If you read my rant last night about our termites, you may be wondering if my house is still standing this morning. Praise God, it is. No sudden implosions just yet. I did lay awake for a really long time last night, thinking about all the wood in this house and trying not to worry. I had to refrain myself from getting up and going room to room poking baseboards or from creeping into Rene's room to dig out my Orkin contract and read it thoroughly...

This was one of those times where the reality of ownership was actually quite helpful. Truth is, I own nothing. All belongs to God. Including this house, our finances, my kids... As a believer, I realize that I am nothing more than a steward of the gifts God blesses us with. And part of stewardship is being responsible and paying for things like termite policies, pest policies, homeowners insurance, etc.

After a restless night, I was awakened at 8am by my phone ringing. Through the haze of sleep, it registered that this could be the Orkin guy calling me b/c just about everyone else knows we're all still sleeping at 8, so I actually answered it. It was and he was on his way. I left the kids asleep in bed and ran downstairs to greet him. He confirmed my suspicion - termite damage. He didn't see any live termites, either. He also confirmed that our contract covered retreatment and repair. Another huge praise!

I should have his manager out here Monday morning to begin figuring out what is involved in fixing and repairs.

But get this. While the guy was checking out my attic to make sure there was nothing suspect up there, he found...either a huge mouse or a little rat. It was in the process of making a nest between an outdoor vent/screen area. I thought I was going to throw up right on his shoes. Needless to say, I was on the phone with Terminix before I left the attic area. When it rains, it pours, folks.

Sigh. This is probably one of those times when I should be laughing and I probably will. Later. Meanwhile, it will be MONDAY before this critter is dealt with and Brooklyn is praying the mouse/rat will die young. Looks like Monday will be a big day around here! More on the joys of home ownership later...right now, I have floors to mop!