Lumpy bumpy Christmas!

So, Spanx...well, let me start out with this...like my dad, I have terrible claustrophobia! Oh, and let me add a quick: sorry guys, but the struggle is real!

I was shopping for a Christmas party dress, and had a specific dress in mind. However, they only had one 👗 left and it was a size smaller than I typically wear. It fit, but it could fit better...

Enter spandex torture chamber.

Now this thing resembles a wrestling singlet only cut lower so you can wear your own bra. "Oooookay," I say eying it warily as Beaver stood there grinning, "I'll try it, but I hate this kinda stuff!"

Do I step in or pull over??

Quickly, I discover the "pull over" method was too constricting and invoked a panicky feeling while bent at waist with arms above my head trying to pull the stretchy tube of material, which is now compressing my face, down over my body....nope...ripped it off! Deep breath!

"Step In" it is!! Got it on, phew, that was way easier!! Trying to dismiss the fact that I resemble something that comes in a casing, I tried keeping an open mind; hey, I can breath and move, it's all good!

It was the taking off part where things got interesting! Trying to reverse the way I put it on was not working!!  No matter how I contorted my arms and pulled on the tiny spaghetti straps, I could not get my arms out...stuck.... so far the panic is at bay and I'm thinking fairly rationally.

"I should just call Beaver...no...he'll never let me live it down."

Hhhmmmm, maybe you step in it but pull it off over your head?!!!

BAD IDEA!!

Still stuck and now the unreasonable, but real, panic feeling sets in and this thing is done for...pulling, clawing, yanking, and dancing around ensue....

When I finally wrenched free from that stomach sucker it flew through the air like a rubber band...my heart was pounding out of my chest!

"How are you doing, Hannah?" says the clerk. "Just fine, thank you!" I reply while catching my breath and pondering, 'Who comes up with these death traps?'

#VanityVanityAllIsVanity

Ocean

https://youtu.be/FBJJJkiRukY

Exactly one week ago Austin and my friends 8 year old daughter were swept out to sea. We tried reaching them and the water was so rough, we were calm, but scared to death. 

They were together, they had life jackets on and they were clinging to a boogie board. 

They worst was watching the lifeguard who go to them first struggling and my panic rose. Not used to not being in control I set out again only to be firmly reminded by a friend to stay put, believe me, he wanted to be out there too. It was frightening. 

"Are they sending more help?" I hollered?

I was so set in keeping them in view and watching them to ensure they were keeping their heads above water, I didn't see the cavalry! And there they were, one lifeguard after another, saving our children!

Austin said later, "She asked if we could go back and I said sure, then I put my feet down and there was no ground under me. I wanted to panic, but I knew then she would panic, so I stayed calm. I kept talking to her and saying, 'Are you okay?' 'Yes, yes!' She would say, and I thought oh I hope she's not traumatized by this. I don't want her to experience Early Childhood Trauma!" 

I'm so thankful for the training and resources of the New Smyrna Beach Lifeguards. I'm so thankful our kids stayed calm, stayed together, and had in their life jackets (which aren't always "cool" to wear)! I'm so thankful that the One who Created the ocean never left their sides. 

Today in church we sang this song and Austin turned to me and said, "That was about me! Thank you God for saving me!"

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep

My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand

Will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me

You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

[6x]

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

Oh, Jesus, you're my God!

I will call upon Your name

Keep my eyes above the waves

My soul will rest in Your embrace

I am Yours and You are mine