Moved In...and Resting.

We moved this week. Actually, this past weekend. Just to a different apartment. It is really a long story and better left told in person but, we are 5 minutes up the street from our previous place.
Having moved 3 times in the past 3 years, we've sort of become "pros" at packing and unpacking, although this time was slightly different for me being about 7 months pregnant.
God has been showing me in little ways that I need to rest and that my body is not in it's usual form. (literally and figuratively) :)  With about 6 1/2 years in between my last pregnancy and this one, it is very obvious in many ways that I am getting older and not able to do many of the things I could do when I was only 27 and pregnant.
I talked with my mom this morning. She will often call me on her way to work and we chat for a few moments uninterrupted.  I quite like those morning chats. They are short but sweet.  My mom offered me a few words of advice this morning that were very timely.  She said that at times she has learned the hard way that you need to take times to rest your body, and even admitted that she had not always been the best example of that. She also reminded me that the rest isn't just for me but, for the baby and the others in my family.  I like how God can still use our moms to give us a little kick when we need it.
I know that she is right.
It is not that I don't rest, because I do.  It's just this time of our life where we have just moved, are getting ready to start school and unpacking and getting things ready for baby, I have felt that if I take it too slow that I will have more work to do in the long run.
Yesterday, my back started hurting. Lesson learned.  My husband graciously told me. "Take it easy. If you rest today, you will be better for tomorrow.'  Such wisdom in that man.
So that is what I'm doing and why I actually have a moment to blog.  So, today I will do what I can. Know my limits and pay attention to them, and not be concerned about what comes tomorrow, and know that TRUE rest comes from Him.
Maybe this will encourage someone else today.

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gently at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light"
Matthew 11:28-30

Blogging thoughts.

This morning at breakfast, my son said "Mom, remember when "A" was little and she used to have crazy bed head?" I nodded as I remembered my little 6 year old when she was a toddler, waking up out of bed with wild, bird nest-like hair.  I told them that I remembered a blog post I wrote about it and I would show it to them.  Showing them the bed head post lead to reading multiple other posts about and perusing pictures I've documented of vacations, family times, moments from school, etc...and you know what?  I was so filled with thankfulness that I had a place with all of these things preserved, and I missed blogging.  

Let me put it a different way.  I'm not so sure I miss the actual blogging but, I miss documenting the memories as regularly as I have in the past.  With a new little munchkin on the way, I'd at least like to find a way to capture some of these moments on here.  

Blogging is wonderful way to not just share memories with family and friends but, to preserve them for yourself as well. It was so fun to look back almost 6 years ago when I started this blog and see how the kids have grown, and even how I've grown.  After this morning I don't think I'll ever delete this blog.  A friend of mine turns her blog posts into books. I love that idea.

So, the point of this post was perhaps pointless to you but, has helped me realize that I want to continue documenting life on this blog. Even if it is sporadic at times.

Insta-Summer.

It's no surprise to people close to me that I love summer. I also love Instagram (who doesn't, right?).  I think the two go perfectly together.  What better way to capture little snippets of summer? Here's a few snapshots of our summer (through instagram of course).

 "K" played soccer for the first time this summer. He absolutely loved it!

 Everyone needs a little color to brighten their table. Gerber daisies are my fave!

 Building a fort in the backyard.

 blowing bubbles...

and more bubble blowing.

Those are just a few that I've put on my computer. I have a whole new crop of pictures to dump soon!  Hope you have all been having a wonderful summer!!

Life.

Has it really been 4 months since I've posted? Wow. I keep saying to myself, "You know you want to blog, just sit down and do it!" But, alas I have not listened to myself and have procrastinated. It's not that I haven't had anything to blog about, believe me.  I guess it has been more about what not to blog about. Over the years, I've kept this blog rather light and fun, even in the midst of some pretty rough times. Although, I've wanted to blog about the rough times, I have chosen not to for several reasons that I won't go into.  I'm not going to make any promises as to the frequency of my posts because most likely I will break it but, I will say I will post when I feel like it. (*smile*) It is much less pressure that way, and I will TRY my best to not let another 4 months go by. How's that?
I did have a little announcement to make for those of you that do not follow me on twitter and facebook.  If you do, I apologize for the repeat information....

-I'm 17 1/2 weeks pregnant with #3!  We are very excited, and this is a big story in itself. Maybe another blog post? I'm due around Thanksgiving which I think is very timely.  This pregnancy has been very different from the other two. I feel more tired than I did with K and A. I think it may be the fact that I am a bit older, and also have two other kiddos (and hubby) I'm caring for. We are also in a different and very busy stage of life so, that could be a factor as well.  I am so thankful for this blessing the Lord has chosen to give us!  I will keep you updated on the gender and maybe even show a belly pic or two.

Thanks for reading. Until next time. :)

-G.

New Twist...

For almost 5 years now, I've blogged about my life and family and I'm so thankful for all of the memories that I've been able to talk about and freeze in time on this blog but, it's time for a change. Not a drastic change but, a little change. A twist, if you will.

For the last ten years or so, due mostly to my job before having children, I have become passionate about healthy living (naturally), and have incorporated some of the things I've learned into my family life and I want to start talking about it on this blog. Now, there are a lot of "healthy living" blogs out there and many of them I read and love. But, I am coming from a place that recognizes that our healthy choices are a journey, and it often takes baby steps to get there. I don't feel like I am extreme and I am by no means an expert but, I feel like some of the things I've learned and continue to learn (while living on a budget) can be useful. So...get ready for a little change of pace. Here are some of the things I plan on sharing:

• How we (as a family) eat healthfully on a budget
• taking baby steps to eating better
• Issues I'm passionate about in the food industry, etc...

just to name a few. This IS NOT turning into a food blog. Now, I may share some of my own recipes and give links to others I use but, this will not be a food blog. I am not a food blogger and I take awful pictures. This will be the same blog with a little more of "me" and my thoughts on health, wellness and some causes I'm passionate about.

With that said, stay tuned for another post coming soon...

My firstborn is 8!

Well, hello there. It has been awhile since posted. The last time we met here, I was saying an open-ended goodbye, not sure when or if I'd be back but, today is a special occasion. Today is "K's" 8th Birthday. Every year I usually do a birthday interview that I post and I was sitting here thinking how I miss it. So, I decided to post my annual birthday interview for the sake of keeping memories. So, without further ado...

How old are you? 8

What makes you happy? That it's my birthday, and I just love it being my birthday because I love being 8.

What is your favorite animal? I like...Cheetahs.

What is your favorite thing to eat? sweet potato fries...your homemade ones...wait. I mean cheeseburgers. Cheeseburgers, yeah!

What is your least favorite thing to eat? nothing. I like everything, I just don't like hot sauce.

What is your favorite thing to do? Draw. I love to draw and play Lego Star Wars Wii.

What is your favorite TV show? Wild Kratts (PBS)

What are you really good at? Drawing

What's your favorite movie? That's a hard one, mom. I like...The Santa Clause.

What's your favorite color? Red and Blue.

What is your favorite song? The theme from Batman. (the movie)

What do you and your Mom do together? We draw and play legos.

What do you and your Dad do together? We play Lego Star Wars Wii.

What is your favorite sport? Soccer.

Where is your favorite place to go? Camping.

What is your favorite book? My favorite book is Star Wars Return of The Jedi

What do you want to be when you grow up? Motorcycle racer, an artist and a Pastor.

How are you going to do all of those things? Artist on Saturday, Pastor on Sunday, and on Monday I'm gonna motorcycle race.

I guess he's got it all figured out. I cannot believe that my oldest is 8. I have been staring at him for the past 2 days saying "I can't believe you are 8." He must think his old mom is weird.

I have fun doing these interviews and enjoy reading the answers from year to year.

*questions taken from Leelou Blogs

See You Later...

Hi! As you may have noticed, I have been a little "on and off" on the blog since summer. I've been contemplating this for awhile and have finally made a decision. As of now, I will be saying goodbye to the blog for awhile. I don't believe that this is a permanent decision. I may decide to come back but, for now I'm going to just leave it at that.

I've been blogging for 4 1/2 years. I remember the day I started blogging, and I cherish each and every blog I've written. They all hold so many moments and memories of my life and motherhood over the past 4 years. My blog will still remain here. I'm not deleting it because, like I said this is not permanent, it's just for a season. It may be a few months, maybe a year, I'm not sure but, my focus right now is my family and as fun as it is, blogging is not a priority for me. So, when I'm ready...I'll be back. Thank you to all of my friends and family who have kept up with us on here over the years. It has been a pleasure.

Lots of love to you all. Until next time...

-G.