These Days

I think I have several posts titled "These Days" as sometimes I just want to write about exactly that. What's going on these days around here.

*One year in, I'm still trying to figure out a structure to my day as a stay-at-home mom. Of course for over half of that time, my routine shifted almost weekly as Reese's development was at a rapid pace. However, we have been living a two nap a day routine for a while now, and I pretty much know how each day looks. Therefore, I must start really looking at each day as my "job," or else daily chores, housecleaning, etc. will not get completed. I will gladly take advice on this. I've pinned a few organization and cleaning schedules on Pinterest, but I'm not sure if that's the route for me. I think it's mental in my case...I need to just look at my days differently. This whole stay-at-home thing isn't going away, and I don't have a housecleaner. I don't have a cook. I don't have a personal trainer or a live-in crafter. I am all of these plus mother and wife and friend and daughter and sister and cell group leader.

*All that to say, I'm not overwhelmed. Being able to begin each day reading promises that Jesus gives me about how He is always with me, how He wants to direct my days, how He will NEVER leave my side, how He loves me more than I can imagine, and how He wants all of me is incredibly life changing. He is my life, and my goal is to honor and glorify Him in all I do. So, I will mother Reese in a way pleasing to Him, I will love and serve Wes in a way that glorifies God, and I will live each day seeking His guidance and His peace. Sometimes this means to put down the dish rag or vacuum and just sit and pray. And sometimes it means to pick up a mop or a toilet bowl brush and go to town. Life is simple when you remember to whisper God's name in the midst of the worldly chaos. Love God. Love others. Simple.

*And in the last couple of days (since typing up a draft of this post), I've actually seen fruit from these thoughts. I'm a little more efficient, and I'm more motivated. Thank you, Lord.

*I have officially begun the weaning process, and I'm more emotional than I had expected. I won't go into the details, but we are down to just two nursings a day, and I feel like I have a toddler. No baby anymore. Ok, that's all I can say.

*People told me that there would be changes after I had a baby, but the only one that I really notice is my face. Breakouts waaaay more than before, so I am finally going to see a dermatologist I can't wait to meet with the doctor and get going on a path to a clearer, smoother face. Ahhh. I hope she has something in mind to get on this path. (Yeah, I wrote this a couple of days ago...hormonal acne. Lovely. Now I just have to go pick up the $250 prescriptions. What?!)

*I had flag football practice last night, and I watched four of my former 8th grade boys learn a cheer and a dance. This weekend is our fall retreat with all of the high school cell groups, and guess where we are going?! The old K-Klassic!!! I can't decided if I'm more excited about spending a weekend with my girls or reminiscing about the three summers I spent there as a babysitter, counselor, and office girl. I haven't even thought about leaving Reese because the emotions would come on pretty strong...I trust my girls will keep me distracted. Okay, moving on.

*Reese is now an incredible napper, and I'm not quite sure when this happened. Almost two hours in the morning depending on the day, and 2+ hours in the afternoon. And she sleeps 12+ hours at night. I'm very thankful. P.S. She just took a 3 hour nap, and she is still horizontal in her crib yawning and rubbing her face with her lovey.

*I spent the weekend at the Kappa house pretty much with helping to count votes on Pref Night and being there for the festivities on Bid Day. I loved every second of it.

*Loose, neon tank tops and Nike Tempo running shorts are totally in with the high school and college crowd, so I think I need to run to Academy before Saturday morning for another pair of shorts. I'm just glad I have Chaco sandals. Whew!

Okay, if you have stuck with me, thanks for reading my ramblings. I think I'm going to go wake up my baby who has now been asleep for 3 1/2 hours. Otherwise who knows what bed time will be tonight!

And as a treat, here is a really cute 4th of July baby picture. I don't have any new pics, so I dug out from the July file.