It's A Girl!!

Get your Kleenex, Kim!

Have you ever had a surprise party? 

Or have someone give you some news that you never saw was coming? Such as, "We're moving." or "We're getting a puppy." or "I lost my job today."

I have had all of the scenarios happen to me.  With each one comes a plethera of emotions, some good, some bad but most certainly always overwhelming.  I think that is natural when you are dealing with the surprise of a possibly life-altering experience.

Now, imagine the rush of emotions when you find out you have a sibling that you otherwise had never known.

I was 29 when I found out that I have an older sister that lives in Florida and looks just like our father. Sorry, Kim, but if looks like a Keaton and talks like a Keaton, it must indeed be a Keaton.  Truth's the truth.  We may have been apart all our lives but we made up for within moments of my realization.  The news came in the form of a message on MySpace.  It said simply:

My name is Kim McLaughlin and I am looking for Kenneth Keaton.  I found your name when looking for him.  If you have any information and can help me, it would be greatly appreciated.  My number is (___)___-____.

Or something to that effect.  Honestly, I didn't think a whole lot about it. I immediately called Dad and gave him the number. He said he didn't know who that could be (Seriously, Dad?  There goes your Dad of The Year award.). I was ready to hang up and get on with my day when he replied, "Oh, I know who that is. That's my daughter." Then all I heard after that was Charlie Brown's teacher talking, "Wah, Wah-Wah-Wah, Wah-Wah".  My head was spinning, to say the least.  It took all of about 30 seconds after Dad and I hung for me to decide that I would call her myself.  It was one of the smartest decisions I'd ever made.  There was lots of questions and tears but, I knew right away I had that warm, caring older sister I'd always wanted.  We had an instant bond.  I was not angry with my Dad for not telling us, I was only grateful.  ANOTHER person in my life to share with, love with, laugh with, cry with(we're pretty good at this one), when I already have so many.  How awesome is that?

In the 13 months that have follwed Dec. 14th, 2008, we have talked almost daily via email, phone, and text. We've met in person for 5 wonderful, sweet days that I'll never, ever forget.  My kids INSTANTLY fell in love, my husband think she's great and I love her kids dearly as my own. Kasi is more like a best friend or another sister. Triston is precious, wild, all boy, and super affectionate.  Really, it couldn't have gone more smoothly in a Lifetime movie.  Life is good.  She's my sister and I am so blessed.

Not knowing.

**EDIT**
It was not a UTI.  My sweet baby girl has been fighting with mono.  The mono has given her hepatitis.  No wonder she's been so down.  The doctor says that she will be fine in two weeks or so.  I can't wait.  I'm ready now.  It's hard to watch people you care about suffer, in any way.  Thanks so much for all the prayers.
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Alli has been sick for over a week now. She's sick on her 8th birthday, talk about not fair. The symptoms are fairly mild. It's just the fact that they have been present for over a week now.  Mainly a fever, some headaches, two episodes of vomiting.  Really sounds like no big deal. 

So, why am I freaking out?

Honestly, I am not a hover-run-to-the-doctor-at-the-first-sneeze-mother.  I'm just uneasy this time.

I know why.  It's because I don't know.  I don't know what's wrong. I don't know what is causing the persistent fever. I don't know why she's pale and has puffy eyes.  I don't know why, when I ask her how she feels with a 102 temp, she replies, "Awesome."

I can't stand not knowing.  Always have been this way, always will be.  I was the "WHY?" kid.  I was the "HOW COME?" child.  I was the "WHY AM I DOING THIS?" teenager. And still am all these things as an adult.  Drove my mother and teachers crazy and most assuredly has the same effect on my sweet husband.

Not getting my answers when I want them has an unnerving effect on me.  Which, in turn, unnerves those closest to me. 

Alli goes to the doctor today and I'm sure I will drive all the staff at Pediatric Consultants insane until I have my answers.  God help them.

Life's problems or God's blessings?

I really believe that happiness is a choice. That attitude is key. That yes, we all get blue, but how you view the world can mean all the difference. Here are some examples to show what I mean by this:

Situation #1
I bought a beautiful set of cherry end tables for next to nothing (you all know my deals I get). I was so proud of my find. They made my living room look new. Everyone that came over got to hear all about my sweet deal on my new, gorgeous tables. Then, Chase happened. In an effort to charge up his DS, he carelessly unplugged my scented oil cartridge from the wall and layed it on it's side. All the oil ran out and ate the varnish off my prized table. Problem or blessing? Blessing! I now have a forever reminder that I once I had 3 beautiful, carefee children who made my house a home. It's just some wood and I can still feel that sweet, "I'm sorry, Mom" hug around my neck.

Situation #2
All but one pair of my jeans are painfully tight. Problem or blessing? Blessing! Those uber-tight jeans are a constant (and I do mean constant) reminder that I, like most Americans, have more than enough. At this very moment, there are people in Haiti who have been devastated and would sing praises just to have clean drinking water, rice or baby formula. Does this serve as one's excuse to be overweight? Certainly not, but I can assert that I would much rather have rub marks on my waist from too-tight jeans than pains in my belly from hunger.

Situation #3
Anyone who knows us and unfortunately anyone who ran into us one of these days, knows that the past year the Woods' family has endured our share (and then some) of vehicle trials and tribulations. Problem or blessing? Yep, you guessed it! Blessing! Yes, it's been aggravating, expensive, and inconvenient. However, the great that has come out of this is my mother and Brad have had a wonderful oppurtunity to talk and grow closer (my mother is wonderful and has been picking Brad up to carpool with her). I'm just thankful for the relationship they have.

I could go on and on...you get the idea. Don't get me wrong, I'm not all sunshine and butterflies. However, God makes me aware everyday that blessings are all around me. Some days I may have to look harder to find them, but I know they are there. It's all about attitude. God is so good!
Amanda

My very first blog! How exciting!

My first attempt at a blog.

This should be interesting. I have never done well with written expression but, here goes.

The decision to start a blog was based on many things.

1) So many things are happening so quickly. Not really one thing in particular it just feels as if life moves at such a rapid pace, that I don't want to take anyone/thing for granted.

2) My friends, Lisa and Melody, blog and I have so enjoyed reading their adventures and thoughts.

3) Life is short...and at times hard. What better way to express yourself (esp since my drawing consists of unrecognizable stick figures only)?

4) On most days, I am able to acknowledge and show gratitude for the things with which me and family are blessed. On the days when I am not, hopefully this blog will help to pull me back up.

5) I thought it'd be fun.

So if you are reading, thanks and stay tuned. There will surely be more to come.

Much love,

Amanda