Of Giving Up Fear

I always feared the idea that having three children would leave Philip and I outnumbered.  It's no longer, "You grab that one, I'll get this one."  Instead, it's most often, "You take the older ones, I'll get the little guy."

What I have realized this week, though, as severe weather has threatened parts of our state, and we have been warned of a higher-than-normal rate of these storms coming this season, is that on top of our being outnumbered, I, when I am alone, no longer have enough hands for each child.  So when it comes down to it, if we are forced out to the storm shelter in the face of a looming tornado, in the middle of the day with no husband to help, I will have the sole responsibility of getting three scared little ones to safety while only being able to hold onto two, at most.  

Yes, the fear can be a little overwhelming at times (especially considering how dominant the terror of these storms was for me even before children entered the picture).  These are the times when I must remember I have been called to a life without fear in the midst of my circumstances - at least not a fear of the unknown.  Because, though I don't know the future, I belong to the One who does.  Which means, even if the outcome isn't as I desired it, I can always trust in His goodness.  Thus, I have no need to fear the future.

Therefore, this season, rather than biting my nails at every overcast sky or becoming frozen at every discussion of tornadoes on the news, I will trust.  

1,000 Gifts (inspired by the lists here and here): 

231. Opening the storm shelter to get it ready for the season, while praying it won't be necessary.

232. Opening the shower door for a morning shower - before the kids are even out of their rooms.

234. Opening my eyes at 7:34am, realizing my youngest son has still not awoken after laying down to bed at 8:30 the night before.

235. Sour gummy vitamins (made for adults!) - yes, they're mostly sugar, but they still make me happy.

236. Emmett, turning to his "diddy" for help, and her willingness to assist.  Too sweet.

237. Celebrating National Cheese Fondue Day in our own kitchen.

I failed to take my "My Life" photo for today, but no worries, I'll catch up tomorrow!  In the meantime, you can adore my little post-bath cutie.

Of Being an Oklahoman

Last night Philip and I were discussing how crazy it is to think of how quickly time passes.

It only occurred to me just yesterday that 2012 marks a decade since I first moved into my college dorm here on Oklahoma soil.  When I consider I spent my first four years of life in California, the next six in Nebraska and then lived eight years in Missouri before I heading to that college dorm, I have now lived more time in Oklahoma than anywhere else.

When did this happen?!

Ten years ago I planned to head to Oklahoma for my education and then ship out into the big world, with endless opportunities ahead of me.  Seven years ago someone referred to me as an Okie for the first time; I balked - sure I was going to school there, but I wasn't from Oklahoma.  I've spent the past the ten years telling people I'm from St. Louis.  I guess I need to re-think that label.

I still think of this part of my life - this Oklahoma part - as temporary.  When does that feeling go away?

Ok, world, here it is.  I am an Oklahoman.  Happy now?

Photo of the Day: As an Oklahoman I have begun to recognize the first signs of spring - trees in bloom and painted grass.