busy

Is being busy a virtue? It's almost as if it is considered something to be proud of. This is what one of the new leaders on staff at Grace Chapel talked about a few Sundays ago. And it really hit me how I've made being busy something to be proud of.

It's interesting to think about. I will not lie - I've been proud, at times, about the fact that I did not have one single moment of the day to sit down and put my feet up. I've been proud that I'm not lazy, and that I fill my day up to the limit.

But you know what? It has taken a toll on me. I'm not proud of how my life is unfolding day to day. I'm not proud that I've filled my day up so much that quiet time and reflection is an after thought as I drift off to sleep. I've not made time for God. I've not made time for others. I've not made time to be QUIET.

It's not like I get out a lot. I just constantly have something needing my attention. Kids. Work. Laundry. Housework. Dinner. Grocery Lists.

We all have stuff to do, but I have too much. There has been no balance in my life.

What am I doing about this? Well, I can't stop being a mom, I can't stop being a wife, so I decided to stop being a bookkeeper. My relationships are taking a hit - God, family, and friends. I'm at my wits end every night, nearly in tears because I'm so tired and don't make time to refuel.

I'm going to concentrate on my relationships. All of them. They all need work. I should be done working sometime by the end of September. Let me tell you, October is looking sunny for my life!

updates by pictures

We went to the Chautauqua Festival here in Gladstone. The boys enjoyed pony rides, swings, and snow cones.

We love to make our own pizzas around here. Half goes into the mouth. Half goes onto the pizza.

The boys love to play house. Isaiah and Elias take turns being Mommy and wearing my heels.

We made s'mores in our backyard. Such a fun thing to do at home.

We went to a wedding in Kent, WA. It was quick trip, left at 9am and back at midnight. The boys had a blast and were exhausted. Plus, we got a family picture which is quite rare!

4 months

Raelynn at 4 months

16 pounds

darling girl, here's your latest news!
~ you went camping for the first time and on a boat ride for the first time!
~ you love to make gurgling noises and blow bubbles
~ your legs are so strong! you love to stand up while I hold you
~ you hold your hands in the cutest little clasp in front of your chest
~ you have found your voice! you love to lay and "scream" at anything.
~ you have the most precious smile for your brothers. you love them. they love you.
~ you enjoyed your first wedding this month in Kent, WA
~ you have gotten so close to rolling over. you can get to your side and squeal and kick, but can't quite get all the way over

Oh yes, and you love to play with your tongue. When we spit out our tongues, you do too with the cutest little smirk on your face. You are just too stinking cute.

my greenness

Now I'm an official "green gal". I mean, I cloth diaper for goodness sakes. I'm so green that I decided I needed a clothes line to go along with my greenness.

I was looking at expensive clothing lines. Bryan said, "I'll just build you one for free".

OKAY!

Actually, I will not lie. I 20-questioned the poor guy trying to figure out exactly what it would look like.

Then one day last week, Bryan came home early (with coffee in hand), and made me a clothes line!

I love that man.

 Daddy's little helpers

 Aren't they so cute?!

Bryan was so patient letting the boys help

  Isaiah's first time using a drill - at age 4

(2 favorites of this picture - Bry's cute smirk/smile and the sky is blue!)

About half way through the project, Bryan realized he only had pink string. Very bright pink string. But to go along with my greenness and the free route, we opted to use it. It's quite bright and makes me giggle, but the finished product is quite handy.

trusting

So remember this post which ended in me saying

"So, here we are. We are a family of 5 trusting the Lord with our finances."

Well, here's an update:

Why is it so hard for me to trust when I KNOW that the Lord provides. I tried to convince myself that I was being a good steward by working and helping out financially. Really, deep down, I was not trusting. I was doubting. 

Well, my husband sent me a drop-to-my-knees-and-thank-the-Lord text today. Bryan will be starting a new project in The Dalles in September. Since this is a one and a half hour commute, the man is getting a per diem and gas card to help cover the costs. Bryan told me this when he found out he'd be going to The Dalles, but I really didn't think that much of it or hope for much.

The Lord certainly provides because between Bryan's per diem and the cost of gas being covered, well, that pretty much covers my loss of income. Explain that. 

Oh wait, you can't because it's all the Lord's work. We can't explain such things. 

A big Amen is in order here! 

laundry

Who wouldn't enjoy folding towels with this precious one as company?

be still my heart