tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306906212024-03-19T06:13:35.226-05:00Enjoying the JourneyLed by my Father, I am choosing to find the joy in all circumstances of life.This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.comBlogger421125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-64389455960886362922011-01-27T13:47:00.003-05:002011-01-27T13:51:02.379-05:00Moving OnI turned 34 the other day....<br /><br />I suppose that means I have officially hit my mid thirties.<br /><br />No so sure how I feel about that.<br /><br />So with a new age, a still strong desire to write, and this nagging feeling to start something new and fun.... I have decided to close this blog down.<br /><br />And start a new one....<br /><br />You can join me now at <a href="http://www.njoythejourney@blogspot.com">www.njoythejourney@blogspot.com</a><br /><br />Update your readers peeps.This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-40783131392791812382010-12-19T16:41:00.003-05:002010-12-19T16:54:46.855-05:00Finishing 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0NnGywks9eiKReFKoKQTgJaOCjDd1pLeJ8tjAoeMWbw3XJlxTfhKgXJcsoUZiA0csuGR0CS2a0wEKmoHs3DgpLkBjC30n-TkkCp2nyd4VGA6vHRZnvgsYwjkqfdY_xb6QJQaGA/s1600/schreiberchristmascard.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552511969832527906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0NnGywks9eiKReFKoKQTgJaOCjDd1pLeJ8tjAoeMWbw3XJlxTfhKgXJcsoUZiA0csuGR0CS2a0wEKmoHs3DgpLkBjC30n-TkkCp2nyd4VGA6vHRZnvgsYwjkqfdY_xb6QJQaGA/s400/schreiberchristmascard.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em> It seems like the ability to actually sit down long enough to write on my blog is an impossibility. An almost 1 year old and two homeschoolin' boys seem to have my attention non stop. Cory's job includes rotating shifts that keep him from home over 14 hours a work day. Of course, normal life includes never ending laundry, dishes, and chores. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>I miss writing... However, Christmas is 6 days away, the end of the year will follow and I must at least wrap up this years portion of my blog. (It's my goal to begin writing again, with the onset of the 2011).</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>A year of transition is the best way of summing up 2010.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em><br />I can’t even begin to express the joy that came at the beginning of 2010 in the birth of our Simon David. I am telling you with all sincerity, his birth was the total highlight of our year. He literally has brought daily laughs, tears of joy, and fun to our entire family.<br /><br />Watching Elijah and Zach grow this year was the next highlight of our year.<br /><br />Elijah, now 8, is an amazing boy. His tenacity for life is coupled with a deep sense of compassion and servant hood. I admire him and how he loves the Lord. This year, he specifically grew in listening to our God. Many times he came to me, telling me what he believed the Lord was speaking. My heart would just grow with joy as God’s words would unfold in front of me through my sweet son.<br /><br />Zach, 6, is still my nature boy. This child could play outside all day long if we allowed him to. He is convinced that he will be a hunter when he grows up and has taken to admiring his Uncle Chad all the time! When I am around Zach, I feel this sweet sense of God’s peace. Zach still does not know it yet, but just his very presence carries the tranquility of God’s grace with him.<br /><br />Cory and I had a tough year. Operating on deep prayer, a word from God, and a dream we packed up our home in North Carolina and moved back to PA. Our good byes were hard and not exactly knowing what was in front of us was scary at times.<br /><br />And while, many of you know that it was certainly not a cake walk, we still stand firm trusting our God in where He has placed us.<br /><br />As 2010 ends, we stand before our God thankful for the following<br /></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>*our marriage that continues to deepen and grow<br />*our boys – who amaze us<br />*our health<br />*our families<br />*our friends<br />*Cory’s job<br />* a place to call home<br />* HOPE – that comes only through knowing and trusting in Him.<br /><br />I would be lying, if I didn't admit that I am very ready for 2010 to be over. I have a good feeling about 2011! Although, I have to admit, in many ways, there is no where to go but up!!! (I'm literally chuckling as I write that!)</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Regardless, Merry Christmas to all my friends and family!</em></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KI4jz837IU1DCdKV2XIjrDNPxnf0m2TM0JST1gA7CBVLJJSeTaDVd07edEVRrtnaegKzRGxVJYwTGUapBSHjqvP8jGD5OMNBJTMFcHKd0ifUcJ1aorhGAjKxgWCtoSN5OffX-g/s1600/schreiberchristmascard.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div></div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-56048921154930732822010-10-17T09:03:00.003-05:002010-10-17T09:34:54.960-05:00ReunionsLast night we attended our 15 year class reunion. Maybe I'll be the only one to openly admit it, but I was a bit nervous as Cory and I climbed the stairs towards the get together. Many of these people I haven't seen since the day we graduated. In my own way, I have changed so much in the last 15 years.<br /><br />I remember teachers, parents, and many adults telling us as high schoolers, that these were the best days of our lives. We were encouraged to get involved, to try things out, to learn as much as we could and to cherish each day.<br /><br />For me my high school years were full of hurt and a quest of trying to figure out who I was. My home life was falling apart, I was struggling with depression, and I desperately just wanted to be loved and encouraged in who <em>I</em> was supposed to be. Those years, were <em>not</em> my best.<br /><br />Just to clarify, my desperate time in life had absolutely nothing to do with the people I was surrounded by. Each classmate was going through their own teen years. Nobody was perfect or had it all together themselves. We were, what we were - adolescents!<br /><br />Reunions can be a lesson in confidence. Have you come to a place of knowing who you are? Are you comfortable with yourself? Can you walk into a crowd of now adults and appreciate who each person is, what choices they have made with their lives, and how they have gotten there?<br /><br />I loved going to my class reunion last night. I looked at each person with memories of who they were and admired who they became. Many of us whipped out wallets, phones and more to gloat over our children. While others discussed the details of the incredible jobs they were working in. Some people traveled from Tennessee, Virginia, and New York to share in the memories of our own childhoods.<br /><br /><strong>We grew up.</strong> Somehow we figured out who we were as individuals. We braved the good times and the bad times of our pasts and shared who we are now.<br /><br />Last night we laughed as we watched our fourth grade class commercials. We sobered up as we viewed pictures of those we had lost. We inquired and questioned each other over those that were not there. Pictures (and drinks) flowed freely, many of us remembering who we were during those days.<br /><br />As Cory and I walked down the steps, on our way home, I sighed. It was a good night, a beautiful group of people, and an opportunity to remember that those years shaped who I am now. For that I am thankful!This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-30118491345019210372010-10-14T09:11:00.004-05:002010-10-14T09:28:22.095-05:00Radical Love in a Normal Life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM9savj4EPaoAxgM7dYqY74r-nKgO5bC7W6AURL3dlxhTwLvpHMIIBXfFEO7uCGN1c6Mhh-ayVeOAGva4UhKlF6rNa1PJtfl_pEQp2D6Gj1nL5SNqcm1S6hEgOSL71N8XlV7MKA/s1600/DSC06256.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527908129858423714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM9savj4EPaoAxgM7dYqY74r-nKgO5bC7W6AURL3dlxhTwLvpHMIIBXfFEO7uCGN1c6Mhh-ayVeOAGva4UhKlF6rNa1PJtfl_pEQp2D6Gj1nL5SNqcm1S6hEgOSL71N8XlV7MKA/s320/DSC06256.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/10/when-youre-dying-to-live-radical-fight.html"><strong><em>“I pray I fight the middle to my last breath.”</em></strong></a></div><br /><div>I've been struggling for awhile now, trying to understand who I am in where I am. Everything we have learned and grown in over the last 4 years and to come back to home, what do I do? </div><br /><div>My heart has always been twisted and turned, scrunched up and passionate - for people who need to be <em>LOVED</em>. </div><br /><div>I had left home believing that we were becoming equipped to go out and love. To share, to help, to give .... that's all I have <em>ever</em> wanted to do.</div><br /><div>Yet, I am here. </div><br /><div>So, I pour out the love that is stored up inside of me on who God has placed in my life. My children, family, friends. And I <strong>DO</strong> love them all, with every ounce of my being.</div><br /><div>Somedays, I can't help but struggle inside. I don't want normal. I don't want a cushy house and a job with all the benefits and daily life to be what the ugly american dream is all about. </div><br /><div>But, truthfully, there are many days I do want it. I just want security.</div><br /><div>I read <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/10/when-youre-dying-to-live-radical-fight.html">this</a> post today. My heart and body cried with her. I get it.... I get it....</div><br /><div>~ Finding radical love in a normal life, right now ..... </div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-55774152787384747272010-10-12T12:16:00.003-05:002010-10-12T12:38:46.744-05:00Mornings and Thanksgivings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtUf2IWnvb2W0yEDpD6yT72IBaZwDJ1Cw0HWmzjS6fzUL3AnkcCAt86Z0PpW_ZdyT_0JAGCUj_6Kxw94La8BjjFB2EuMlUMgqxuwf4DoxOqNNYWCNesvWSt8PRqYWGPxkco22YQ/s1600/DSC06272.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527211210824832434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtUf2IWnvb2W0yEDpD6yT72IBaZwDJ1Cw0HWmzjS6fzUL3AnkcCAt86Z0PpW_ZdyT_0JAGCUj_6Kxw94La8BjjFB2EuMlUMgqxuwf4DoxOqNNYWCNesvWSt8PRqYWGPxkco22YQ/s320/DSC06272.JPG" /></a> There is something about mornings and me. We get along but not really. You see, I never fully wake up until I have been moving around for awhile. Usually my achy body is lumbering out of bed while all three of the kiddos are already smiling, screaming, or needing something.<br /><br />I have the desire to be one of those moms, you know the one who has it beautifully together by 6 am. My dreams include getting up around 5:30 ish, turning on quiet music, taking a shower, lighting candles and baking a healthy breakfast. When the kids wake up, they come downstairs to a mama who is refreshed and full of quiet joy.<br /><br />I've done it before. You know getting up at least an hour or more before the kids, showering, making breakfast and even lighting candles. Our day seems so much better when it starts out with peace and love.<br /><br />But since I'm not perfect and I do have quite an achy body, I do my best. This morning, I was looking out my kitchen window. The above picture is what I stare at in the mornings while I drink my cup of coffee and tune out the chatter that is going on. I stare and drink in the day. I watch for deer and egrets and I take a deep breath. It seems like everyone has already started before me and I have to catch up.<br /><br />Even though I don't have it all together, staring at the beauty that God has created just quiets my soul and prepares me for the day. I find myself thankful ....<br /><br /><em>for where we are</em><br /><em>what He is in my life</em><br /><em>my husband</em><br /><em>my three adorable boys</em><br /><em>for daily Hope</em><br /><em>for this life</em><br /><br />And then, I kick it into gear, turning my attention to the three boys that call me Mama. For as much as I complain and struggle with selfish desires, deep down I am more then grateful, I am blessed with ALL that He has provided for me.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMtzYC4fr3Ms3AgawceVVZ14PFknZQ3YjDCnkLxBhgEKX-h0ZnS3beuLyIzUFgBbZPsMCBGUBqdA0d1NYXiytWHEiVVdTGN8ZVrSa5jDTpQwDID1gzbHgdRR41fvcHj2zXuFbDg/s1600/DSC06271.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div></div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-20174321587957834912010-09-30T12:10:00.002-05:002010-09-30T12:35:11.415-05:00What's a Girl Supposed to Do? Really....<a href="http://blogs.targetx.com/hbu/DawgTracks/fall-leaves.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 226px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://blogs.targetx.com/hbu/DawgTracks/fall-leaves.jpg" /></a> <div>Okay peeps, I need some ideas. It's the age old question, the issue that is among many of those who choose to stay at home with their babies or homeschool or both ~ we need some extra income....</div><br /><div>A one income household is always running on the tight end of life. My husband is a wonderful provider. Seriously, there are no complaints on this end with his work ethic and his dedication to provide for our family.</div><br /><div>But lets be real, we've got school debt, a house we want to buy, thoughts of adoption in the future, and plenty of expenses with three kids, renovations, and life in general. A little extra moolah would be helpful all around. </div><br /><div>I need some creative ideas. Help me! Let's put our heads together and think of things outside of the normal job box!</div><br /><div>Here's the scenario.... whatever I do needs to be at home, flexible and have the ability for me to put it aside and focus on school curriculum's, diapers, dinners, legos, and anything else this family needs. My first priority is to continue being the wife and mom I'm suppose to be. Second, I can't plan to leave the house in the evenings or weekends... nope, my husbands current job has a rotating schedule that includes weekends and working 12 hour shifts. Yep, I'm the primary one at home. Third, what am I actually good at? Well, in the worlds eyes, not a whole lot. I mean I've got <em>some </em>talents - my own ones like writing, baking, painting, decorating, funkifying something up, organizing, encouraging people, teaching, etc. </div><br /><div>What I am not good at??? Selling things - for real, I couldn't be a P*mp*red Ch*f consultant or anything along those lines, to save my life. And don't make me call people - I can't even stay connected to my friends and family from afar. Who has time to get on a phone and talk with three kids running around?</div><br /><div>Yeah.... see the issue here? What in the world could I do that would help out a little with some of the bills around here? </div><br /><div>There has to be someone out there that has a good, creative, interesting idea!</div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-74816657848153402462010-09-25T08:09:00.003-05:002010-09-25T08:22:25.806-05:006 Year Old Swinging, 6 Year Old Thinking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmy5FUMrgb8T-0LBR_SLWBGefXoffX3ZkY_EGea23K9SP-uMcl74bm95TBQAWngkv6EvJteeBsNuHpDA4tRPxQt2FmLzlOypo8vLxmRMzR_ccvudKdvH4jtricuDp7caYG_utgA/s1600/DSC06203.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520837968932663074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmy5FUMrgb8T-0LBR_SLWBGefXoffX3ZkY_EGea23K9SP-uMcl74bm95TBQAWngkv6EvJteeBsNuHpDA4tRPxQt2FmLzlOypo8vLxmRMzR_ccvudKdvH4jtricuDp7caYG_utgA/s320/DSC06203.JPG" /></a> I love, love, love this little boy of mine. The other day he was swinging on the tire swing in the yard with one arm to hold on with, like a monkey. At the highest point of the swing, he fell flat on his face. I was sure that he had broken his nose and was going to look up without any teeth. Thankfully, he was bloodless and only bruised. Whew!<br /><br />Not more then 10 minutes later he and his brother we playing with a rope and the tire swing (again). His brother pulled the rope through the swing very hard and rope burned Zach's hands. The above pic is my little Z-man, bruised and band aided up. Boy did he get some serious cuddles that night.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Here I Am</strong></span><br /><em>written by Zach for school work</em><br /><br /><strong>My feet are for walking and jumping.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>My nose is for smelling whoopie pies and cake. Yummy!!!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>My ears are for hearing the ocean and cars.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>My elbows can punch!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>My brain is for thinking about raining Legos!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>My fingers are for feeling something sticky and snapping and building! WOW!!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>My tongue is for tasting oranges, pineapples, and cookies!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>My eyes are for seeing stars and Lego things I make. Big eyeballs!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>I like my body</strong>!<br /><br /><br />I love my little boy! Bruises, band aids, silly stories, and all!This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-74222486292411364242010-09-24T08:37:00.003-05:002010-09-24T08:47:30.533-05:00We Were Supposed to ...Today we were supposed to be packing up the car and heading out to my brothers house for the weekend...<br /><br />Instead we are all sitting in our jammies drinking coffee or cocoa.<br /><br />We were supposed to be watching six nieces and nephews running around together, having all the big kids sleep in the same room at night, while the parents deal with mid night rendezvous with the little ones under 12 months of age.<br /><br />Instead we are listening to childrens folk songs on Pandora.com while milking sinus headaches.<br /><br />We were supposed to be trucking off to a fall festival, the two families that we are on Saturday, and then to church on Sunday morning to watch the youngest family member be baptized.<br /><br />Instead, my husband allowed me to sleep in till the glorious time of 8 am this morning!<br /><br />Plans were scratched due to sickness in our home. And while my heart is disappointed to not be with my brother and his sweet family for a long weekend, I will <strong>choose</strong> to enjoy this weekend. Cuddling, jammies, quiet music, working on small projects and a three day weekend without any plans, while getting rid of fevers, sore throats, headaches, and congestion, is on tap for this family.This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-21652989447606660902010-09-22T11:45:00.003-05:002010-09-22T11:59:05.376-05:00Oh Yea, I Get this One!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAaB72GxeXxWNrW-QPWc2GGPu7yYMHJyJLLj48lHRV1-Bgj0M83RcZwXKLf2xacrUqffxX-SDhHEHSUpWMsclNYXxloB6cpHoiDJRfpsmKaoFBOqKS9Rl7cth6J544ADOTMsdRg/s1600/DSC06033.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519782409910641266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAaB72GxeXxWNrW-QPWc2GGPu7yYMHJyJLLj48lHRV1-Bgj0M83RcZwXKLf2xacrUqffxX-SDhHEHSUpWMsclNYXxloB6cpHoiDJRfpsmKaoFBOqKS9Rl7cth6J544ADOTMsdRg/s320/DSC06033.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I have a long list of bloggers that I read in my spare time (wait, stop for a minute... I said spare time. I'm laughing, as I write!). Anyways, my reads include everything from being thrifty, decorating and renovating, local and not so local friends, families, and adoption. </div><br /><div>Yea, I said the word adoption on my blog .... out loud. I'm not going any further, other then I've always wanted to adopt and we are praying about it. The End.</div><br /><div>Anyways, I love this <a href="http://www.storinguptreasures.com/">blogger</a> and today she wrote something I can totally relate to. Check out how Courtney explains about being suckered punched on a pretty regular basis. She is working at choosing joy over the daily issues we face.</div><br /><div>I hear her.... </div><br /><div>Or as my one friend said a couple of weeks ago .... Word.</div><br /><div>Oh yes... yes... yes..</div><br /><div>Could I give you a list of the ways we have been sucker punched over the last several years? You bet your sweet bippy I could. Some days, I spend it licking wounds and questioning God. </div><br /><div>You know what though, most days I work V<strong>ERY</strong> hard at <em>ENJOYING the Journey</em> of this life of mine. It's refreshing to see some one else put it out there. Go ahead, read Courtney's thought process on it all! See what you think!<span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><a href="http://www.storinguptreasures.com/2010/09/sucker-punch.html"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sucker Punch</strong></span></a></div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-84931558257347996982010-09-21T08:58:00.003-05:002010-09-21T09:20:21.390-05:00Order<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5bBj9joDRrHoMU3GkK5YWH7efeM9Io_vO_xUZVQnR4IJVojBV8Pl_7LHA4y6Vd7ToSNQT_iRQr1nJc-OdkwBta9mDBgtb_C7ovwUHC3Zhxx7jcIpBSAzIIGE074MJvD9Z_DqxA/s1600/DSC06175.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519366707943909314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5bBj9joDRrHoMU3GkK5YWH7efeM9Io_vO_xUZVQnR4IJVojBV8Pl_7LHA4y6Vd7ToSNQT_iRQr1nJc-OdkwBta9mDBgtb_C7ovwUHC3Zhxx7jcIpBSAzIIGE074MJvD9Z_DqxA/s320/DSC06175.JPG" /></a><em><strong> Order.... I crave it.</strong></em><br /><br />Oh, what I wouldn't give to be able to have everything that we own put away in the right places, nice and neat on clean shelves.<br /><br />Or perhaps, an ordered schedule. Cory started a new job, one that rotates days. We started a new type of homeschooling that requires a lot of adjustment. Oh, and add in a sweet little baby who needs attention in the middle of daily life!<br /><br /><strong><em>Oh order.... what a gift it is.</em></strong><br /><br />To actually be able to complete a thought would be nice too. Who remembers what it is like to be waking up once or twice a night to take care of the cries that call out for a mama? Baby brain mush... I have a heavy dose of it these days.<br /><br />Paperwork and bills, phone calls that need to be made, emails that I need to return. I need to make a list.<br /><br /><strong><em>Everything in its place ~ lovely!</em></strong><br /><br />A house that has two rooms without ceilings or real floors, boxes shoved in a room or two, or maybe a lawn that hasn't been mowed in a couple of weeks, it all can drive me batty.<br /><br />I suppose we can only do so much in one day. But what I wouldn't give to snap my fingers and have it all put together and in order.<br /><br />Each night, I crawl into my bed, exhausted from the days work. Some nights, I am worried and anxious about everything I haven't accomplished. However, more and more I am feeling thankfulness rising up inside of me.<br /><br />At least, my children were schooled today. Wow, I got alot of laundry done. Oooh, I was able to finally write down the schedule for the month. I shopped... I went to the food store, with a plan and a list. WOW! I think my home is starting to feel a bit peaceful, amidst all the unfinished work.<br /><br />Yeah, we are coming along. Slowly, but surely.This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-25885227995231790962010-09-09T18:33:00.002-05:002010-09-09T18:58:04.071-05:00Just Us<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEzuQER4wPrQKBg90u-AmwpWg67IDd7CAWMWdBR16-bpU4B3cQk8GBHG8cSn-sBgJ5X5kr_EjpeoMVdqaw4F96JfxSWrvFKYFAwf_hWp20dorO2srxzvbpvwS5pY_mH-dtGxP7Q/s1600/IMG_0878.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515067134911912002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEzuQER4wPrQKBg90u-AmwpWg67IDd7CAWMWdBR16-bpU4B3cQk8GBHG8cSn-sBgJ5X5kr_EjpeoMVdqaw4F96JfxSWrvFKYFAwf_hWp20dorO2srxzvbpvwS5pY_mH-dtGxP7Q/s320/IMG_0878.jpg" /></a><br /><div>It's been over 5 years since Cory and I have lived without someone else, other then our children. Before our big move to North Carolina, we had the opportunity to have my mom live with us. She was very ill and could not live on her own, drive a car, or work. We invited her into our home right around the time that Zach turned 4 month old. Zach just turned 6 two weeks ago.</div><br /><div>When we were praying about what to do with the next part of our lives, we kept feeling like the Lord was saying over and over again, "Plant roots and focus on your family." We took a year to come to the conclusion that those roots needed to be in PA, hence the move back home.</div><br /><div>We've lived with my mom, 11 college age females, and most recently Cory's parents. What a journey it has been to live daily life with all those people. I've learned the most amazing things about myself. I'm more resilient and way more introverted now. I crave peace and quiet and I can only handle large crowds for a certain amount of time. </div><br /><div>Having people live with you, gives you the opportunity to look at life through someone elses eyes. No matter what age or stage of life, each person we communed with taught us a great deal!</div><br /><div>Now, it is just us... out in the country, where deer and (apparently, according to my neighbor) bear can roam freely in our backyard. Our boxes are far from unpacked, the house is still in shambles, but the simplicity (not really, when there are 3 kids!) of just the 5 of us, is something that I'm going to have to get used to.</div><br /><div>It looks like the next part of this journey of mine, is figuring out just who we are as our little family. It should be interesting!</div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-27800586171038874332010-09-04T19:32:00.009-05:002010-09-07T13:05:05.345-05:00Home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkEXuYKQljyvmpJ3Wb9NoDHZYT-8-1bzYLiEDn87t1YGlwLiX7cVv1wM8DJ9lfnd4AZi6vXHeKJ8ndyrtYt8nIixw85cLyt5NufTy41N85idSSUHbE56myynHMBp1O5H05cBF7w/s1600/DSC06056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513225619846819346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkEXuYKQljyvmpJ3Wb9NoDHZYT-8-1bzYLiEDn87t1YGlwLiX7cVv1wM8DJ9lfnd4AZi6vXHeKJ8ndyrtYt8nIixw85cLyt5NufTy41N85idSSUHbE56myynHMBp1O5H05cBF7w/s320/DSC06056.JPG" /></a> A little over a week ago we moved into our home. With plenty of work still ahead of us, we are slowly making this place ours.<br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TBxIQg-pvorfk3A91RhDFqLvhTlc3xqXnie6CVVfcxB_h172FZ3qXCWdkKLqS98Dw7DI0rMmc2jT7ZizJ2Rz0cEMHMHm-wzJntLYdu9gaIICAkgb73nNrbZqOdd8_rWAilj9aQ/s1600/DSC05691.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513225217021484210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TBxIQg-pvorfk3A91RhDFqLvhTlc3xqXnie6CVVfcxB_h172FZ3qXCWdkKLqS98Dw7DI0rMmc2jT7ZizJ2Rz0cEMHMHm-wzJntLYdu9gaIICAkgb73nNrbZqOdd8_rWAilj9aQ/s320/DSC05691.JPG" /></a> It's been a long, hard, sweaty and eventful summer. Some day I could blog a list of all the wild life we've encountered or in some instances killed. Yeah, that's my main man holding a dead black snake. Wrestling that baby was an act of love done just for me.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnqxubzJQ-5-c8Mi8YeDFzopy3JKTO2g5yfvuGqPsP4I3gVhZD5C7oRhOxCiVaCYt2QCqrE2PK25sZFgaKBPlpSw90NDDhm7_ZAdUWCZ5U7TXy-peKuia0JkhlMQ9AVEadb2nig/s1600/DSC05930.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513224615091581970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnqxubzJQ-5-c8Mi8YeDFzopy3JKTO2g5yfvuGqPsP4I3gVhZD5C7oRhOxCiVaCYt2QCqrE2PK25sZFgaKBPlpSw90NDDhm7_ZAdUWCZ5U7TXy-peKuia0JkhlMQ9AVEadb2nig/s320/DSC05930.JPG" /></a> The kiddos all grew up in different ways this summer. Elijah enjoyed a week at day camp, turned 8 years old, and grew into an amazing big brother to his youngest sibling, Simon. </div><div> <br /><br /><div></div><div>Of course, the Si-guy, has done his own growing this summer ... popping two teeth, working on two more, falling in love with his grandparents and his aunt and uncle, as well as getting himself ready to become mobile any day now. (God help me!!! I mean it, how will I ever keep up with him in this reno house????)<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs24qhSA8-zobJI4QgSBopZvmKaHuJFyAV_9B0692GlPRMvv8v4iT0nWWXc0ExeCqxUpblToDKrKi_FhfrPcBmA0jinCMexQR0Q06fPYNxveJwxox1solkXQWWXDgmASlyoZNi_w/s1600/DSC05961.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513224006471091906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs24qhSA8-zobJI4QgSBopZvmKaHuJFyAV_9B0692GlPRMvv8v4iT0nWWXc0ExeCqxUpblToDKrKi_FhfrPcBmA0jinCMexQR0Q06fPYNxveJwxox1solkXQWWXDgmASlyoZNi_w/s320/DSC05961.JPG" /></a><br /> I worked like a man this summer. Seriously... I. worked. like. a. man. I haven't worked that hard since I was a teenager. I mowed lawns, scrubbed floors, installed floors, painted, cleaned, nursed a baby, ran after two squirrely little boys, raked, hauled 2200 pounds of metal to a recycling plant, carried a 20 pounder on my back, discussed in depth design ideas, and fell even more in love with my husband and my little boys.</div><div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Mo7QNpbPkOJdW-U2RGM3RDwjOv8x6M5tMuu8wt4bk_BJ0ukazVXlQ6n-SSBI7Ry2yi6Lz7V4L3XY2G7CxokOAPPC3RaPYr8sxAyhtfKcS2BxR2XPqnDyd1rpaNlkLPmaq5kTXg/s1600/DSC05945.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513223627088903330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Mo7QNpbPkOJdW-U2RGM3RDwjOv8x6M5tMuu8wt4bk_BJ0ukazVXlQ6n-SSBI7Ry2yi6Lz7V4L3XY2G7CxokOAPPC3RaPYr8sxAyhtfKcS2BxR2XPqnDyd1rpaNlkLPmaq5kTXg/s320/DSC05945.JPG" /></a></div></div></div><br /><p>My little Z man turned 6, fell in love with a kitten that he convinced Grandma to keep at her house, grew muscles that he proudly will show you, and shared with me daily just how happy he was to have moved to the country.</p><p>I've said it before, I'll say it again... when I die, please put "Never a Dull Moment" on my headstone. Because that is the story of my funny little life. It is never a dull moment in our household. This summer didn't fail us with stories, black and blue marks, and reconnected relationships. And while I am thoroughly exhausted, I am thankful.</p>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-37312211270330990282010-06-12T20:11:00.004-05:002010-09-07T12:56:35.386-05:00Family Work Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6NGuy2zaAMZmAjWmF5HYi2q-EX8QSHFavum5ftcyrdlE1Xxe7ebBbx7wvZF6entvXY42wzOH2iWNv3AfzuY37hKD2mZZb_XFHdxOLN8OBIiVW2RtMwhuyHNpO-ccb15asJ7AMQ/s1600/4824carpenter_hammer.jpg"></a><br /><div>The family that works together .... stays together? Or gets alot accomplished? Maybe raises a few kids that have a work ethic? We will see.</div><br /><div>Today, I instructed that kids that in order for us to move into our new home we are going to have to work really hard for a couple of months to get it ready. I shared with them that in the Bible, God tells us to be hard working, wise people. </div><br /><div>Our new home is more then just a fixer upper! Everywhere you look there is projects to do. A soon to be crawling baby could have a life threatening field day in that house! </div><br /><div>So, we are pulling up our sleeves, donning some work gloves, and planning a summer of sweaty, hard work! Our goal .... to be in our home by the end of the summer, if not sooner.</div><br /><div>Watching my kids lug bricks and pull out weeds today made me feel so excited for them. When I was a kid, my parents taught my brother and I how to work. I have memories of climbing up on top of a roof with my dad, learning how to run electric, and hammering in nail after nail. </div><br /><div>As a child, I didn't always like working. Infact, I used to think my parents were too hard on us. But now as an adult, I can look back on those times and thank them for what they taught me and who I am now.</div><br /><div>I love my boys deeply! I want them to be healthy, wise, strong men of God. I want them to see that working hard will pay off. I want them to enjoy the reward of having a work ethic! </div><br /><div>I love the thought of working with my own kids on projects! How cool is that?!!!</div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-42899582003587731242010-06-11T09:31:00.003-05:002010-06-11T09:54:35.439-05:00Not Succombing to My GrumpinessI went to bed grumpy and woke up grumpy.<br /><br />I'm one of those people who just can't cry. It takes a lot for me to actually finally let go and cry. Many times I'll have a huge lump in my throat but it takes so much for it to actually finally come out. I need to cry.... really, I need to.<br /><br />Last night I was perusing facebook looking at pictures of friends. I found myself feeling so confused. Who am I? I miss NC and yet desperately want to be in PA. I don't have a home set up yet, a schedule for my kids and I to follow, my own blankets and bed. I feel lost and grumpy.<br /><br />Yet, I have so much to be thankful for... I'm serious, I really do.<br /><br />So, while I am not going to be all Pollyanna on you, I<strong> am</strong> outwardly declaring the things that I am thankful for...<br /><br />~ Family<br /> * in laws who joyfully put us up in their home, gush over my kids, let us take over, spoil us with things we haven't had in years, snuggle with the baby when I want to do something, and generally just loves us no matter what.<br /> * Brother in law and sister in law - support us, laugh with us, generous and caring, love our kids and enjoy us for our quirks and personalities<br /> * my dad and his wife, whom are willing to turn themselves into a pretzel to make a home work for my ever growing family.<br /> * a soon to meet and love niece or nephew, whom will only be less then 6 months younger then my Simon<br /><br />~Friends<br /> *who have totally been giving us our space as we transition out of "shock," who love us unconditionally, who give to us, laugh with us, encourage us,<br /> * for regular emails and phone calls that include - "I love you, I'm here for you, I'm willing to wait until you are ready to come out of your cave, I'm not giving up on you."<br /><br />~ God's provision<br /> *leads on jobs, bills that come in less then we were expecting, money that is NOT flowing out of our accounts, amazing deals, favor with others, and generosity<br /><br />~Our Church<br /> *both in NC and in PA - who see what God has in us and encourages us to keep moving forward one day at a time, who again laughs with us and encourages us!<br /><br />~My husband<br /> *this Godly man, who chooses to provide and take care of us, who encourages me to be part of all the decisions, who tenderly listens to me and says, "I'm sorry I can't make it better for you, but I love you," and then hugs me, who is willing to put aside his dreams and desires for us, who works and plays hard. I truly, deeply love my husband.<br /><br />I feel better already. Now, I'm going to clean up, put on some sneakers and walk over to my brother in laws house for a work day.This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-43938825554232621482010-06-09T10:01:00.003-05:002010-06-09T10:42:28.216-05:00The Little Punk that He Is!!!Elijah got a camera for Christmas this year. His grandparents decided to get themselves a new one and for Christmas they gave Elijah their used one, along with any extra amenities that could go with it.<br /><br />Now, a camera is the perfect gift for my Drama King, especially since it also video records. We download his pictures and videos often and find the most hilarious little stunts.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480793438161689986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OuDEIRuVjAGugkjLglYWfM8XHnP2n2N9l3kXH2l7eemR9i9nC8i-wLDaTb1QmWEl4Drgr7hnhY7KN0RQzB7YZc2j7gJJC9v0NM5H0P-p4gfMvLm9z1w24vrcvJYiXIFqonEQVw/s320/DSC05290.JPG" /><br />Last week, when Uncle Chad took the boys to one of the farms, I was on my A game and told Elijah to grab his camera. My previous post includes some of the beautiful pics that he took.<br /><br />But since he is seven (almost eight mom, with an eye roll) and he has acquired his fathers antagonistic ways, I found many of the following two pictures.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOK4v1et1aV7h6XYmDo-BVO-WC6FpiopFh-KUykzGPZSqRrWrIkj_5q62uzz-Xev-xeJvY8jRrWFuJhaAIgt5J4rYun5At89_IGsXBrTnbbBpQEt-GJUqmg62-9pKpJGhaLcWrQ/s1600/DSC05320.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480789818961973202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOK4v1et1aV7h6XYmDo-BVO-WC6FpiopFh-KUykzGPZSqRrWrIkj_5q62uzz-Xev-xeJvY8jRrWFuJhaAIgt5J4rYun5At89_IGsXBrTnbbBpQEt-GJUqmg62-9pKpJGhaLcWrQ/s320/DSC05320.JPG" /></a> What boy isn't intrigued by a cow patty??? I mean, c'mon its a huge pile of poop, just sitting there, waiting to have its picture taken by a devious little seven year old.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q0SapxuFjlNOaR7wxscRRKpeDPPWhvroYXWvdKUkyOyg0zLvJRf0_znytDhOunGMjaTuu4dRnVh_l14-2YWCK2eCdCvDlTA-AATRyB55keeXqVPwdDnHFsmDCTsH38QhetM0nQ/s1600/DSC05321.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480789485653247378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q0SapxuFjlNOaR7wxscRRKpeDPPWhvroYXWvdKUkyOyg0zLvJRf0_znytDhOunGMjaTuu4dRnVh_l14-2YWCK2eCdCvDlTA-AATRyB55keeXqVPwdDnHFsmDCTsH38QhetM0nQ/s320/DSC05321.JPG" /></a> Of course, if cow patties are your thing, then why not capture the EXACT place that they come from? A cow's <em>beee hind</em>.<br /><br /><div>Yeah, lovin me some good ole fashion cow butt and poop pics. Yee haw! Can you hear a little seven year old punk in the background laughing uncontrollably???<br /><div></div></div></div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-81316092105702255852010-06-07T09:00:00.002-05:002010-06-07T09:00:02.139-05:00Green<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOWUtH_xaMfQrXvbyOPo2hFVszPrWA_AhPSTrIMfE_Kj1mlznJbseIXnMJ8gE-O4nCsUtbqzKf88qW-Z3Wq0nh7TaIMvUJKWLM3e46WeM-PpL0mS3-9KGjgp491RT-liZ1_tTCg/s1600/DSC05272.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479422086312813858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOWUtH_xaMfQrXvbyOPo2hFVszPrWA_AhPSTrIMfE_Kj1mlznJbseIXnMJ8gE-O4nCsUtbqzKf88qW-Z3Wq0nh7TaIMvUJKWLM3e46WeM-PpL0mS3-9KGjgp491RT-liZ1_tTCg/s320/DSC05272.JPG" /></a> Why is it when we were teens, we didn't appreciate what we had when we had it? One of the reasons that I swore I would never move back to my home town was because I struggle with a lot of difficult memories. And truthfully, I think somewhere in the back of my mind I've been a bit of a snob.<br /><br />Since God has given us a bit of a detour here, I've found myself back in the small town that I grew up in. Now, that I am older and wiser (wink) I am finding the beauty in the life that is around me.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gFnSbQbVwI_HxEZAsDSC6QfuwM0onb8rfI1lQmMEA7EVJHrPkGX8tt2eaw9SYtxtQ4LqoG-PGKsqUuFRMP_Pf8Ohyphenhyphenj54NFo0KdiALuwwzf-QWn5gekc6mGUDrE8AwHi4vvNlHA/s1600/DSC05311.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479421791514020914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gFnSbQbVwI_HxEZAsDSC6QfuwM0onb8rfI1lQmMEA7EVJHrPkGX8tt2eaw9SYtxtQ4LqoG-PGKsqUuFRMP_Pf8Ohyphenhyphenj54NFo0KdiALuwwzf-QWn5gekc6mGUDrE8AwHi4vvNlHA/s320/DSC05311.JPG" /></a> This is my brother in law with my sweet Z-man. The country life is paradise for my Zachy. Tractors, lots of open fields, trees, nature, and not alot of people makes my Zach a happy boy! Oh, and he LOVES his Uncle Chad!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U2lB1Zg_tcvGBtG9kqH2dbWwvqVpN2VKjnuCQVax8hngkLQ344zVkTdt3SH4lwdBeCf-qIdUGVFBPYR91vtVFbI-TfztZKxOlLCmG3GtI93qfySK_546Xll4hB9ZSR94wJB5fw/s1600/DSC05319.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479421493176034466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U2lB1Zg_tcvGBtG9kqH2dbWwvqVpN2VKjnuCQVax8hngkLQ344zVkTdt3SH4lwdBeCf-qIdUGVFBPYR91vtVFbI-TfztZKxOlLCmG3GtI93qfySK_546Xll4hB9ZSR94wJB5fw/s320/DSC05319.JPG" /></a> I love the fact that green is really green here. The contrast of the black and white cows, the red barns and white silos, with all the beautiful and rich greens surrounding it makes me inhale deeply. Green represents life and life is all around here, just in a much quieter way.</div><div><br /></div><div>I asked my brother in law the other day if he really liked living in the same area most of his entire life. He paused and thought for a moment, "yea, I love it," was his response. He loves that he knows others, he knows who he can trust, who he can rely on. He loves that farmers come together and help each other. He loves that he can retreat to the quietness of his home.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2bphGf9iH0Em0bpzpQ2uaPoe2mH0Ulhmp3hbnk3v89HRWvwSmR18nbkOQcUqO31QWUsJAXin3AlP167xqh7HqxxSXwNUXFNpe9EW_FnPSntW6LabJQBlHO1azOvgkumJByM92w/s1600/DSC05270.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479420506860612754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2bphGf9iH0Em0bpzpQ2uaPoe2mH0Ulhmp3hbnk3v89HRWvwSmR18nbkOQcUqO31QWUsJAXin3AlP167xqh7HqxxSXwNUXFNpe9EW_FnPSntW6LabJQBlHO1azOvgkumJByM92w/s320/DSC05270.JPG" /></a> </div><div>Right now, I love watching my children run around freely. I love looking at where I grew up through more mature eyes. I appreciate the peace and quiet, the ability to retreat and inhale the depths of life around me.</div></div></div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-15484160554781356272010-06-05T16:49:00.005-05:002010-06-05T17:22:40.072-05:00Decompressing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPvVLt2fEzs1i4sBkf2MwFNauPFFz8Z7iTLvfu09gKNLApOgUNasVX5stZDsK4gGD8J9jvwt8NSFtUgVDoK1zMOUAhTBxDxJnWTiXs4FiSACBj1kCJik5yv7RdLiwrY70kwdnuQ/s1600/DSC05362.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479411738874980322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPvVLt2fEzs1i4sBkf2MwFNauPFFz8Z7iTLvfu09gKNLApOgUNasVX5stZDsK4gGD8J9jvwt8NSFtUgVDoK1zMOUAhTBxDxJnWTiXs4FiSACBj1kCJik5yv7RdLiwrY70kwdnuQ/s320/DSC05362.JPG" /></a> When we were packing up the house in NC, I mentioned to someone that when we arrive in PA, I'm sure I will go through some decompressing time of all that we have experienced while living down in the south. Little did I know that our time of quietness was literally going to hit upon our arrival.<br /><br />Since our housing situation is up in the air and Cory is still job hunting, we are currently residing with his parents until the rest of the pieces of our puzzle comes together.<br /><br />The above picture is the quiet country road they live on.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2u3nZyFeBonxgqWBvkPzlsbQzCAN8GQHJf_3zELMrfPn_NIlgsFiBpCktQvAjDWUTVrRmoGztqDMlhWx1pdinKqShvcIXJYJMbEqsLEqhDy9kXfWDewv-nX6USvxWRkb-1JBa9g/s1600/DSC05363.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479411430967004530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2u3nZyFeBonxgqWBvkPzlsbQzCAN8GQHJf_3zELMrfPn_NIlgsFiBpCktQvAjDWUTVrRmoGztqDMlhWx1pdinKqShvcIXJYJMbEqsLEqhDy9kXfWDewv-nX6USvxWRkb-1JBa9g/s320/DSC05363.JPG" /></a> And these beauties are what surround my in laws home.... acres upon acres of trees or farmland. It's wonderfully quiet around here.<br /> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM85SHp7hgl_YRRD77mOy_4Ic1wl5jOykczgPjKtWmdvz5i-CLynXOOaYLUbBevqfSqLYOSAqwiIZXU9HHH7d8gwAJQGPPkgByfkfUG_UHmVNYRIxxi7VQqnz22tgxNFNii1RyxQ/s1600/DSC05365.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479411171133230850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM85SHp7hgl_YRRD77mOy_4Ic1wl5jOykczgPjKtWmdvz5i-CLynXOOaYLUbBevqfSqLYOSAqwiIZXU9HHH7d8gwAJQGPPkgByfkfUG_UHmVNYRIxxi7VQqnz22tgxNFNii1RyxQ/s320/DSC05365.JPG" /></a> It seems as though I struggle with sitting still. Well, more like I struggle with letting my mind relax and just trusting our God. If I keep my hands busy, then my mind doesn't wonder. I sort of feel like Dory in Little Nemo, "Just keep moving, just keep moving."</div><div> <br /></div>And yet, I've yearned and begged God for a respite, a time of quietness. I have even gone as far as the point of asking to just be bored for just a little while.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarzWlb4jvLdXzUElf8DWuEudjf_Lw79I3eouiK4XDXW0_40Lk_kvelJw2I4qbj6yrvUyHNz-1uPlnzGwvmCEs23HRR7Pa9XeIQIWbwDX7ZRMeIkkegXvhyphenhyphentD0iJ_s9_y0L_nTPQ/s1600/DSC05370.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479410860721306898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarzWlb4jvLdXzUElf8DWuEudjf_Lw79I3eouiK4XDXW0_40Lk_kvelJw2I4qbj6yrvUyHNz-1uPlnzGwvmCEs23HRR7Pa9XeIQIWbwDX7ZRMeIkkegXvhyphenhyphentD0iJ_s9_y0L_nTPQ/s320/DSC05370.JPG" /></a> It's taken me a bit to realize the gift that I have before me right now. I'm in a home, staying with Cory's parents, who adore being grandparents. They love us, love being around the grandchildren and want the best for us. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's quiet, peaceful, with very little responsibilities that have to be done.</div> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6W9uvW0pg21kIH6Ocyv4iB3sJCUrq_DDicrKhjYHLKwstjTosEg4GgxT98Ffu9oBIeMNtLDvC2qIq3jPHhfUz2bR8RzJZYkxxHZyrwS8fZGmaR-8BEoNyEF4X4qDVPgid-zopg/s1600/DSC05371.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479410486344693330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6W9uvW0pg21kIH6Ocyv4iB3sJCUrq_DDicrKhjYHLKwstjTosEg4GgxT98Ffu9oBIeMNtLDvC2qIq3jPHhfUz2bR8RzJZYkxxHZyrwS8fZGmaR-8BEoNyEF4X4qDVPgid-zopg/s320/DSC05371.JPG" /></a> It's funny, because I don't want to be lazy and negligent but I don't want to ignore the gift of quietness and times of refreshing. Instead I want to embrace what God has given me, soaking in the sun and solitude. </div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-51015580014788455172010-06-03T14:10:00.007-05:002010-06-03T15:02:12.401-05:00TransplantingI had a wise friend share something with me yesterday. He said, when a plant is uprooted and replanted into new soil, they go through shock, before they begin to grow or even bear fruit.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478631165678946322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PorhPsMqi-EIfB9EW3B5EDXPK12LxEkwSJ5bfrpas7SF3y8RloVMU0qDQNR3MElnzCHgT6B_TB86jrkz9l2iXmvMbPC4FJOkSUKfm_N3MSpNkUSb9kZYrOeF-cLAEoPSpCKeww/s320/387.jpg" /> "In the process of maintaining your plants indoors, most of them like to be on a schedule. Introducing a new pot, new soil, and disturbing the root system may cause the plant to "react". This reaction could be in the form of dropping leaves, drooping or wilting leaves, brown tips, or the plant might just grow nuts," found at <a href="http://www.plant-care.com/repotting-house-plants-why.html">http://www.plant-care.com/repotting-house-plants-why.html</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 193px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478630648724057522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZ79H2HHcQscbXaZBCGPaF2ZBigLQoz3eppk6ShHK9zdktGUQHxSK67pVU9i2MERIwciEjFYOBP_USRnIVeOnlR7VdIxIjSmlw1fgpoQz6q64Ot9-comu6jUlKF4EsJxVmfBh6w/s320/repotting-houseplants-why.jpg" /> Facing plenty of unknowns, throwing in a move from state to state, and dealing with an abnormal schedule, makes this mama feel more then a bit overwhelmed and rather nuts.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 175px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 193px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478637016919185442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ8htHSCBZrYOshSTzwJaiG4YD2VgOT337SH89QxUHFCD5kPcBWrOKnhGVRhWTSIj1Md2I2GbbTrx0Rh3Hbequd7SAvTvP2y3Ua_AJ5YWfaSX1bEw0xoFHGptCflGcunk32C1Xw/s320/flowers6.jpg" /><br /><div></div>So, I've retreated out to the country at my in laws home, where the children can roam freely, coffee is never ending, and cell phone reception doesn't work.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478638103757357042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYNjHDJp2IyuFIuicxG6m_VUEHhECM8R217ljDMgQO0vih6-hMY5ORhrZgNOWJvN-c-iOZbxjrgC72N4RTVMs1_UOLFb7gKZlmaz-6BAXIOxTPp_sZf2jZZMeKxVEv0oyKs-DnA/s320/farming21.jpg" /><br />Sometimes, it is better to stay quiet and lay low while you are in the middle of transition. It is especially important when there are so many unknowns. Housing, jobs, schedules, what to dig into, what to leave alone ...... is enough to work through for this recently transplanted family. <div></div><div></div><div><br /><div></div></div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-9658032805415843032010-05-11T09:39:00.006-05:002010-05-11T10:33:15.593-05:00A Bloggy Celebrity Meeting....So I met the famous blogging celebrity Pioneer Woman last Friday night! My totally rockin, cool husband was listening to the radio and heard her interview. He then heard that she was in the Charlotte area and decided that we should pack up the kiddos and head on down to Southpark for the evening.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYUJcFMTH945djQq7VtmENeHN-6edzkaAQmxn17pejslBQG8csXDKjt9AJTLfH9Rk9xM5Uf16uen_Fl8JcDPbR_cWQS08MX86KaKetx1aZQrJkw0zybobBqjeVVSnosBnDNPCAA/s1600/DSC05043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470027096603051602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYUJcFMTH945djQq7VtmENeHN-6edzkaAQmxn17pejslBQG8csXDKjt9AJTLfH9Rk9xM5Uf16uen_Fl8JcDPbR_cWQS08MX86KaKetx1aZQrJkw0zybobBqjeVVSnosBnDNPCAA/s320/DSC05043.JPG" /></a> <br />This is P-Dub, Ree Drummond, Pioneer Woman answering questions from the crowd. She shared the depths of her soul by discussing spanks, boxers vs briefs, portion sizes, and sweating. Who needs to answer thought provoking, soul searching questions about life, when you can read all about her <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">here</a>?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVKeG0YA7r1U0ZOVGeeldpVRS5nDyfRpr0hnKh8chRa8S7ByTHq7g3HNTbAMHNrT0mWZWhT-XOiwakOyHW3VqBKYrFRVW8Ua6ow0PWNFh1fgeSKntgGmEEDX9aSNQt8qevtyu5Q/s1600/DSC05056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470023879471181058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVKeG0YA7r1U0ZOVGeeldpVRS5nDyfRpr0hnKh8chRa8S7ByTHq7g3HNTbAMHNrT0mWZWhT-XOiwakOyHW3VqBKYrFRVW8Ua6ow0PWNFh1fgeSKntgGmEEDX9aSNQt8qevtyu5Q/s320/DSC05056.JPG" /></a> We waited for over 5 hours until our group was called. Too bad my eyes aren't looking forward, you might have seen exhaustion and a look of "what was I thinking" in them. Instead of eyes, focus on the cheeks of my youngest? They are so squeezable! </div><div> <br /></div>You also can't see the line of drool that just happened to be following us as we moved forward. It was on hardwood floors. I'm praying that some old lady didn't slip.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgPa7_dH-R8TCPuBwBbI9ugKOR9ybuC2PamAKyVilNiVIl-nxOjbrtEP8eSIf8mz3C97KQ9CzVgAm_Ozg8H_hcJ_Nhq7zaa7bBU4m7FcDbk7R8KalOBvuMYpO8CFWE6vYBhvkjw/s1600/DSC05054.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470023654015438338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgPa7_dH-R8TCPuBwBbI9ugKOR9ybuC2PamAKyVilNiVIl-nxOjbrtEP8eSIf8mz3C97KQ9CzVgAm_Ozg8H_hcJ_Nhq7zaa7bBU4m7FcDbk7R8KalOBvuMYpO8CFWE6vYBhvkjw/s320/DSC05054.JPG" /></a> Cory told the kids that this was a Mother's Day present for me. There involvement in the gift was that they were not allowed to complain during the whole time that we were there. Surprisingly they really didn't.</div><div> <br /></div><div>Instead I heard only 150 bizillion times, the following... "Boom, Bang.... Fire Powahhhh..."</div><div> <br /></div><div>They've only watched Night at the Museum once. But really, my kids are not influenced by media... really.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P4KtwQi5TPWj0FURWEiCghlMgDaBxtQyGMCZ34sQ6uVRm-GQl3QHn-LWw2d_SDyMOk50SpDlUCNSGf94WmGkWJ4_2XmXhHMHIj9GN4xK1S8QwZAhFV2C5LgOvy6OA32VxCGp8w/s1600/DSC05057.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470023372999229842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P4KtwQi5TPWj0FURWEiCghlMgDaBxtQyGMCZ34sQ6uVRm-GQl3QHn-LWw2d_SDyMOk50SpDlUCNSGf94WmGkWJ4_2XmXhHMHIj9GN4xK1S8QwZAhFV2C5LgOvy6OA32VxCGp8w/s320/DSC05057.JPG" /></a> The long anticipated picture of Simon, myself and the famous Pioneer Woman, signing my own personal copy of her cookbook!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>For real.... this was one of those crazy fun moments in my life, that I will laugh about over and over again. Who takes three kids to a small, expensive book store and waits 5 hours to meet some woman who writes a blog? Only to sit for all of 30 seconds and get a signature??? Me. Yup. Me. </div><div><br /></div><div>We are a little nuts in this family!</div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-13529096572486804182010-04-27T17:54:00.003-05:002010-04-27T18:05:05.010-05:00Sure... I'll Brag on him for Just a Minute<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6xaBdIf6cV9rlhdvFUMyAxph2-Qndq4SfcYwQ9bNHl65sZfrpkH4F4VtDFFfgKcP8DargkzBr0jQ3EoOSvPExMYLMNxVX1TdtvTkdk-VO_QI43TcqlXNRHX8fAMMYbzMBvKUDQ/s1600/IMG_0776.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464954775377641650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6xaBdIf6cV9rlhdvFUMyAxph2-Qndq4SfcYwQ9bNHl65sZfrpkH4F4VtDFFfgKcP8DargkzBr0jQ3EoOSvPExMYLMNxVX1TdtvTkdk-VO_QI43TcqlXNRHX8fAMMYbzMBvKUDQ/s320/IMG_0776.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I enrolled EJ into a science class this year. They spent the entire year focusing on inventors. This was right up his alley, learning about inventions and the people behind them.</div><div><br /></div><div>To finish off the year, EJ had to put together his own invention. He decided that he wanted to invent a game.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I love about this boy, is that I can teach him logic and he gets it and thrives off of it. I sat him down and we brainstormed about three different topics he could use for his game. He came up with history, video games, and the body. After discussing them, he chose to use history as his topic for the game.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Using the California Trail, the Sante Fe Trail, and the Oregon Trail as a spring board, EJ formulated that he wanted to make a trail that each player had to follow throughout the USA. He started in Maine and ended in California. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div>He created a spin wheel, mapped out his trail, added specific things you had to do when you landed there, and thought up his own set of instructions. Then he used pictures of famous history makers, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Betsy Ross, and Harriet Tubman, as his pieces.</div><div><br /></div><div>What fun it was to watch him create his very own game. He named it... The American Trail.</div><div><br /></div><div>I watched as he stood in front of the class today, sharing his own invention. He was confident and excited. And I was one proud mama!!</div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-20307447871618126452010-04-25T15:58:00.004-05:002010-04-25T16:04:15.852-05:00Waving the White Flag<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sNe5uBO5vI9YBXUo0T9FBiA-twn-h3kBJTagY1LYvOpAKMgvvZ9S4KWcBVnQnZffpUrxLL6L9mjACWbZWwQP01QmV-HVPNx967pXW0T2bQu1Y_4vUn8dVBy8PtR52eexkqFJQw/s1600/white-flag.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464182463009879890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sNe5uBO5vI9YBXUo0T9FBiA-twn-h3kBJTagY1LYvOpAKMgvvZ9S4KWcBVnQnZffpUrxLL6L9mjACWbZWwQP01QmV-HVPNx967pXW0T2bQu1Y_4vUn8dVBy8PtR52eexkqFJQw/s320/white-flag.jpg" /></a> I surrender.<br /><br />I don't know all the answers. I can't get it all done in time. I'm only one person whose heart is trying as hard as possible. I can't be it all, have it all, do it all.<br /><br />I surrender....<br /><br />joyfully and with no expectations for anything else.<br /><br />I surrender ...<br /><br />and with my surrender, I will simply focus on loving my God, loving my husband, and loving my children the best that I can.<br /><br />I surrender...<br /><br />I will ask for help. I will say no more often. I will allow others to see that I don't have it all together. I will be human.<br /><br />I surrender .... I surrender it all.This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-79933098609692181632010-04-20T19:21:00.007-05:002010-04-20T19:57:33.354-05:00Psalm 23<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1d9ZnXbcEPeDARuFYBYGEpvtCBtiVshSPkwwBgwNo6EPPk8TAQ324RqwW_j5nW0diGbSDWw1AhbjbJa5U2g5Wz0Q0CHZtQhsiqxfLnFpnBVKHz0_lU0Q7yThy6r8AV7FF70ctg/s1600/IMG_0731.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462380371205804146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1d9ZnXbcEPeDARuFYBYGEpvtCBtiVshSPkwwBgwNo6EPPk8TAQ324RqwW_j5nW0diGbSDWw1AhbjbJa5U2g5Wz0Q0CHZtQhsiqxfLnFpnBVKHz0_lU0Q7yThy6r8AV7FF70ctg/s320/IMG_0731.JPG" /></a><br />One of my biggest faults and issues in life, is how I handle stress. I'm a go-getter type of person. I like to be efficient, do everything with all my heart, work hard and love harder.<br /><br />Yesterday as I found myself being completely impatient with the kids and feeling very overwhelmed, I attempted to pull myself away from life circumstances and spend a moment or two really evaluating what was going on. <div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBJh7c779mfqZlbH34L9YB8-3RXVb2o7C11sVxyZIN9VY409lwFrf8MSrydvIvcrRAaJLtttKC9oHiiJnPcmt5VDG38WNqW5oBbzklL2h3M3xgyUE1tNggpQatqRNd1CQDNcf6Q/s1600/IMG_0734.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462380222476217282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBJh7c779mfqZlbH34L9YB8-3RXVb2o7C11sVxyZIN9VY409lwFrf8MSrydvIvcrRAaJLtttKC9oHiiJnPcmt5VDG38WNqW5oBbzklL2h3M3xgyUE1tNggpQatqRNd1CQDNcf6Q/s320/IMG_0734.JPG" /></a><br />My oh my, have we lived a life of transition over the last several years. Since Zach was born, we have only gone 6 months without having someone live with us. We've moved, gone to bible school, learned how to live without securities like a job or health insurance or savings. We've traveled out of the country and in it. Then we spent the last year fighting through a hard pregnancy, to get to the next transition in our life... our wonderful Simon.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8pwMYIGAvM3v8lAyoz9bm9Jn66qrTbP_SoOy2GyKep6k5tyk_8mc1EqhsVi0CAPVRwNQP9LTiPJ84VYOFi_xvbrHizEDfeqhtI390Py2XJjAQNyTmgB5jtdBjlfQ3BZjJ_hCBw/s1600/IMG_0736.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462380089235523026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8pwMYIGAvM3v8lAyoz9bm9Jn66qrTbP_SoOy2GyKep6k5tyk_8mc1EqhsVi0CAPVRwNQP9LTiPJ84VYOFi_xvbrHizEDfeqhtI390Py2XJjAQNyTmgB5jtdBjlfQ3BZjJ_hCBw/s320/IMG_0736.JPG" /></a><br />Now, we are packing up the house again and moving back to PA. Saying good bye to dear friends, to students that have lived impactful moments of their lives with us, to girls whom came to us single and left us married, to a church that has grown by leaps and bounds, and to a lifestyle that has challenged us daily.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Transition...</div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgy5ECTYw8qNZggR-6c3Glkh-Bvt3wS9CWH6lOWjXxQjFf7R1EjB4xOsqCO_2TfRM6dfDC4Jkgxk_gGyrtdBAwsBT_XPiDDJthnlUWGxzWFCcpo8xkUSY0lMqntpMSRJwifwEdfg/s1600/IMG_0737.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462379937064635202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgy5ECTYw8qNZggR-6c3Glkh-Bvt3wS9CWH6lOWjXxQjFf7R1EjB4xOsqCO_2TfRM6dfDC4Jkgxk_gGyrtdBAwsBT_XPiDDJthnlUWGxzWFCcpo8xkUSY0lMqntpMSRJwifwEdfg/s320/IMG_0737.JPG" /></a><br />Unfortunately for me, the adventure of our lives doesn't always measure up to what I feel like I can handle. Stress creeps up in the smallest of ways.</div><div><br /></div><div>I realized yesterday that its a snowball effect. Something small happens, a normal life circumstance...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTugBGOwWRdjJ63xUUzUJq3BDH2R5LUHqNMYGgyoPwit1lRgt8NyG6M5V7jinfVAigspV6yJuYJTG_dK_18Y6h-dTIzoSKbZfORXPQu-r9POGoow7_MAbDEf0byPldfCLS8E8Q6g/s1600/IMG_0750cropped.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462379747172828370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTugBGOwWRdjJ63xUUzUJq3BDH2R5LUHqNMYGgyoPwit1lRgt8NyG6M5V7jinfVAigspV6yJuYJTG_dK_18Y6h-dTIzoSKbZfORXPQu-r9POGoow7_MAbDEf0byPldfCLS8E8Q6g/s320/IMG_0750cropped.jpg" /></a> One of the boys gets sick, or heck all three of them do. Normal people would just deal with it, but I'm so keyed up that it seems bigger then it really is. Then bills come in, the house is a mess, boxes are adding up, and worries about jobs and the house we are moving into next are lingering in the back of my mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I wouldn't give, to be able to just lay that all down and not worry about it. To walk in true peace and trust, that my God will take care of ALL my needs and that the trials that I endure will make me stronger.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjilC_KMo6KFuMShXU3iQa_2s-jmUpTIiiyi293hw_mwICR3izhcHiWsYf2YHKyC5pijBR0QPHUF51eqrrSLt2foHFQfJFON-Pnc905PrYZR8ypYm0aXVC6hMy5yMK2tBIJvuEQ/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462379563994253970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjilC_KMo6KFuMShXU3iQa_2s-jmUpTIiiyi293hw_mwICR3izhcHiWsYf2YHKyC5pijBR0QPHUF51eqrrSLt2foHFQfJFON-Pnc905PrYZR8ypYm0aXVC6hMy5yMK2tBIJvuEQ/s320/IMG_0732.JPG" /></a> This morning, I woke up determined to walk in peace today. I purposed myself to love and enjoy my children, to appreciate and adore my husband, and to trust that just for today my God would take care of my needs.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Today - He sat me in a green pasture and even led me to quiet waters. He gently worked on restoring my soul. He guided me on a path of righteousness, especially with my boys. Goodness and love followed me today, as I dwelled on the house of the Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was good. </div></div></div></div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-46631588291031360492010-04-19T13:06:00.004-05:002010-04-19T13:22:47.252-05:00If Only....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4YTNPEmjzvxYLeQWMypnpFrh-EiQlPPG4tfdU4ZN5JGqG6yF08H2A1bzVeD0lAev0JTbpv8bDuepcn4d4c8JJ07SHl04WuhUcKOkyJwlcyBbDxXfPTFKFDkH9Soyq3L76F2mfw/s1600/stress.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 285px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461914903601391090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4YTNPEmjzvxYLeQWMypnpFrh-EiQlPPG4tfdU4ZN5JGqG6yF08H2A1bzVeD0lAev0JTbpv8bDuepcn4d4c8JJ07SHl04WuhUcKOkyJwlcyBbDxXfPTFKFDkH9Soyq3L76F2mfw/s320/stress.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I was talking with my husband today. "I need to learn how to stop stressing," I told him. He chuckled, "you are learning babe." </div><br /><div>My reply, "yes, but I wish I had it down now, not later."</div><br /><div>Which sent him into even more laughter. Because of course, only I get stressed over stressing!</div><br /><div>My house is torn to pieces as we are packing to move. Yes, if I haven't told you already (it's really not personal) we are moving back to PA .... in one month. So, I have boxes everywhere and dirty floors and piles of what I plan to sell or give away. </div><br /><div>Then all three of my kids have been battling viruses or infections. I'm more then personally acquainted with my doctor these days and tired of visiting my local Walgreens.</div><br /><div>I'm trying to finish up homeschooling before we move. That is on top of being a bit behind, because I had a baby this year. The kids are dutifully doing their work and putting up with my whip master attitude on it all.</div><br /><div>The house we are moving to is going to require a ton of work. So in amongst packing this house up, I am throwing around paint ideas and construction thoughts, as well as how to deep clean the in ground pool that comes with the house.</div><br /><div>I started massage therapy for my fibro pain, hoping to relieve some of the tension in my body. Instead, my body is reacting to the years of tense muscles and causing my days to be rather ouchy.</div><br /><div>I need peace and quiet. I'm in serious need of some alone time. I'm dying for a moment where someone doesn't need me or isn't spilling something or crying or has a question or something. My mothering skills are beyond lacking for the level of stress I feel. </div><br /><div>If only, I could just have this whole stress thing figured out by now.... if only!</div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-42365263875370849052010-04-07T13:45:00.003-05:002010-04-07T14:07:45.382-05:00Multifaceted<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfI5PXND7hCImj9xYlLiJCG1-vxs0T5b61p3RPX9EPdnji10OkBWqlKT2e0qT4cyj8yt7iiZ7PYfByu96vg4jeqUZjyJTJE3m3gGtP2qrptBkk32Fo1Z3_zKPt0YcnK1r20V0btA/s1600/picture-15.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457473341128090722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfI5PXND7hCImj9xYlLiJCG1-vxs0T5b61p3RPX9EPdnji10OkBWqlKT2e0qT4cyj8yt7iiZ7PYfByu96vg4jeqUZjyJTJE3m3gGtP2qrptBkk32Fo1Z3_zKPt0YcnK1r20V0btA/s320/picture-15.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">having many aspects</div><br /><div align="center">a many-sided subject</div><br /><div align="center">having numerous aspects or attributes</div><br /><div>Recently, I had a discussion with a friend of mine. I was sharing about how I felt as though we had gotten so close to something and then God pulled us back. In one sense I was disappointed and in another sense, I understood and even agreed completely.</div><br /><div>She shared with me that we are multifaceted people, that God shines His light in specific areas of our lives at very specific times. She literally held up her hand as though a large diamond were in it, and she turned that diamond around and around inspecting it. </div><br /><div>I am multifaceted. I have many sides and attributes. I have more then just one or two deep ideas hidden in my heart (and sometimes on my sleeve!). Even better, so is our God. He's not a boring Fellow, at all. He always has something exciting and different to learn and grow on. That is what I enjoy about Him the most, He's never boring.</div><br /><div>Since we are made in the image of God, our lives should never look the same all the time. Recently, God has been bringing me back over and over again to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,</div><br /><div align="center">There is a time for everything, </div><br /><div align="center">and a season for every activity under heaven:<br />a time to be born and a time to die,</div><br /><div align="center">a time to plant and a time to uproot,<br />a time to kill and a time to heal, </div><br /><div align="center">a time to tear down and a time to build,<br />a time to weep and a time to laugh,</div><br /><div align="center">a time to mourn and a time to dance,<br />a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,</div><br /><div align="center">a time to embrace and a time to refrain,<br />a time to search and a time to give up,</div><br /><div align="center">a time to keep and a time to throw away,<br />a time to tear and a time to mend, </div><br /><div align="center">a time to be silent and a time to speak,<br />a time to love and a time to hate,</div><br /><div align="center">a time for war and a time for peace.</div><br /><div>Sometimes it is hard for me to recognize that a season is changing in my life. I have to be reminded that He is multifaceted and so am I. And so, it seems as though I am getting ready for God to shine His light on another side of me....</div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690621.post-28277850805988020662010-04-04T08:57:00.004-05:002010-04-04T09:13:37.476-05:00Resurrected Life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3pOvQ2MfjkRoP9dBIejgU7MznCQn75y0tlhOb0_M9_x-wQx_xmciHbcJwMDYC-JX2AIfJdMx9FkwzuKVoH7yjDNDcVFag1_4aphxKpebHHFGmwZCt9cGQIR7JKrP9B75ivm6DA/s1600/slave-hands.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456284877995517058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3pOvQ2MfjkRoP9dBIejgU7MznCQn75y0tlhOb0_M9_x-wQx_xmciHbcJwMDYC-JX2AIfJdMx9FkwzuKVoH7yjDNDcVFag1_4aphxKpebHHFGmwZCt9cGQIR7JKrP9B75ivm6DA/s320/slave-hands.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I am forever grateful for the Hope that His resurrection has brought to my life. I thank the Lord for the Peace that has come as I daily give myself to Him. Trials will come and go, but living life with my God is what makes all those hard times easier.</div><br /><div>I challenge you to take 10 minutes today and think about your life. Do you walk in hope or in fear? Do you know true Peace or does worry rule your life? </div><br /><div>True Life, doesn't come in a church service or a specific day. It comes in understanding what His Resurrection really means, for YOUR life ~ not mine, not your neighbors, your parents or anyone else, but your life.</div><br /><div>It's not as complicated as we make it out to be. An authentic life with Him, is worth it all, this side of Heaven.</div>This Journey of Minehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439816307696068907noreply@blogger.com0