Busy but Blessed

This past weekend was certainly the busiest we've had in a while (though to be honest, it was busy for only three of us, really), and though we were exhausted come Tuesday, it was well worth it.

First up: A visit to the Air & Space Museum (downtown) with Ann, Tyler, and Kate. The place was packed (plenty of school groups and bikers), but we managed to navigate the crowds to check out some of the exhibits. Leah's favorite? The elevator (that's what she told me, though I think it was seeing a cat cutout in one exhibit). Hunter's favorite (yes, I think he had one)? The solar system exhibit. Hunter kept reaching up to touch the planets. We capped off our visit with a picnic. Perfect!

Next: A trip to Luray to visit Jen Ann, her boys (Trystan & Phoenix), and Megan. This was Jen Ann's second time seeing Hunter and Megan's first, so the trip was extra special. We relaxed at Jen's place and then headed up the mountain for a short hike. The hike wore Leah out (evidenced by: "Mommy, carry me" even though I had Hunter in the Bjorn), but she still didn't nap (no surprise, really). Oh, and Hunter didn't either; in fact, he slept for maybe, MAYBE, a total of 30-45 minutes the entire DAY. (That was the only negative the entire trip. Thankfully, he was his happy self despite the lack of rest.) Guess who did nap? (No, not me. I was keeping an eye on L & H. Megan. Hmmm, maybe hanging out with all the kids wore her out.) Once everyone was rested, we went out for dinner before the kids and I drove home. To say I was exhausted is a bit of an understatement, but the visit with Megan and Jen Ann was so worth it, especially since I don't get to see them often.

Finally: John, Rachel, and their girls (Lizzie & Hannah) joined us for spiedies on Monday. Their visit was all Leah could talk about since Sunday (every time she heard the door open, she'd ask, "Is that Lizzie?"). The kids had a chance to play while we adults caught up before sitting down for lunch. We capped it off with an ice cream pie (courtesy of Rachel) before they had to leave so all the kids could rest.

A fabulous weekend, to be sure, but boy, it's been nice relaxing at home these past few days. I don't think I could handle weekends like that all the time!

 Leah's favorite "exhibit". 

 Megan shows Leah how to use the magnifying glass. 

 Leah & Phoenix. She LOVED playing with Phoenix.

 Brotherly/ sisterly love.

 Hmmm, maybe that's why he didn't nap; he was having too much fun with Megan.

 Cuddling with Jen Ann and watching the Wizard of Oz.

 At the top of our hike. Notice the magnifying glass (gotta get that girl one).

 Nothing like hot dogs, ice cream pie, and hanging out with a friend.

Well, at least Lizzie and Hunter were willing to smile.

For my girlfriends far away

God taught me a little lesson today, and I don't think I would have been receptive to it had I not had friends move away recently... again. (That's the downfall of living in such a transient area.)

God has blessed me with a solid group of friends and acquaintances, so sometimes it's difficult for me to cultivate (or seek out) new friendships. After all, life is busy enough already, so it's not as if I have an abundant amount of free time to develop  new relationships, much less spend the time I'd like with current friends. Still, I'm learning, and I'm trying not to be so selfish, especially considering the importance of girlfriends. Besides, if God has blessed me, then shouldn't I try to bless others?

Friends who have moved away have shared how difficult it has been trying to make connections, and this makes my heart ache. After all, these are dear friends, whom I love, whose kids I adore. These are GREAT people who deserve to have a wide circle of friends.

Which made me realize that there are others, like my friends, who might be experiencing the same drought, but here. Couldn't I then extend to them what I wish someone would extend to my girlfriends?

So that's what went through my mind today after meeting a young mom and her daughter (same age as Leah) at the library. She's only been here for about a year, and though she's part of a church, she asked about exchanging information so that we could get the kids together for a playdate. My initial thought was, "Well, I already have enough friends," (certainly not the loving attitude I'm called to demonstrate) but then God re-directed them. He made me consider this mom's perspective: asking about a playdate for her daughter might have been more about seeking friendship for her.

Then I realized that regardless of whether or not we hit it off, maybe I could help her connect with some other moms, too. Maybe that's why we went to the library after lunch, even though it cut into nap time. It wasn't about checking out books (though it was for the kids) or getting out of the house for a bit: maybe it was to make a new friend or help another mom get connected.

I'm learning, Lord.

The Truman Show

Many years ago, Jim Carrey (sp?) starred in The Truman Show, which chronicles the life of Truman (Carrey) but unbeknownst to him. He lived his entire life before an audience, and many seemingly basic decisions or circumstances were calculated ratings ploys at the hands of the show's producers. Obviously, in this day and age of reality TV, the movie's premise is thought-provoking and perhaps a bit closer to reality than originally planned.

This got me thinking: to what extent are our lives like TTS? Though we aren't unwilling, clueless participants, we do reveal (some more than others) almost every aspect of our lives. Consider: Twitter (post your thoughts anytime, anywhere, allowing "followers" to keep abreast of your every thought); Facebook (post the events of the day, no matter how mundane, trivial, exciting, or revealing; if possible, include photos of said events); YouTube (post videos of the above to prove why others should envy you/ your life); Blogs (long detailed stories of said events, complete with photos that weren't included on FB).

Just out of curiosity, has anyone ever chronicled an entire day via social media? I'm talking every detail from "got up" to "burned the toast for breakfast" to "had to visit the restroom... again!" What would happen to that person's "status" in the on-line social media environment if she did? How would people respond? Would they feel it necessary to respond to EVERY update, or would they grow bored with the play-by-play, and ultimately "unfriend" that person?

I imagine such a detailed update would be difficult; after all, a person consumed with doing so all day probably wouldn't have much to post because she'd be focused on posting everything (and thus wouldn't have time to get anything else done). Still... it makes me wonder...

And That's Why...

The hubs was home last Friday, so I thought it was the perfect time to go shopping. For me. By myself. Ahhhh, a time of relaxation and leisure. Yeah, right. Have I ever mentioned that I'm not a shopper?

I eagerly strolled into the newly renovated Kohl's, gift card and $10 coupon in hand, ready to find a new outfit. How hard could it be? Some of my girlfriends shop at Kohl's, and they always dress so nicely. Apparently much harder than I had anticipated. (But I didn't realize that until later.)

I didn't really have a plan in mind; I figured I'd just browse, using the mannequins for inspiration since I have a difficult time just piecing items together. But again, I was pretty confident that I could do this. After all, I was hoping for JUST ONE OUTFIT. 

The search commenced. Hmmm, maybe this shirt. Uh, or this one. Now if I could find a skirt... Hmmm, the clearance section. Oh, here's a sweater. But what about this one to go with the shirt in case I get cold? Oh, what size? What color? Oh, maybe green would go, but, uh..., no green. Hmmm, scratch that idea.  Still searching for bottoms for the shirt. Ooooh, dresses. Uh, do I really want to pay that much? But they're super cute. 


So, you get the idea. After pulling a few things from the racks, I ventured to the dressing rooms, and quickly learned that the items I had pulled were not cutting it for me. Too big. Too small. Just doesn't look right. These don't work together. *sigh* At this point, I was getting frustrated, especially since I had already been around the Women's Department two or three times, and I hadn't found much else to choose from. (I might not have had something specific in mind, but I did know I wanted that I could wear to church, especially since my church outfits of late have been jeans and a sweater.) Why is this so difficult? 

Not wanting my $10 coupon to go to waste, I perused the store again, determined to find something. My eyes wandered back to the dresses I had noticed earlier (the ones that I thought were too expensive). Well, I guess I could see if there's one in my size. Success! One of the patterns I liked was the right size. After a quick price check (on sale for 50% off! Score!), it was back to the dressing room....

The moment of truth: it fit! Hallelujah! Finally!


Though I left the store elated and even relieved, the whole experience reminded me why I don't like to shop. I might have patience when it comes to teaching and working with children, but when it comes to browsing clothes, looking for just the right item, well, I have barely enough (patience) to last an hour. And that's just finding something I might want to try on. Compound that with actually finding something in my size (for they never have my size, it seems), and I'm lucky to leave the store in a good mood. 


The moral of this story: Order online. OR go shopping with a girlfriend who knows what she's doing.

 

Times of Refreshing

I'm not sure if I've ever really read Acts 3:19 ("times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord") that's referenced in a Bible study I'm completing, but today it really struck a cord. Lately, it feels as if I'm so out of the loop when it comes to staying on top of social matters (FB, email, Pinterest, texts, etc.). Granted, part of this is by choice, but part of it is due to time constraints. Still, I couldn't help but feel -- dare I admit it?-- envious of everyone who does seem to stay connected (or at least the appearance of being connected). "What is wrong with me? How does so and so do it? What am I doing wrong?" Thankfully, several friends spoke truth to me in light of my "concern" (which really shouldn't be one, honestly): Priorities vary from person to person, and right now, my priority is my children. While I'm not always on top of what's going on with all my friends, and I'm certainly not the best about checking status updates regularly, I am trying to make meaningful connections with my children. (Please don't assume that I'm saying those who diligently check FB updates are neglecting their kids, for I don't mean that at all. This is totally about me, my kids, and how I manage my time.)

Anyway, the verse from Acts resonated with me because of these recent circumstances. Had I read this passage prior to those destructive thoughts, I'm not sure it would have affected me as much; honestly, I might have just glanced over those words had I read them just a week ago. But God, in His infinite grace and goodness, knew when I needed to read them.

Go figure that I didn't read them until today. A week after those initial thoughts. And one day after some precious moments with Leah and Hunter. Yesterday afternoon I had wanted to get some cleaning done. I had wanted to make some baby food. But God had other plans. Scott had to fix part of the porch after work, which meant that my to-do list had to take a backseat. "Great. One less thing done, " I thought. But God did something better than expected: He used those unexpected minutes with my kids to refresh my spirit. I had a chance to play -- just play, with my babies, free from distraction. And though that meant we ate dinner a bit later, and the dusting didn't get done, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. All because I allowed God to prioritize my afternoon.

How freeing and refreshing to step out in accordance with God's will, neglecting the endless, all-important to-do list in favor of fleeting moments with two of the greatest blessings in my life! Now, if only I could remember this lesson, this truth, a bit more regularly.