I Don't Do Christmas Cards

Tis the season, and while I love receiving Christmas cards, I do not enjoying creating or sending them. I think I did the traditional mailer-to-everyone-I-have-ever-met about 12 or 13 years ago, and found myself so exhausted afterwards that I never attempted it again. Of course, now-a-days photo cards make this process much easier, and with my mother-in-law being a postmaster with the USPS, I really should support the process and snail mail a cute card out....maybe next year. Until then, this greeting will have to suffice...that is if you are still reading. ;)

What a crazy, busy, and amazing year it has been here in lovely Fresno for the Dean/Davis clan. On 1-1-11 Stephen and I got married with our families by our sides at the central coast. After some discussion with Ethan about his name changing to Ethan Dean, or better yet, Stephen's name changing to Stephen Davis (LOL), we finally settled on Mom's name changing to Dean, with A&E keeping their names the same. Stephen has come into our life, home, and family with such love, strength, and courage, and has blessed all three of us in ways we could have never imagined. I think I still have to occasionally pinch myself when I remember all that this cutie pie, successful, former bachelor agreed to take on when marrying me (and my kidlets). He is an amazing husband and step dad, and has brought true JOY back into our lives.

So about us: A&E are growing so fast, and in fact this past year Ashley won the growth award, surpassing me in height well on her way to possibly towering over Stephen. She is in the 6th grade, and is every bit of a lovable, nutso, preteen girl. She is goofy, occasionally moody, very smart, and independent and needy all at the same time. She keeps us on our toes, and we consider it an honor to get to teach her, support her, and help her mature into adulthood. She took on the challenge of cheer leading this year, and has done quite well. She still loves to sing, act, play the piano, and dance, and will most likely be back in theatre this Spring. Ethan is still a little squirt with the cutest freckle nose and the funniest quips. He turned 10 last month and is in the 4th grade. He has amazed us all with his academic and social growth, and just keeps truckin right along becoming the little man that I hoped he could be. He tried baseball last Spring, and was crazy cute at it, but since he didn't hit every ball with perfection last season, he is resistant to trying it again this Spring. (His perfectionist personality is a blessing and a curse.) ;) He is part of a Boy Scouts troop, and has been enjoying that. He loves Spiderman, and has grown quite fond of Marvel Superhero Comics. If you lend him an ear, he will give you quite an extensive history lesson on the subject. Both of the kids are doing very well. I am proud of their strength, and although they are shuttled each week between two homes, I think they are fairing quite well in the aftermath of their parent's divorce. Don't get me wrong. I wish for their sakes that it would have been different, but I am pleased to report that as far as divorce situations go, I think their dad and I have done a good job shielding them and giving them a happy situation to grow up in.

Stephen continues to enjoy his job at Kaweah Delta where he manages a team of about 17 IT guys and gals. There have been a lot of changes in his department lately, leaving him with opportunities for learning, growth, and advancement, so he and I are eager to see how 2012 will pan out for him. He is extremely hard-working and dedicated, and enjoys working there. For now, the commute isn't a problem, because he likes the job so much. He also began volunteering to assist with the tech stuff at church this year. He is enjoying the "camera man" challenge. If you are ever at our church, turn around and look up in the top corner. He may be up there trying to get the best shot of the stage.

I am on the downward slope of my nursing program, and can almost see the end in sight. I am amazed at how quickly the last year went, and how much I have learned. I still have some hurdles to cross, and a big huge nursing board exam to pass next year, but with a little help from God I will hopefully be practicing patient care by this time next year as an RN. I loved Labor & Delivery and Maternal nursing, so that is currently my goal for employment.

The Dean/Davis family is happy and blessed, and we thank our Lord everyday for this. We miss our loved ones, and treasure all friends and family who love us and support us with kindness, prayers, and time together. May your year be blessed with love and true joy.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Stephen, Shannon, Ashley, and Ethan

It Goes So Fast

  

When you have a baby people are always telling you to cherish the time because "it goes by so fast." Then when your adorable, chubby-faced toddler adamantly demands to wear his/her favorite Halloween costume everywhere you go, never mind that it is the middle of June, people smile and tell you to cherish it because "it goes by so fast." Next thing you know, you are busy making lunches, struggling through night after night of homework, providing shuttle service to after-school activities, trying to provide nutritious family dinners, (where if you're lucky everyone sits down together), hoping and praying that your kids know how special they are and how much you love them, and hoping that you are remembering to cherish every moment.


My children are 9 and 11 now, and I love them so much that I almost feel a squeeze on my heart when I stop to think about how special they are. We share so many wonderful memories and have plans to make many more. However, sometimes I stop and recognize how fast their little lives have passed. I have had a decade with them and I almost can't believe it. I have had three and half decades of my own life and I really can't believe that!


This past week I had the opportunity to work in the ER while I train to be a nurse. I had my very first encounter with human death. Until then I had never been with anyone dying. It might sound weird and morbid, but I had actually almost been expecting this inevitable experience with a bit of excitement, coupled with a bit of anxiety. Training for the field of nursing, I knew that death would be an inescapable part of my career, and I was eager to see how I would deal with it. My feelings were in some ways expected. Of course I felt remorse for his (and his family's) loss. I said a little prayer for his soul. I also wondered about his life, and hoped that he had been happy and had remembered to cherish it. This patient was far too young to die. In fact, he wasn't too much older than me. Perhaps he even has parents still living. I feel for his surviving family, and hope that they too remembered to love and cherish him. I bet it wasn't that long ago that someone was reminding his momma to enjoy the silly childish giggles and all of his years of growing.


Life here on earth really does go by so fast. While I want my life to count and make a difference for others, I want to truly enjoy it as well. When I reflect on what brings me fulfillment and joy it doesn't take long to see the images of my beautiful children in my head, or my super cute and loving hubby, or my parents who have always loved me unconditionally, or my goof-ball sister who is virtually "attached" to me even though we live 3 states away, or her adorable family that I would do anything for, or my brother who is in many ways my hero, or my new in-laws who charm me with their southern love, or my true-blue friends like Kia and Jenn who have seen me at my worst, have laughed their butts off with me, and have "had my back" all along, or many others who have touched my life along the way. My life is rich because of these people. I love them all and I intend to never let them forget that! Who do you cherish? Do they know it?

Justice

Have you noticed that as humans we are so eager to see justice done? Last week while subbing in a second grade class I saw this human desire for justice magnified. It seemed like every time I tried to transition or snatch a teachable moment, some little person was verbally demanding that I impose justice on a fellow classmate for offenses as trivial as taking too many rubber bands at the geoboard station, cutting in line, and copying another's work. These little irate tattle-tellers were wronged, they wanted me to know it, and they hoped there would be swift justice for the perpetrator.

I realized today that I am really no different than those second graders. My experience with injustice is a bit more involved, painful, and life-altering, and although some might say I have every reason to get just as wound up as an obnoxious, tattling second-grader, I hope I do not.

A particular injustice in my life seems to be resurfacing and rearing its ugly head far more often than I would like. It involves an injustice of lies and betrayal that is undeniably painful. Although I have tried to move past it and separate myself from it, it is still there. Just when I think forgiveness has truly taken hold, an event occurs reminding me of the injustice. It just doesn't seem right when those in the wrong seem to "get away with it." 

However, like I said above, I don't want to be like those tattling second graders seeking justice at all cause. Most importantly my faith calls me to try to live at peace with all men (Romans 12:17-19). This passage reminds me that I am supposed to strive for peace and not attempt to repay evil with evil. More importantly this scripture reminds me that revenge is not my responsibility, and that God is the avenger. Secondly, I must remain aware of how my desire for swift justice could have negative and lasting effects for innocent others. Using the classroom example, when a student interrupts instruction insisting on outing the accused, others lose out. They lose out on learning, but also they lose out on peace and harmony. Maintaining peace and harmony for those I love is so very important to me, so I must not let my human desire to "tattle" supersede this.

I don't know. This whole things is SO much easier said than done, but when I am alone and sometimes fuming about the ways in which I have been wronged, I pray. I pray for clarity and guidance and peace of heart and mind. Today when I did this the thought popped into my head that perhaps justice HAS been served. Perhaps God's justice didn't come in the form of punishing the wrong-doer (just yet anyways), but in blessing me beyond my wildest dreams. True joy, a healthy relationship, support, respect, strength, self-assurance, hope, love, purpose, salvation...how's that for justice?!

My Little Piece of the Miracle

My girl recently sat with me reading the posts from this blog. I guess you could say we had one of those mother-daughter bonding moments. We have been having a lot of those lately, and I can't even tell you how much they mean to me. My 11 year old girl hugged me, told me she loved me, and told me that she is happy that I got through the pain of the past. She then asked me why I hadn't written about Stephen yet in my blog. Although I have mentioned him, she is right I haven't exactly given tribute to him with one whole write-up. I guess the task seems a little daunting to me. How do I sum up the best year (plus) of my life, and give this man credit for all the amazing things that make him my TRUE love in one blog page? I guess I really can't. I can though tell you that I feel like I have been given a little piece of the miracle of life.

It is true that I have been blessed in this life in many ways. I was fortunate enough to be born into a good family, to be born in a land of freedom, to be educated, to never go hungry, to experience the amazing gift of two brand new little lives, friendship, travel, etc. However, until meeting Stephen I can say that I had never been afforded the joy of a true, self-less, unconditional love. It is kind-of sad to say since I was "happily" married (or so I thought) for over 11 years. Sad in one way, but amazingly great in another way.

Stephen and I met through match.com. After a few emails, texts, and phone calls, we agreed to meet for a first date on Jan. 9, 2010. It was a day that changed my life forever. I remember everything about that first date; what we were wearing, what we ordered for dinner, the first hug, the way he reached for my hand when he walked me to the car, the great conversations, and that first kiss. WOW! I was new to dating. I knew I never wanted to get married again. I was guarded, ridiculously unsure of myself, and really had no idea what to expect. I had learned a thing or two about what didn't work in a relationship, and I honestly was doubtful that there would be a good and honest man left for me. I see now that I was very wrong. 

That magical first date led to weeks and months of late night phone conversations, fun dates, simple trips to the gym together, time getting to know one another and those important to us. Stephen and I fell in love and built a real friendship fast and furiously. I can't really explain how it happened so fast and almost effortlessly. I simply think it was a "God thing." I had seen enough good and healthy relationships to know a little about what to look and hope for. I was also consciously aware that I wasn't the only one to be considered. I had two beautiful children who were depending on me to make decisions that would benefit us all. I carefully considered the effects of my relationship with Stephen on the kids, and spent much time praying about it and seeking advise from friends and family. I watched them interact with Stephen, and I stood amazed at how naturally their relationships developed. Ashley and Ethan didn't know it, but they needed a man like Stephen to love them, to accept them just as they are, to be an example to them, and more importantly to demonstrate love and goodness to their momma. He has done all of those things and more for them. He has taken on the role of step-dad with such grace, humility, and love. He loves A&E as if they were his own, yet respects and encourages the relationship they already have with their "real" dad. He demonstrates strength and genuine character for them that they had not yet seen in their young lives. He is there for them...REALLY there for them, and they know it. He hasn't replaced their dad. He has however come into their lives and home and filled many voids. Some may raise an eyebrow to this, but those who have spent time with us can clearly see what a tremendous blessing he has been to my kidlets. I might even go as far as to say that he "saved" them. I know, I know. This is a tad cliche and bold. It is true though. He continues to save A&E from the hurts, pains, and frustrations unique to their little lives, and he leads our family in ways we had not ever experienced. It is good!

For me Stephen is everything about love that I almost stopped believing could be. He isn't perfect. He is however strong, honest, humble, and he has a big ol' heart. Some people speculate that it was his southern up-bringing, the amazing strength and example of his single momma, the military, etc. I think maybe it was a combination of all of it, mixed with the decision from this man to be the best he can be and love to the fullest. He is gentle, yet passionate about his ideas and feelings. He is smart and successful, yet demonstrates humility and the drive to keep learning. He is beyond respectful and chivalrous. He is a true gentleman, holding doors for women, making sure the ladies and kids get their food before he does, walking on the car side of sidewalks, etc. He is very laid back and flexible. He is supportive and truly cares. He is fun and we laugh together everyday. He loves me deeply and shows me in so many ways. He is committed to me and our family. I know that our life will not be perfect, and there will most likely be some bumps in the road, but I know with certainty that this man will be 100% loyal to me. I know that when he hurts me it will not be intentionally. I know that he won't keep important things from me, including his feelings. I know that much will happen to us and around us, but no matter what it is, he and I will be holding hands and hearts throughout it all. To me this is like a miracle and I treasure it. My husband is a gift given to me after a stormy time in my life and I am grateful.

What Does Forgiveness LOOK like?

Today I learned what forgiveness LOOKS like. Today it looked like a small statured woman wearing green approaching me on a windy playground before school. Although I know this fellow "momma lion" I haven't really spoken with her in over a year and a half. The last true encounter I had with her was anything but pleasant. It involved our daughters and took place at the school carnival. While we were both trying to protect our children, this other momma got out of hand and said some extremely hurtful and inappropriate things to both my daughter and myself. It was an altercation that I'd rather forget, and needless to say left me somewhat miffed and shaken. Since then she and I have continued to brush shoulders while we actively participate at our kid's school, without ever speaking a word about the experience to one another. I have subbed in her kid's classes. She has organized school events. We both smile, participate, and of course seek the best for our own kids (and hopefully everyone else's kid too). Until today we hadn't spoken since that ugly encounter ages ago. 

Today "Forgiveness" walked right up to me on the playground while I was on morning yard duty to tell me how much her daughter enjoys having me work as a sub in her class, and really appreciates that I keep the class under control and require that the kids listen and work quietly. Really, this is what she said! I said my 'thank yous' of course, and told her how much I enjoy getting to work with her children. We cordially said goodbye and wished the other a nice day. As I watched her walk away and hug her son, I realized that I had just seen "Forgiveness." This mother has never apologized to me with such words, but today she extended an olive branch of peace to me and I gladly accepted. It was her way of asking for forgiveness. When I "saw" forgiveness today it simply looked like two normal, imperfect moms trying to right a wrong and move forward learning from mistakes. I know that I truly saw this forgiveness today, because when we spoke I only saw the good of that moment. I didn't see the ugliness of our previous experience. That is in the past. We have both grown I am sure, and forgiveness is so much lovelier to look at than a grudge.