Full House. Full Heart. (And Full Chore List.)

The other day I was tired. Not go-to-bed tired, but more of a don't-feel-like-doing-much-of-anything tired.

It took my six-year old reminding me that we'd had a lot of guests lately and I was "probably tired from doing the laundry and cleaning so much. And from going to the grocery store so many times. And maybe from vacuuming a lot."

To be precise, our family welcomed seventy-eight people over the course of a week for four different events. For our 3,000 square feet of home, that meant every room had been lived in and turned upside down in some way.

Thankfully my husband is a rock star team mate and we work well together without really even saying much. Its almost like an obvious "I do this and you do that" is said just by looking at all that needs to be done before guests come and after guests leave. (Or maybe it's because we're 16 years into this gig and have learned through trial and error.) (Or maybe it's a combination of both.) (Or maybe he really is a rock star, plain and simple.)

My kids are pretty great, too. They know toys go in bins and boxes and on shelves. They know who vacuums what and when. And, better yet, they know all this gets done before anything else. Bedtime can be extended. Playing can wait. Dessert will be ready later on. Snap to it - chores await!

My mom used to say, "It you have time to get yourself ready for bed by brushing your teeth and washing your face, you have time to get your house ready for bed by doing dishes and putting things away." I admit, sometimes to a fault, I live by that. My sheets aren't pulled back and my pillow isn't fluffed until my house is in order.

Team Peeler. We're a work in progress, for sure, but we're working together. Working together to make our home and our lifestyle one that invites others in. 

Because you know what? People are lonely. People want to belong. People want to talk and laugh and share. And people want to eat a meal that they didn't prepare. At least I do. 

Paper plates or nice dinnerware. Thirteen ingredient recipes or toss-n-dump crock pot. Grilling or take out. Adding leaves and chairs and sitting around the table or spreading out and eating on the couch. None of it matters. Those are details of entertaining and that's different than simply making your space and your time available to others. 

Pretty please can I suggest something? 

Never ever be consumed with appearance. Pinterest is great for special occasion entertaining but isn't necessary for being kind or generous or welcoming.

Never ever think you need a big house or an HGTV house to have people over. Space allows you to do more and invite more but doesn't automatically create relationships or conversations.

Never ever think you need to be a bright and shiny extrovert to open your door to others coming in. I'm not one and my husband isn't one, but we've experienced the joy from serving others in our home and have learned to include an extrovert or two on the invite list to help us out. (Truth: I can smile and talk and laugh and work a room, but when I close the door and say goodbye to the last person I am done. DONE. Silence and alone time will be perfect for the next several hours, thank you very much.)

Never ever think you need to have the gift of hospitality to have others in your home. Hospitality is easier for some than others, but it's something that blesses everyone involved when we choose to exercise it.

So, like I said, the other day I was tired. But I'm not tired now and so when I think back to last week I have to admit I'd do it all over again. God has given our family much; what's the joy in keeping it to ourselves?

(All of these unrelated pics of my kids rock climbing? Courtesy of a friend who invited us to join her kids for a day of climbing. Her invitation. Her generosity. Her thoughtfulness. See that? Inviting people into your life reciprocates!)

Reflection

"Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me."

Psalm 103:2 NLT 

It Is Finished

It Is Finished

There's no deed that can redeem us
There's no rite, no magic word
Only by the work of Jesus
Can salvation be secured

It is finished! He has done it!
Let your weary heart rejoice
Our redemption is accomplished
Raise a shout with ragged voice

And go bravely into battle
Knowing he has won the war
It is finished, lift your head
And weep no more

There's no sacrifice to offer
There's no penance to complete
Freely drink of living water
Without money come and feast

Let every sinner rejoice
Hear the dying victor's cry
Raise up your voice
Sing it out through earth and sky

- Dustin Kensrue

Our Lives

So, every time for the last few weeks that I've sat down to blog I've been interrupted. Or sidetracked. Or without words. 

I have lots of pictures and stories and anecdotes and ideas. Just not the capacity to make any sense of them because of little people that are always around me or because I have "I can't string together a meaningful thought because my mind is shot and it's too late in the day for coffee" brain.

Maybe you understand.

Or maybe you don't.

And maybe it doesn't matter either way.

I've done 431 loads of laundry this week while listening to broken, off-pitch versions of Let It Go 928 times from a certain four-year old. 

I've wiped counters and swept crumbs 739 times while listening to "I'm still hungry. Can I have another snack?" questions 1,832 times from two certain growing men. 

I've picked up toys and re-stacked tupperware containers 895 times while simultaneously watching a certain one-year old empty and disorganize them.

This is my life.

My boys play hard and play loud. Their clothes get muddy - filthy muddy - every time they go outside. Their shoes, a mere two months old, are ripped and soles are peeling. Their bikes and scooters have accumulated a lot of miles and scuffs. Their sports balls are torn and faded because they are kicked and bounced and thrown everysingleday. 

My little girl is bossiness and helpfulness and prissiness and tomboyishness all rolled into one hot mess. She's half her older brother's age and has no hesitancy in telling them what to do. She's a tender four years old and I depend on her help with meals and laundry and Jax way more than I do my boys. She dons a fairy outfit and glitter wings while traipsing in the backyard catching roly-polys and lizards. 

My littlest man is an always-moving and always-curious toddling person who balks at the idea of playing by himself. His blur of motion is manageable only because of those beautiful three hours of napping each day. His insistence on being with other people is tolerated only because of those darling eyes and that precious smile. His constant curiosity has resulted in our family saying, on many occasions, "Jax was a good little boy and always very curious. One day, Jax and..."

This is their lives.

We're well past the half-way point of the school year and, in some areas, on the home stretch. We're wrapping up a season of basketball and preparing for a new season of gymnastics and swimming. We've got spring break plans made and are deciding on which camps and VBS programs to join this summer. 

We're happy to do life together each and every day because that's all we know. We're sometimes irritated to do life together each and every day because that's all we know. We're learning patience and joy are choices. We're learning loving other people is sometimes really hard. We're learning serving others before self takes a lot of practice.

We're trying to pray for new things and trust God in new ways. We're looking for people who understand and relationships that develop to friendships. We're thankful for today and hopeful for tomorrow. 

These are our lives.

Last Week

Last week was full. In a good kind of way.

Attending a birthday party. Taking a field trip to a local plantation. Enjoying a picnic and park date with other homeschoolers.  Having an evening of dinner with friends. Taking an afternoon playing by the lake. And packing and preparing for an extended weekend getaway.

Last week had news. In a sad kind of way.

Seeing others experience broken relationships. Watching friends struggle with guilt and worry. Hearing about difficult health issues. Experiencing the hurt of unconfessed sin. And watching all of the rapidly-expanding concerns about the Middle East and Ebola and Same Sex Marriage.

This week had questions. In a nagging kind of way.

Seeing new opportunities before us - do we take them or wait patiently where we are? Hearing the hearts of our kids - how do we shepherd with a nurturing firmness? Setting the priorities of obeying Christ - why does it seem so lonely sometimes? And watching leaders compromise - isn't it obvious the end doesn't justify the means?

Last week had blessings. In an unexpected kind of way.

Observing hints of fall color. Enjoying comfortable temperatures with light breezes and blue skies. Receiving prayers and messages from encouraging friends. And remembering, at the strangest of times, that God sees, God knows, and God controls.

Am I?

Am I thankful...

When I sweep crumbs after each meal?

When I step over toys that were supposed to be put away?

When I discover a broken keyboard and dropped remote and chipped bowl that weren't supposed to be played with?

When sand is tracked into the house even though shoes were supposed to come off outside?

Am I thankful...

For the food that I have before I complain about the crumbs?

For the blessing of having many material wants, far beyond just my needs?

For the inconvenience of broken things because of the energy from four healthy kids who are able to play?

For the fact I have a home that can get dirty?

"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19-20

Am I content...

When I am waiting and waiting and answers don't come?
When I am tired and frustrated and patience isn't natural?
When decisions aren't fair and outcomes are discouraging?
When relationships are hard and words are hurtful?

Am I content..?

When I have to wait and depend on God alone who gives peace?
When I'm physically worn and emotionally drained because then I see God sustain and carry me?
When events unfold that require me to look toward heavenly rewards instead of earthly defeat?
When I feel unsteady but have the embrace of One who is always trustworthy?

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 6:6-8

Am I joyful...

When I'm making my third trip to the grocery store - in the same week?
When a teething baby is satisfied only in my arms - seemingly all day long?
When kids complain and siblings bicker?
When circumstances aren't fair and no one seems to care?

Am I joyful...

When I realize the blessing of having money, of having food, and of having a growing family?
When I put my wants on hold so that I can meet the needs of another who fully dependent on me?
When I look in the eyes of my children and see the uniqueness and purposes of each one?
When I remember that God doesn't promise fairness but he does promise faithfulness?

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Am I patient...

When my words are twisted, taken out of context, or entirely forgotten?
When high expectations are met with deep frustration and discouragement?
When decisions are quick but actions are slow?
When I repeat myself to the same person about the same thing again and again and again?

Am I patient...

Because I remember the times I have misunderstood others and still been given a chance?
Because I remember the freedom in receiving a second chance?
Because I remember the times I've lacked motivation to follow through on a task?
Because I know I can be forgetful and unorganized and unscheduled at times?

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

Am I kind...

When my instruction to another is met with disgust or disregard?
When gossip comes full-circle and my trust has been betrayed?
When others compare or finger point or gawk?
When I'm interrupted or overlooked?

Am I kind...

Because I know my authority isn't final and that I'm accountable to Someone much greater?
Because I know God knows my heart, my words, and my intentions?
Because I know all people were made in God's image and have eternal worth?
Because I know God sees and hears?

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

Thankfulness.
Contentment.
Joyfulness.
Patience.
Kindness.

I am commanded to demonstrate these things, but they aren't earned traits. I must choose, with the Spirit's power, to be thankful, be content, be joyful, be patient, and be kind.

Birthday Love

So my birthday was a couple of weeks ago. And my husband was beyond amazing in giving me a special day.

Sleep. That was the biggest and bestest gift. He suggested that I stay home from church and sleep. The kids would be gone so the house would be quiet, and Jax usually takes a two hour morning nap anyway. Since Jax had a cold and wasn't sleeping well, it took me a nanosecond to agree and get back in bed. 

Donuts. Love me fresh donuts. Especially love cream filled long john donuts. And especially love cream filled long john donuts with a hot cup of coffee. My handsome man walked in the door after church with fresh donuts and then proceeded to give me...

Coffee. A Keurig coffee maker. It was love at first sight and I've been head-over-heels ever since. Gone are the days of a freshly brewed pot in the morning that I then microwave throughout the day. A hot cup of coffee is mine with the quick push of a button.

My kids showered me with simple gifts, too. Grady Lee purchased some Peeps, the best Easter candy aside from chocolate. Micah crafted a unique birthday card with purple flowers picked from yards around the neighborhood. And Annalyse used my birthday as a reminder for what kind of cake she wants at her next birthday and what friends she wants to come over. Jax? He slept. A lot. He knows how to show some birthday love!

While all these gifts were wonderful and sincerely appreciated, I can honestly say the best birthday gift was the simple reminder that my husband loves me. Each and every day he chooses to serve me, respect me, appreciate me, provide for me, and value me. He has my back - willing to take my weaknesses and faults and patiently coach me in a direction to improve and overcome. He is faithful me to me - in his words, with his actions, and through his uncompromising commitment.  

He leads me with confident expectation. He serves me with genuine humility. He gives to me with a generous heart. He provides for me with an ethic of integrity. 

So my birthday was a couple of weeks ago. And my husband was beyond amazing in giving me a special day. But really, my husband is beyond amazing in giving me special days all year long because he has promised himself to me for as long as God allows.

Empty

I feel like I've been living on empty for a while now. Empty of energy. Empty of motivation. Empty of creativity. Empty of enthusiasm. And, existing on empty can only maintain itself so long before the want-to-be-full feeling begins to seem unattainable.

Maybe I feel empty because I'm tired. Middle-of-the-night meetings with a certain three month old will do that. 

Or maybe because I'm in a period of transition. The kind of transition that began a year ago and that I never anticipated would still involve the haze of wondering and praying and waiting. 

Or maybe because I sometimes feel alone. The weight of family burdens or other relational strains aren't always appropriate to openly discuss.

Or maybe because I think too much. Scenarios play out, worries creep in, and joy diminishes when my thoughts on are on circumstances.

Most likely, though, I feel empty because I'm trying too hard to do too many things for too many people. Pressures and demands are constant. Fears and doubts are real. Frustration and disappointment are nagging.

And it's all in vain.

It's in vain because Jesus invites me to "Come... all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

It's in vain because Jesus tells me to "Cast all [my] anxiety on him because he cares for [me]." (1 Peter 5:7)

So in these days-turned-to-weeks of emptiness, I'm praying and believing in fullness. Fullness of peace and joy and contentment and purpose. Jesus has promised it and I am claiming it.

Remembering His Faithfulness

A lot happens in a year. Growth and lessons. Introductions and goodbyes. Joys and sorrows. Blessings and opportunities.

And, in everything that happens, God is masterfully orchestrating details we know nothing about. He is so far above and beyond the scope of our thoughts, and yet he cares deeply about our cares and concerns. He sees us, hears us, knows us.

He has spoken Truth to us.

Isaiah 55:8-12 "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so it is that my word goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.'"

Join me in taking a moment to praise God: Because He's Always Faithful.

It's Go Time!

Unless the mild contractions I've experienced all week ramp up significantly over night, we're eager to meet our new little man tomorrow morning!

If you're compelled to, Grady and I appreciate your prayers for a safe delivery without complication. Although this is the fourth c-section and we know, for the most part, what to expect, we are both feeling an explainable level of anxiety about surgery this time. We don't have reason for it - it's simply a nervous hesitation we both have. Thankfully, however, we're trusting an all-knowing and all-powerful God. We are excited to share our newest addition with you and are blessed by the encouragement from so many of you during these past nine months!

While pregnancy has never suited me well from a physical standpoint, I've actually felt the best this time around than with the other three. This time, however, I've felt extreme emotional unrest and am prayerful that my mind and body and heart coincide to peace and joy again soon. Thank you, from way deep down, for choosing patience and love with me when I know I haven't reciprocated it to many of you. It's a complicated thing, and I don't understand it, but I'm grateful for grace and forgiveness.

We'll do our best to post pictures and updates soon! And, if you're in the area, get in touch with Grady about coming to visit. We have a long stay ahead of us and some familiar faces will be welcome.

To Think On

Building the Machine: A Film About Common Core
And, for more eye-rolling, stomach-turning, finger-twisting insights on Common Core, watch this short clip: Common Core's Odd Approach to Teaching Gettysburg Address

Are you a mom to boys? This article, Let Boys Be..., shares great perspectives on raising boys to be "energetic but not mean," "trained to honor others," and "free to learn from mistakes."

A homeschool-themed article, but as usual, it's applicable to all families regardless of educational choices. If you desire to inspire your kids to action and learning rather than require it of them, consider this perspective: The Easy Way to Insipire

Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus: Belgium Senate Approves Measure Allowing Doctors to Euthanize Children

To Think On

Portraits of Children Around the World and Where They Sleep: A simple visual to help your kids understand "how good they have it" and to appreciate the cultural differences around our world.

Homeschool Blindspots: Don't let the title drive you. This article is more about blindspots in Christian parenting, using specific examples from the journey of homeschooling. If your aim is to raise children to know, love, and serve Jesus, this article has valuable perspective.

Thinking About Thinking About Rap: Preference. So much of the Christian life gets jumbled and divisive over preferential things.

And, because this is circulating on seemingly every Facebook profile and blog, I thought I'd join in, too. In case you are the last one standing that hasn't heard this rendition of "Little Drummer Boy," here you go:

37 Weeks

Little Man, unless you have other plans, you are scheduled to arrive at 9:30 am on Friday, December 20. That would be 19 days from now - and yes, we are all anxiously counting down until your arrival! We cannot wait to meet you.

What will your face look like? Will you resemble either of your older brothers? Will you have hair? How much will you weigh and how long will you be? I get tingly thinking about it! The fourth time around and it's just as exciting as the first time. Each new life joining our family brings excitement and anticipation and wonder!

These last few weeks have been very difficult for your Mamma. So much nausea and vomiting - and tears from weary frustration. I've had many moments of being discouraged about how I feel, but I do smile through my tears when I think about the joy of having you with us. Each moment of feeling tired and sick is a moment I have to ask Jesus for strength and patience, and it's a specific reminder that you are still growing and needing Jesus' care, too.

Giving Thanks: O Praise Him

Psalm 100

"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

Worship the LORD with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the LORD is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Did you catch it? Giving thanks is more about our intentional choice and attitude than it is about things to be thankful for. Joy and gladness are choices - circumstances, material things, and relationships are often beyond our control.

Did you also catch this - giving thanks is always about Who we recognize as the giver and sustainer of all things. The Lord is God - our God. He has been, is, and always will be the creator and provider for all people.

What can we do other than praise Him?

Giving Thanks: My Best Friend

I will never be able to choose words and make sentences that communicate how much I love this man. It's impossible now and it will be impossible in the future. He is my safe place: I can be honest with him like no one else. He is my strong place: I can find safety and security in him like no one else. He is the man I love with all of my heart, and then some. He is my most valued treasure and he is all that I dreamed of and all that God knew I would need. He is an answer to my prayers, a delight to my heart, and a thrill to my soul.

He is my man. He is my best friend. And I am thankful for him.

He leads me, cares for me, provides for me. He trusts me, empowers me, values me. He respects me, encourages me, compliments me. 

It's a complicated thing: being a man who honors his wife, but who first honors God. Being a man who leads with authority, but does so like a servant. Being a man who values my opinions and insights, but who knows his final decision is accountable to God. Being a man who sacrifices to provide and strives to succeed, but who knows it's worth nothing if he loses his family in the process. 

It's complicated being a man who finds security in his identity in Christ, recognizes his position before God, and who accepts the significant calling of leading his wife closer to God. Complicated, but not impossible because my man does it. Perfectly, no. With honesty and integrity, yes.

And I'm thankful for that.

Grady, I love you with all my heart. I need you. I desire you. I appreciate you. I respect you. And I want to honor you.

Thank you for being gracious to me when I least deserve it. For loving me when I'm unlovable. For believing in me when I doubt myself. For supporting me when my discouragement is overwhelming. For upholding me in prayer when I am too tired to know what to ask.

Thank you for helping me make our house a home, our kids a priority, our ministry a joy, and our commitment to Jesus stronger.

 Philippians 1:9-11 "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God."

A Short Break

I have gracious family and friends. Thanks for your interest in my life and for your time to read my blog. Your comments and messages are often day-brighteners. And, I am thrilled that I have connections with some wonderful people I wouldn't otherwise have if you hadn't somehow stumbled on this little blog and made return visits.

Thank you. So much!

Because there is more to tell than there is space to do it - or, better said - because there is more to tell than there is time to tell it, this simple post is to let you know that I'll be taking a break for a short while.

How long? Glad you asked, but sorry to say I don't have an answer. Just enough time to regroup and get proper focus and perspective. No, no, no - nothing major or traumatic has happened. Just life. And because so much life "stuff" is happening right now I don't like my track of hit-or-miss posts that lack content and focus.

I aim to connect with you again in a couple of weeks - just in time for the fun of holidays and the debut of Baby #4. Some of you ask if I'll share homeschooling tips and tricks. Some of you ask if I'll share personal insights on raising kids or making family a priority. Some of you ask if I'll give perspectives on current events as they relate to God and his truth. And some one you, some of you just want run-of-the-mill pictures and updates of my kids because you're doting family members trying to keep up with our lives from hundreds of miles away.

I'm thankful for all of your requests. Thankful because that means I have reason to keep posting - reason beyond my initial intent a couple of years ago to blog simply as a personal journal of family events. Somehow, your comments and interest grew my simple thoughts into something that was useful for people I never intended but who were somehow encouraged or challenged.

But for now, for these next couple of weeks, I'm stepping away from blogging and focusing on some other things. Thank you for caring. Thank you for understanding. And thank you in advance for checking back in the near future to connect again!

Numbers As Of Late

Here are some facts and figures from my  life as of late:

- Seven full-size garbage bags donated to Goodwill. One happy husband for the tax write-off.

- Nine big Rubbermaid bins of clothes bought from a local consignor. One happy me for the cash in hand to use for winter clothes.

- Three big Rubbermaid bins of clothes passed on to friends. Hopefully happy friends who can use what I no longer needed!

- Seven packages of newborn and size one diapers bought and spread around the house. Changing stations in three places make those early weeks of at-least-once-an-hour diaper changes easier.

- Two bins of newborn clothes and linens washed and put away. If #4 comes early he has clean clothes!

- One VERY clean and VERY empty attic. Yippee!

- Two birdhouses (finally!) hung. I have two very happy little boys.

- One final soccer practice and one final soccer game this week. I have two very sad little boys.

- Two math workbooks completed and one reader finished resulting in three dance parties by two little boys. School hours have gotten loud and crazy this week.

- Four meals prepared via my crock pot. Knowing dinner is "ready" and it's only 9:00 am is a good feeling.

- Two meals via take-out. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

- One meals via my husband making fruit smoothies and calling it dinner. My kids love this, he grins and bears it, and I laid on the couch anticipating an imminent return from an earlier meal. 

- Two trips to the lake, two walks in the woods, and two visits to the park. The beautiful weather has been wonderful for three active kids.

- Millions of colorful leaves everywhere I look. My kids take notice and comment; my heart smiles at God's creativity; and my window views make washing dishes that much more enjoyable.

- Six days of November Thanksgiving Tree Leaves, two fall-related crafts, and three holiday-related movies. Three little people in my home thoroughly enjoy this time of year!

- Six inches gone for my once a year haircut, except in this case it was about 18 months. I've lost a couple of pounds and gained about 10 minutes of time with the lighter locks to blow dry.

- Half of my Christmas shopping is done and I haven't left the house. Is there a reason not to love online shopping?

- I've gained 25 pounds and if I stay on par with my other three pregnancies, I have five to seven more yet to gain before baby arrives. My maternity wardrobe is simply a uniform of four options and I rotate.

And, most exciting, ONE week closer to meeting my new little man, with approximately six weeks left until he arrives!

Ramblings

Remember that post with older pics? Yeah, this one has older pics as well. And you'll probably see older pics show up over the next few posts, too. So many pics, so little time to share. But because that's all extended family wants to see I have to find a way to eventually share some of those pics. Modern day, live away from family kind of dilemmas.

As the weekend closes and I look ahead at what's planned for this week, I'm hopeful for some down days. Some no-where-to-go so we can just play-at-home-and-be-outside kind of days. It's been a while since we've enjoyed some of those. And, with weather as perfect as this week suggests, I think time by the lake and the creek and in the leaves is just what three continually active kids need. Not so much what this very tired and very slow moving mamma needs, but I'm getting good at discovering hidden logs or rocks to rest my weary back.

Less than eight weeks to go. Eight short and eight very full weeks and then my blessed family of five grows to a blessed family of six. Amazing and exciting. Newborn clothes are washed and in drawers and newborn diapers are bought and stored. It's go time!

Although I'm thankful for an easy pregnancy this time around, the beginning of this third trimester has been anything but pleasant. Vomiting? Showing its ugly self without much warning and at the least expected times. Fatigue? There is no nap long enough to take the edge off of it. Tears? They come without a thought or a reason. Cooking? Usually enjoyable and not a big deal; now it's detestable and the biggest frustration of my day. So, while everyone in my family says they are excited to meet our new little man, I'm fairly certain the underlying message is that they cannot wait for me to return to some semblance of normal!

While I've had many days of constant effort just to keep my head off the pillow, the boys and I have still managed to have some great school days. Thank you, Jesus. True, some areas of science and history have lost the excitement and allure since above and beyond projects and experiments haven't been happening, but all in all we're still tracking and staying on schedule. 

And, to fill some time when I just can't put on the teacher hat, the boys have been busy completing various tasks and jobs that extend beyond their regular chore list. They are working to earn money so they can choose farm animals, textiles, Bibles, and biblical literature for families in Asia as Christmas gifts. And they are having a riot doing it! I love seeing their willingness to work and their enthusiasm when they realize they've "just earned enough money to buy two more chickens!" 

And speaking of Christmas gifts, have you begun your shopping yet? I'm hoping to have things complete by Thanksgiving and am well on the way. With three birthdays thrown into the holiday mix and a baby boy that may debut at anytime come December, I'd rather be ready early than texting gift ideas and wrapping instructions to my husband from my hospital room. (You're welcome, Babe.)

But back to this week. A couple of doctor appointments. A tentative park date with friends. Bible study and home school class. Trick-or-treating. And the regular routine of school work and housework. It all seems manageable and it all seems low-key. Finally. A week without rushing and going and being and doing a hundred things at the same time for different people. Know that feeling? 

And the time change! Who can forget the time change? Dark dinners, cozy inside, candles burning, fireplace on. I love falling back an hour. Previous years have had my kids sleeping in each day during the fall and winter months and my fingers are crossed that this year is no different. But unfortunately, that's temptation for me to sleep in as well.

As I close this week and prepare for a new one, I'm praying for added measures of patience and an attitude of joy. Even when I'm tired and nauseous. And, I pray your week is flooded with gifts of God's grace, too.