Loving Thursdays!

I am really starting to love Thursdays!  I don't know what it is, but it seems to be my "Get up and Go!" day!  :)  I really like that.  I've had another full Thursday, and I've had several random blog thoughts.  So...here they go:

Friends and Babies!

Ruby and I went to visit Jamie and Baby Mark today.  :)  Ruby kept saying "Mah" everytime I said, "Mark."  It was adorable.  He is really one very good looking newborn.  He's so tiny, even though he's big by newborn standards.  He's got a perfectly round head with a dusting of blond hair, a beautiful skin tone, and soft pouty lips.  I could have held him forever and ever, but he was getting hungry.  :)  Jamie is doing well, but she's tired and in some discomfort.  (Who wouldn't be after 30 hours of labor????)  Please send prayers of rest and quick healing her way.  Mark is nursing like a champ, and that is such a blessing.  It was definitely a worry for Jamie, so God has been good to provide in that area.   It was also really good to see Jamie's very, very dear friend, Kim.  Kim Pfeifer is one of the most wonderful women I know.  She seems to naturally be a Proverbs 31 gal.  It was incredibly heartwarming to see the love and friendship between those two women as they shared in the joy of Jamie's new child.

It made me think about all that Sarah has been to me over the past three years.  I know you read this blog.  I love you so much I can't describe it.  Thank you for loving my child so much.  Thank you for loving me so much.  I cannot wait to return the favor.  I cannot wait to celebrate with you when you and Zach bring a new child into your family.  God is so good.  All the time.  Jeremiah 29:11 Don't forget it, okay?

No coincidences!

After visiting with Jamie, Mark, and Kim, Ruby I needed to grab some lunch before grocery shopping.  (I have found that grocery shopping on an empty stomach is one of the absolute worst things I can do for our budget.)  Since I wanted some sweet tea, you all can guess where we stopped for lunch.  :)  I couldn't find anyone to come eat with me, but Ruby and I went ahead into the dining room, anyway.  I *hate* eating lunch out with just Ruby.  I feel so lonely and awkward.  

Anyway, I chose a booth next to another mom and her kids.  She had a little girl around Ruby's age, and I thought they might entertain each other in their high chairs.  Well, I was right...they did.  :)  It just so happened that the mom and I hit it off, as well.  Her daughter has a slight nut allergy, and it was a good conversation starter.  We also talked about wild and crazy hair.  :)  When it was time for her to leave, I asked if she had a church home.  It turns out that they used to go to a church here in town, but it doesn't sound like they're going now.  I mentioned that I really my church, and invited her to come visit sometime.

Her response?  "Oh!  I have a friend who goes there...or at least she used to go there."

Me:  "Really?  Who?"

Her:  "Jessica Milsaps"

Me:  "Oh Jessica and her family definitely still come to EFC.  They're very active and involved.  I love Jessica so much!  The three of us should get together and do a playdate sometime."

Her:  "Definitely!  I think she still has my information."

Me:  "Great!"

I know for a fact that I was supposed to be at that McDonald's.  I really feel like that was a connection that God needed me to make.  Not only that, but I ran into an old friend, and it was good to catch up quickly and speak some life and encouragement to her.

If I had eaten at home or convinced someone to come eat with me, I probably wouldn't have made those contacts at all.  I am so glad that God directed my path for lunch.

Customer Service

How do I know I was supposed to be at that McDonald's? (Other than the contacts...)  Well, their credit card machines were down today.  They couldn't figure out why, and they had been trying to fix them all morning.  When I walked in, I didn't see any signage telling me this, though.  So, I made my order, and pulled out my debit card to pay.  (I never carry cash.)  The cashier was very apologetic and explained that their machines weren't working.  I politely told her that I didn't have any cash and wouldn't be able to eat there for lunch.  I thanked her for her time and asked her to cancel my order.  

Her manager was standing behind her and smiled at me.  She said, "Thank you for being so understanding.  How about if lunch is on us today?"

Really??  Does this kind of thing still happen in the world today?  There is no way that manager was having a good day.  No way.  Their card machines were down.  She was probably irritated beyond all belief and her patience was probably stretched to the max.  Yet she took the time and energy to bless me today.  It would have been frustrating to get Ruby packed back into the car only to have to drive somewhere else for lunch...a waste of time and money.  That manager put aside her own frustrations and really helped me out today.  I can't say enough about what it did for my spirits.  Thank you so much, Day Manager at McDonald's by the mall.  You made my day, and you definitely made me into an even more loyal customer. 

R.I.P. Cute Jelly Sandal

While Ruby and I were grocery shopping, she took off one of her jelly sandals and was playing with it while I shopped.  I was actually thankful for the distraction, since it was getting very near naptime.  By the time we reached the Check Out Lane, however, the Jelly Sandal was no where to be found in our cart.  Hmpf...  At some point, she must have dropped it.  I walked all around the store again looking for that darn shoe, because they are my favorite!  I couldn't find it, though.  I should have known better than to let her play with one of my favorite shoes of hers...

Customer Service #2

One of the Payless employees saw me looking for her shoe.  She asked if she could help me, and I explained that the shoe could be anywhere.  For all I knew, Ruby could have even laid it on a shelf next to the canned peas or thrown it into the produce section on top of the fresh asparagus.  I thanked her for the offer, but asked her not to waste her time.

When I got back to the check out lane, one of the customer service managers met me there and had me fill out a paper with my name, phone #, and description of the shoe.  She said she'd have the employees keep an eye out, and they'd give me a call if another customer turned it in.

Lo and behold, five minutes after we had packed up our groceries and left, I got a call from the manager saying that they had found Ruby's jelly sandal!  She said it would be waiting for me at Customer Service whenever I have a chance to come pick it up!!

Wahoo!!!  Way to go, Mall Area Payless!!!!

Feeling Accomplished

On top of all of these great things today, I got A LOT of groceries, including lots of yogurt, milk, actual Kellogg's Pop Tarts, and meat.  My total bill was $85.  I was so very happy with myself for using my coupons and paying attention to the bargains.  :)  **Patting myself on the back.**

So, friends, this is the end of my post.  :)  I hope I have entertained you for just a small while.  I love you each, and I'll see you soon!!