The Day That Tested Me (And an Elephant That Saved It)
Yesterday was one of those “terrible, no good, very bad day” kind of days, you know, like the Alexander book, minus the gum in the hair (thankfully). It really has felt like one thing after another lately, so I thought I’d catch you all up on life instead of pretending everything’s been smooth and Pinterest-perfect over here.
The Hail Damage Saga
If you live in Texas, you already know where this is going. We had a hailstorm (well, several) roll through a while back, and I figured my car had a few dings- no big deal. Turns out it’s worse than I thought, so now I get to spend my week dealing with insurance calls and repair estimates. Just part of the deal when you live here, I guess. Add it to the list of things that make Texas, Texas: the heat, the hail, and somehow still no state income tax to show for it.
Emme’s Dental Surgery
On top of that, my sweet girl Emme had to have dental surgery this week and lost several teeth in the process. I was not expecting that expense to pop up, but when the vet says it needs to happen, it needs to happen. She is just not herself right now — groggy, a little sad, not eating like usual — and it is hard to watch, even knowing it’s temporary. Those quirky ears of hers have looked extra droopy, and her cheeks are a little swollen today; she looks like she ate a bee! I keep reminding myself she’ll be feeling so much better in a few days, chewing away like nothing ever happened. Until then, lots of soft food and extra snuggles.
Emme, at home after the surgery, looking a little sleepy.
And just to keep things interesting, after I dropped Emme off at the vet that same morning, I discovered a screw in my tire. Of course. That’s just one of the hazards of living in a fast-growing area these days; more people, more construction, more stuff on the road to find its way into your tire. Praise the Lord, it was covered under road hazard, so I didn’t have to spend another dime on it. I’ll take that small win.
Blossom the Elephant Update
Now for some good news, because this week needed some. Blossom the Elephant, by the amazing Marly Bird, is coming along beautifully, and I am having so much fun with this project. There is something so satisfying about watching a pile of stitches slowly turn into an actual little elephant; the shaping especially has been such an enjoyable part of the process. She is going to be so adorable once she’s finished, and I genuinely can’t wait to see her all stuffed and complete, ready for the classroom.
Blossom’s body, just need to attach the head next.
It’s funny how a hard week and a happy project can exist at the same time. The car will get fixed, Emme will heal, and Blossom will get her ears and her trunk before I know it. Some days just ask you to hold the hard and the good together, and I’m learning to let both be true at once.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
— 1 Peter 5:7
Thankful for a God who cares about even the small, aggravating stuff; hail dents and vet bills included. Onward we go.
Ariana 🧶
