My, has Nana been a handful these past few months! But, oh, the memories I feel we shall all have (that we otherwise wouldn't) now that she's been here! I really think that this is going to continue to teach us so much... reality really seemed to butt into her this last week, and it's affected not only her own demeanor but that of the entire house. Through it all, the Lord has been reminding me that, no - Anna, no, you don't always know how to simply love. My life should be different from others because of the love in my heart, and my life has definitely needed more of it... as God is showing me! Showing me how to love Nana, and how to keep a heart of compassion, and the heart of gladness and servitude towards her and her needs. How to love Mama, as she struggles with not only the everyday needs of her household and homeschooling her handful of children, but her own mother's health issues - of all times, cancer! - and the strain on her and Nana's relationship because of the past. Showing me how to love the kids, when they feel hurt or angry towards Nana. Showing me how to love Himself, honoring Him in the little things and the relationships here in our home. So, yes. He's teaching me. And gently doing so as He always does! I'm so thankful for His tender reminders of where I fall short, and the places in my heart I can surrender to Him for Him to mold and conform more into His image.

Nana's not been able to get in to the Salon for three weeks now, and her hair was in desperate need of a wash - I tried my hand at styling it, and you know what? It actually didn't turn out too bad =P It's these small memories I don't want to forget though - that hour in the bathroom, washing her hair with Mama and Em, getting all the matted hairspray chunks out with baking soda, and in the kitchen running our hands through her hair as we dryed, teased, curled, and finished up her typical style. Sounds weird, but - I loved it. Somehow, just spending time with her fixing her hair was a special, "just us and grandma" time right from the heart of God. And you know what else? I found out where some of us kids got our natural curls ;-)