After The Storm

"Night has always pushed up day.
You must know life to see decay,
But I won't rot. I won't rot. 
Not this mind and not this heart...

There will come a time,

You'll see, with no more tears

And love will not break your heart

But dismiss your fears

Get over your hill and see

What you find there

With grace in your heart

And flowers in your hair."

~Mumford and Sons, After the Storm

Those lyrics are a great reminder for me of our hope in the coming Kingdom of Christ!  Light follows darkness.  Our bodies will grow old and decay, but our minds and hearts will be renewed, and God will give us new bodies in heaven.  Someday, there will be no more tears and heartbreak, but a depth of love surrounding us that makes us feel continually safe and seen and treasured. And the flowers in your hair line just makes me think of the beauty and grace that will cover everything there. ❤

And now, a daily life and photo update...

We made a lot of progress in packing last weekend, but we'll be back for at least part of this weekend to keep that going.  This Sunday is Mother's Day, then next Sunday will be my official moving day - (as in moving my stuff from my first home to a storage unit).  Packing my Christmas stuff was a glitter-fest, as you might imagine. lol  We poured all these ornaments out very carefully into a trash bag, then wrapped all the glass jars and packed them (again, very carefully).  Every year, Mom wants to wash the glass containers and I talk her out of it.  So this year, we'll finally get to do that. #happymothersday ;-)

Our daily walk and talk time continues and always makes me happy!  The Jaceman is sick with a fever and flu-like symptoms, and I'm sick with an obnoxious sinus infection... so prayers appreciated for us to get well soon and that no one else gets sick!!

Today is a rainy day, and it's been a stormy week in general... this = Rach showing J&K some footage of the May 3rd, 1999 tornado whilst we watched the weather for possible tornadoes and talked about lots of past storm memories on Monday night.

T-man suggested that we get a selfie, and I'm always up for that!!  I'm excited to go see the new Dr. Strange (Marvel) movie with him tomorrow night! ❤

After the storm, Triston texted me to go look at the sky.  Mom and Dad joined me, and we all thought the bubbling clouds and the whole color outside was cool!

I got to cover an adoption docket last week... it was exciting and emotional to watch several adoptions being finalized and see the happy families clapping and taking pictures with Judge Stanley, and I found myself wondering if I'll be on the other side of the bench in that same courtroom for a final adoption hearing someday!

I also took my first Prelim record this week (the main type of case I will be in court on here).  It was fun, and I think that'll be an interesting docket most of the time!  I think part of me will always want more sass and drama from the attorneys and witnesses, and I blame Aaron Sorkin for that. lol

And here's two "Way-Back Wednesday" pics from Easter of 2011... I remember that day with cute little 3 and 4 year old Triston and Carter!  Time moves fast and life changes in unpredictable ways, so here's a friendly reminder to be present and make the most of the little moments! =)

There are six other court reporters in this building - all have been really nice when I've met them.  But one of them named Melissa has really gone above and beyond, stopping by to check in a few times, taking me around the building and introducing me to everyone, showing me where the Clerk's Office and the CR supplies are located, teaching me to work the recording system, telling me about some interesting trials, and answering all my random questions!  It's made a huge difference for me, and I'm verrry grateful for her thoughtfulness there!  We had two new reporters come to work in Creek County over the past year, and I was kind and friendly when I met them, but it honestly never occurred to me to go beyond that.  IT WILL NOW.  Change can feel overwhelming, and it's never easy being the new person in a place where everyone is already settled into a specific routine and no one sees it as their job to train or help you, but a little kindness goes a long way in seasons of transition.  So I want to remember this experience and be more quick to notice and go out of my way to check in and help others when they're the new person in the future! ❤

Here's a quote I shared on Facebook recently.  I know this to be true from life experience on both sides of it, and it's just a good reminder to pay attention and choose empathy and be kind!

That's all I've got for today.  Hope you're all having a lovely week, friends and fam!