Football, school or repairmen ... that has truly consumed the week.

Lets start with the repairmen. In the last week we have had a broken living room window, broken garage door, the oven went out, the air in the car went out, I burned the dining room table with the iron (long story), and in my opinion the worst, the external hard drive that contains all my photography, up and died!

It's now been a long and spendy week, to say the least. And at moments quite frustrating. I've had my share of "you've got to be kidding me" moments.

A bible verse has repeatedly popped into my head. A verse about giving thanks in everything. And that has truly made me think. My relationships are not broken, they are full and strong, filled with love. My marriage, my children, my home are filled with peace.

Yes, I know I've been frustrated, spending money we don't really have. But then I remembered the things that have broken are the material things, things that can fixed or replaced. And that is what has happened, all things broken have been fixed, my images recovered (and being put onto a new drive), and the table, well, we've decided we will laugh every time we look at it, today, tomorrow and years to come, remembering that the burn marks were made while mom was making a banner for my sons' football team.

And football, well, that's been filled with drama. What should be about boys learning and having fun, has been plagued with parents and differing opinions. I do try and stay out, stay neutral.

There have been complaints against our coach for being too hard on the boys. And at times I do find myself thinking "they are only nine." But while he is a hard coach, he is a caring coach. My son has not only learned football, he has learned a discipline, and he has nothing but respect for his coach. So, today I found myself defending our coach, when asked for my opinion, by a Pop Warner board member.

Besides the coaching drama, my son loves the sport, loves the game, the challenge. He pushes himself and I love to see that, his drive. And for me, I truly want to stay focused on that.
Plus, I do simply love healthy competition!

(Even my sweet girl enjoys the game.)

There seems to be drama in so many relationships as of late. Truly none that I am directly involved in, but many of my surrounding relationships. Perhaps its the dynamic of personalities, but I've seen many hurt feelings and broken friendships come as a result.

I simply DO NOT like drama.

My son has found himself in one of those situations. Even at nine, there is a sort of drama when a he and a certain other two boys (a cousin and a very good friend) get together, which always has its moment of tears and hurt feelings. Somehow he gets caught in the middle of the other two and is having a hard time knowing how to handle himself.

I am reminded of yet another bible passage .... we should use our words to edify, build up one another, not tear down.

We are all responsible for ourselves and how we treat others ... but we are not ultimately responsible for others happiness.


So whats a family to do when there is so much going on ... well, we pray. We pray with the kiddos for our family, for others, for our relationships ... for peace, for joy ... that's what the Lord has for each of us.

And then, we made a water slide in the backyard. Nothing fancy, just a hose and a slide. But it made us laugh and be silly. And that felt good!