New Job

I told myself I was going to write a post at least once a week.  Well, you all see how well that has gone.  It has been HECTIC! at my house!  My husband just got a new job, which I’m very proud of him for.  The only thing is his job is 50 minutes away.  I know, I know, not a big deal to you long-time commuters, but a rather big deal to me.  He’s two weeks in on his job and I must admit that I’m feeling a bit like a single parent these days (no insult to real single parents--I've been there).  Before the new job my husband and I had a great (well, great to me) schedule worked out.  I went to work at 8, taking the two older kids to school and day care.  Then, he kept the twins until 2 when they went to the sitter’s.  He then picked up our son and went to his coaching job until about 6 and I got off at 5, picking up the other 3 kids.  Now, I’m doing all the carting around and picking up of all of the 4 kids and it’s exhausting!  Couple that with coordinating doctor visits in and out of town and therapy appointments--and let me tell ya, this gal ain't organized.  I'm about ready to pull my hair out already.  I know my hubby was in desperate need of some adult interaction during the day and I’m happy that he now gets that.  I know he was in need of that feeling of productivity during the day and contributing to society, and I’m glad he now gets that too.  Now I’m in need of a nanny!  How does everyone else do this? I definitely need some ideas! Also, any ideas to help me get organized would also be appreciated.

We had a great Easter this year. Here are a couple of pics from that.  So great that my car still looks like Easter threw up in it.  I have fake grass and candy everywhere!

On another note, I’m asking for prayer for my family right now. I’ve been in prayer over a situation that is close to my heart and I’d like prayer from you all as well.  It’s nothing major, just something close to my heart.

A special Good Luck to Deak and Jenny Howe on Deak’s Run for Hope.  Click here for info on how to donate or participate.

Hope everyone has a blessed day!

Thankful

I actually have no idea what I'm going to write about today. I just kind of had a goal of writing once more before the month ended. I could write about so many things. Our life these past couple of weeks has been crazy, but blessed. I just feel overwhelmingly thankful right now.

I am thankful that...

My husband and I have been taking a class at another church for a few weeks now. The class is called Wired in that it discusses how each individual is "wired" or made up. On the first day of class we took personality tests, then we had to read about our personality, and then the instructor discusses strengths, weaknesses, and how each personality relates to serving God. It's really a neat class.  But, as neat as it is, it is not really my husband's cup of tea. He has enjoyed learning about the different personalities, but still, not his cup of tea.  So, in this I am thankful that I have a husband who is willing to explore life with me on both our terms.

For those who do not know, I am a PK (preacher's kid). I have attended the same church since my father started pastoring there over 27 years ago. Going from a kid that everyone has watched grow up to a member of that same congregation is not an easy task.  But, I am so thankful that I have a great church family. They love me, they support us, they show genuine concern for my family. The transition was an easy one for me because of my church family. I cannot even begin to name the ways they have blessed me. So, in this I am thankful for a church family that I can actually call family.

For the last couple of weeks, I have been feeling THE GUILT.  You Moms know it. It creeps up when you least expect it, challenging everything you thought you knew as a Mom. How do I know I'm being a good Mom?  How do I know I'm giving my children what they need?  Do I yell too much?  Do they get enough sleep? Etc., etc. Oh yeah, the Mommy Guilt has been showing up in all sorts of areas around my household lately.  It has not been easy to feel confident in my motherly skills lately, especially having 4 children who are all so very different with very different needs.  And the teacher told me the other day that my oldest daughter, Destiny, has been having "Mommyitis" where she tries to get them to call me so that I can pick her up or she asks for me All. Day. So in this, I am thankful that the Lord only gives us one day at a time. :) He knows I can't handle much more than that.

In this strange world of Chromosome 18, one can often feel as though they are stranded on an island. And I'm not talking about the island with the palm trees swaying lightly in the breeze with cabana boys that bring you drinks with fruit while you lie in hammocks and someone fans you with leaves while someone else feeds you grapes. No. Not that island. I'm talking about the Cast Away island like poor Tom Hanks was stranded on for months (BTW, I cry every single time when he loses Wilson). Yeah. That island.  Only its not a deserted island. Its an island full of fun, happy people who get to leave the island and insist on coming back only to tell you of the wonderful tales they've had while away. That's when they've made it clear that they are simply visiting you at your island and they have no intention of staying. So, because of this, I am very thankful for the Internet. Through the Internet I have been able to connect with so many wonderful people.  I just found The Registry's Facebook page this past week and I am so thankful. It helps to take the focus off of me and lets me know that I am not alone. I am also thankful for the many wonderful blogs I have come across. Though, for me the blogs can be intimidating, I am still very thankful for them. While reading them, I am constantly thinking, "How did they know that's what I needed to read this week?"  I can't imagine what this journey would be like without them and I'm glad I don't have to imagine.