better late than never?

So this week was supposed to be full of different exciting and monumental occasions - and I'm afraid one suprise event trumped them all. Thursday the 31st was Elias' first birthday, our first visit from a friend, AND the Lost Season 4 premiere. (I was obviously much more excited about the first two than the latter... but you know) Around Tuesday, my respiratory system got hit with a massive monster infection and by the time I went to the doctor on Wednesday, I was a huge mess. I was also supposed to go on my first Mars Hill Women's retreat today - but at home I sit. Surrounded by tissues.

So... Elias' first birthday wasn't quite what I envisioned. My mom called me first thing that morning to wish him happy birthday and at that point I was still in bed and hadn't yet told him myself! So many friends & family called to love on him, but I couldn't even call them back or pick up the phone because I had no voice. Sweet Stace (WHO IS OFFICIALLY A NURSE - CONGRATS) sent him a package all the way from Charlotte and Nick had to call to thank her:) So... the birthday wasn't what I hoped it would be, but we knew it was going to be a little bit low-key anyhow since he is only one, doesn't know or care to open presents yet, and we are having an actual party next week so we didn't want to confuse him. I did get an awesome video of him eating his first cupcake, but I can't get it off of my phone! AGH!

Secondly... Stephanie, one of my best friends from college, came to visit us on Thursday and she's been incredibly patient with me and my illness. I'm afraid I haven't been able to show her much of Puyallup, Tacoma, or Seattle - but she's been so sweet and content to just see what our life is like here. Also by here, I mean - within the walls of our big farmhouse. It's been interesting to have an outside friend here visiting and to see what it does to my heart concerning ministry. This is such an different way to serve for me - because there is no public display, no one to say you're doing a good job or to criticize you when you're not. When people visit, however, it can feel a little like a test - and then I have to remember that God has never been a professor grading exams, and neither is Stephanie.

All that being said - we still have a few more fun days with Steph and we have a birthday party for Elias to plan for next Sunday! Updates and pictures to come!