Iced In

We have begun our fourth week in Memphis. We woke up this morning to freezing rain and sleet. The last few days have been rather warm and comfortable. In the 60's and 70's. I think I like the weather like this. It's very unpredictable. We had to cancel our weekend plans though. We were supposed to visit Robert's family in Mississippi today and speak at a church tomorrow. But, everything has shut down. I didn't watch movies all day like I did last weekend when it snowed. We worked all day writing and editing the Project Mustard Seed proposal. It pretty much consumed the whole day--when I wasn't being mom to Adam. He has his first cold. But, he's in great spirits. I think he learned how to wave bye-bye today. We'll see if he remembers how to do it tomorrow.

We made an offer on a house yesterday. I love the house, but my hands are open. I'll be sad if we don't get it, but I know that the Lord has a place for us. I like this house the most, because I can see us living there for a very long time. We will have room to grow into it. Adam likes it best because it is fully carpeted. Hardwood floors are nice, but carpet is more practical for us during this phase of life! We'll see what happens!

The ride

Today is Valentine's Day. 9 years ago today, Robert and I had one of our first real dates--walking around downtown Memphis. We live just a few minutes away from the place where we had that date. What a journey the last nine years have been. Some would say we've come full circle. I think our journey is like a roller coaster at LibertyLand. We've just made the first loop-de-loop. It's a little scary to me. I love the thrill of roller coasters, but I hang on for dear life the entire ride. Robert likes to ride with his hands high in the air. I remember discovering this analogy six years ago when we moved to the Bay area. It was a scary time for me. It ended up being a great ride. Now, I think we're on the ride where we move slowly into complete darkness, where you can't even see your hand in front of your face. You know that your hand is there, and that your friend is next to you, but you can't see anything. I know that the Lord knows my steps and is wanting me to have the faith to trust Him for each step. So that's what I'm praying for.

Hibernating

The snow has melted and only kept us in hibernation for one night. It was nice to settle down by the fire and watch movies all night with my sissy, Megan. Actually, we watched movies all day today too. I haven't done that in a very long time. This is probably the first weekend in two months that I have not touched a cardboard box. So, I don't really feel guilty for being a bum. It was a great way to spend the weekend.

In case you're interested, these are the movies we watched:

Mona Lisa Smiles
Miss Congeniality 2
Without a Paddle
Wimbledon
The Terminal
The Olympics Opening Ceremony

Not much food for the brain, but good veg time! Megan said "I'm so glad my sissy lives in Tennessee!" about fifteen times while she was here. I'm glad too.

White Valentine?

Well, we didn't get a white Christmas, but maybe we'll get a white valentine. It began snowing around 1:00 today. It was so magical to see these big golf ball size snow flakes fall from the sky and begin to make a blanket on the ground. Megan had already gotten here before the snow came, but mom and dad weren't able to make it. That made me a little sad. I was looking forward to spending time with my whole family.

I'm trying to make a big decision about starting grad school this summer. A few years ago, I researched University of Memphis' Graduate Music programs. I found the degree I wanted to pursue: Masters of Music with emphasis in Orff-Schulwerk. Orff is a funny name, but in short, it is a specific philosophy of teaching music through movement. I've been turned on the Orff philosophy for several years. Anyway, I've recently discovered that U of M is the only school in the country that offers this degree. I'm really feeling that I need to pursue this. The application deadline is March 1, so I don't have a lot of time to make this decision. It's complicated though because I don't want to be in school when I have another baby (hopefully that will happen in the next year or two), and with buying a house soon, we are really tight in the financial department. It looks like I can complete the program in three summers, but they may accept several classes I've already taken. So I may be able to complete it sooner.

With this as a possibility for this summer, I had to turn down the job Robert's dad offered me, to watch his kids (Evan and Kelsey) after school and during the summer. So, now we are trying to find a way for me to make a few bucks. God has been good to provide for us, and I know that He wants me to be with Adam, so I'm trusting that He will provide an opportunity.

I have so much more to say, but it's getting late...

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

90% chance of snow tomorrow! I can't believe it. The last time I wished it would snow I was hoping school would be canceled. The only bad thing about it is mom, dad, and Megan are planning to come here for the weekend. If it snows, they will probably not come, which will make me sad. I still have not seen my dad since being in Tennessee. I look forward to seeing what Memphis will look like in the snow, especially Overton Park.

Memphis

We've been in Memphis for a full week now. Our little townhouse is finally unpacked and organized. I really like it. I can get used to the walk-in closets and the two bathrooms. Not quite used to the 24 degree weather though. I have to bundle little Adam up like the abominable snowman everytime we leave the house.

I feel like I'm catching my breath. It has been a whirlwind--more like a tornado--the last two months. I feel like a mom again. I'm no longer the moving coordinator. Adam and I have had some really sweet times together. He is beginning to like reading books together. He is finally sleeping through the night, which may also contribute to my feeling human again. Robert is finally able to have some time to research jobs and get things going with project mustard seed. He is so good at this phase of the project. I'm amazed at his ability to network and make connections.

I met a neighbor yesterday. Her name is Heather. We mistakenly forwarded all of our mail to her address instead of ours. So we have had to get our mail from her several times. She and her boyfriend live across the parking lot from us. Adam and I may get a yearly pass to the Memphis Zoo. It is less than a mile from our house. I think it will be a great place to go walking, and Adam will love seeing the animals. I wish I knew some other moms who would like to do this with me. Annie and Peter (our Marina walking partners in San Leandro) would love it! I've found a few Memphis mom's websites, but it seems that most moms I've seen live in the suburbs. At the coffee shop the other day I did meet a lesbian couple who have two grade school children. They gave me recommendations on the best parks and schools in the area. I also saw a young mom with a baby girl who looked to be about Adam's age, but I didn't have the nerve to talk to her. I'm working on that. It's hard for me to initiate conversation with people I don't know.

Adam just woke up from his morning nap, so I'm trying to type one-handed. Must go for now.