Thursday, February 26, 2015

Thanksgiving, Even More Late

It seems unbelievable that its been so long since I've posted. And, additionally, this is my 395th post. It hasn't been consistent, but I'm so thankful that I've recorded our life (intermittently) over the past few years! I just spent some time reading over some past entries and I'm so thankful that I took the time to record those memories; to memorialize those moments. Whether its genetic or due to my epilepsy, I have a very hard time remembering things and there are so many precious things to remember as a mother. Here I have a record of some of those priceless comments, the frustrating days, the beautiful pictures and the hilarious antics of my little family.

We recently celebrated Thanksgiving and there were so many things to be Thankful for. The day was peaceful and wonderful. It was just the six of us and Dad and not stressful in the slightest. We prepped food the night before and then Lowell helped me cook the main dishes Thursday. We managed to watch all three football games, played some board games, made lists of the things we are thankful for and had a genuinely good day.

We were also bombarded with household issues recently. We have had on-going issues with our pool pump and the water softener system but then experience the death of one of our toilets, our garbage disposal and our hot water heater. All in a period of about 3 weeks. We're still working on the water softener and the pool pump because they were lowest on the priority list but we've since taken care of the other three - one due to a little help from our church for which I'm incredibly grateful! You never really know how much you appreciate hot water until you live awhile without it.

Personally, I experienced a recent triumph. I passed my LAC test!!! I haven't gotten the official letter in the mail yet, allowing me to change my title to "Rani Trent, LAC" but all the I need to do is done. Now I'm working toward professional, independent licensure that comes after accumulating 1800 client hours. If I had taken the test immediately after graduation like I should've, I would be at around 1600 hours presently. C'est la vie. Live and learn, right? I'm focusing on the positive - and the truth is, its a big accomplishment and I'm proud of myself.

Halloween

I have to say, however, that it wouldn't have been possible without the support of my family. My kiddos put up with me being gone evenings to classes and locking myself in my room or running away to Wifi to work on school work and also ended up coming to every class with me for a semester when we only had one car. The kids have been so helpful with chores and watching Wyatt so I could study.

Go  Minotaurs!
My husband has worked hard to make up for the financial strain and has picked up the slack around the house too.  He's cooked dinners, cleaned floors, done laundry and even wiped a few noses and at least one dirty bottom to allow me to go to school, study for my test, and now work at a job a love which keeps me away evenings. I don't know what I would do without him but I know I wouldn't be the woman I am today without the blessing of him in my life.
Rani Trent, LAC

With my license, I'm able to continue in my current position helping victims of crime, focusing mainly on those who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault or child sex abuse. Both my education and my life experiences have combined to put me in this place where I am equipped to reach out and empathize with people who are hurting. There are days I question God about why He placed me in this field, working with these people, in a job that can be so heart-wrenching. And then there are days when I get to see healing, where I am present for the moments where people are finally freed from years of guilt and shame. I honestly believe I have been created for this job, for this calling, and that all that I have experienced has been for the purpose of helping others. I'm so blessed to have a family that supports me and allows me to do this.





Christmas, a Little Late


Today is December 8th. I'm a stay at home mom on Mondays. I've been doing the things that moms do – wiping noses, picking up toys, making lunches, giving snugs, rubbing feeties, laughing at silly boys, enduring endless cartoons and being unbelievably blessed… And then those things that are specific to the holidays – decorating the house, hanging ornaments on garland, finding ways to add more festivity and twinkle lights to the house, thinking about the upcoming party, listening to Christmas music and trying to keep a myriad of secrets and contain my excitement.

Christmas in Phoenix is much different from my holiday experiences as a child. This first week of December is mild, about 10 degrees warmer than normal for the area, and I am walking around in my signature tiara-Santa hat combo, a tank top and yoga pants with both the front and back doors open enjoying the breeze.

Sitting on the couch, I can revel in the lights on the tree, the wreath on the door, the garland and ornaments hanging on the hutch…. I can see the snowflakes hanging from the ceiling and remember my kids working with my dad to hang them. I see the stars, the little dolls, the statues… And the stories behind each of them. There are new decorations from the dollar store, for endless Goodwill trips, the decorated pictures Chloe and I worked on together, the wreaths we re-made from their thrift store glory…

The items themselves are not precious. Most are worth only pennies but they evoke such feelings of family, of togetherness and memories. These are the things I love about this time of year, whether it be a white Christmas or flip-flop worthy. I love celebrating the birth of our Savior and am excited to teach the kiddos that the spirit of Christmas exists in the hearts of those who love Him, not in the endless to-do lists or presents or twinkle lights. Christ came as a gift. My family is a gift. For both, I am thankful.