Grace & Daddy's Big Adventure

This week Jeremy and Grace had a big adventure. Thursday was Nana's birthday so they surprised her by taking her to lunch. I thought it would be fun for Grace to hear about the day from her dad's perspective so he agreed to write this post:

Sorry, to all you dedicated readers of this blog but for some reason Jennifer asked me to write this blog for our girls to read later in life. Looking back on life I have so many moments where I wish I would have done this or said that. Those moments when you realize you had the money, time, or words to make someone’s life richer and missed the opportunity. Oddly, this is one moment where I did the exactly the right thing at the exact right time at the “worst time ever.”

Right now I am looking for work and have spent the last two weeks looking for work and working on our house. Jennifer and I have truly felt God’s hand in our decision to leave my job. However, it has not made us immune to the pain of change, worry, and confusion of what to do next.

But on Monday Jennifer and I realized it was my mother’s b-day this coming Thursday. I asked what we were going to mail her. (she lives about 1 hr 45 min away depending on who is driving) She suggested I go and visit her instead. At first, I just laughed at the mere suggestion. Our house projects have not gone well and driving all that way seemed a waste. But, after some thinking I thought, “Why not go?” So Grace and I went because Jennifer had to work and she thought I could not watch both girls on this trip. (Editor’s note: I know he COULD watch both girls, it just wouldn’t have been a fun trip)

So on Thursday morning we woke up Grace. She was so excited she hardly ate breakfast. I loaded up snacks, drink, sun glasses, and God’s best gift to family travel (the portable DVD player). We still didn’t have a present for Nana (my mom) so we stopped at a Dollar General to allow Grace to pick out anything she wanted to give to Nana. Although Grace found several toys she felt “Nana” would love very much. We paced the store several times until we found a rose. On the way to the door Grace saw a My Little Pony coloring book she said she wanted to get for sister. I said, “Well, Dad’s a sucker. Thats so sweet. I will get it for sister.” So one rose + one coloring book at Dollar General=$5? I don’t know why do they call it a dollar store if every things not a dollar. Upon entering the van Grace asked for her sucker. I said, “What sucker?” Grace replied, “Dad, the one you said in the store.” I realized when I called myself a sucker she thought she was getting one to eat.

Arrival at my mom’s work was great. She was stunned. (In a moment of full disclosure, while I remembered mom’s birthday I forgot it was her 50th b-day.) So that made this moment even a little sweeter. Mom, Grace, and I went out to eat and had a wonderful time. Mom seemed to be really touched.

The thing that strikes me about this day is that if I was working I would never have gone. Its not that I love my mom any more or less, but I seized a moment I am not sure I would have otherwise. It was a special treat for Grace and I to have this time together.

Girls-Your Nana is a special person. Being an only child there is not any siblings to pick up slack when you forget holidays. This trip was a great moment. Nana has sacrificed so much for me. Very few times have I truly appreciated the sacrifices that she has made. I hope and pray you girls realize how much she poured herself into me.

Thanks mom -your son.

So, I've said it before- I have the best husband! And I am thankful all the time to my mother-in-law for helping shape him into the man I love today. I'm glad he wrote about this day because it was way better than me summarizing it. On their way home from lunch with Nana Jeremy & Grace stopped in Roseville at the park Jeremy grew up going to. Grace loved going to "daddy's park" and has already requested a return visit.

The last few days have been a struggle as God has closed doors we hoped he was opening. We really have no idea where our journey is headed at this point. One of our goals for this season has been to truly enjoy the blessings of Jeremy being home. The girls are a great reminder as they are LOVING all the extra daddy time. But to be honest the unknown makes it REALLY difficult. This is one day we saw a true glimpse of God's blessing on this season and we were able to share that blessing with someone we love.