Maybe the rug is still there...

I have been so blessed. As I let friends know about Jason's possible relocation, there has been an outpouring of encouragement. My dear friend Sara C. gave me a thought that I have latched onto, perhaps more than any other. She wrote, "You didn't have the rug swiped from under you, but you were just asked to step aside so it could be rearranged." What a perfect way to look at a seemingly unwanted situation.

First, to clarify, Jason's only received notification, which means it's not truly 100% certain he will have to leave. Most of the boxes have been checked off, leaving one or two that need checking.

I'm not sure what to pray for...that he can't go or that he can. Jason's division is undergoing changes, consequently, so is his position. The new job in Biloxi puts him on the team that is writing the curriculum for this new position. To be moved onto this team is a huge honor for Jason and will be a wonderful addition to his resume.

How can I be selfish and pray it doesn't happen? I could, but I can't. I suppose this is where compromise comes into a relationship. Compromise, flexibility...letting God lead...up until now my life has truly, always been about me. My ministry. I've done everything I said I would do. I've taught both art and English, coached volleyball and basketball, in a year I will have finished my masters and I've actually been a school counselor for over two years. I always thought I'd have a family after all of that is finished. I also have had aspirations of working at the collegiate level as well. I want to create jewelry and I want get all of my pictures into albums that tell the story of this journey I've been on for thirty years.

It's not all about me any longer.

I don't know what this change will bring. I can't say it's going to bring a move for me. I can't say it even means a move for Jason yet. It does mean I need to revise my vision of my future. Or at least make myself open to the possibility that I'm not the one leading. I'm not the one rearranging.

Where'd the rug go????

My conversation with Jason last evening:

K: So why was work so stressful today?
J: Are you sure you want to take on this stress while you're in the middle of homecoming week?

K: I don't know, why would I take this stress on?
J: Well, I'm assuming you'll take any stress of mine on...

(Well now he has to tell me!)

K: Well, you have to tell me now! Honey, are you being deployed? (Jason is Air Force.)
J: (chuckle) No. But I got notification of orders to Biloxi, Mississippi. For February!

WHOOSH! There goes the rug from under my feet...I'm going to go find a new one...

Morning Pleasures

We've hit that time of year when the mornings are just glorious in terms of temperature. My Saturday morning run was almost chilly the entire time--it was also dark almost the entire time. Because I use my Saturday mornings for running, I treasure the opportunity for slow Sunday mornings. I try to get up early enough to savor my coffee. This morning was one of those treasured mornings. I got to enjoy God's glory from my patio as I sipped cappaccino and ate a little breakfast. I thought I'd share my view with you. Have a wonderful week!

Our "Hurricane" Weekend

Disclaimer: I do not mean to demean those who suffered serious damage, loss,etc in Houston and other areas from the hurricane.

San Antonio was fully prepared for hurricane weather last weekend. My TNT practice was cancelled. I was looking forward to sleeping in to lots of wind and rain--not enough to harm, but enough to mean no traveling for awhile. However, as everyone now knows, it skipped us completely. So, instead it meant getting some things done around the house. I finally framed and hung an ink drawing by Rachel Leising Soo that I've had since her senior show--about eight years ago. And then I couldn't let two bananas go to waste, so banana muffins and bread were made. While I did all of that, Jason rested. :) After I put him to work doing the framing and hanging for me. Such a sweetie!

It was a restful weekend for us.

Introducing Jayla Hamann--My third cousin, once removed

Jayla Hamann was indeed born on Thursday. She was very good to her mommy by only making her push for 10 minutes! Amazing! She is a cutie! Congrats Brad and Joy!

Babies, babies, babies...

I need to learn how to knit because there are more babies arriving in the next 9 months than I ever dreamed possible! In two days I've learned of two more friends expecting, not to mention learning about Nina and Jenny expecting a month ago. And then there is my cousin and his wife, Brad and Joy, who went into the hospital this morning to induce. It's fabulous, but mind-boggling all at the same time.

So, pray for Brad and Joy today and I'll keep you updated!

Labor Day and Other Life Updates...

Here are some pictures from my Labor Day trip to Natchez, Mississippi--my roommate's hometown. We dropped Jason off in Baton Rouge and then made our way up there. I only got to spend twenty minutes with his parents. Our intention was to pick him up that Monday and spend a couple of hours there before heading to Houston for supper with my folks and then back to SA. Well, Gustav decided to make it's way to land and plans changed. Jason's mom graciously drove him up to us on Sunday and then we drove back to Houston and SA from Natchez. The trip was great--I love Bethany's family and they made Jason feel incredibly welcome. (I walked into the house and Bethany's Great-Aunt greeted me with a hug and said, "I hear your friend is coming tomorrow." I hadn't even told my parents about the change of plans!)

Since Labor Day it's been the same old jump-start September. I'm gearing up for homecoming festivities next week, while also trying to prepare for class--those I teach and the one I attend, train for the SA half-marathon and balance a relationship with other social engagements. Jason is quickly learning that my life jumps from one event to another! Right now we're getting to worship together on Sundays, which is awesome. I go to the late service at my church, he coordinates 1st and 2nd grade Sunday school for about 200 kids, and then we meet and attend the 1 pm service at his church that has just gotten off the ground. It's taking me out of my comfort zone and I'm sure I'll have more to say about it in a month or so.

The other incredibly awesome news in the Waterman household is the ENGAGEMENT of my sister Kelly. Ben proposed around Sept. 5th. They are working on location and date issues. I'm so happy for them both!

A week after Kelly's engagement, my dearest friend Sara Jane got engaged as well! I've learned that whenever I say, "Wow, I don't have any weddings scheduled for next year," that about two or four crop up. These two are, of course, incredibly important to me.

That's about all the news I have. Mom and dad survived Hurricane Ike with little damage. They did have a leak in the piano room and were without electricity for a day or two, but that's nothing compared to others, so we realize how blessed they are. Dad called off school for the week because the power wasn't on yet and about an hour later it came on--so it goes.

Peace to all who read this!