Saturday, September 3, 2011

Still here...looking to the UNSEEN

Hey there!! Just a blip to say ‘we’re still here’!!! Since Andy’s returned to work, we’re yet again working out a new norm.  Suffice to say I think there won’t be a constant ‘norm’ with 5 kids again.  I am beginning to embrace that;)  It’s not me.  It’s not what I naturally ‘do’.  It’s not very ‘controllable’.  It’s FULL of seeing the LORD!!  SO, I’m leaning in, sometimes willingly even!  I am amazed how generous God continues to be to us.  I wouldn’t say things are as ‘smoothe’ as they were initially.  The haze of honeymoon is gone.  The reality of teens and toddlers at once is fully present morning to night.  The fear of how homeschooling fits into all this rears it’s ugly head.  So much to say, and little focus to do so. 

For now, keep praying for us as you’re led.  I do think the enemy is feeling a little defeated by the fact that we’re not ‘being moved’ in our call of bringing his sons into our family.  I sense some relief and even some peace from the constant ‘head games’ I’ve seen in the past.  There have been illnesses, spikes of anxiety, unseen kid behaviors, etc. but I honestly believe there is a greater desire to ask the Lord what HE wants to do through it all verses being ‘miffed’ by it.  THAT’S THE FRUIT OF ANSWERED PRAYERS.  Thank you!!

So in a month our life will be ‘settled’ into the routine for the year...everyone in their school ‘situations’ and afternoon activities.  We haven’t known that at all with 5 of us.  I’m grateful that it’s a slow ease into frankly.  Although it’s staggered over a month, I’m somehow realizing I need the stagger.

I don’t know about you, but the start of a school year makes me re-evaluate things I’d like to ‘change’ about my family, my parenting, my marriage.  Frankly it’s just another excuse to grumble about unmet expectations.  So, with the Lord’s grace and help, I’m not changing anything but my willingness to bring it all before him.  No change of plans.  No ‘fixes’.  No new ‘family devotions’ (yes...there have been lots of ‘starts in this area to no avail).  I’m just going to BE with the LORD on each and every thing I’m tempted to believe I need to reinvent, readjust and restart.  IF He says re-, then I will.  I think He won’t.  He hasn’t so far.  He’s reminding me again I can’t.  He’s sufficient and will bring about all things NEW through Christ, not my re- anything;) 

Miss blogging frankly.  I just do.  I have sooo much that rambles through my head.  I like processing it.  Sometimes I like posting what I process.  For now, that’s even far and few between.  For those of you who stop by here...thanks.  It’s a way I feel connected when I see you or hear from you.  That my physical absence from much of life in this stage isn’t completely MIA.  I like to be out and about with friends and others.  Evidently God continues to lead otherwise.  I hope after this month of staggering into life settles I’ll be posting even more!  But that remains to be seen....


BLESSINGS as the school year begins!  Let’s look for the unseen together!

2 Corinthians 4:18 ESV
as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
 

Some CMOR (Children's Museum of Richmond) fun...
 busted beautifying again....

 cars are a love of their life, so why not teach mechanics now;)
 changing tires;)

 YES...I was going to take their pix together and before I did the 'germaphobia' moment was captured...UGH!!!
 first face painting...
 I'm in awe of the way God is helping each of our older kids be bigger siblings...especially Aliza...precious ...look at her 'gently' helping him keep his head still
 and ensuring he gets ALL the apples...
 he can't stop admiring his face paintings;)
 My baby girl's 1st day of 4th!!!!! grade! She's loving it!
 and the 'mandatory knee socks' ...hmmm...she has some of her 'rebel' mom in her
 longboarding starting young...
 one of my favorite things is getting glimpses of how the kids just roll in new ways with these boys...justin longboarding sitting down with the boys and tim
 love how Justins' friends have taken on the boys too...it blesses (and helps!!) me!!
 scraped hand for the sake of 'not going too fast'
 1st smores...moved the firepit to the deck...it was much more fun!
 blurry but delightful look we still get ...
 yes it is as good as it looks!
 jacob roasting his first...
 dynamite duo...
 i didn't want to be featured!
 marshmallow kisses...
 a relaxing moment when the 'work' is done...

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