Thankful

Is it Thanksgiving already??   The leaves have pretty much fallen, the dreary weather has set in, Thanksgiving dinner is upon us and my waist is expanding at the thought of it. 

Seriously... I've gained 5 lbs since the half marathon and my self discipline (in all areas) is out the door!  Cookies?  I'll have 3.  Pecan pie bars?  I'll have one today, three tomorrow and then polish the last one off the next day.  Running?  I'm too tired.  Time with the Lord?  Ummm....

I keep making resolutions, but really life is a day to day, moment to moment roller coaster and I can't look much farther than that.  Hence the tardiness in blogging.  Meh.

I just got back from the library with two self help books on organizing my house and losing weight.  I'm trying not to get too "big picture" about either one of those things because then I tend to lose sight of the little victories along the way.

But what is this post about anyway?

Thankfulness... right.

I AM thankful.  Thankful for the little girl who is calling me to watch Veggietales in the next room.  Thankful for the little boy who has halted all desire to potty train and wakes up each morning at o dark thrity to tell me that his diaper is indeed poopy.  Thankful for the husband who encourages me when I'm moody about my lack of success in all of my many goals.  Thankful for a house to call our own.  Thankful for the pantries that are busting with food (that is probably going to be off limits next week).

I AM thankful.  And its in the quietness of that moment that I remember what life is really all about.

Now.... I can take a deep breath and enjoy the moment, with my 4 year old and some God-fearing veggies.

2011 Fall 

(you dont want to know how many we had to take to get anything remotely this good)

I AM thankful.

Back... Sort of

I know its been awhile.  My lack of blogging hasn't been for lack of wanting to... and then it has been a bit.  I've been monumentally busy.  I find I *love* and hate "busy" all at once.  I like accomplishing stuff, but I walk a fine line of "super mom excellence" and "basket case meltdown" when I pile too much stuff on.  Theres been a lot of basket case meltdown recently.  I just can't seem to juggle all the balls I've thrown in the air and all of them are getting dropped - like a hot potato.

I just got off a whirlwind trip to New Mexico for work followed by a trip to Pittsburgh for my grandfathers goodbye (he passed away in September).  I guess the free moments I *have* had I didnt feel like I had much to say of interest...

i.e.  got up early, ran, havent read my Bible in a while, went to work, broke up numerous fights between my kids, watched my husband make dinner while I listed some stuff on ebay, didnt really play with my kids at all today will do better tomorrow, stayed up too late, laundry pile is going to eat me but I dont have time for it, the house is a wreck but it will have to wait, rinse, repeat

um...yeah... supermom I aint!

I've been rejuvinated though, and am in the process of developing a mission statement for my life to help me weed out the crap I pile on so I can focus on what really matters.  I got the idea from this e-book: http://www.bloggerbehave.com/.  This woman seems to really have a lot of balance in her life that I find attractive.  Granted she doesnt work out of the home, but I know she stays busy with homeschooling and such, so she's got my attention.

So yeah, this post doesnt have cute pictures of the kids (I havent really taken any) or anecdotes about Liam and the potty (we've seen a LOT of public restrooms these days), but I'm re-evaulating.  I may have to go to NM again next week, but stay tuned.  God's stirring up something in my heart regarding crazy schedules, family, career goals, cooking and more and I would like to share the journey as things unfold.

This is a small thing, but I heard this song on the radio just now and really stopped to think about how much the words rang true for me as a parent.   If you can get past the "wings" part (I know.. I'm thinking Bette Middler here) it's my deepest desire for my kids.  I pray this for them all the time...

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold

So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do

But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth

And If I never told you
I want you to know

As I watch you grow

Chorus:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way

May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

Chorus

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly