Single Parenting

I am always aware of how much Ryan helps me with daily tasks and am very thankful for him. However, when he goes out of town, I am amazed to realize how much more he does to keep things running smoothly in our home. I realize things that I never noticed until he wasn't here doing them. I list just a few of the reasons I needed him here in the past 24 hours:

• I needed to plug in the microphone to talk skype yesterday. It took 30 minutes of trying to figure out how to make it work then a 10 second phone call to Ryan to get the mic working.
• The skype phone is not working and, again, Ryan had then answer immediately.
  
• The stray cat that likes to sleep in our building pooped on our doorstep AGAIN, but the doorman didn't notice til 9 PM tonight when he came to get the trash. Ryan gets that taken care of as soon as he sees it.
  
• I needed gas on the way to church today but didn't know which of the 6 options I am supposed to request to be put in the tank.
  
• I had a tough time carrying everything for church (food, diaper bag, toys, pack'n'play, birthday present) plus Selah to the car. Thankfully I have a car b/c I probably would have stayed home if a bus was my only option.
  
• Last night as I tried to fall asleep, I heard a loud noise in our apartment and got pretty scared. My hubby wasn't there to be my lookout. Everything was fine, but I definitely wished he was here.

I have always had a solemn respect for single parents because I can't imagine how difficult it is. I am certainly not equipped to be a single parent even for a week! My husband knows how to get things done. I am so thankful because I tend to fall on the other side of the spectrum. I over commit myself and often wish I hadn't committed to do anything. I want to do a lot of things, but I don't do such a good job of getting them done.
I started to think about how much I take for granted--especially from the Lord. What if He "packed his bags" and left for a week. What would my life be like? I can't even imagine. I don't even begin to understand all that He is doing for me and my family. How much more desperate would I be without a relationship with the living God and hope through Jesus? Are the angels fighting spiritual battles around me right now? As me and my national friend like to say, "Life is hard, but God is good." He's really good....so good I can't even begin to wrap my brain around His goodness alone-and there is so much more to Him than that.

I'm including a video of Selah from 1 week ago. She is talking more and more everyday. She has a sound for raisins, bubbles, beans, cheese, shoes and some others. Honestly, I don't think I talk on the phone THAT much, but Selah loves to talk on the phone and try to rest the phone on her shoulder while she talks. Enjoy the footage.