God's messages through the weekend

I have had quite a mixed month. I'm working closely with surgeons this month, which has proved to be mostly stereotypical. I must qualify that. These surgeons seem to have a pretty decent bedside manner (not typical) but are fairly harsh and demanding with themselves and their colleagues (read: me). I've been really working on my attitude lately, having God remind me that if being overnight call on a night that I was not scheduled to be is the worst of my worries, I am extremely blessed. However, this does not take away the grueling fatigue I fight at times with the onslaught of harsh comments and really sick patients. I have definitely been stretched. So, just when I was not sure I could take it any longer (come on, you'd think it would be common sense to tell me that a patient I had been trying to save all night died), I have had a weekend of reminding me where my priorities should stand. I slept Sat. but had a wonderful time hanging with my boys. We had a sermon on Sat. night highlighting the scandals of child and sex slaves in the world and our apathetic response as American Christians to these horrors. How blessed I am for being in a place where I don't even worry about that. Then we watched "The Blind Side"- wow great movie, very touching. Again, I have been blessed, I have never worried about not having a place to sleep. So I was reminded again that my little insignificant stressors are fairly minor. Sunday, God knew what was best once again, I slept in (on accident) instead of running a 5K I was hoping to race. Another reminder- you don't have to do it all. And then, we went to the zoo with BJ instead of working on all I felt was pressing- again, reminder of priorities as I watched him ooo and gasp at the animals. Finally, we "ended" the weekend with a parenting class with some great friends- where one announced she was pregnant, and another shared her heart and struggles. We rejoiced and grieved. AND the lesson specifically hit on not thinking we can do it all. So now, I'm trying to focus on God and his provisions instead of panicking about the massive amount of things yet to get done, laundry, senior project, journal club, sleep. God is good, He gets us when we forget to listen and focus on ourselves instead of others. He sends us messages through our friends, missed alarms, sweet kiddo hugs, pastors, and life in general. Are you listening?

Outside

I think I've mentioned it before, but our little guy LOVES going outside. He loves going for walks, riding in the jogging stroller, hitting the park, helping Daddy wash cars or sweep, and most recently helping Daddy in the backyard with digging! Brandon is working on a planter for our garden for this year and has been trying to get in little bits of work here in there on these great sunny Colorado evenings. BJ is quite the little helper. Today when we got home for the day, he ran over to the sliding glass door, pointed out, and signed please. When I told him he didn't have any shoes on, he ran and found them so we could put them on. He had to be appeased with a walk to the mailbox though for tonight. But, I'm glad we have plenty of BJ approved sunscreen, we are going to need it this summer!!

Very intent on raking!

I love how he found his pocket in this one!

A bit heavy to maneuver!

Shoveling

Another early passion, driving. . . (with Mommy at the Denver Car show!)

BJ's dance

Check out BJ's dance to a song from the "Cars" soundtrack- it is on the book he keeps pushing the button to.

Loving life with a toddler . . . most days

We truly are loving life with our toddler. Over the last few weeks BJ has definitely picked up concepts that help immensely keep the peace in our house. He is getting more consistent with "staying" on the step for his 1 minute time out, and stops crying once he hears the timer go off. He has also done a great job of learning to sign "please" which is great since he has learned whining doesn't get you much, but asking "please" can be much better! It is so cute though, he repeatedly signs "please" even when you say no- like we will change our minds if he asks "politely" enough times.

He is in love with being outside- doing anything- shoveling, sweeping, going for runs, bike rides, park, walking. Loves it- and signs "please" a lot, while pointing outside. Other loves- shoes (ours and his), soy milk, bags, books, hats, balls, and when Mommy or Daddy come to pick him up or come home.

We recently were able to fly back to celebrate BJ's cousin's (my nephew's) 1st birthday. It was great to be with family, and awesome to see BJ "play" and interact with both sets of grandparents, aunt and uncle, and his cousin (somewhat). He even did well on the plane- playing the whole time on the way to Omaha, sleeping on the way back! Let me assure you, there were lots of giggles during our quick trip back!

Other updates: he did spend last week being sick (I know, again) with a fever (103ish) for a few days, but developed a rash after the 3-4 days of fever, sealing a roseola diagnosis- which is a harmless virus. We loved the extra cuddles, but would have liked him healthy instead!

Ok, on to the pics- it is the best part anyway

Shoveling in his PJ's- yes I did let him do this

Deep in a good book- The Pokey Little Puppy

Hiding in the curtains with his friends

With Daddy's hat, Mommy's shoes