We’re loving our lazier days. Life seems to have slowed down just a little in our home. I am being purposeful to make August as lazy as possible. School is just around the corner (for which I am so not organized yet) and I would love to start out feeling somewhat rested (if that is even possible). It’s been such a crazy time for us in the last few months. Recently we’ve been sleeping a little later in the mornings, having breakfast just before lunch, going to bed a wee bit later than usual, changing out of our pj’s whenever we feel like it, and just hanging out together. While my hands are itching to paint and get my home 100% organized, I know that it can wait. God has me in a season of being still. And that’s okay. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
We’ve been making some major lifestyle adjustments around here. It’s been so good for us.
Anthony and I have been married for over thirteen years now. We’ve lived in twelve houses in that time. We’ve lived on three continents, traveled overseas more times than I care to count, made many friends along the way, said goodbye too many times for my heart to handle, been involved in every type of ministry under the sun, lost two parents way too soon, renovated most of our homes from top to bottom, and accumulated seven beautiful blessings along the way. Life sure has been busy. We’ve poured ourselves into many things the Lord has brought our way–some we have done well, others have been a big lesson in growth and maturing in our walk with the Father.
We have recently realized (I know, sometimes we’re so darn slow to get it) how terribly we have neglected one area in our lives. One area that should, I know, be a top priority. Time together. Just me and my hubby. Goodness but we have neglected our time together. We have no family around, which certainly has made it a little challenging, but still, there are always ways around it. Sure, we have always made time for each other when the kids are in bed, or when Anthony comes home from work (the kids know that those first moments when Daddy walks in the door are Mommy and Daddy’s time), but we know that it is not enough face-to-face time.
And so we’re working it out. I have a dear friend who lives just a few doors down from me. Last weekend she came and watched our kids while Anthony and I went out on a date. It felt so wonderful to get dressed up, put on some heels, get out of my mommy clothes, and go out with the man that I adore, the one the Father has blessed me with. We had such a good time just being together. Thank you, K, I appreciate your servants heart more than you will ever know. You are such a blessing to my family.
More time together is definitely on the cards. We’re making it a top priority. Having been involved in ministry for many years now we have seen over and over again how the enemy tears families apart. We have seen how he attacks marriages. His vicious attacks on family are more aggressive than ever. Any crack in the foundation and he’ll come right in and cause major division. We’re keeping our foundation strong!
After months of craziness and upheaval, we decided that it was about time we started exercising again. We’re so blessed to have an awesome park right around the corner of our home. Anthony and I have reignited our love for playing tennis. We love keeping in shape and being active together. We love that our children like being active and doing outdoor things. They would much rather be on their skateboards than inside playing video games. I’m so thankful for that. I am so not a fan of video games. We find every opportunity to get them out of the house and into the sunshine, even when it’s hot. We take everyone in the family along when we play together–we work it out with the littler children. Big kids take turns to play with them on the grass, or on the swings while Mom and Dad play tennis. As someone once said, a family that plays together stays together. I like that.
Some times it is such a challenge to find a healthy balance between marriage, children and everything else that has to fit in-between. We’re still learning as we grow.
So many of you have written to ask me if Wade and Yuri’s family will be blogging their journey to the boys. I am so excited that they will! You can follow Wade and Yuri’s amazing journey home here. I am beyond excited that these two special little boys are getting out of that room and coming home soon. I cannot even tell you what it does to my heart to know that.
I’m working on some major changes here on my blog. So exciting.
