fully divine and fully human, lived a sinless life, died a sacrificial death, was resurrected by God and has ascended into heaven.

I believe in the second coming of Jesus.

I believe there is an adversarial presence in the world today that desires to tempt, destroy, steal, and confuse our efforts to proclaim the beliefs and teachings of Jesus Christ.

I believe that the local church is God's strategic plan for continuing the work and ministry of Jesus Christ on earth.

I believe there will be a Judgment Day by God that will mark the culmination of time.

I came across this statement of faith today as I was filling out some forms for working with the youth at our church. I love it. I love Jesus!

Potty Update

Jack had an accident literally seconds before bedtime at about 8:05 pm yesterday. I still count yesterday a success, since that was the only accident of the day!

I'm a little confused about this morning; I thought he had an accident, but on second thought I think it's just because his pee leaked through the cracks when he was going pee-pee on the big potty. Either way, we're just setting our sights on the rest of the day! :)

Time to get down to "business"

WARNING: The following message contains a whole lot of potty talk.

We are in full-fledged potty training mode here. It is intense.

Jackson has had the poo-poo on the potty thing mastered pretty well for a while now; I think he has had 2 dirty diapers in the last 3 months, and those were only because people weren't paying attention when he told them he had to go potty. So we pretty much consider poop to be "in the bag"...so to speak.

The pee-pee on the potty thing has not been quite so easy. It may be because poo-poo is a conscious effort and pee-pee can sort of just "leak" out, or it may be because Jack is simply unaware when he pees (since diapers are made to keep the wetness off kids' bottoms).

I had a hunch it was the latter, so on Wednesday we got some cloth training pants:

and decided to give it a whirl. My thought was that if Jack understands how unpleasant it is to have wet underwear (and a wet bottom), he may be a bit more aware of the whole process.

Wednesday did not go terribly well. There were 3 accidents in the morning, and I was feeling very discouraged. I knew that I had to stick with it though, because consistency is one of the most important principles of parenting. If gave up, he would too.

**Side note** I want to be clear that I did not just put the underpants on him and then let him run free. I ask him constantly if he needs to go potty, and I put him on the potty regardless of what he says AT LEAST every 30 minutes. Usually it's more like every 20 minutes. Toddlers will not potty train themselves.

Anywho, on Wednesday I put a diaper on him for nap time (staying dry while asleep is a whole other ball game), then we tried the big boy underwear again when he got up at 2:00. To my great delight, he stayed dry all afternoon, until 8:00 when he had another accident. All in all, it wasn't too bad of a day, considering the 6 hours of dryness (and it was only the first day!).

Thursday went a bit more smoothly. Jack made it all morning until 11:30 am without an accident! Not only that, but he had told Bo (I was at MOPS, duh! ;-) ) at one point that he had to go potty (unsolicited). That was a big step!

I got home during Jack's nap. When he woke up, I put him on the potty as always and put his big boy underwear on him. He was not in a good mood after his nap, and threw a fit the whole time he was on the potty--apparently instead of peeing. Soon after I got him off the potty, he had an accident. I was devastated. I know it seems silly, but I was almost in tears at that point.

It was only 2:00 though, and there was a lot of day left, so I was determined to make the most of it. I'm glad I did because Jack went the rest of the day without an accident!!! *Rejoice*

Today is Friday, and although it is only 12:30 pm, this is the best day yet--Jack is accident-free thus far! I am praying like the dickens that he will continue to improve and grasp the concept and that he will be completely potty trained (except for night time, although it would be okay with me if he were potty trained at night too...but I won't push it...) soon. Please, Lord.

Snow!

Well, if it's going to be cold, it may as well snow!

Sunday Morning

This morning was a powerful one, as Sunday mornings usually are. Everything was normal and great; the only difference was that I received two very vivid (yet brief) visions from God. I know, I probably sound like a lunatic to some of you, but it's not weird stuff; it was actually very cool.

The first was when we were laying hands on someone and praying for her husband and another man in our church who are leaving to encourage some churches in South Korea and Niger. As we all had our eyes closed and were praying, I had a very clear picture of the church. Not the church as in our church, Commonwealth Chapel, but the church in the larger sense: all the followers of Christ. I had a picture in my head of hundreds of different church bodies across the world who were almost certainly gathered at the same time as we were. In my vision, they were all either praying or lifting their arms high in worship. It was inspiring, and it was a really comforting reminder of how many family members we all, as Christians, have. Very cool.

My second vision was less pleasant, but with a good message. All of a sudden, during worship, I had a very clear vision of Jack, my son, on an altar. We were singing a line at the time that goes "...bought with the precious blood of Christ."

I realized that there is no one on the face of this planet, no human being in existence for whom I would allow my son to be killed. No one. And just as Jackson is my only son, Jesus was the only son of God the Father--and unlike myself, God was willing to give up His only son for not just anyone, but everyone. I was suddenly struck by the gravity of that fact; I began to cry just thinking of having to give up Jackson for someone else's sake. I could not bear the very thought of it, and I literally begged God for a full minute to take the image away. I couldn't even handle the thought of giving Jack up; the very thought of it had me in tears. But God did it. For me.

God thought I was worth it. As much as I love my family and friends, I honestly have to say that I cannot think of anyone for whom I would willingly give up Jackson. But God thought I was worthy of his only Son's precious blood. Incredible.




For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

Agony

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9

In accordance with my New Testament reading plan, I just finished reading 2 Peter. There were several verses in chapters 2 & 3 that struck a very profound note with me.

Lately I have felt a heavy weight on my soul; I know that it is for all the loved ones in my life who are running from the Lord. Chapter 2 of 2 Peter warns against the teachings of false teachers, and false teachers are running rampant in our society today. It's nearly impossible to avoid their influence. From politicians, to talk show hosts, to televangelists, to people we know personally, there is always someone whispering in our ears. Of course, the most common false doctrines are exactly what Peter warns of in verses 18-19:

For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.

The human mind is weak, and false teachers constantly prey on that weakness. They are quick to make everyone feel good; they tell everyone that they are "entitled," they make the human being #1. And let's face it, everyone wants to be #1. It's an easy sell: "You're okay; everything's okay; you won't be challenged or convicted if you follow me." So even people who have heard the truth are sucked back in, ignoring the Good News of freedom and engaging in the bondage of carnal lusts.

But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit"..."
2 Peter 2:22

Please do not misread this post. I am not judging or condemning anyone; my heart just aches for the wandering souls in my life. It positively aches. But praise God for this:

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9

He waited for me for many difficult years, and I pray He will wait for all my loved ones too.

Hot, Steamy Goodness

Bo, Jack, and I all have a cold. It is a strange cold; it doesn't bring much in the way of nasal congestion. Instead, it brings on a scratchy throat, headache, and a cough. Fever is optional. I just went into the kitchen to feed Jack lunch, and I was looking for something to eat myself, but I have no appetite. One thing did appeal to me though: I nice, hot cup of tea. If you ask me, there is nothing better for a sore throat, and it warms me up from the inside out. Not to mention that green tea has some caffeine in it (yay!).

Mmmmm...soothing...

It's Cold.

I don't much care what anyone else has to say on the subject: to me, 42 degrees = cold.

I know it's probably a bit early to be whining about it, but I am going to go ahead and do so anyway: I am over the whole "winter" thing. I honestly didn't expect moving to Virginia to be too much of an adjustment, but I think I was majorly spoiled by the easy Texas winters.

Not only am I sick of the cold weather, I am also sick of dry skin, sweaters, freezing cold feet, and the sound of scraping ice!!!! WORST. SOUND. EVER. Only to be rivaled by the sound of creaking/crunching snow. I shiver just thinking about it. It actually makes me feel nauseous.

Honestly, I applaud those of you who are brave enough to live in the frigid North. I cannot imagine how cold your toes must be.

I was born in Michigan and lived there until I was 8. I then lived in Connecticut for 4 years, so I have experienced the whole "long, cold, snowy winter" thing...but that was a long time ago. And apparently my tolerance for cold has decreased by at least 75%.

Of course I have romanticized memories of snow: sledding with my sisters down steep, death-trap embankments; walking to the school bus stop in a blizzard; etc.

But I seriously doubt I could tolerate a winter any colder than this. Anywhere north of Virginia and I would surely perish.

Relief

You know that feeling when you've been gone a long time and you get home and you just feel so relieved and happy that it almost makes you cry? You sit on your couch and you can't imagine anything better; you close your eyes and take a deep breath. That is how I feel when I think about heaven.

I was in the car today and MercyMe's song "Homesick" came on the radio. The song is about being homesick for heaven, and that is exactly how I feel. I can't wait to feel the sweet relief of relaxing in eternal paradise with the Lord. How amazing will that be? No worries, no stress, just endless opportunities to praise God. I cannot wait.

Homesick Lyrics:
You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home
[ Find more Lyrics at www.mp3lyrics.org/8PJC ]

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

Waiting

Waiting is the hardest part.
Every day I have thoughts of impatience:
"God, please get Bo a new job."
"I cannot wait to move out of this house."
"I feel like such a loser, being 25 years old and living with my parents."
"God, please get us a house of our own."
"Everyone else we know owns a home or at least lives on there own. We are such losers."
"We are never going to get out of here."
"I feel so helpless. So hopeless."

I need to be reminded constantly that things are never hopeless--our hope lies in Jesus. I'll wait on Him, but I need Him to give me the patience to wait. I definitely don't have it in me, only in Him.

So I'll wait on Him.

hungry I come to You
for I know You satisfy
I am empty
but I know Your love does not run dry
and I wait
and I wait
so I wait for You
so I wait for You

I'm falling on my knees
offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for

broken I run to You
for Your arms are open wide
I am weary but I know Your touch restores my life
so I'll wait for You
so I'll wait for You

I'm falling on my knees
offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for
Oh, I'm falling on my knees
offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for

and I wait for you
and I wait for you
and I wait for you
and I wait

I'm falling on my knees
offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for
Oh, I'm falling on my knees
offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for

hungry I come to you,
for I know You satisfy

("Hungry (Falling On My Knees)" by Kara)

Eating Milk.

It's just "that" age...

I am around children of all ages every day. From age 2 to age 15, they are an active part of my life every day, and it is amazing how different kids of every age are. Obviously, we all know that 2-year-olds are crazy, but really, if you ask me, children of all ages are insane--especially when the hormones kick in.

Clearly, 2-year-olds are crazy. Enough said.

8-year-olds live in a dream world; anything is real, and nothing is real. Anything is real because they really believe that anything can happen and anything they can imagine can exist. And nothing is real because the real world means absolutely nothing to them; school is just something they do because they are supposed to, and life is just an cycle of school/chores/play, school/chores/play.

The other day I forgot my siblings' piano books and dance bags when I picked them up from school, so my mom dropped them off in the neighbors' driveway so that I could pick them up quickly and then speed off to piano lessons. I pulled the car up to the bags so that Rebekah's door was perfectly lined up with them. Rebekah is 8. I told her to hurry, get out, and put the bags in the car. She jumped out of the car and proceeded to run all the way around the car, intending to wind up by the bags. Precisely where she started. I was absolutely flabbergasted. I mean, I was just stunned. That child does not live in the real world.

9. Boys are different from girls, but nonetheless they are insane. They must have the attention of the whole room at all times, and theywill stop at no lengths to acquire it. Not only that, but they have virtually no shame. They will not hesitate to regale you with tales of their privates.

10-12 year olds are also out of their minds. Your typical 11- or 12-year-old is a hormonal wreck. And when I say wreck I mean WRECK. One minute they are snotty, literally the next minute they are a pure joy, and a minute later they are moping in a corner. Insane.

I'm not even going to touch the teenage years because we all know what those are like. If you think about it, it is truly a miracle that anyone ever makes it through childhood and becomes a complete human. It is an absolute miracle.

I Stand Corrected

Today at the grocery store, Jack admonished me that I had forgotten to do his breathing treatment this morning. Let me tell you, being reminded of something important like that by a 2-year-old does nothing for the mommy-self-esteem meter. At the same time, I did see the humor...and I'm pretty proud of my smart little guy for remembering! :)

Explanations

Last night at dinner, I asked Fedila and Temima if they knew why they didn't have school yesterday. They didn't know. Now although that seems insane to us, just stop and think about it: how would they know? They have only been in America for a year, and only in school for about 6 months of that year. Apparently their current teacher did not feel the need to inform them of Dr. Martin Luther King's life and legacy, so last night we tried to explain to them why we were celebrating this man.

But then I realized something strange and wonderful. Those two girls with "brown skin" have never known the dark America of the past. They have never really experienced racism at the hands of white people and they know nothing of slavery. Although there are of course many negative things about the way they have grown up, think of how wonderful it is for them not to be burdened with the knowledge of the cruelty of Americans past. Amazing.

Of course ignorance is not bliss and sooner or later they will learn of the horrors of the past, but how wonderful that they will never experience those horrors firsthand. How wonderful that the only America they know is an America that elects a president who has brown skin just like them!

We gave them a brief history of the United States, telling them that a long time ago in America, people were mean to people with brown skin, and that Dr. King fought to change that and make people be nice to people with brown skin. We told them that Dr. King was killed and that we honor him one specific day a year for the work he did to help people with brown skin. They seemed to vaguely understand, and they seemed shocked and hurt by the revelation that people with brown skin were not always treated well. It was an interesting experience.

A New Era

So I am not going to state the obvious about today being a historic day, the beginning of a new era, etc.

I am going to say that I am praying for our new president.
And that with God anything is possible. I believe in miracles.

And that I would feel a whole lot better if this new president didn't vote in favor of leaving babies who survive abortion alone until they die. That bothers me.

But with God all things are possible. So I will continue to pray and support our new president.

Honesty Scraps

Suzy tagged me on her Honesty Scraps blog so now I shall attempt to be interesting. 10 interesting things about me. Here goes!

1. I, like Suzy, am afraid of the tiny pink geckos. I think it is because one jumped out of our pantry at me once. NOT COOL.

2. I have lived in 4 different states, and in 11 different "homes" in my 25 years. 2 houses in Michigan, 1 in Connecticut, and apartment in Virginia, a house in Virginia, 2 different dorms in Texas, 3 apartments in Texas, and 1 house in Texas. Soon, I hope we will make it an even dozen when we finally get our own place in Virginia!

3. I love music; I always have. Even now that mostly all I listen to is Christian music, it is very important to me. In fact, I think that is the most important part of going to church for me, is the corporate worship. Don't get me wrong, I love hearing the pastor preach the Word, but there is something really special about worshiping God through singing at the top of our voices. It can be the most sincere form of "offering," I think.

4. I am socially awkward. Don't get me wrong, I love having friends and hanging out with people, but it has always been pretty difficult for me to make friends. You'd think after all the moving I've done in my life I would have mastered that art, but not so. It's still something I struggle with.

5. I hate lima beans. I love most vegetables, but I cannot and will not eat lima beans. They are disgusting abominations.

6. I started working on a farm when I was 12, and got my first job (at Freshens Yogurt) when I was 14. 6 months later I began working at a restaurant at Wintergreen and I worked there until I was almost 18. Then I worked at Ruby Tuesday until I moved to Texas at age 19. In Texas I worked at the Red River Cafe for a few months, then worked at Mangia Pizza for 3 years. I have paid my dues in the service industry.

7. I found out I was pregnant with Jack 1 month before graduating college. That meant that although I did graduate, I have never held a job in my chosen field of study, English. That used to bother me until I joined the writers' missional community at our church--now I get to use what a learned and the best part is that I get to use it for JESUS!!!!!

8. I have broken 2 bones in my lifetime: my ankle (fell off my bike when I was 7 or 8) and my arm (fell rollerblading when I was 10). The ankle hurt so bad I cannot describe it. My arm didn't hurt that much, and I went several days without even seeing a doctor about it.

9. I have had strep throat 10 times. When I was little, I had it a lot; I think I had it 8 times between ages 6 and 10. Then I had it once when I was 17, and once this past November.

10. The only salad dressing I really like is the Good Seasons Italian kind that you buy in packets and mix yourself. That stuff is sooooooo good!!! I will make myself a salad in the middle of the day, just so I can eat it.

Okay that's that. Pretty boring. Now....Mom and Erin! Your turn!

More than all I want, more than all I need

I have really been struggling with contentment. Ever since we moved to Virginia and moved in with my parents, it has been really easy to slip into self-pity, why-me mode.

Phil. 4:11
"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:"

1 Tim. 6:8
"And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."

Heb. 13:5
"[Let your] conduct [be] without covetousness; [be] content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"

That verse from Hebrews says it all.
No, we do not have our own place.
Yes, we only have one car.
Etc., etc., etc.

But we have Jesus. What else is there?

So that is my fervent prayer these days; I want Jesus to be everything to me. I want to be content with Him and nothing else.

Jackson's First Real Haircut.

Mommy almost cried. For real.

I know.

A "Weekend" Getaway

Bo and I just got back from a 2-night stay at my parents' Wintergreen house. It was the first time we have left Jack for an overnighter, and it was really strange! We missed him a lot, but we had a great time.

We decided to go up to the mountain for a few days because I had always wanted to try tubing, and so that Bo and I could go skiing together. Now, I hate skiing--I hate everything about it--but I decided to take one for the team and accompany Bo on the slopes for an hour or two. We also planned to go swimming at the spa and just generally relax.

At first, we had planned to go skiing when we got up there on Monday, for the "Twilight" session, which includes afternoon and night skiing. When I researched prices online, I found that there would not be any night skiing on Monday, so that idea was thrown out immediately. So then I thought maybe we could to tubing for a couple of hours on Monday and just ski on Tuesday....but there was no tubing on Mondays either. So then I thought maybe we could just go and have a leisurely lunch at Blue Mountain Microbrewery, which is on the way out to Wintergreen. I got on their website to research their hours and found out that they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Finally we settled on Devil's Backbone Microbrewery, which was actually OPEN!!! Yayyyyyyy.....

So then when we got up to the Mountain we went right away to buy Bo's lift ticket for Tuesday and to figure out what would be a good time to go tubing. The lift ticket was purchased without a problem...but then we found out that they would not be offering tubing on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, which were the only days we would be up there. GREAT. A little disappointment ensued, but we decided to make the best of it. Later Monday night we decided to go to dinner at the Edge (where I used to work) and then go for a night time swim at the Wintergarden Spa. Typically, the spa is open until about 10pm, but we decided to call and make sure of their hours. Good thing we did because they decided to close at 7:45 that night. So.....we decided to do the spa first, then dinner.

Tuesday morning we got up and got ready to hit the slopes. The plan was for Bo and me to ski together until lunch time, then have lunch and Bo would go back out on his own (since I hate to ski). So we went through the whole ritual: finding ski pants, hats, mittens/gloves, skis, boots, hand warmers, foot warmers, etc. around the house. Then, we layered some clothing, put our ski boots on, and were ready to roll. Bo loaded up the skis and poles into the car...and then I had to re-do my ski boots. Then we were ready to go. We got in the car, and *click click click* the car wouldn't start. We tried several times and got nothing. Skiing postponed.

We called a local auto shop and they said they could get a tow truck up the mountain in 3 hours. We called Wintergreen and they told us there was a shuttle to the slopes that could pick us up at the end of the road...but that would entail walking to the end of the road in ski boots. Not happening. So Bo put on his tennis shoes and walked down to the shuttle so that he could get a rain check for his lift ticket. When he got back, we relaxed a bit, and then he decided that he would try to start the car again. It worked. Strangely enough, the car started with no problems! Praise God! We called the auto shop and cancelled, then settled in to watch a movie.

Later that afternoon we decided to get out of the house and go get some soup at the Black Bear Cafe. It's a cute little coffee shop near the spa, and they serve great little sandwiches and soups. We pulled up and found a sign on the door saying...you guessed it...that the Black Bear Cafe was closed until further notice.

That really was the last mishap of our vacation, with the exception of the vacuum breaking in the midst of our clean-up time. I have to say though...it wouldn't be a Cobb family vacation without a few mishaps. Or several.