It is May. This is not an unusual occurrence, however, I never seem to recall a month with quite so many changes in so many people's lives. Starting with the beginning of the month...

May 2nd, Kale and Bethany get married. Not a bad thing, by an stretch of the imagination, but a huge change to the social dynamic of the Rowley family. I love having another sister, and I am truly looking forward to getting to know Bethany better. Keith has had a few odd moments where he seems to not quite grasp that his little brother (who is older than ME) is married. Probably a bigger deal to him then it seems to me, but that's ok. I truly hope that Josh still hangs out with us, even though he will be the odd man out. I remember when Keith and I got married the "single friends" tended to dissapear. Maybe we can convince Josh that he is a necessary part of our marital lives? Anyway, moving on...

May 9th, Frank graduates high school. I have to say, I was actually somewhat surprised that this actually took place. Knowing just how difficult the last few years have been on my family this was a truly momentus occasion. I bawled. He has worked SO HARD over the last three years to deal with the rather horrible truth that was thrust upon him. He DID IT! He MADE IT! I am so proud of him. Getting the diagnosis of FAS could easily have made him give up, but here he is, a high school graduate. Again, I bawled. I almost forgot to cheer him as he walked the stage. I couldn't see a d*** thing cuz my eyes were all misty! He did it! Great job Frank, and thank you God for being so faithful!

May 10th, Mother's Day. I missed Mother's Day by 2 days last year. 2!!! My first official Mother's Day was fun and sweet. My daughter is precious and I enjoyed myself. Though I need to point out that my husband, who doesn't do such things, forgot to get me a card. Normally he tolerates, and even humors my need for such things. Maybe next year.

May 13th, Kati turned 1. I have been a mom for a year. That is such an amazing thing to me. My little bitty newborn (who took her dear sweet time coming into the world) is now a most rambuncious almost-toddler. She smiles (with those 8 teeth) and she hugs and kisses. She shakes her head (so I will too) and she can say Daddy! (Note: Mommy will be forthcoming if it kills me.) She is such an amazing little person, and I look forward to getting to know her better as the next year progresses. It all goes so fast. I swear she was just a few days old last week. Her party is next weekend, and I am planning to the hilt. Another of those things my husband doesn't understand, but hey, she is only going to turn 1 once. Besides, I love birthday's. Everyone should have at least one day a year that is all about them. (Besides, if I do huge parties for everyone else, a small one doesn't seem like to much to ask for MY birthday. And yes, I did just write that. I do have ulterior motives.)

May 15th, Keith's last day at CHF. This is probably the most painful of things that will happen this month. Though in a way it is not all pain. Some of it is relief. We have known this is coming, and it has been looming like a very dark cloud for months. Now that we are actually standing under it it doesn't seem quite as horrible as it could. God is faithful. We will make it. I am still scared, but I don't think we will cease to exist or anything. Bills are paid, this month, we have food, for a few weeks, and I think we can do whatever is necessary to survive. God is faithful. And now Keith can start looking for a place for us to ATTEND church. I am looking forward to actually sitting in a worship service with Keith, for multiple weeks in a row, without having to look after anything. My soul has missed it. I have needed it and I think I have been ignoring it for far too long. I WANT TO GO TO CHURCH WITH MY HUSBAND!!! Is that too much to ask? The layoff has almost been a blessing. We can go to church together. We can feed ourselves. My soul has been dying of thirst, though it lives in a rainforest. I can't do this anymore. I can't wait until July.

May 16th, Today. Today I was busy. Today I helped make Kale and Bethany's reception food. Today I weeded the garden. Today I was mom. Today I was wife. Today I was productive. Today was wonderful.