Chipmumks & Mumps

Alright friends, as some of you may know, I have had this protrusion on the side of my face for several days that has gotten progressively bigger since Friday. I went to the doctor yesterday becasue it has been EXTREMEMLY painful because of the swelling and they decided to run some tests. The results are not back yet, but the test they chose to run was for MUMPS!! I couldn't believe it!! I've been vacccinated but aparently it is still possible to get them. In fact, many doctors believe that approximately one out of every 3 adults have mumps but they are just living doormant in the body. Freaky thought.

Well, I woke up this morning with a new development in the swelling. Instead of this sort of isolated protrusion around my jawline and ear, my whole cheek has swelled up. As a result, I look like a chipmunk. So, I had Greg take this picture for me...and please....don't hate me becasue I look soooo beautiful!!! JK. I can't believe I'm actually posting this on here, but it is too funny not to share. So cast your vote!! Which Chipette do I resemble the most:

Brittany

Eleanor

Jeanette

If memory serves me correctly, Brittany is in the foreground, Eleanor is in the middle, and Jeanette is in the back. Oh...and that's me in the bottom picture, in case you can't tell. So go on and CAST YOUR VOTE!!

Every Season

Nichole Nordeman

Every evening sky
An invitation
And early in July,
A Celebration
And I notice You
In children's games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter

And everything that's new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season's change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring