March 12, 2012

REAL LIFE ... and catching up

Such a peaceful weekend. Really didn't do much of anything. It's rare but much enjoyed when it happens. Most the time we are running around ... sports practice, games, music lessons, school (which are two different start and end times), studio, errands, and as of late, friends. All good, all a lot. It's good to be full and engaged but everyone needs peaceful moments too. So it was quite nice to have some quiet time.

I have so much to be thankful for ... every day, every year is better than the last ... the blessings. Beautiful memories of where we have been but new experiences, opportunities and a family that is my all. We are rich where it really counts. Yet I have a tendency to dwell, perhaps find the negative, or simply if something is in turmoil, not deal well with it.

It's easy to be graceful, full of light when things are great. Not so easy when things are difficult. But that's when grace is most valuable. The Bible talks about what comes out of us when we are squeezed? I know some people that have a true grace about them no matter what is going on in their lives. Me, I'm not sure what comes out. But I don't think it's always grace. Want it to be, but I'm not there ... (yet).

That's when we need to rely on the Lord. He gives us strength when we are weak, wisdom when we question, and peace when there is turmoil.

I have a great relationship with Bub. We are close, can talk about anything and even hang out. I like that. But I also have to be mom, be the authority, make decisions and corrections. That can be difficult. It was over a silly, simple matter but I had to make that decision last night. And even more so, a correction (on my part). We have been watching a series with Bub, one that I have to say I really like. It is geared more toward teen to adult but it's something new to share with Bub. It's been our time with Bub at night when Pie goes to bed. Yet as we were watching last night I felt very uncomfortable with the content. It was not appropriate. In the end I had to make the unpopular decision that we shouldn't watch it. Dan was in agreement. But it was tough because I love that time we spend with Bub.

Sometimes (a lot of times) the right decision isn't the fun decision. And I know Bub is growing up and will be starting to make decisions for himself. I pray that in those moments he can and will be convicted to do what is right.

The book of Matthew talks about letting your light shine, being a city on a hill for all to see. To be like a burning candle. I know my struggles ... And my daily prayers for my kiddos ...

(An art project that was part of Bub's study of Egypt. He found a new enjoyment in art.)

And then there is Pie. Lost two teeth two days a part. She is so excited. It was so very loose and she wanted it out. Bub talked her into the tying a string around the tooth and a door knob trick. I did that with him a couple of times :) Oh, she wanted to.

He tied ...

She contemplated ...

And after the door slam ...

She is definitely her own person, but at the same time ... wants to be just like her brother ...

I love to just listen as Bub plays ...

Journaling my thoughts is such a help for me. I do it for me ... and if my thoughts, struggles or resolutions were to ever help someone else, or even make them think twice, well ...