Two Weeks

I am exhausted. I could sleep for 3 or 4 more hours and still not feel rested. But I wont. And I really shouldnt. Its not unusual for me to feel like this every once in a while, and it usually means my iron is low, but there is no time for sleeping-in, not with 3 children. Guess Ill be having a cheeseburger for lunch!

I ducked out of a few things on Sunday and Im feeling a little bit guilty about it. Looking back, I can say that I needed a day of doing nothing, but I also feel like I missed out on something. Isnt that how it goes? We never know what we are missing until its gone...! One of those things was a funeral for a friend who passed away suddenly. I would have liked to have been there, and missing it was not part of my plan or a way to avoid her death or anything. I heard it was a really good service and time of fellowship with her family. And I wish I had been there.

As I look back over the last 2 weeks, I have been very busy and it really is no wonder I am worn out. Here - in two weeks I have:

Started swimming lessons with the kids again, 3 afternoons a week with a 20 minute commute.
Been to the dentist to have my temporary bridge ground down, which is still causing me pain, into my ear, after 3 weeks!
Finished and turned in on time (!) 2nd quarter work samples for homeschool
Cooked a fried chicken dinner for my dad's birthday
Been to the doctor to see if I have an ear infection
Cleaned my kitchen and living room from top to bottom, kind of like spring cleaning
Put a futon mattress and a gallon of wild strawberry wine in the crawlspace
Tried to remember to go to the book study Im participating in
Adopted a cat
Somehow Im managing a toddler with cat allergies :(
Polished silver (stainless is much easier!)
Cooked a turkey and hosted a turkey dinner at my home
Went to Homer for a birthday dinner for my mother
Stayed overnight in Homer with my sister
Made 2 pairs of pants for my chef friend, and started a jacket too

This may not sound like all that much, but in my defense, I take 3 kids with me if I go anywhere and all these things are on top of homeschooling and regular chores and swimming lessons. No wonder I am tired! Today will be no different. And neither will the rest of the week. But I wont be ducking out of any more Sundays - Ive learned its my real respite from the week. I think I have really overbooked myself this month and need to slow down! I wonder what it is that I am really avoiding by taking on all these projects? Keep praying for me, please. Im not doing so well at bringing things before God and asking for permission or guidance (and then actually listening to that instruction).

See you Sunday :)

Holiday Review

So below are some snippets of what we have been up to over the "holiday" season. But first I want to pose this question: Its not really a holiday, is it? I found myself slightly overwhelmed (I get a little more organized and a little more laid back every year, so i am improving my coping during this time, but....) and beginning to snap at my husband! I actually looked at him and said " you have it so easy, a wife who does all the work to prepare for the holidays, and you just sit around, sleeping in!" And then it hit me: THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HE DOES FOR ME EVERY DAY!!

Yeah, I had to just shut my mouth after that. He goes to work every day, breaks his back so I can stay home with the kids! And he deserves to rest during the holidays. I should, instead, be GRATEFUL that I can do all these arts and crafts, baking and gift making that I do during the holidays, that we have food for plenty of guests during that time. That my home is comfortable and WARM when its -25F outside! Thank you Lord that you are opening my eyes to what you do for us and to the real gifts of the husband you chose for me.

Anyway, here are some pictures of our holidays... Enjoy!

From Top Left, to bottom:

The boys posing for Christmas card pictures;

Cal stirring chocolate for brownies;

Making ornaments!;

Hanging out with Uncle O;

Thanksgiving Day treats - cherry preserve pies!