Thursday, March 06, 2008

I'm Sorry. I Have to Talk About the Weather.

The last month has been so weird! One day it is freezing cold and the next day - no, that night - we have on the air conditioner. Several days ago it snowed overnight and within 48 hours I had my kid in shorts and flip flops. I also thought it was funny that the snow didn't stick on the ground at my house, but my friend living on the north side of town had several inches of snow to play in the next morning. As a Texan, I'm pretty used to rapidly changing weather, but it has been happening so much! I can't believe we haven't had a tornado yet. A couple of weeks ago, I kid you not, I switched back and forth between the heater and the AC four times in one 24 hour period.

Everyone I know is sick or has just been sick and I don't think this weather is helping things. Do y'all feel the weather change in your sinus cavities? I just sit there having conversations with people while I press down on the bones above my eyebrows and below my eyes. I'm sure they're wondering what in the heck I'm doing. Hi, I'm Amanda! And I do sinus effleurage!

Today the whole playgroup was on their way to meet at The Tubes when we started getting sleet and all kinds of unpleasant precipitation. We didn't think it was very wise for a bunch of moms to be driving around in this stuff, so we all turned back toward home. We found out it was only going to get worse. It was kind of sad since today would have been Jackson's last playdate with the group - as a local, anyway. (I know we will be back to play as often as we can.) Curt and I were also supposed to have a goodbye dinner with some friends tonight, but I don't think it's going to happen. We're going to try to make up for it tomorrow at lunch.

Speaking of tomorrow, Jackson was supposed to have his last day at MDO, but if our school district cancels class because of the snow we're supposedly getting at any minute and all night, that will be cancelled too. Tomorrow afternoon, Jackson and I plan on heading down to my mom's house for a week while Curt leads a mission trip to Honduras. He has to be at the church to get the team on a bus at 3:20 a.m. on Saturday! That is nuts! I think it will let Curt go to bed early if we are out of the house already, so I hope the roads are clear enough for us to go. I realize that many of you drive in blizzards, but homegirl doesn't have any experience driving in snow and ice. I learned to drive in Houston and that is basically the tropics.

I'll move off the oh-so-intriguing topic of weather now.

We're moving. I can't believe that in two weeks I will be living under a different roof. This week has been full of goodbyes. Sunday night was the last date night with our friends. Monday was our last family date in Irving - a tradition Curtis, Jackson and I have really loved. (There was nasty weather, so we skipped out on DoubleDave's and had our date at home.) Tuesday night a bunch of my girlfriends took me out to Mi Cocina, which is a restaurant that you can only enjoy in the Metroplex. I had to say goodbye to "Ernie's Chicken," my favorite dish. I'll miss you, Ernie. Wednesday morning Jackson and I said goodbye to our friend Lauren over pancakes at IHOP. Last night the church had a reception for us after fellowship dinner. It was a really sweet time.

I have been bottling in my emotions and I finally had some tears spring out during the prayer that was prayed over us last night. I told Curt, some of the most painful times in my life have been tearless. And that is so strange to me because I am a crier. I know I will cry when we hop in our truck and the moving vans pull away from our little, old house. Poor Curtis. When we left Houston I was in my car by myself and he didn't have to deal with me while I blubbered. We'll be in one car on that day. Bless his heart.

I'm sorry that my blog is so boring these days. Not that it's ever been exciting. The main point of it really is to chronicle this season so that I can go back one day and remember everything. I feel like my posts were more clever in the past, but as soon as I got my quiet times back under control last May, I lost my edge. Isn't that scary? What does that say about me?

Well, the snow is 11 minutes late. Someone tell it to hurry up because it owes me a playdate with my boy!

P.S. Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer is doing a fun little blog carnival about dishes. I got excited because she and I both have Blue Danube. So if you are one to get excited about dishes, go check it out.

54 comments:

Sister Lynn said...

I am praying for you in this time of transition. These days won't be easy but hopefully they will hold many blessings. Also praying for safe travels to Houston and to HONDURAS for Curtis.

peace,
Sister Lynn

Hillary said...

I hope you get lots of snow to play in with Jackson but not enough to keep you from Houston on Friday! It's snowing here too! I'm watching it out of my window and hoping I get home before it gets too nuts!
Still praying for you and this next adventure that awaits you and your family!

Holly said...

You are precious. Do you know that?

Praying for you all this week and throughout the move. Praying for healthy and wonderful times for Curtis in Honduras and for you with your fam.

Much love,
holly

twinkle said...

A week with your mom...I know she's on cloud 9! I am excited for ya'll but it is so hard saying goodbye to people. And hey, I like to hear about the weather! I'm imagining all those beautiful wildflowers starting to bloom along your interstates. Praying God's protection all over your family during these next few weeks!

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

Texas weather is nuts. We lived in Tyler for a year and in Corpus for two years and have had similar experiences to the ones you wrote about, except for the snow. Now in SC, we have similar issues, but the weather here is not as bipolar as the Lone Star state.

I honestly can feel your aches about moving. Even though our families are on the East coast, moving from Corpus was very painful. Our friends there had become family in every sense of the word except for blood..although I think our children all took turns shedding blood in each other's home.

I do know , as you do, that the Lord will surprise you with so much joy and I am pray8ing that it happens quickly for you. But even though there is always joy in the Lord, one packs grief along with those dishes. You're in my prayers.

Angela
PS- I just found your blog last week and I don't think I've been bored once!

Anonymous said...

Amanda, i think it says it's about your heart, your God, your family,your loves, your good and bad hair days and not about being clever and edgy...It's about God's Grace working out in the life of his little girl Amanda! Keep writing it all...and actually i think you are quite edgy and clever at the right edgy and clever moments! Safe Travels to Houston and your new home!!!!

Dionna said...

Hi, I'm Amanda! And I do sinus effleurage! - You crack me up, Amanda. My sinuses DEFINITELY feel weather changes - I feel it in my cheeks and am always pressing on them and massaging things around. :)
I'm sorry the weather is changing your special goodbye plans. Where are you moving? Towards Idaho? I just have a feeling it's not - you're going further south aren't ya. Oh how I wish I could say you already have a friend there if it was Idaho; but I'm sure wherever you're going God indeed does already have a friend for you there.

ocean mommy said...

Don't you dare apologize! Most everyone has been or will be in the same spot!

Praying for you especially now as you prepare for this move, physically and emotionally!

Blessings
steph.

Maggie said...

Where are you moving?
Did you say Long Beach, California?
Hooray!

Anonymous said...

God's protection and blessings on your family as you travel to a new adventure with the Lord. Are you leaving your red front door behind? I know how much you loved that door. But the old one back on and take the red one. :)

Melissa said...

It's snowed north of the metroplex! I put some pictures on my blog, check them out :)

Marla Taviano said...

Crazy weather patterns = Jesus is coming soon!

I can't wait to meet you in heaven, Amanda! Or here on earth, if we get the chance.

I love your posts--happy or sad, clever or introspective, bubbly or bummed.

You make my heart smile.

Toknowhim said...

I still like your posts :), and that is so cool that you have your Quiet Time back again... I still need to find mine :) Blessings Amanda!!! I look forward to seeing what God will do in the next season of your life...

Patty said...

The weather in Nashville has been crazy. Just as you described except that I haven't had the air on. I had the windows up the other day. We are under a Winter Storm Watch tomorrow night, who knows but God, what we will get. Don't feel bad, this girl doesn't like driving in snow. I lived in upstate N.Y. for 5 years and had to get used to driving in a lot of snow but that has been years ago.
I am praying for you. It was so hard on us saying good-bye to everyone. I am beginning to make new friends through church and I have Dori nearby. :o) More importantly we have Jesus, who is always with us no matter where we go!
Love,
Patty

Kelly said...

I feel like an old man because I keep wanting to talk about the weather. But it is crazy! We are having the same nutty stuff in AR - only we have had several tornados come through.
I know it's hard making the round of goodbyes right now. I can't even imagine. I'm so resistant to change of any kind that I can't imagine moving away from all my friends and everything I know (and according to you JD Chipperys) ha! But I know God MUST have some great friends and fun and food waiting for you at your new destination. Take heart! I'll pray for you!

Anonymous said...

These days are full of "last times" but the coming days will be filled with firsts - don't lose site of that!
We moved from our HOME in southern Alabama to Northern Iowa last year - I KNOW!! :)

debra parker said...

I hear you about the weather. I have two kids that are trying to get sick and this crazy weather does not help their mother.

Just for you knowledge...You could NEVER be boring. I am almost sure of it.

McClure Family said...

Amanda~your blog is never boring! I often think that mine is because I use it to journal this season of life, and then I remember that life with a toddler is NEVER boring! And, yes, the weather is getting old; it went from 80 degrees yesterday to close to the 30s tonight. No wonder our kiddos are sick!

Anonymous said...

So funny! I actually thought of you this morning when the meteorologist said that if the snow fall predictions in Dallas were accurate today--you all, my dear, would have had more measurable snow fall this winter than us folks up here in Minneapolis! How's that for ya? :) Sad day when 30 or 40 degrees above sounds balmy!

Darlene R. said...

Everyone has been sick up north. I think it's effecting lots of people.

Your posts have not been boring! I enjoy stopping by, even when you're talking about the weather! :)

Kristin said...

Hey Amanda! First of all, your blog is not boring. I love coming here and hearing what is going on in your life. You honestly feel like a dear friend and I like hearing about what is going on in your life...even the weather! I'll continue to pray for your family as you make this transition and that you will have a blessed time with your mom and dad next week!
~Kristin

Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! said...

Oh, your blogs still have an edge, lovey. Don't you worry about that for one second.

Mocha with Linda said...

So sorry you've had to miss some of those "lasts" with your friends. Be careful on your drive. Wish we would get some snow instead of just this cold wet rain.

Jenna said...

I am so glad you are getting to soak up y'all's last days with all your people.

And by the way, that picture of Jackson above your profile is SO cute. He is such a sweet little man! Love it.

Vicki Courtney said...

I just saw then news and it's saying you're getting some wicked weather in Dallas. I dropped my girl off at the airport at 1 p.m. to fly through Houston to B'ham to see her brother at Auburn. Her plane left two hours late, flew to Houston and couldn't land due to weather and came back to Austin. Yuck--looks like your weather is spreading!

Stay warm! You'll be in flip-flops again by the weekend...

connorcolesmom said...

I just get teary thinking about all that you are going through. I know it is hard. I will continue to pray for you and your little family as you step out into this adventure!
God bless,
Kim

Unknown said...

I am so glad you are enjoying your time with your friends. It is so precious and you will be so happy you took the time to do it!

Kelly @ Love Well said...

1. Weather is never boring. NEVER. I could talk about freaky weather for hours. I would have been a meteorologist if math didn't get in my way. Curses upon the algebra.

2. Love that almost all of your good-byes in DFW have included special foods at each stop. You are truly a girl after my own heart. When we moved from California, I might have missed In-N-Out more than my family.

3. I also get weather-changing headaches. It's annoying, but I look at it as a gift -- kindof like super powers. "Oh, wait! I can tell we're in for a bad storm tonight! My sinuses are throbbing!"

valerie said...

Our weather here in OK has been crazy like that too. Last Sat. it was so warm I had on a t-shirt, flip flops, my sun roof open...the next day there were storms all over the place and two days later I woke up to ground covered with snow. Yesterday was nice again and today.....very cold and snow was predicted, but thankfully didn't come.
My sister lives in McKinney and she said it was sleeting and snowing there. So crazy.
I'm keeping you in my prayers as you go through this move.
I bet your mom is thrilled that y'all are coming for the week.
Are you telling yet where you're moving? :)
Blessings,
Valerie

Jenn said...

I'm deliberately not reading the comments before me for sincerity... but you are not boring! Blogging is the journey of the good, the bad, the highs, the lows, the whole gammet.

We're lifting you up, knowing that, because God is moving you from I-town... it's only to bigger and better places! It's a new lilypad in the pond of life!

Jenn

Bev Brandon @ The Fray said...

Oh go right ahead and talk about the weather!!!!!!!!! I'm across town from you and about 2pm I was home alone and looked out the window and it was pouring SNOW. Real snow! OH. MY. GOODNESS. I layered layers upon layers, grabbed my Ipod and the dog and let my border collie take me for a long walk, literally. It was beyond words. Never knew that snow stings your face. Just enthralled over here. And wanting to say to you that you have loved well and that's why it so grabs at your heart to move away. If you hadn't given your heart away, it would be a cake walk. Nope. You loved well. You lived well. And now, you will suffer well as you trust and move with open hands, open heart to HIM. You are so precious Amanda!

Profbaugh said...

Ah shucks! The computer just "ate" my comments. Man, I hate it when that happens.

I just wanted you to know that while I haven't commented much since I've returned to FBU after my sabbatical, you, Curtis, and Jackson have been close to my heart. The Holy Spirit has really really urged me to pray fervently for you. I didn't know the "why" but I've learned it's much better to be obedient to the call!! Stay strong my sweet Siesta. . there's lots of intercession on your behalf. God has wonderful things in store for you in your new "home."

Oh, and your blog is anything but dull. And trust me I know these things, after all I am tenured professor in an English and Communication department. Best not to argue with me and just keep blogging!! (tee hee). Do I sound like a professor or what???

Seriously you've got real gift for connecting with people through your blog and the LPM blog. What a blessing you are to all of us here in cyberspace!

Okay, enough of the sappy stuff. Hang in there and keep "blogging!" And I'll keep reading.

The "Crazy for Christ" Professor,
~Cheryl

FitzandMolly said...

moone, i'm giving you permission to take a break from blogging while you pack & move. i would help you wrap all those pretty dishes up and box them if i were there with you. much lerve!

Mindy said...

Praying for you and your family as you move. As a PW myself, moving was the hardest thing I have ever had to do! My first expirience was about 2 years ago now and it is sometimes still hard. And we are Methodist so I KNOW it will happen again as time goes by......
I wish it was snowing here in NC - but alas we only have rain (again).
And as far as everything going crazy once you got your queit times back in order......there is NOTHING wrong with you. I fully believe that the devil is trying much harder when I am having my quiet times and reading my bible like I should. Take up that sword girl and renounce the devil!
Praying for you all!
in HIM -
Mindy

Fran said...

I'm praying for ya Amanda!!!

And, the dern weather too. :) Its enough to make us all a little crazy! The pix on the news from Dallas looked beautiful though.

Hang in there kiddo. We are lifting you up daily.

hugs~
Fran

Unknown said...

I had a rambly post and then lost it...

Are y'all snowed in?

Julie said...

The wonderful weatherman has been predicting light snow in Oklahoma City each week for the past 2 weeks. I've seen nothing!! Everyone in the blog world seems to have some snow but me. I am really wanting to see some snow....curl up in the comforter and read while big flakes fall.

Your blogs are not boring. You are in my thoughts during this transition in your lives.

Anonymous said...

I have learned Texas weather is never boring! Coming from California where there isn't a lot of changes in the weather. Except (our part of) TX does NOT know what fog really is (bad where I'm from!) Needless to say, this girl doesn't drive in bad weather conditions either! I know you'll have a great time in Houston and so will Bibby! Keeping you in my prayers as you transition to your new location.

Anonymous said...

GIRL YOU WILL NEVER BE ACCUSED OF BEING BORING!!

Actually, I have appreciated your honesty during this transition.

Allison said...

Amanda,

I was seraching for a recipe for Ernie's Chicken for you....I couldn't find one. I will keep looking.

Thinking and praying for you and yours,

Kari said...

Oh, Amanda. You are never boring. I know how you are feeling right now. It's so hard, BUT it's the next step in your journey. How fun! Love the pic of Jackson. He is seriously one of the cutest little boys.

AbbyLane said...

ya'll do have some crazy weather there...when we came through texas last week i was all excited for some warm weather and i about froze cause i wasn't prepared!! we have had our heat off in nashville for about 3 days, and now it's supposed to snow tonight...what gives?!

it is hard to start an outside running routine when it rains or snows every two days!! with your workout schedule recently, it sounds like you are ahead for the summer months...i've got some major catching up to do!

Julie said...

I came onto your blog through someone else's and hope you don't mind me stopping by. I am jealous you have had snow. The weatherman has been predicting light snow for the past 2 weeks and I've not seen anything!! I'm dying to curl up in my comforter and read.

Goodbyes are often very hard and sometimes draining emotionally. But what wonderful memories you have made in the process. You are in my thoughts.

MamaCass said...

Too many last times and last days in this post. Very bummed about the playdate on Thursday and then to top it off we southern townees did not get one snowflake. Not fair and yes I am bitter about it. i don't want to think about you guys driving off in your U-haul in a couple of weeks. Too sad!

Jenny said...

Our weather here in Georgia is crazy too. Yesterday was in the 70's and tonight they are expecting snow of 1 to 3 inches. My youngest has the flu and we need GOOD weather!! Not cold, snowy weather!

Have I missed where you are moving to? Have a fun week with your mom!

Unknown said...

So, right after I asked it it snowed last night, my hubby told me y'all had about 5 inches of snow! And now, the snow is moving to Alabama - this is nuts! I hope y'all made it to Bibby's safe and sound.

AKat said...

Hey, Amanda. I, too, am ready for this crazy weather to stop. I just dragged my pug across a patch of ice, over which he refused to step. I'll probably be in swimwear by the afternoon.
Oh, I saw something in a magazine that is supposed to help toddlers in the moving process. I'll try to remember to send it to you soon. (I have to find it again...)

Shelly said...

I don't have any wonderful words of wisdom, but just know that my heart is asking His comfort over you in this transitory season.

And it'll be okay to blubber in the one car y'all will be leaving in! Bless Curtis' heart ;)

Faith said...

Your weather sounds as changeable as ours! Praying for your transition time!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Amanda:
Out of the mouths of babes...

My daughter asked me two days ago, "Mom, when I was born was I zero?" It got me to thinking and to writing. For any moms out there who've had a similar question and might want some perspective, I've written about it on my blog under "Beyond Zero." You are welcome to the pondering alongside me.

peace~elaine
http://peaceforthejourney.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

missing you and your postings but know you are having so much fun with Bippy...or did you three sneak off to atlanta for a day or two?

Unknown said...

You are precious Amanda... I had no idea you are moving. Well, be blessed sweet thing and know you are well prayed for. We loved the snow, but not being in it. It has been a wild weatherman's ride this last month here in North Texas. Be blessed.

Anonymous said...

Nope, not boring. More vibrant now than it's probably ever been. But, I hear you. I've got some overwhelming things going on and I fell all I'm doing is processing those things no matter what I'm saying otherwise. You are probably more rich and identifying with what people are going through now than ever. Keep writing.

Anonymous said...

Hi Amanda...

We enjoyed being fully snowed in with a blizzard last weekend...it was *wonderful*! EVERYthing was cancelled for the whole weekend...it was the most restful AND productive time I've had in ages...and then it was 65' on Thursday! Crazy & wonderful. :)

THANK YOU for the link to the dishes extravaganza! It's been a fun week for me, pulling together both the pictures and the dishes and the stories. I, too, have the Blue Danube and have loved both its pretty presence and the reminders it gives me of all the special times AND special people in my life.

I hope you've had a good week in Houston and that your move goes smoothly. I will continue to pray for you & yours.

Happy Weekend! :)
~Deborah