Ok, so there are two new things that are going on with me at the current time: (1) I have gone natural and (2) I have finally decided how I will spend the holidays.

(1) I am new to the natural journey (for all, who are unfamiliar with what I mean by going natural, check out this link[ http://www.curlynikki.com/2008/10/my-hair-story-pt1.html ]). My journey began approximately 3 months ago...at least I believe that was the last perm I had---OK, so I don't remember the actual day/month...been busy with marriage, so what'dya expect? Anyways, I transitioned/am transitioning from relaxed hair not by choice but more so by financial necessity...things got tough for a while there, and I was trying to save where ever I could. But, I'm glad that I was inadvertently pointed in that direction...I am tired of fighting with my hair. Why can't I enjoy what God gave me from birth? I say that it's at least worth the effort...can't be anymore frustrating than trying to maintain relaxed hair...so, here goes!

(2) I finally decided how I will spend the holidays...more specifically, I decided with which parent to spend my Thanksgiving (& Christmas, since I am now married). On a side note, parents, please do not place undue stress on your children to pick between you on holidays, if you one day separate.  And future parents, please be careful in picking your potential parenting mate, so as to decrease the chance of the previously-mentioned stress. Now, in my case, my parents are both great parents and they get along...they have never consciously or purposely (or allow me to feel such way, if they knew that I was experiencing stress over this) placed me in such an uncomfortable position.I have pretty much always spent the holidays with my mom, which has caused my family on my dad side to feel slighted. The last couple of years have taught me a lot, with the loss of two maternal aunts, a paternal uncle, and one of those aunts' daughters (just a few weeks ago). Since I am now married and live long distance, I can't just spend time with my original family, whenever I want...I now have my new family to consider (in-laws, step kids, etc.)...naturally, I have anxiety about the possibility of a last opportunity with my parents (having clients with this issue has not helped). Well, I decided to leave early Thanksgiving morning to spend some time (probably most of the day) with my dad's side, since it's on the way to my mom's. Then, we'll (my husband and stepdaughter) will travel further south to mom's & spend the night before returning...so, that's that...I suppose. I pray all goes well and that my husband and stepdaughter aren't too bored...no matter what, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to see and spend time with my family   once more!

Got To "Hand" It To MY God!

Good news! My stepson went for his 1st follow-up appointment for his fingers Thursday. Doctor says they seem to be doing well (they have pink color in them--indicating good blood flow), except one's growing crooked...so he had surgery Friday morning to straighten it! To MY God be the glory! Here we were, just a little over a week ago, helping this 7 year-old cope with losing one finger, while being told by 3 doctors that they needed to amputate two others. But, we immediately began consulting OUR doctor--Doctor Jesus--and were given an immediate reward for our faith, which involved the hand surgeon rethinking his decision by giving the other two fingers a chance (I don't believe in luck/chance, but these are the world's words)...he said that he would sew the other two fingers up and observe over the next couple of weeks to see if the fingers took or turned black (indicating they weren't getting blood circulation and would be dead and need amputation). But, hallelujah!...God heard our prayers and granted that little boy (whose faith and understanding of God is growing more everyday) the ability to keep his other two fingers...it seems God agreed with us that that little boy had undergone enough trauma already! Thank you, God!!!!!! I am in love with MY God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Owweee!

My stepson lost one of his fingers Sunday, when the cover to a sewage hole fell on his hand. Initially, his doctor said he'd have to loose two other fingers that had also been damaged, but after our prayers & after his doctor consulting with the head doctor, he agreed to try to save the others. He (my stepson) had surgery late Sunday night thru early Monday morning. So far, his fingers are showing good improvement. Now, we are trusting in The Lord, but I am requesting prayers in agreement, as we wait over the next couple of weeks to see if his fingers will make it. Because he's already endured enough trauma for one person...let alone a 7 year-old little boy. Yet, he was impressed me & I was so VERY proud of him b/c he remained brave throughout the whole process. I couldn't imagine losing a finger as an adult, nonetheless, as a child....The poor little guy!