Beginnings

This afternoon I was invited to hear the heartbeat of Christie & Kent's baby. I tried real hard to hold back the tears. My baby's having a baby!! The heartbeat was real strong and the look in Kent's eyes was shear amazement -- there's a living being in there!

Christie is doing well and being the methodical person she is, brought along a list of questions. Geez, how did she get to be so smart?? Both of my pregnancies were so different, as I wasn't married for either of them, and I couldn't enjoy those precious moments in the same way that she and Kent are.

Afterward I stopped at the library for their annual book sale -- 5 books for $1.00! Now, that's the kind of shopping I can afford. I got a couple of books and some lullaby CD's for the baby. I'm already feeling all grandmotherly and gooshy. Will this chapter of grandparenting be different than with Manny & CeCe? I certainly learned alot about love by being involved in their lives. Not having a grandparent to pattern after I just cared for Manny & CeCe as though they were my own; Carrie didn't seem to mind, and perhaps was relieved at times to have another 'parent' to assist her. This child's circumstances are different -- what will my place be? Will I measure up to it? One thing's for sure, Christie will let me know.

SCAM ALERT - FDIC Email

We have been alerted by the U.S Treasury that there are significant numbers of fraudulent email claiming to be from the FDIC. Please consider forwarding this alert to employees of your organization. The email asks you to down load a file to verify FDIC insurance. The unsuspecting recipient will in fact be downloading malicious software. As always you should never click on links or download software from unsolicited email. If you do receive email as described above it should be forwarded to:

FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section alert@fdic.gov.

To learn more about the alert please read below. Thanks all.

The FDIC issued Special Alert (SA-183-2009 <http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2009/sa09183.html> ) today regarding a fraudulent e-mail claiming to be from the FDIC.

The Giving Cure

This is the first weekend that I haven't spent with my face stuck in my International Economics textbook -- Thursday is my final exam, whew! This class was a tough one but I certainly learned alot and know what the NPR guy is talking about when he mentions the IMF. So, I'm spending the weekend refreshing my soul, reading, journaling, enjoying the peace of my home and a couple of cats. I read the most interesting article in November edition of Body & Soul, The Giving Soul.

The story is about a woman who learned soon after she married her dream guy that she was suffering from MS; she sunk into depression (understandably so) and didn't know how to get out of it. For some reason she reached out to a neighbor who suggested that she spend 29 days giving away 29 things. Kind of a 'pay it forward' thing . . . she did, and felt stronger -- from the inside. Her illness still has a hold on her but she is now able to compensate for what the illness is doing to her body much better by being inwardly stronger. I often wonder if that's what my father did to keep going after receiving his Parkinson's diagnoses.

I don't have MS or Parkinson's or any dibilatating illness, but I do believe that I need some inner strength to help move me along this journey that God has placed me on. So, I'm going to take the 29 day challenge, want to come along?

From the magazine, here's 6 secrets to giving:

1. Start with gratitude
Write down what you're most thankful for and make a point to share at least one item from your list.

2. Keep it simple
Small gestures often make the biggest impact. Smile at a stranger, offer a coworker a sincere compliment, or buy someone lunch for no reason.

3. Give up expectations
Let go of judgments about how your gift will be put to use. Once you've given it, your gift will take care of itself.

4. Receive graciously
Giving without receiving will deplete your energy. Remember to be receptive to what others are eager to share.

5. Wing it
Resist the urge to plan all 29 gifts in one sitting. Stay open to the gift-giving opportunities that occur naturally throughout any given day.

6. Challenge yourself
What are you hesitant to give? Your time? Unconditional love? Ask yourself why and try to let those hang-ups go.

So, here I go ------------------

Angels in Passing

Today we went to a heart-warming and tearful funeral for my Uncle David's mother-in-law who lived a full life of 94 years. Her grandson gave the most wonderful eulogy; even if you didn't know Miriam very well when you walked into the church you did once you left. She left quite a legacy of love and commitment for her family and her faith.

We ran home, switched a load of laundry, finished my homework and then ran off to Christie and Kent's house for a thank you dinner with his parents for helping them move into their new house. Jane (Kent's mom) and I were given a scroll tied with a pink and blue ribbon . . . I started reading it and then looked at Jane and knew that what we've been thinking and hoping is true! Christie and Kent are expecting their first child in April!! Jane cried, I cried, Christie cried. Oh, so wonderful. Here's what she had printed for us:

I do not have a face to see, or put inside a frame.

I do not have soft cheeks to kiss, I don't yet have a name.

You can't yet hold my tiny hands, nor whisper in my ear.

It's still too soon to sing a song, or cuddle me so near.

But all will change come April 25th, 2010 it's true.

That's when they say I'm due.

I'm your new grandson or granddaughter, I can't wait to meet you.

All I ask between now and then, is your patience while I grow.

I promise I'll be worth the wait, because of all the love we'll know.

So what I have to give you now, is a wish to you from me.

I cannot wait to be part of this wonderful family.

Love, Baby K.

They've told us that they want to be surprised by the sex of the baby but they do have names chosen and will share them with us when the baby comes. Grrrrr, patience, patience, patience.