the one about Spring Break

Hi. It's been two months since I've posted. Been busy, sick, and busy. The life of a pregnant/wife/mom/homemaker/minister is harder than I thought. But, I'm realizing this is the new normal. Adulthood is hard and busy.

Anyway, I was going to give this whole blog thing up, but thanks to the handful of you who told me you missed me-I'm back. Mainly it was Melanie Dill, seeing as how she was 50% of the reason I started this blog in the first place.

Sunday morning Adam left for a five day mission trip to New York. We had spent the two days prior in Beulah and after church on Sunday I left little Chloe Belle with her Nana so I could have 48 hours to myself. The goal? Clean house, prepare for Nugget (because we've done nothing), and take multiple bubble baths.

I pulled out of the driveway of Adam's parents' house and was absolutely elated. For the first time in a year I was on my own with no responsibility. I was headed to Montgomery to spend the afternoon with my awesome Kate. I called her, proclaimed my complete excitement, hung up the phone, reached the end of Adam's road, and all my happy feelings evaporated. I looked behind me into the backseat: no smiling baby girl. I picked up my cell phone: couldn't call my man. It was horrible. I spent about 20 minutes in an absolute panic. Should I turn back and get her? Had I made a terrible mistake?

Since it wasn't quite Holly's kids' naptime yet, and my sister wasn't answering her phone, I spent the next 45 minutes alone in the car, thinking. I came to a deep realization that filled up every inch of me with gratitude.

My life is grafted into the lives of two people who I absolutely adore. I am married to a man that I don't want to escape, even for an afternoon. He is my best friend, my favorite companion, and my love. I have a little girl who I pour the very best of me into, and it is food for my soul to watch her grow, flourish, and love in return. To say that God has blessed me with these two is a trite understatement. Their presence in my life is a physical manifestation of His goodness.

I spent two days alone with a miserable cold. I'm glad I was alone, as it gave me some time to rest and recover. I spent the next two days cherishing every second with my little one, and I spent last night not sleeping until the 2am arrival of my beloved.

So grateful for a God who loves me, and is in Himself enough. So grateful for these two that He's given me. Just so so grateful.

Happy St. Patrick's day from Chloe Belle!