It's been one of those days...

I knew today was going to be "one of those days" when Leah had a temper tantrum this morning because she couldn't smooth out the almost non-existent wrinkles in her sheets while making the bed. *sigh* She didn't want to wait until after I had gotten dressed and ready for the day; she needed help fixing it right away. (Thus, when I didn't comply, the temper tantrum went up a notch.)

Then, after breakfast, Leah and Hunter kept arguing over the Cozy Coupe; specifically, it was over how to play with it. (One wanted to ride in it; the other wanted to do tricks on it-- translation: climb onto the roof.) *sigh* The CC went in time-out when the two couldn't reach a satisfactory agreement, and both kids had temper tantrums. *sigh* All this BEFORE 9 AM.

But as I was inwardly sighing, and expressing my frustration to God, He was already working on the day ahead. He knew the little blessings and pick-me-ups that would help me make it through a difficult day. Let me be honest: it was a struggle (for me). I really just wanted to lock the kids up in a padded room and walk away, wishing for tomorrow to magically appear. But God carried me through, and by His grace, He provided a few encouragements along the way: a chance to connect with another woman in Bible study who also attends my church; a friend dropping off a surprise treat "just because" she thought of me; a phone call with a distant but best friend and her little ones.

God knew that each of those gifts would help me through this difficult day. That somehow with them (or really, with His grace and mercy) I could persevere until the sacred few moments to myself this evening. And so, it's been one of those days-- a day in which I've had to rely on Him alone, allowing Him to fight my battles and carry my frustrations. Who knew a day like this could be such a blessing?

Back-up to the Back-up Vacation

Our vacation plans didn't pan out this past summer as we had hoped due to Scott's promotion. Notice the word "plans". Yes, not one, but two plans changed. (And really, three, but since the third one wasn't going to take place until the last week in September, I guess it doesn't really count.) Thus, no beach trip with dear friends who moved away. No NY trip to spend a week with family and visit the county fair. Well, no NY trip as a family.

Since last week was a long week at work for Scott, and we hadn't had a vacation, the kids and I made the trip up to NY. After all, we did it May, so I knew we could do it again. Our visit was short, but so fulfilling and worthwhile; the pictures tell the story.

After visiting at Great Grandma Teddy's for a bit Tuesday morning, she joined us and Grandma Mel for lunch followed by some time at the park. Endwell, NY, is known for its carousels, a fact the kids took great pleasure in. They rode it three or four times (and would have stayed on longer had we let them!).

Bubble kids! Enjoying the playground and the fresh outdoor air.

"Mommy, take my picture on the rock chair," she tells me. So why won't she actually LOOK at the camera?

When we added Hunter to the mix, I still didn't have much luck getting a good photo of both of them. At least it's a cute one of Leah!

Hunter and cuz Cam enjoying some homemade naan.

Hunter was eager to go for a ride in some of Papa's equipment, so Papa took him out in the skid steer Wednesday afternoon.

A newt! Considering Hunter's fascination with newts (or at least pretending to hear them, see them, or hide from them), seeing them at the cousins' house was a pleasant surprise.

Those poor animals. Hopefully they weren't faint of heart.

Hmmm, he looks a little too happy watching his newt fall.

Leah and Kate wrangling newts. It's hard to tell, but there were close to 20 newts in the water table. Cousin Mila (not pictured) was off scouting the edge of the woods for even more!

The trip was brief, but restful (well, for me; the kids both got up about 7 am the entire time we were there, which was early for them). Grandma Teddy, Grandma Mel, Papa, Dib (my sis-in-law) and the cousins lavished us with hugs and good conversation, making our departure on Thursday bittersweet, but sustaining us until we get to see them again.