When life hits....

The new school year begins, a thousand papers to go through from school, fixing lunches, getting the 'correct' snacks, making sure kids have clothes that fit, put after school activities together, decide what/when/how much, cooking, cleaning, dogs, then.....  me.  Well, through all the craziness that is going on, I have joined Cross fit Lexington.  I am on week 4.  I am actually excited about exercising again.  I can do this. 

I have realized that since my daughter was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, in 2005, I have neglected myself.  I have been in 'go' mode.  Survival?  A type of depression?  I don't know, but I stopped exercising and even really caring what I ate.  Well, this is not about 'diet' but taking control of my health and exercising again.  I feel good.  I would love to look like I did before kids, but more than that I want to feel good an have energy. 

What do other parents do?  I have seen everything from nothing to overcompensate.  Me?  Taking one day at a time and asking God to be my strength.  I have really pulled back from a lot.  I only do things right now that effect my kids/husband.  But... I can do this cross fit.  One day at a time.  

Awesome Weekend.....

What a great weekend!  Both my kids were home, we laughed a lot, watched Doc Who, cooked, went to the movies to see Cars 2( which is very funny) and just enjoyed being together.  Life is so fragile.  I find myself trying to hold onto each moment.  At church, our teens got up and danced!  I LOVED it!  Freedom.  Freedom in church... not constrained by religious legalism or tradition.  Tears came to my eyes.  I sat down yesterday with both of my children and just marveled about how 'different' they are, yet I love them both so much.  My Sarah is the 'talker'.  Her mouth does not going.  Constant conversation.. going and going and going..  lol   My Drew is a 'thinker'.  He likes to ponder things.  I see it in his brain all the time.. trying to work things out.  Next week we leave for the beach and I am looking forward to spending time with my kids.  Drew is almost 11 and Sarah 10.  We only have a few more precious years while they live at home.  I know... depressing thought... but it does help me to keep my priorities in focus.  Raising them.  My goal is to raise the kids to be secure in who they are in/with God, love them with all my heart and teach them integrity.  I guess those are my top 3 out of 100.  ha ha   Today Sarah and I are taking some old clothes to Goodwill and then having a 'Mommy/Sarah date'.  Saying good bye to Drew this morning was tough, but I know he is having a great 'learning' summer at Grandma's house.  Memories he will always hold onto.  He is also a part of an intense 'reading program' created by an amazing teacher named Ellen Beam.  What a blessing she has been to me and does not even realize it.  Okay... time to stop writing and go make my princess an omelet.    Have a wonderful day!

High school....

If I knew then, what I know now, would HS have been any different for me?  I have been pondering this as NEXT summer is my high school reunion.  My answer would most definitely be YES.  I would have studied harder to get a scholarship, gone out with friends more, laughed more, not been so 'afraid' of what others' thought, asked the teachers more questions to make classes interesting (haha), made more friends, include my younger sister in ALL my activities, and just chill out more.  HS was not a great experience for me, but I really think it has more to do with me rather than those around me.  I had a GREAT college experience.  Everything listed above is what I did in college...  BUT... I know life is a journey and I guess the great horrible HS years everyone must go through.  I  am finding now that I do truly miss people from HS.  I hope my kids have 'fun' in HS.....  if HS is still 'brick and mortar'.  A lot of schools are going virtual. 

Lightening Storms....

I don't know how many of you witnessed the amazing lightening storm last night (which kept me awake until after mid-night), but it was breathtaking. I am an add person in that I love to watch the weather. I love watching lightening, storm clouds, colors in the sky.... Yes.. tornadoes are very bad, but what mighty power! Tornadoes make me think of what the finger of God must be like. Storms remind me of God's awesome power. I think in our culture where everything is comfortable, easy and 'normal' we forget just how powerful our God truly is. He can destroy, create, quiet waters, move mountains...
Life can feel like a storm too. When something hits you (like lightening) it shocks and hurts. Rain can be like tears falling.... then when the storm passes, a rainbow lights up the sky. God promises to be with us. He is here, now. To think that the only God of the universe wants to have a relationship with me/us... is mind blowing.

I admit now that I am back from camp, I have hardly left my house, except for the fast trip to Wal-Mart to get food. haha I must be getting older because today is the first day I have real energy since leaving the mountains on Saturday. But... I do miss all the wonderful people I spent a week with already. I can't wait until next year. Friendship. True friendship is a gift. I have a friend that I had not seen in since the early '90s and we just picked up like it was yesterday.
Everyone... stay cool....

Palmetto Bible Camp 2011

Wow! What an amazing time I had this past week at Palmetto Bible Camp in the beautiful mountains of SC! The evenings were in the 60s and most days did not get over 90. We had many, many weather/electrical issues which made camp so much more interesting to me. At least 18 hours of NO ELECTRICITY! I love being a counselor for my little girls. They are so uninhibited and everything is new and exciting. This year, my girls loved collecting little frogs. They even made a birdhouse to hold these frogs. Some of the girls dug holes on Monday to hide 'treasure' and then pulled these treasures out on Friday. Fun!
Sometimes, camp is hard for me because of the heat, lack of sleep and getting sick, but this year I did not have any major issues. I believe this was my best/favorite year at camp as a staff. God is so good to take care of all of us. The worship was amazing and I cried almost every day during times of praise. I learned a new song about not being afraid that touched my spirit.
I already miss everyone. I made some amazing new friends and cannot wait until next year. Andrew got sick on Monday so his voice was shot and then Sarah's voice went on Thursday. She still performed at the talent show and everyone LOVED it. Drew had a blast too. He gave me a hug at least once a day. Overall this year seemed to be very relaxed. Everyone did their job with amazing grace and a smile. My prayers and blessings to to friends Tommy and Becky who are about to leave the country to do mission work. God is good in the good times and bad....

Post....play... days....

Well, we are done with Aladdin Jr. and had a wonderful experience. My kids are defiantly artistic both vocally and love to be on stage. They must get that from their dad. Ha-ha. We are staying busy now with VBS and trying to get a schedule for the summer started with homeschooling and living in a no TV world. So far, it has not worked, but t he theory is good, right? My son, who loves to negotiate, a future lawyer, finds a reason to watch tv or a show everyday that is logical. Oh well. This entry will be short due to my kids arriving very soon and I know they will be very hungry. I have decided that I love the summer. This is a great year so far.

Slow, hot summer day...inside

Today the kids and I were able to get the boring errands done early and got back home by lunch. On these hot days, I try to be indoors by mid-day. The heat really does bother me. Some laugh, but I get physically sick when in the heat too much. Okay, let me clarify, I mean the sun, direct heat on me. In the shade, I stay okay. It is a real bummer in life. So many cool things are done in the heat and I just kind of avoid them. This brings me to today where we got inside and we are not leaving again until rehearsal tonight. A good inside day. We did laundry, cleaned rooms and just stayed cool. Family is coming this weekend, so I am preparing the house for guests. It is only now that I wish I had a maid.