Yup, so here we are at the close of one year and the beginning of a new one.
Again. For the 46th time for me.
I am finding I write blog post in my head but they never make it on here. I wish they would. They help me process and think through things.
My father in law passed away a few days before Christmas. What a hard day, week and I am quite certain months ahead that was/will be.
My mother in law, she is still with us but really? half of her is gone and she is feeling it in every way possible. When scripture tells us to leave and cleave and become one with our spouse it is for real. Losing someone after 55 years of marraige? I can hardly imagine but I find I do imagine, over and over again and thinking has not been a bad thing this time.
We all only get so much time ya know? I find myself trying ever so hard to be more patient with my kiddos. Love my husband a bit better. Enjoy every moment. It is work. It is hard. But it is not without reward.
Life is all about relationships. I tend to complicate that a lot. I love relationships and have many of them. (Yeah, I am THAT person). I want to be good at those relationships. I really do. But sometimes they get ignored, pushed aside or taken advantage of because? I am human. I want to pay attention and be better at this relationship thing this year.
Oh dear, speaking of this my family seems to need me, I hope to be back on sooner then later.
Happy and Blessed New Year Everyone, Live each moment thoughtfully and fully.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
God Gives Perspective
It is so very easy to get lost in your own stuff. I had been doing that of late.
Two Grown children with major life issues confronting them. Teenage children each with their seperate issues.Two little children, again, with their issues. Not one, but two sets of aging parents and yup, their issues! Extended family with issues, does the list never end?
Well, no it does not and neither do the issues end. They just become a part of who we are and how we get through each day.
I have been watching and praying for a young family who has more then their share of issues. What a testiment to their God and their Faith they have been. The transparency and grace with which they move from issue to issue has been such an encouragment to me. And can I just say? My issues? Can't touch the things life is throwing at them right now.
Makes me wonder how I would respond? Would I be able to let go and let God have His way? Would I be able to say all of Him and None of me. Would my God recieve Glory in my responses to life's issues? I only pray He would. He is so deserving of all I have.
Just pondering and praying and trying to please my God. Lord, help me.
Two Grown children with major life issues confronting them. Teenage children each with their seperate issues.Two little children, again, with their issues. Not one, but two sets of aging parents and yup, their issues! Extended family with issues, does the list never end?
Well, no it does not and neither do the issues end. They just become a part of who we are and how we get through each day.
I have been watching and praying for a young family who has more then their share of issues. What a testiment to their God and their Faith they have been. The transparency and grace with which they move from issue to issue has been such an encouragment to me. And can I just say? My issues? Can't touch the things life is throwing at them right now.
Makes me wonder how I would respond? Would I be able to let go and let God have His way? Would I be able to say all of Him and None of me. Would my God recieve Glory in my responses to life's issues? I only pray He would. He is so deserving of all I have.
Just pondering and praying and trying to please my God. Lord, help me.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Giving up again!
Updating a blog on a regular basis is obviously NOT one of my skills sooooo perhaps I will get back to it but for now? Not so much.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
The Cruise, The Job, That is the Question.
Seriously, does it just always pour when it rains or what?
For 25 years our lives moved along fairly smoothly with few bumps in the road (just normal happy bumps, at least 6 of them! Okay that last little one took her good ol' time getting settled in here in the real world.) and a few not so happy bumps, but others have tread these waters, we can too. Money troubles pass, sickness gives way to health or renewed energy to deal with continued poor health, one house with 3 tiny bedrooms gives way to the "dream house, 4 bedroom colonial with an inground pool on a cul de sac (okay dead end but we loved it) and then came 10 years of fixer upper and that house was gorgeous so what to do? Put it on the market and move to the country (ha!) make that the McMansion in the suburbs. We really do not care who doesn't get it or thinks it's ridiculously large (let them try to live with 4 and 5 kids in a house!) or whatever they think when they visit the first time and within minutes say (so. . .what did you say Mark's does for a living?) Folks, that just isn't being suttle (how DO you spell that word???) anywho, life is good. And? We love our home. And I think I've already mentioned my man's excellent employment history and advancement through the ranks. Yes, indeed life is fine. Even church issues have calmed down. THAT was a super tough road to walk but knowing God was in it all? My HOPE was truly never shaken, my walk? Maybe, my Hope? never. God is good all the time.
What in the world did That diatribe have to do with a job and a cruise? HA!
Life was about to get unpredictable for sure. As the calendar ticked down to the take it or cancel it date for this wonderful vacation (as in, no tickie, no ride on the fancy boat, tickie now? no refund later kinda thing) the job was still being tossed around ever so slowly. Would Mark stay at the bank with buku vacation days and flexible time off making the cruise easy enough to take or would the new job come through before/during/after the cruise and how would that play out?
And the economy got worse. I probably should have been inserting that phrase into the whole storyline every 2 sentences or so. But then I would have had to mention aging parents health concerns, swine flu on a cruise to Mexico, and impossible odds of getting any information ahead of time from the job front.
I believe at one point Marks's words to me where something along the lines of "There is a hurricane coming and you are planning a picnic" Not the kindest words but he got his point across and his frustration level with where our lives currently were. I had my cry and prepared to give up my "dream vacation" I had been actively planning for close to 6 months. I knew peoples names we would cruise with. I was in charge of things. We had signed up for Fish Extender Gift Exchange. . .I had purchased foraml wear for kids. HUGE SIGH There would be vacations again. We could always visit uumm, I don't know, isn't this where we started? I Guess we will just stay home. thud. slam. ouch. ok.
It was not until I had nearly given up, the week we had to make a payment beyond deposits and not turn back that Mark began to ask questions and realize this was not going to happen for this price ever again. And that the pediatrician really did think it was okay to take Jillie on this cruise and she would not die of swine flu And that our parents would probably live out the week we happened to be in the middle of the Carribbean. And. . .
The job came through BUT no idea when we will get a start date. Are you kidding me? A call to the contact person who dealt with vacation time revealed he could actually request off before he even had a start date!
No way it would be the exact week they wanted him to start right?
We took the plunge and paid our bill. WE ARE GOING TO CRUISE (picnic remember?)
The economy (hurricaine remember?) actually looks a bit more promising (at least in our house, WE ARE LEAVING BANKING)
And I just have to say here. I never prayed and stayed quiet so long over almost any other decision we had to make that involved that level of money, time, etc. Okay, there was the weeks without a car for the last 2 months of pregnancy but that was years ago. HA!
Sometimes, I guess guys just need to think about stuff instead of hear us talk about it ya know? Okay at least my guy does.
So I will go ahead and type it.
The old job ended and the new job started and we had one fabulous vacation in the exact middle of the two! Isn't God awesome to make it all work out that way? Yes, it was crazy hectic, yes it was insane scheduling, yes, I thought it was lousy timing in a lot of ways and yes, it still all worked out.
More later! My insomnia is receeding and maybe I can sleep now!
For 25 years our lives moved along fairly smoothly with few bumps in the road (just normal happy bumps, at least 6 of them! Okay that last little one took her good ol' time getting settled in here in the real world.) and a few not so happy bumps, but others have tread these waters, we can too. Money troubles pass, sickness gives way to health or renewed energy to deal with continued poor health, one house with 3 tiny bedrooms gives way to the "dream house, 4 bedroom colonial with an inground pool on a cul de sac (okay dead end but we loved it) and then came 10 years of fixer upper and that house was gorgeous so what to do? Put it on the market and move to the country (ha!) make that the McMansion in the suburbs. We really do not care who doesn't get it or thinks it's ridiculously large (let them try to live with 4 and 5 kids in a house!) or whatever they think when they visit the first time and within minutes say (so. . .what did you say Mark's does for a living?) Folks, that just isn't being suttle (how DO you spell that word???) anywho, life is good. And? We love our home. And I think I've already mentioned my man's excellent employment history and advancement through the ranks. Yes, indeed life is fine. Even church issues have calmed down. THAT was a super tough road to walk but knowing God was in it all? My HOPE was truly never shaken, my walk? Maybe, my Hope? never. God is good all the time.
What in the world did That diatribe have to do with a job and a cruise? HA!
Life was about to get unpredictable for sure. As the calendar ticked down to the take it or cancel it date for this wonderful vacation (as in, no tickie, no ride on the fancy boat, tickie now? no refund later kinda thing) the job was still being tossed around ever so slowly. Would Mark stay at the bank with buku vacation days and flexible time off making the cruise easy enough to take or would the new job come through before/during/after the cruise and how would that play out?
And the economy got worse. I probably should have been inserting that phrase into the whole storyline every 2 sentences or so. But then I would have had to mention aging parents health concerns, swine flu on a cruise to Mexico, and impossible odds of getting any information ahead of time from the job front.
I believe at one point Marks's words to me where something along the lines of "There is a hurricane coming and you are planning a picnic" Not the kindest words but he got his point across and his frustration level with where our lives currently were. I had my cry and prepared to give up my "dream vacation" I had been actively planning for close to 6 months. I knew peoples names we would cruise with. I was in charge of things. We had signed up for Fish Extender Gift Exchange. . .I had purchased foraml wear for kids. HUGE SIGH There would be vacations again. We could always visit uumm, I don't know, isn't this where we started? I Guess we will just stay home. thud. slam. ouch. ok.
It was not until I had nearly given up, the week we had to make a payment beyond deposits and not turn back that Mark began to ask questions and realize this was not going to happen for this price ever again. And that the pediatrician really did think it was okay to take Jillie on this cruise and she would not die of swine flu And that our parents would probably live out the week we happened to be in the middle of the Carribbean. And. . .
The job came through BUT no idea when we will get a start date. Are you kidding me? A call to the contact person who dealt with vacation time revealed he could actually request off before he even had a start date!
No way it would be the exact week they wanted him to start right?
We took the plunge and paid our bill. WE ARE GOING TO CRUISE (picnic remember?)
The economy (hurricaine remember?) actually looks a bit more promising (at least in our house, WE ARE LEAVING BANKING)
And I just have to say here. I never prayed and stayed quiet so long over almost any other decision we had to make that involved that level of money, time, etc. Okay, there was the weeks without a car for the last 2 months of pregnancy but that was years ago. HA!
Sometimes, I guess guys just need to think about stuff instead of hear us talk about it ya know? Okay at least my guy does.
So I will go ahead and type it.
The old job ended and the new job started and we had one fabulous vacation in the exact middle of the two! Isn't God awesome to make it all work out that way? Yes, it was crazy hectic, yes it was insane scheduling, yes, I thought it was lousy timing in a lot of ways and yes, it still all worked out.
More later! My insomnia is receeding and maybe I can sleep now!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Vacation? We are pros!
It all started back in January over our dinner table. We always try to ask the kids where they would like to go on vacation that year. We are indeed a blessed family as we usually get to travel and be away more then once a year but that's getting off topic!
We have taken vacations to the Southeast so many times (hey, it's cheaper then most places to go and near home and there is plenty to see and do) So we had that coverd. Literally MD to FL. check, been there done that.
North East? Pricier but we had fit in a few trips up that way too. PA to Bar Harbor, MN check.
We have vacationed in the midwest. totally awesome 2 week road trip. I think we can still hear "On the Raod again" in our brains as we moved from hotel to hotel for 14 nights. Big shiney arches? check. Those big guys carved in the rocks? check. Mountain goats? check Painted rocks and Red Rocks, and things that looked like rocks? check.. Mountains that define splendor? check. Miles and miles of nothingness to get from place to place? check. The biggest Visa bill we had ever seen? check! The memories? check check and double check.
How about TX and the deep south and TN mountains? check check check.
We finally realized there are just a few areas we had missed. New Mexico/Arizona, the whole of California (well, Mark and I spent a week in CA sans kids and had a blast flying in and out of Las Vegas and driving across that part of the dessert) OR Washington State and parts of the North West ? All very interseting options!
So I set off to research such a trip for our family of 6. I quickly realized it would be a duanting task. For one, transporting a family of 6 all the way across our lovely continental US of A is both , very time consuming and very expensive. Not much of either left once you arrive! huh.
We could fly, we could drive, we could cut some stops out, we could pair down our goals, we could go to just one place. . . seriously it was such a discouraging prospect. And the numbers where down right scary, like 5 digit scary or very near to it!! UGH!
We actually have a go-to plan when we want to make everyone happy, stay a little closer to home, and be fairly budget minded. No one believes us but Walt Disney World is one of the cheapest vacations we can find! We have been to WDW close to 20x in the past 25 years. However, my current two teenagers? Actually asked for something different this year. Did I really burn them out? Oh heaven help me if I did, Disney is my happy place. Maybe 3x in one year was a bit much. . . not for my youngest two, they would go back at the drop of a hat! They love it. HA!
BUT Disney was out for this year. The other part of that dinner conversation we had? Someone (not mentioning any names here) mentioned cruising. Mark and I have long wanted to try that out. The teens agreed it might be fun and different. Maybe I could look into that.
After I became discouraged with my land based vacation, I turned to researching cruising. Can I just stop for a minute and say? I love the Internet? And search engines and forum boards and and and all the readily available information at your finger tips? I dream of being a travel agent or a real estate agent or okay, well, I like pretty fun things!
So. yes, moving on! So many lines to choose from, so many prices, so many places to go. So many decisions. We settled on a Western Carribbean Itinerary as Mark has had opportunity to visit Grand Cayman for work (yeah, I know, poor banker just doin' his job) but I was not able to go along and was bummed about it! He was excited to show us what he had loved so much!
Lots of WCarrb. Itin's also include Mexico. How fun! We have never been out of the country except Canada when they almost didn't let Kiley come home with us . . .oh , sorry 'nother story!
so okay then! I was finding repeatedly which cruise lines were kid friendly and which ones where not so much. Can you guess? Do I even have to say? Disney is cruising the Western Carribbean this year! Let me request a quote for this cruise right away! The best of both worlds. The big kids get a cruise. The littles get a touch of Disney and the Mouse! I waited patiently for my quote to come back. Then not so patiently. Finally, I get the email! I open it up and what do I see? $10,878.40. What? That price does not get us to the Port in FL, it does not include any of the tips and extras you have to pay. . . I was heartbroken. No way we can come close to affording that. I left it alone for a few days, then I thought, I am a great bargain hunter, I can do this. I just need more facts. The next time I requested a quote? I had more information, best times to sail, which cabin to select, etc. This time my number came back at $7,432.40 . UGH! We obviously just can't afford this. Or maybe I just needed more information. Enough already, I will just say this: $5,266.40 (what's with the 40 cents anyway??) $4.211.40, and it just kept coming down! It was the end of season blowout spectacular! Who cares if we have to cruise during hurricane season? Who cares if we need to drive to FL and not fly? Who cares if we can't have a window in our cabin?
WE ARE GOING ON A DISNEY CRUISE FOR A WHOLE WEEK!
No 2 or 3 or 4 day weekend cruises for us. No party cruise lines for us. No gambling and unacceptable stage shows, no sirree! We are going on the top rated cruise line sailing for families and even couples without children prefer it over most other lines!
I am estatic and dig in to real planning and learning the ins and outs of booking, paying, lingo, oh it just goes on and on forever and what an education I am getting.
Opps, forgot one thing. Need to have a discussion with the hubs. Might want to let him know what I've found. And ummm, yeah, maybe what I have booked. . .
Valentines Night seems like a good time don't you think? yes, well true love wins out over his shock that I had actually booked this and as he hears all about it, he is thinking it sounds good too. I still can not believe he is "onboard" with my plan! So we discuss what about if this job comes through? Well, we have time to worry about that before the cancel without penalty date.
Woo-Hoo! Up next? The plans take shape! And so does the new job!
We have taken vacations to the Southeast so many times (hey, it's cheaper then most places to go and near home and there is plenty to see and do) So we had that coverd. Literally MD to FL. check, been there done that.
North East? Pricier but we had fit in a few trips up that way too. PA to Bar Harbor, MN check.
We have vacationed in the midwest. totally awesome 2 week road trip. I think we can still hear "On the Raod again" in our brains as we moved from hotel to hotel for 14 nights. Big shiney arches? check. Those big guys carved in the rocks? check. Mountain goats? check Painted rocks and Red Rocks, and things that looked like rocks? check.. Mountains that define splendor? check. Miles and miles of nothingness to get from place to place? check. The biggest Visa bill we had ever seen? check! The memories? check check and double check.
How about TX and the deep south and TN mountains? check check check.
We finally realized there are just a few areas we had missed. New Mexico/Arizona, the whole of California (well, Mark and I spent a week in CA sans kids and had a blast flying in and out of Las Vegas and driving across that part of the dessert) OR Washington State and parts of the North West ? All very interseting options!
So I set off to research such a trip for our family of 6. I quickly realized it would be a duanting task. For one, transporting a family of 6 all the way across our lovely continental US of A is both , very time consuming and very expensive. Not much of either left once you arrive! huh.
We could fly, we could drive, we could cut some stops out, we could pair down our goals, we could go to just one place. . . seriously it was such a discouraging prospect. And the numbers where down right scary, like 5 digit scary or very near to it!! UGH!
We actually have a go-to plan when we want to make everyone happy, stay a little closer to home, and be fairly budget minded. No one believes us but Walt Disney World is one of the cheapest vacations we can find! We have been to WDW close to 20x in the past 25 years. However, my current two teenagers? Actually asked for something different this year. Did I really burn them out? Oh heaven help me if I did, Disney is my happy place. Maybe 3x in one year was a bit much. . . not for my youngest two, they would go back at the drop of a hat! They love it. HA!
BUT Disney was out for this year. The other part of that dinner conversation we had? Someone (not mentioning any names here) mentioned cruising. Mark and I have long wanted to try that out. The teens agreed it might be fun and different. Maybe I could look into that.
After I became discouraged with my land based vacation, I turned to researching cruising. Can I just stop for a minute and say? I love the Internet? And search engines and forum boards and and and all the readily available information at your finger tips? I dream of being a travel agent or a real estate agent or okay, well, I like pretty fun things!
So. yes, moving on! So many lines to choose from, so many prices, so many places to go. So many decisions. We settled on a Western Carribbean Itinerary as Mark has had opportunity to visit Grand Cayman for work (yeah, I know, poor banker just doin' his job) but I was not able to go along and was bummed about it! He was excited to show us what he had loved so much!
Lots of WCarrb. Itin's also include Mexico. How fun! We have never been out of the country except Canada when they almost didn't let Kiley come home with us . . .oh , sorry 'nother story!
so okay then! I was finding repeatedly which cruise lines were kid friendly and which ones where not so much. Can you guess? Do I even have to say? Disney is cruising the Western Carribbean this year! Let me request a quote for this cruise right away! The best of both worlds. The big kids get a cruise. The littles get a touch of Disney and the Mouse! I waited patiently for my quote to come back. Then not so patiently. Finally, I get the email! I open it up and what do I see? $10,878.40. What? That price does not get us to the Port in FL, it does not include any of the tips and extras you have to pay. . . I was heartbroken. No way we can come close to affording that. I left it alone for a few days, then I thought, I am a great bargain hunter, I can do this. I just need more facts. The next time I requested a quote? I had more information, best times to sail, which cabin to select, etc. This time my number came back at $7,432.40 . UGH! We obviously just can't afford this. Or maybe I just needed more information. Enough already, I will just say this: $5,266.40 (what's with the 40 cents anyway??) $4.211.40, and it just kept coming down! It was the end of season blowout spectacular! Who cares if we have to cruise during hurricane season? Who cares if we need to drive to FL and not fly? Who cares if we can't have a window in our cabin?
WE ARE GOING ON A DISNEY CRUISE FOR A WHOLE WEEK!
No 2 or 3 or 4 day weekend cruises for us. No party cruise lines for us. No gambling and unacceptable stage shows, no sirree! We are going on the top rated cruise line sailing for families and even couples without children prefer it over most other lines!
I am estatic and dig in to real planning and learning the ins and outs of booking, paying, lingo, oh it just goes on and on forever and what an education I am getting.
Opps, forgot one thing. Need to have a discussion with the hubs. Might want to let him know what I've found. And ummm, yeah, maybe what I have booked. . .
Valentines Night seems like a good time don't you think? yes, well true love wins out over his shock that I had actually booked this and as he hears all about it, he is thinking it sounds good too. I still can not believe he is "onboard" with my plan! So we discuss what about if this job comes through? Well, we have time to worry about that before the cancel without penalty date.
Woo-Hoo! Up next? The plans take shape! And so does the new job!
So yes, it is true, I am the worst blogger ever and am over feeling guilty about it! I just commented on a blog I normally only breeze by occasionally and realized it linked her to mine (opps! Hi Joy if you hop over) . How embarrassing as I only blog for my personal need to recap my days sometimes! hehe.
So maybe I will recap tonight as I seem to be to tired to move from this stool! When did I give up my lovely big office to my 2 teenagers and become relagated to the kitchen counter with this old laptop?
Anywho, I really have absolutely no time to be on here but I am one tired girl tonight and doubt if I bother to move much more would get done anyway kwim? The drama, the stress, the general chaos of our lives right now is overwhleming to put if mildly.
A huge "season of life" is about to come to a close. Mark drives to VA (south of Wash DC) tomorrow to get his final clearance and begin (finally~ more on that in a minute)what is to be his new job. Although his last day at "The Bank" is not until this Thursday's exit interview.
Mark has worked for Wilmington Trust Company for 25 years. I like to say the Bank had him before I did! Ha! We celebrate 25 years next fall! He has completed this season of his life. Is he sorry to be going? Not really. He is ready for a change. It has been a good ride, from college graduate in an uncertain economy (much like todays) snagging a decent job with a big name bank after looking and looking and looking . . .to Senior Vice President with way to many perks and benefits to list over the years, the bank (and my hubby)have been an excellent provider and Mark has enjoyed his job and the people he has worked with. He is ending well. He will be missed. It makes me proud to be able to say those things. He is a faithful man in all he does. I am a blessed women to have him.
So many have asked, then why leave? Why not just coast on into retirement from here? It is difficult to explain; when you know God is affirming something and no matter how you want to run from whatever it is, He keeps opening some doors and closing others? Well, let's just say, it was clear, the time to go, to move on was now.
As of tomorrow my husband becomes a Government employee. The Federal Government that is. Specifically? He will be working for ODNI. (Office of Director of National Intelligence) He will be working with IARPA. Gotta love the Gov't and all their initials and abbreviations. He is very excited to take on this new challenge! I have watched his whole demeanor change. He is excited to be going. He is looking forward to new opportunities. He is beginning this job as he did his first with a passion to learn and grow and make things happen. Again, I am so proud of him. I am also terrified for him! HA! What good wife would not be?! He faces a HUGE commute. We are not planning to move. This was a decision we made as a couple/family before he ever even applied for this job. He faces a much different working environment. Top secret security clearance anyone? He is a much more experienced, more seasoned employee but he is still going to be the new guy on the block. Never the easiest. I will be praying for him as he goes.
And as I am left. There. I said it. This is just as huge for me as for him in many ways. When Mark and I married I had no idea what to expect. We made it through. We faced lots of changes, lots of kids, lots of successes, lots of failures. We did it all and we carved a path for our family. And yes, I know we will continue to do so and this is just the next big thing. BUT but but, it is dang hard for me! The comforts of familiarity are gone for now. The certainty of what to expect is gone for now. The man who worked 15 minutes from home, (worked being a relative term as some would say "bankers hours" are hardly work. . .hehe) will no longer be able to drop everything when a child falls and meet us in the ER or when a robber breaks into our home, he will no longer arrive before the police (yes! this really happened!) . He will no longer be able to make every 6pm dinner or 7pm concert or meeting at church. We have talked about these changes and have together agreed to them. I have tried to mentally prepare myself to go it alone when I need to do so. I am trying to let go and let God figure it all out and know He is sufficient for and in ALL. Mark and I have a strong relationship but I know it will be tested. New demands on both of us from completely different directions will need to be met and accomplished. Our children still need both of us. That has never been a difficult thing. It will now need to become more intentional and planned.
So yeah, changes are a no longer coming, they are here!
What does one do to transition from one career path into another? What does one do with unused vacation time that must be used up or lost in transition? What does a family do that is looking into a future of changes and less time together then they are used to having? What indeed.
If I could only have seen the handwriting on the wall. God knew I believe and with quite a bit of effort on this Mamas part (funny but true) He has allowed a long dreamed for vacation to come to fruition.
Here is the time line!
Last day at WTCo. Thursday, Sept 17th. Exit interview complete? 3pm.
Leave for family vacation Thursday, September 17th On the road 4pm.
Return from family vacation Sunday, September 27th
Begin new job Monday, September 28th.
Stay tuned! Family vacation details coming up!
So maybe I will recap tonight as I seem to be to tired to move from this stool! When did I give up my lovely big office to my 2 teenagers and become relagated to the kitchen counter with this old laptop?
Anywho, I really have absolutely no time to be on here but I am one tired girl tonight and doubt if I bother to move much more would get done anyway kwim? The drama, the stress, the general chaos of our lives right now is overwhleming to put if mildly.
A huge "season of life" is about to come to a close. Mark drives to VA (south of Wash DC) tomorrow to get his final clearance and begin (finally~ more on that in a minute)what is to be his new job. Although his last day at "The Bank" is not until this Thursday's exit interview.
Mark has worked for Wilmington Trust Company for 25 years. I like to say the Bank had him before I did! Ha! We celebrate 25 years next fall! He has completed this season of his life. Is he sorry to be going? Not really. He is ready for a change. It has been a good ride, from college graduate in an uncertain economy (much like todays) snagging a decent job with a big name bank after looking and looking and looking . . .to Senior Vice President with way to many perks and benefits to list over the years, the bank (and my hubby)have been an excellent provider and Mark has enjoyed his job and the people he has worked with. He is ending well. He will be missed. It makes me proud to be able to say those things. He is a faithful man in all he does. I am a blessed women to have him.
So many have asked, then why leave? Why not just coast on into retirement from here? It is difficult to explain; when you know God is affirming something and no matter how you want to run from whatever it is, He keeps opening some doors and closing others? Well, let's just say, it was clear, the time to go, to move on was now.
As of tomorrow my husband becomes a Government employee. The Federal Government that is. Specifically? He will be working for ODNI. (Office of Director of National Intelligence) He will be working with IARPA. Gotta love the Gov't and all their initials and abbreviations. He is very excited to take on this new challenge! I have watched his whole demeanor change. He is excited to be going. He is looking forward to new opportunities. He is beginning this job as he did his first with a passion to learn and grow and make things happen. Again, I am so proud of him. I am also terrified for him! HA! What good wife would not be?! He faces a HUGE commute. We are not planning to move. This was a decision we made as a couple/family before he ever even applied for this job. He faces a much different working environment. Top secret security clearance anyone? He is a much more experienced, more seasoned employee but he is still going to be the new guy on the block. Never the easiest. I will be praying for him as he goes.
And as I am left. There. I said it. This is just as huge for me as for him in many ways. When Mark and I married I had no idea what to expect. We made it through. We faced lots of changes, lots of kids, lots of successes, lots of failures. We did it all and we carved a path for our family. And yes, I know we will continue to do so and this is just the next big thing. BUT but but, it is dang hard for me! The comforts of familiarity are gone for now. The certainty of what to expect is gone for now. The man who worked 15 minutes from home, (worked being a relative term as some would say "bankers hours" are hardly work. . .hehe) will no longer be able to drop everything when a child falls and meet us in the ER or when a robber breaks into our home, he will no longer arrive before the police (yes! this really happened!) . He will no longer be able to make every 6pm dinner or 7pm concert or meeting at church. We have talked about these changes and have together agreed to them. I have tried to mentally prepare myself to go it alone when I need to do so. I am trying to let go and let God figure it all out and know He is sufficient for and in ALL. Mark and I have a strong relationship but I know it will be tested. New demands on both of us from completely different directions will need to be met and accomplished. Our children still need both of us. That has never been a difficult thing. It will now need to become more intentional and planned.
So yeah, changes are a no longer coming, they are here!
What does one do to transition from one career path into another? What does one do with unused vacation time that must be used up or lost in transition? What does a family do that is looking into a future of changes and less time together then they are used to having? What indeed.
If I could only have seen the handwriting on the wall. God knew I believe and with quite a bit of effort on this Mamas part (funny but true) He has allowed a long dreamed for vacation to come to fruition.
Here is the time line!
Last day at WTCo. Thursday, Sept 17th. Exit interview complete? 3pm.
Leave for family vacation Thursday, September 17th On the road 4pm.
Return from family vacation Sunday, September 27th
Begin new job Monday, September 28th.
Stay tuned! Family vacation details coming up!
Friday, February 06, 2009
No way I will be able to go back and "catch up" so I'll just jump right in.
Tonight was date night. Brought the kids a couple of pizzas home and went out with my hubby.
We did an exchange at Old Navy for a dress I had bought for Jillie for Christmas and then decided I did not like when I tried it on her today. Came away with a very cute into Spring-ish top and a tankini on sale for $10. very nice. nearly even exchange.
Then I popped in Joanne Fabrics, got my name on the mailing list for coupons one more time and found clearance ribbon for 10cents a yard. Maybe I will try to make some of those fancy hairbows. At 10cents a yard maybe I won't feel so bad about goofing up. Since I'm paying around $3-$7 a piece for her bows, it was worth my $3.90 to give it a go.
On to Moes for dinner. I used to like Moes, I did. The hubs still does. Me? not so much. oh well. I still got to spend time with my man and altho I refused to pay 1.75 for three cookies (when did they go up?) I did get Mark to go thru drive thru and share a Shamrock Shake from Mickey Dees with me. Home again, home again, jiggity jig.
The little ones who were suppose to go down at 9pm? They are having a loft bed sleep over in Emory's room and they are definitely NOT sleeping at this point.
so maybe not a HOT date but time with my hubby alone is good. so good. really good. And as a testiment to our "oldness"? He came in the door at 9:40pm and said, I think I'm going to bed!!!!!
Also made another stop at the goodwill today (I gotta stay out of that store!) and found a couple good deals. 2 to resale (know I can probably at least double my price) and two for Jillie to wear, and two storage totes I usually pay $7each for at only $2 each.
spent a lot of time today making Jillie a tutu! It's looking pretty good. It is pink and white except for that one lime green ribbon Jillie insisted on adding. . .
did a few loads of laundry. Cleaned up marker off my chair in the sitting room, what's with those two and markers these days!!!!! ugh. hemmed one pair of Kileys jeans (will she never grow any taller?). And deposited Zach's last paycheck from the Dunkin donuts. Still have not seen a W-2 for the boy?
Mark has our State refund in hand. Federal filed. woefully smaller than last year as we took our deductions out thru the year to pay bills. what fun is that? did go over budget with him for the year and managed to get a vacation line in there. I am holding out for a Disney cruise. I DO think it can happen. No WDW this year. And after trying to price out CA, Nevada, Arizona trips? Not happening. so sad. Everything takes money! And since last months energy bill was over $500 (and it's cold in here!) who knows what this month will be.
Kiley goes on Jr Hi retreat next weekend. I teach team kid on Sunday, Mark is on for Sunday School this whole month, Cameron and Ki have the first info meeting for Maine Missions trip this Sunday as well. And, Cameron starts drivers Ed this Tues night. Tues/Thurs for next 8 weeks.
Gosh, typing that out made me realize we are getting ready to hit a busy couple of months. And I need to be putting money aside each week for vacation if I want one which means gotta try and cut back on the eating out. Which means eating at home (blech) Been trying to gear up for that, really I have. I LOVE eating out. . .oh my
'nuff for tonight. Just wish I could be more consistant! with lots of stuff in my life. Read the Word with the two little ones at breakfast. Did my gateway Old/New Testament readings today, and Prov 31 devotional. Wish I could do that every day for sure! oh no! Just realized yet another inconsistancy today, I need to run and take my Insilin, forgot all day! ugh!
until next time.
Tonight was date night. Brought the kids a couple of pizzas home and went out with my hubby.
We did an exchange at Old Navy for a dress I had bought for Jillie for Christmas and then decided I did not like when I tried it on her today. Came away with a very cute into Spring-ish top and a tankini on sale for $10. very nice. nearly even exchange.
Then I popped in Joanne Fabrics, got my name on the mailing list for coupons one more time and found clearance ribbon for 10cents a yard. Maybe I will try to make some of those fancy hairbows. At 10cents a yard maybe I won't feel so bad about goofing up. Since I'm paying around $3-$7 a piece for her bows, it was worth my $3.90 to give it a go.
On to Moes for dinner. I used to like Moes, I did. The hubs still does. Me? not so much. oh well. I still got to spend time with my man and altho I refused to pay 1.75 for three cookies (when did they go up?) I did get Mark to go thru drive thru and share a Shamrock Shake from Mickey Dees with me. Home again, home again, jiggity jig.
The little ones who were suppose to go down at 9pm? They are having a loft bed sleep over in Emory's room and they are definitely NOT sleeping at this point.
so maybe not a HOT date but time with my hubby alone is good. so good. really good. And as a testiment to our "oldness"? He came in the door at 9:40pm and said, I think I'm going to bed!!!!!
Also made another stop at the goodwill today (I gotta stay out of that store!) and found a couple good deals. 2 to resale (know I can probably at least double my price) and two for Jillie to wear, and two storage totes I usually pay $7each for at only $2 each.
spent a lot of time today making Jillie a tutu! It's looking pretty good. It is pink and white except for that one lime green ribbon Jillie insisted on adding. . .
did a few loads of laundry. Cleaned up marker off my chair in the sitting room, what's with those two and markers these days!!!!! ugh. hemmed one pair of Kileys jeans (will she never grow any taller?). And deposited Zach's last paycheck from the Dunkin donuts. Still have not seen a W-2 for the boy?
Mark has our State refund in hand. Federal filed. woefully smaller than last year as we took our deductions out thru the year to pay bills. what fun is that? did go over budget with him for the year and managed to get a vacation line in there. I am holding out for a Disney cruise. I DO think it can happen. No WDW this year. And after trying to price out CA, Nevada, Arizona trips? Not happening. so sad. Everything takes money! And since last months energy bill was over $500 (and it's cold in here!) who knows what this month will be.
Kiley goes on Jr Hi retreat next weekend. I teach team kid on Sunday, Mark is on for Sunday School this whole month, Cameron and Ki have the first info meeting for Maine Missions trip this Sunday as well. And, Cameron starts drivers Ed this Tues night. Tues/Thurs for next 8 weeks.
Gosh, typing that out made me realize we are getting ready to hit a busy couple of months. And I need to be putting money aside each week for vacation if I want one which means gotta try and cut back on the eating out. Which means eating at home (blech) Been trying to gear up for that, really I have.
'nuff for tonight. Just wish I could be more consistant! with lots of stuff in my life. Read the Word with the two little ones at breakfast. Did my gateway Old/New Testament readings today, and Prov 31 devotional. Wish I could do that every day for sure! oh no! Just realized yet another inconsistancy today, I need to run and take my Insilin, forgot all day! ugh!
until next time.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
And for posterities sake I feel I must record that my Year of a Million Dreams Mickey antennea topper is gone! I am so sad! Glad for my clean car that went through the car wash that ate my antennea topper but so sad my ears are gone. Feel like it could be a long time before I get another. . . and I so want to go back. Emory and Jillie talk all the time about going back. I really want to go again. . .
10:00am January 6, 2009
Well, Mondays can be like that can't they? Totally missed writing on here. spent lots of time answering emails on my blackberry and got sore thumbs from it! made a run to BJ's and picked up a Winnie the Pooh video I bought off craigslist for Emory. Came home to a mess for dinner that ended up taking over an hour and a half to be done with and no one was thrilled about. oh well. Sat on couch and talked with Mark a bit and put kids to bed. Watched an hour of mindless tv and then most of the news and went to bed. No wonder I didn't write!
Did read my scriptures yesterday and today. Oswald Chambers selections last couple of days are not very clear for me or at least not very something. . . oh well.
Mark leaves for Phoenix tomorrow am so I will need to help him pack tonight also need to run to Kohl's and see if I can pick up a shirt for him. Also need to run to bank.
So I am off to do a couple errands and take care of the little ones.
Well, Mondays can be like that can't they? Totally missed writing on here. spent lots of time answering emails on my blackberry and got sore thumbs from it! made a run to BJ's and picked up a Winnie the Pooh video I bought off craigslist for Emory. Came home to a mess for dinner that ended up taking over an hour and a half to be done with and no one was thrilled about. oh well. Sat on couch and talked with Mark a bit and put kids to bed. Watched an hour of mindless tv and then most of the news and went to bed. No wonder I didn't write!
Did read my scriptures yesterday and today. Oswald Chambers selections last couple of days are not very clear for me or at least not very something. . . oh well.
Mark leaves for Phoenix tomorrow am so I will need to help him pack tonight also need to run to Kohl's and see if I can pick up a shirt for him. Also need to run to bank.
So I am off to do a couple errands and take care of the little ones.
Monday, January 05, 2009
January 4, 2009
Did make it to worship today. A little rough start as my vision was doing that stobe light like thing but it passed after just a few minutes. Bathed Em and Jill and was able to get out the door on time. Knew before we left this morning I would be ordering pizza for dinner. Sundays are hard for me. Maybe just getting us all out and going. Feeling like it should be a day of rest and it's not, or just needing to know I can have that one day off from the kitchen, not sure exactly what. Almost always glad to have made the effort though.
Anywho, got to have Mark with me in s.s. Studying John right now. John 3 today. And Nicodemus and Jesus discussion. Head knowledge or heart knowledge. Interesting. Understanding or belief. I like the book of John! Pastor Mark for service today and communion meditation. Little distracted as I had a headache and then an abrupt answer to my general greeting to someone in front of me in church! weird! Thought only I noticed and was racking my brain as to how to set it straight by end of service but all ended well and no one seemed offended in the end! And even Mark did notice the strange abruptness of the person so I wasn't imagining things! Whew!
Spent afternoon puttering around cleaning up kitchen and floors a bit to have Jim and Laurie over for the evening. Enjoyed visiting with them. Made the from cake mix snickerdoodles and added rice crispies fro crunch and even though I burned last batch coming out of oven, yum. Definitely make those again! Baked up my cresent wrapped gouda and actually got to eat some this time. Served with apples and crackers. yum again.
Zach took Kiley to small group tonight. Cameron did not have sm. group nor Emory Team Kid.
Did fit in my bible reading tonight. OT is interesting enough to keep me going right now and even wanted to read ahead but I will try and pace myself. NT was on temptation of Jesus in the dessert. Answering with scripture. What an excellent reminder for me. I know it has only been 4 days since the new year but I am so thankful to have had even 4 days in the Word. Must be God because I can never do it on my own.
Bible study to start back up this week on Thursday night. Need the accountability for sure. Not sure what to do about starting my own study here in my home. Timing just seems off or wrong or something. Guess what I need to do is pray and let God show me. Woudl love to do a couples study and a womens study as well. so many thoughts, so little time. 5 kids. husband. big house. littel money right now. Yup, better just seek God on this one for sure!
Hoping my upset tummy is more to many onions on my sub tonight and nothing more. Cold and flu season. yuk. Emory and Jillie still with the runny noses pretty good but no other symptoms just yet. No meds given yet. Need to call pediatrician for flu vaccine booster for both of them.
And Christmas decorations still await me. They are so pretty tho. . .
Not to much time on computer right now as I am sharing with Mark, Cameron and Kiley. Probably good. Lots of other stuff to do. And now I am needing to head to bed as it is after midnight and even with my tummy upset, I need to try and get at least a decent nights sleep or it just throws my whole day off.
Did make it to worship today. A little rough start as my vision was doing that stobe light like thing but it passed after just a few minutes. Bathed Em and Jill and was able to get out the door on time. Knew before we left this morning I would be ordering pizza for dinner. Sundays are hard for me. Maybe just getting us all out and going. Feeling like it should be a day of rest and it's not, or just needing to know I can have that one day off from the kitchen, not sure exactly what. Almost always glad to have made the effort though.
Anywho, got to have Mark with me in s.s. Studying John right now. John 3 today. And Nicodemus and Jesus discussion. Head knowledge or heart knowledge. Interesting. Understanding or belief. I like the book of John! Pastor Mark for service today and communion meditation. Little distracted as I had a headache and then an abrupt answer to my general greeting to someone in front of me in church! weird! Thought only I noticed and was racking my brain as to how to set it straight by end of service but all ended well and no one seemed offended in the end! And even Mark did notice the strange abruptness of the person so I wasn't imagining things! Whew!
Spent afternoon puttering around cleaning up kitchen and floors a bit to have Jim and Laurie over for the evening. Enjoyed visiting with them. Made the from cake mix snickerdoodles and added rice crispies fro crunch and even though I burned last batch coming out of oven, yum. Definitely make those again! Baked up my cresent wrapped gouda and actually got to eat some this time. Served with apples and crackers. yum again.
Zach took Kiley to small group tonight. Cameron did not have sm. group nor Emory Team Kid.
Did fit in my bible reading tonight. OT is interesting enough to keep me going right now and even wanted to read ahead but I will try and pace myself. NT was on temptation of Jesus in the dessert. Answering with scripture. What an excellent reminder for me. I know it has only been 4 days since the new year but I am so thankful to have had even 4 days in the Word. Must be God because I can never do it on my own.
Bible study to start back up this week on Thursday night. Need the accountability for sure. Not sure what to do about starting my own study here in my home. Timing just seems off or wrong or something. Guess what I need to do is pray and let God show me. Woudl love to do a couples study and a womens study as well. so many thoughts, so little time. 5 kids. husband. big house. littel money right now. Yup, better just seek God on this one for sure!
Hoping my upset tummy is more to many onions on my sub tonight and nothing more. Cold and flu season. yuk. Emory and Jillie still with the runny noses pretty good but no other symptoms just yet. No meds given yet. Need to call pediatrician for flu vaccine booster for both of them.
And Christmas decorations still await me. They are so pretty tho. . .
Not to much time on computer right now as I am sharing with Mark, Cameron and Kiley. Probably good. Lots of other stuff to do. And now I am needing to head to bed as it is after midnight and even with my tummy upset, I need to try and get at least a decent nights sleep or it just throws my whole day off.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
January 3, 2009
So I missed connecting up with my craigslist guy who wanted my linen shower curtain, found out that the newly discovered dollar store with some different kinds of stuff is going under and everything was 69 cents today but I had no time to shop, attended a funeral for an old family/church friend who is my Mom's age, got a traffic ticket for making an illegal u-turn, tried to visit a friend in the hospital who got discharged just before I arrived, folded a back log of laundry, made pork chops for dinner, read to my little ones, played Phase 10 with my 13 year old, and surfed the net on my kids desktop as my laptop is dead.
I think that is all the randomness I can handle.
I tried to read my next passages of scripture for today but I was already ahead on the OT, and never made it to the NT (actually may have been ahead on that too come to think of it?) and was somewhat confused by the Oswald Chambers devotional for today? And to be truthful? I was touched by the memorial service today and maybe I was just off today in way more than one direction! ugh.
So the little ones are in bed, older boys are watching a flick, Kiley is listening to Harry Potter Book on CD and Mark is snoring on the couch. Tomorrow is church, I really want to go, I do, just wish I could leave my snotty two little ones home! Mark is done teaching his 4year olds until February so he gets to come to adult ss class with Jillie and I. Do not feel like spending money on lunch tomorrow or having to cook when I get home. Might have plans for Jim and Laurie to come over tomorrow night if Ki and Cam can get a ride to small group if they have it.
Zach returns MN in just a week and a half. Mark got lots of work done on Zach's car today before he leaves. Tires, oil, wiper blades, hope it holds up for trip out and in the cold weather once it gets there. Mark also took my van and filled it up with gas today and ran it through the car wash. Nice. That acts of service guy.
Mark also fit his walk in the woods in today. He must be feeling better.
I've yet to begin un-decorating. HUGE sigh, did you hear it? Maybe tomorrow. . .
Okay, so I wasn't done with the randomness. It was just a random day all around I guess.
So I missed connecting up with my craigslist guy who wanted my linen shower curtain, found out that the newly discovered dollar store with some different kinds of stuff is going under and everything was 69 cents today but I had no time to shop, attended a funeral for an old family/church friend who is my Mom's age, got a traffic ticket for making an illegal u-turn, tried to visit a friend in the hospital who got discharged just before I arrived, folded a back log of laundry, made pork chops for dinner, read to my little ones, played Phase 10 with my 13 year old, and surfed the net on my kids desktop as my laptop is dead.
I think that is all the randomness I can handle.
I tried to read my next passages of scripture for today but I was already ahead on the OT, and never made it to the NT (actually may have been ahead on that too come to think of it?) and was somewhat confused by the Oswald Chambers devotional for today? And to be truthful? I was touched by the memorial service today and maybe I was just off today in way more than one direction! ugh.
So the little ones are in bed, older boys are watching a flick, Kiley is listening to Harry Potter Book on CD and Mark is snoring on the couch. Tomorrow is church, I really want to go, I do, just wish I could leave my snotty two little ones home! Mark is done teaching his 4year olds until February so he gets to come to adult ss class with Jillie and I. Do not feel like spending money on lunch tomorrow or having to cook when I get home. Might have plans for Jim and Laurie to come over tomorrow night if Ki and Cam can get a ride to small group if they have it.
Zach returns MN in just a week and a half. Mark got lots of work done on Zach's car today before he leaves. Tires, oil, wiper blades, hope it holds up for trip out and in the cold weather once it gets there. Mark also took my van and filled it up with gas today and ran it through the car wash. Nice. That acts of service guy.
Mark also fit his walk in the woods in today. He must be feeling better.
I've yet to begin un-decorating. HUGE sigh, did you hear it? Maybe tomorrow. . .
Okay, so I wasn't done with the randomness. It was just a random day all around I guess.
Friday, January 02, 2009
January 2, 2009
Emory wants to know how much longer until his 6th birthday. he is tired of hearing oh about a month, or about 4 weeks . That answer is old. So today I told him 27 more days. He is much happier with that answer. Perhaps it is a great opportunity to fine tune his understanding of days and weeks and months and years. Such a big concept for a little one who has lived such a short span of time. He asked me this morning after remembering to rip off day one on his new desk top calendar, "Why are we keeping track of the days anyway Mommy?" Oh my little one, what a good question you ask! Emory is my thinker for sure. He loves a good count down to the next event. Proof for certain he is his Mamas boy. I, who live for events and seem to only get bogged down in the day to day understand his anticipation and need for events.
Last night was an event. We celebrated Dominic's 7th birthday with dinner at Chili's with Jeremy and Jineen, most of Jineen's family, me and all my kiddos. Dom seemed to have a good time, I know Emory did. Jillie had a fine time after she was able to move closer to the action but her early seating right next to her Mommy proved best for dinner eating purposes.
I need to "go out with God" (Oswald Chambers this morning!) now and get to the buisness of the mundane if you will. Never know what God will make of it! IT to include starting to undecorate the house from Christmas, it will look so bare. Trying to catch up on laundry. Bedding and towels as well. With Zach leaving in a few short days I must catch up with all of his things for sure. Thinking on where the weekly budget needs to be spent (fun stuff like do we have enough tp for the week, how about margarine or chocolate milk syrup, do we have birthdays or other things to cover, and always the milk and diet soda supply), and the ever present errands for a family. Today it is a trip to the library before I run Kiley up to Hannah's for a birthday party.
It's always the mundane things that weigh me down. I try to have a good attitude about it, even find ways to make it fun but inevitably, it is just so much more to get done. Not so much joy in crossing things off a list for me, I'm a more "wow, look at what I found in this kind of girl" Meaning a nugget of truth in my bible reading, a fun recipe in a magazine to try, an especially good book I come across, a new way of getting a stain out of something or cleaning something that makes it better, a special moment with one of the kiddos, oh, on and on. Perhaps that is why God has given me what He has. There is much depth and breadth (is that a word?) in taking care of this big house and this multitude of children. Nothing simple about that. Always something new or happening.
So I am off for now. Praying this day will be His, lead by Him and lived out for Him. I can find joy in that right?!
Keepin' it real, Kim
Emory wants to know how much longer until his 6th birthday. he is tired of hearing oh about a month, or about 4 weeks . That answer is old. So today I told him 27 more days. He is much happier with that answer. Perhaps it is a great opportunity to fine tune his understanding of days and weeks and months and years. Such a big concept for a little one who has lived such a short span of time. He asked me this morning after remembering to rip off day one on his new desk top calendar, "Why are we keeping track of the days anyway Mommy?" Oh my little one, what a good question you ask! Emory is my thinker for sure. He loves a good count down to the next event. Proof for certain he is his Mamas boy. I, who live for events and seem to only get bogged down in the day to day understand his anticipation and need for events.
Last night was an event. We celebrated Dominic's 7th birthday with dinner at Chili's with Jeremy and Jineen, most of Jineen's family, me and all my kiddos. Dom seemed to have a good time, I know Emory did. Jillie had a fine time after she was able to move closer to the action but her early seating right next to her Mommy proved best for dinner eating purposes.
I need to "go out with God" (Oswald Chambers this morning!) now and get to the buisness of the mundane if you will. Never know what God will make of it! IT to include starting to undecorate the house from Christmas, it will look so bare. Trying to catch up on laundry. Bedding and towels as well. With Zach leaving in a few short days I must catch up with all of his things for sure. Thinking on where the weekly budget needs to be spent (fun stuff like do we have enough tp for the week, how about margarine or chocolate milk syrup, do we have birthdays or other things to cover, and always the milk and diet soda supply), and the ever present errands for a family. Today it is a trip to the library before I run Kiley up to Hannah's for a birthday party.
It's always the mundane things that weigh me down. I try to have a good attitude about it, even find ways to make it fun but inevitably, it is just so much more to get done. Not so much joy in crossing things off a list for me, I'm a more "wow, look at what I found in this kind of girl" Meaning a nugget of truth in my bible reading, a fun recipe in a magazine to try, an especially good book I come across, a new way of getting a stain out of something or cleaning something that makes it better, a special moment with one of the kiddos, oh, on and on. Perhaps that is why God has given me what He has. There is much depth and breadth (is that a word?) in taking care of this big house and this multitude of children. Nothing simple about that. Always something new or happening.
So I am off for now. Praying this day will be His, lead by Him and lived out for Him. I can find joy in that right?!
Keepin' it real, Kim
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