Have you figured out that my life isn't quite as simple as maybe I want it to be? Don't get me wrong. I LOVE my life. It's also true that I often fight the feeling that I should be doing more.
Well, I LOVE being a mom. I have loved being a mom and couldn't imagine a better way to invest my time. Since that fall 16 years ago when I held that little girl I have been on a mission..... invest all I am into this little girl so that she can be all she can.
Of course with the addition of Miss Alex that plan seems to have taken off in a new direction. I am blessed because no matter the crazy direction this path of motherhood has taken I am still a mom investing my whole self into these two girls. It is an honor every day!
So, what is the change? Well my life isn't so simple. I am the mom of a medically fragile child. Tomorrow Miss Alex and I are headed out to a new and exciting adventure. What you ask? Well, wait and see. I'll try to keep you informed and up to date but the truth is my writing adventure of My Simple Life will not hold exactly true to the title. We will embark on an adventure that LCHAD is taking us on. I expect good things. I also expect to learn a LOT. I am excited about sharing a bit of our not so simple adventure as we finish out this month.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Days 22 & 23 - Available and Recharge #31Days
Lately I have noticed that my "simple" life that may not seem very big or important has allowed me to be available. What a joy.
I have been busy and available to help out my daughter's band with the busy contest season this October. One of the teenage boys told me I was like his school mom. I took that as a great compliment.
I have been tired and busy. I have double checked emails and made sure details have been taken care of. I have missed a few details and been encouraged by the many other parents who volunteer and take care of details too!
I was also available to help with my parents family busy. This of course followed a busy band parent day. While I was tired I realized that I was available. It was good. You see my brother and I have always been in charge of the new things we have had to make or create for the balloon company. My brother really didn't need me. He had things well planned but he wanted my assistance in case we had to create a new solution to an unexpected item.
Today my schedule was surprisingly open. I must admit my busy schedule caught up to me and I could no longer think about all the things I needed to take care of. I took a nap. It wasn't too long but it was deep and hard. My alarm got me moving to the essential list of things to do today.
I'm glad I can that I was available and that I took a bit of time to recharge.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Day 21 - A Simple Schedule #31Days
I love to think I am a free spirit but the truth is I thrive with a schedule. Even a loose schedule with holes in it. Routine works for me. This summer I kept my outdoor plants alive because I worked watering them into my daily schedule. It worked. They are still alive (mostly) and it is half way through October. This is quite a feat with Texas heat.
Today I moved through my schedule. There was structure. There was also room. I liked my day. I got things done. I added a few items and even took a few minutes to relax. Because there were several things "scheduled" I kept my expectations low and didn't try to accomplish major projects. Today's simple life felt successful.
I have often found myself forcing so many chores and activities into my expectations that I have felt let down at the end of the day. I am glad to know that I am beginning to learn some of these lessons.
Tomorrow may be different. I may get frustrated or I may not have any expectations but I'm pretty sure my plants will probably get watered.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Day 20 - Waiting Room #31Days
Recently I was sitting in a waiting room and took a moment to look around. This waiting room was for a doctor but not a pediatric specialist (the places I frequent). There were few children and my not-so-little one was taking care of herself (with the assistance of her Kindle). I noticed the different people sitting there waiting.
You could tell some people were good at waiting. They came prepared. Others seemed impatient and uncertain. One pair caught my attention. Neither were particularly young. One was obviously older than the other. After a few minutes I realized the younger woman was the daughter of the gentleman. They were a well spoken pair. I enjoyed watching them interact. It was obvious that she was used to taking care of him at times but also that he was perfectly capable of handling things most of the time. They were well dressed and well spoken.
I don't know what captured me about this pair but it was beautiful to watch. The daughter made sure he knew the latest about her young adult children. He seemed to smile as she talked about his grandchildren. He did keep checking with her about the time. She continued to assure him that they were right where they were suppose to be.
After a bit someone came and let them know they had in fact been sitting in the wrong area and they had been calling for him. The gentleman never fussed but I watched him graciously move along. I noticed that even though he obviously needed his daughter with him for some reason (none that were obvious) he still knew what he was about.
I admit I don't always stop to see who else is waiting with us. I guess I usually have my focus on my girl and the reason we are waiting. I was reminded that it can be good just to be together. Smile and catch up. I'm thankful for the simple little moments we get to wait together.
You could tell some people were good at waiting. They came prepared. Others seemed impatient and uncertain. One pair caught my attention. Neither were particularly young. One was obviously older than the other. After a few minutes I realized the younger woman was the daughter of the gentleman. They were a well spoken pair. I enjoyed watching them interact. It was obvious that she was used to taking care of him at times but also that he was perfectly capable of handling things most of the time. They were well dressed and well spoken.
I don't know what captured me about this pair but it was beautiful to watch. The daughter made sure he knew the latest about her young adult children. He seemed to smile as she talked about his grandchildren. He did keep checking with her about the time. She continued to assure him that they were right where they were suppose to be.
After a bit someone came and let them know they had in fact been sitting in the wrong area and they had been calling for him. The gentleman never fussed but I watched him graciously move along. I noticed that even though he obviously needed his daughter with him for some reason (none that were obvious) he still knew what he was about.
I admit I don't always stop to see who else is waiting with us. I guess I usually have my focus on my girl and the reason we are waiting. I was reminded that it can be good just to be together. Smile and catch up. I'm thankful for the simple little moments we get to wait together.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Day 17, 18, 19 - Fall #31Days
This weekend my husband and I took a quick trip for a business event. The weather was simply beautiful for the flights and as we landed I saw something I don't think I've seen before.... true fall color.
Oh, the leaves change colors in Texas but usually we have a limited amount of color and suddenly the leaves turn brown and blow off the trees about the time we put Christmas decorations out.
Saturday I saw true fall colors out the window of the airplane. It was lovely. It reminded me of the architectural models Deric used to build in college. The trees were different colors and different shapes. It was beautiful.
The event we attended was an outdoor dinner. It was cool and misty. There were outdoor heaters and a fire pit. Occasionally someone would apologize for the cooler weather but I simply smiled and thanked them for the sweet breath of fall. I had my boots on and my sweater wrapped around me and I felt refreshed and alive. It couldn't have been more perfect.
I think I might like to take a driving trip to see fall colors one day.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Day 16 - Simply Together #31Days
One of the many benefits of being a mom to a medically fragile child is the easy way the two of us can spend time together. After more than 12 years we have experienced many times where the two of us have had to create our everyday fun. When she was sick or recovering from illness or simply being protected from the illnesses around her we have been isolated a lot through the years.
We have learned to create "theme" days. Some days have been puzzle days, some princess days. Some have been Pixar days. We have had Star Wars Days... ok, yes, many of our activities have centered around movies!
Today I got to enjoy another day of sweet togetherness. She got a nasty bump on her head after running into the restroom stall at school. My plans weren't too altered. It was determined that I needed to observe her today to make sure she really was ok. So we drove. She came with me on the many errands I had scheduled.
It's amazing to me how the two of us can just shift into a mode of being together. Sometimes we just sit and read or do what we want. Sometimes we chat. Sometimes we don't. After twelve years I LOVE being with my girl.
We have learned to create "theme" days. Some days have been puzzle days, some princess days. Some have been Pixar days. We have had Star Wars Days... ok, yes, many of our activities have centered around movies!
Today I got to enjoy another day of sweet togetherness. She got a nasty bump on her head after running into the restroom stall at school. My plans weren't too altered. It was determined that I needed to observe her today to make sure she really was ok. So we drove. She came with me on the many errands I had scheduled.
It's amazing to me how the two of us can just shift into a mode of being together. Sometimes we just sit and read or do what we want. Sometimes we chat. Sometimes we don't. After twelve years I LOVE being with my girl.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Day 15 - A Simple Lunch #31Days
I'm a social person by nature. In the early days when Miss Alex and I were home A LOT I really struggled with isolation. This was before the days of social media. Sure I saw people and spoke to them on the phone occasionally but as time went on I became more and more isolated. Often illness or the fear of illness would keep us home. I never made plans for lunch or evenings out with friend. This was a hard place to be.
Since then life has moved on and our lives are rich and full. My family is getting older and schedules are getting full. Not to mention that social media has me well connected!
In my recent attempts to simplify things I have learned to enjoy a simple lunch, even alone. I enjoy time with a book or a list or even that candy game on my tablet. I like getting to choose how and when I enjoy lunch. I like the quiet. Sometimes I even enjoy the noise and people in a restaurant.
Often I work on a Bible study. Sometimes I menu plan. Sometimes I make my "to do" list. I have met some sweet friends for lunch and been encouraged. It seems like a simple lunch alone wouldn't be a big deal but the truth is I think it is a gift. A sweet gift of time and space.
Since then life has moved on and our lives are rich and full. My family is getting older and schedules are getting full. Not to mention that social media has me well connected!
In my recent attempts to simplify things I have learned to enjoy a simple lunch, even alone. I enjoy time with a book or a list or even that candy game on my tablet. I like getting to choose how and when I enjoy lunch. I like the quiet. Sometimes I even enjoy the noise and people in a restaurant.
Often I work on a Bible study. Sometimes I menu plan. Sometimes I make my "to do" list. I have met some sweet friends for lunch and been encouraged. It seems like a simple lunch alone wouldn't be a big deal but the truth is I think it is a gift. A sweet gift of time and space.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Day 14 - Dentist, Driving Lessons and Chicken Soup #31Days
Some days my "simple" life is just perfect. I get the joy of taking my girls to the dentist. It seems silly I know but I love taking care of them. I love making sure things are good in their world and helping them make sure they are learning all they can to take care of themselves.
Today we combined lots of different things that seem simple in and of themselves but they are really sweet works of art.
We used our dentist appointment across town as a good driving lesson. My oldest is learning to drive and today I watched her confidently (mostly) navigate city traffic. We did pause our adventure by stopping by my parents house. This lead to some interesting trips down memory lane as we found some old pictures of both my parents and my brother and I.
I think the supplemental driving lesson my daughter got while taking my dad for a spin around the block was extra special. I watched her help him to the car with his walker and smile broadly as she sat in the drivers seat. They had tales to share when they returned of a visit with my aunt a few blocks away. Apparently my dad is still a good driving instructor and she repeated many of the great things he pointed out in their short trip. What a cool memory.
As we got home we shared some chicken soup. A new recipe. As we evaluated the soup our "girl" family got to talking about boys. I love the sweet unexpected life lessons that come up from these simple moments. Hopefully God has equipped us to build into them truths that will help them as they grow up.
What a sweet afternoon of memories collected from a few simple tasks in our day.
Today we combined lots of different things that seem simple in and of themselves but they are really sweet works of art.
We used our dentist appointment across town as a good driving lesson. My oldest is learning to drive and today I watched her confidently (mostly) navigate city traffic. We did pause our adventure by stopping by my parents house. This lead to some interesting trips down memory lane as we found some old pictures of both my parents and my brother and I.
I think the supplemental driving lesson my daughter got while taking my dad for a spin around the block was extra special. I watched her help him to the car with his walker and smile broadly as she sat in the drivers seat. They had tales to share when they returned of a visit with my aunt a few blocks away. Apparently my dad is still a good driving instructor and she repeated many of the great things he pointed out in their short trip. What a cool memory.
As we got home we shared some chicken soup. A new recipe. As we evaluated the soup our "girl" family got to talking about boys. I love the sweet unexpected life lessons that come up from these simple moments. Hopefully God has equipped us to build into them truths that will help them as they grow up.
What a sweet afternoon of memories collected from a few simple tasks in our day.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Day 13... SLEEP (written LAST #31Days) and not published
Today I found a blog post from LAST YEAR when I wrote about the Unexpected Journey. It was a good entry. I'm not sure why I didn't post it. It's funny. This very topic has been on my heart off and on for the past few months. I realize this issue may have been more defining for Miss Alex's health than I ever realized. I will never know but it is becoming clear that we have done somethings that have made a remarkable difference in her life. I don't like to take credit for it, really it was God acting in her life. I still firmly believe that He has a plan for her and He is the one who decided she needs to thrive in this world. We simply walked one step at a time. Here is my entry titled "SLEEP".
written October 2013
Ok, confession. I LIKE sleep. Really I do! It also takes me a while to fall asleep at night. My husband can fall asleep anytime any where (preferably NOT while driving).
written October 2013
Ok, confession. I LIKE sleep. Really I do! It also takes me a while to fall asleep at night. My husband can fall asleep anytime any where (preferably NOT while driving).
Of course we are typical parents and we expected to get very little sleep with a newborn in our home. What we didn't expect was how long we wouldn't get a full nights sleep.............. 11 YEARS!!! yep, you read that correctly.
Let me ask you, if a doctor told you that the way to keep your baby safe (after VERY SCARY EVENTS) was to wake up (or stay awake) every night for 11 years, what would your answer be? I think we all think we would say "yes". No one ever told us a timeline, just that it was necessary.
While I would love to tell you that we embraced those feedings with love, compassion, and sweetness I must confess that we didn't. There have been many bargains made between us loving parents. Apparently we are not our best with little sleep.
If I had known the length of time we would be on that routine I don't know if I would have embraced the task. As a matter of fact one of my most vivid battles with this occurred when she was about five or six months old. It was a 2:30 am feeding. I was mad. Mad at God. I didn't think I could keep my head up to feed her that night. I simply didn't want to do this any more. It was hard and I remember wrestling with God about this. I KNEW I should be thankful I had a chance to take care of this sweet gift. I KNEW I should have a better attitude about this. I didn't. I couldn't think. I couldn't move past it. But the next time I did. Eventually I made peace with God on this. He changed my heart about this.
God taught me a lot about being diligent in those days. This was what I needed to do. Whether I did it with a happy heart or a grumbling one I needed to do it.
The thing was I got to watch her grow. For many years beyond what most parents get to experience my husband and I have gotten a few extra minutes to cuddle with our girl and feed her. Her sweaty curls would just stick out from her head. Her eyes usually stayed closed. She was precious. A true gift. This "midnight snack" was really a gift too.
Things eventually switched around and my hubby got the job. Sleep comes easily for him and it didn't disrupt him as much as it did me. I watched with awe as he secretly treasured these times with her. I know that each time he fed her he became more of a hero to me and her. This too is a sweet picture along this sleep-deprived journey.
What is my conclusion? We still like sleep. After 11 years no one is complaining that the schedule has changed. I still REALLY like sleep. I may also still be a tad anxious on some nights thinking she might need extra (and I'm certain there will be some "midnight snacks" ahead when her body needs them).
.... Another year later we still like our SLEEP. We are thankful for all of us to be able to sleep through the night. We do not take this simple act lightly in our house.
.... Another year later we still like our SLEEP. We are thankful for all of us to be able to sleep through the night. We do not take this simple act lightly in our house.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Day 10, 11, & 12 - Good Tired #31Days
I guess won't win any awards for writing each day but that is fine. The aim for this writing challenge is to try. I will continue to try.
The past few days have been "simply" BUSY. It was a busy weekend with homecoming activities and hosting a marching contest at our school. WHEW!
Yes, it was tiring but it was also good. It is good to be a part of a community that works together for community spirit and great events. It is good to mark time with my teenage daughter to see her growing into a beautiful young woman. It is good to work along side my family for a worthy event. It is good to be in a press box all day working along side my daughter and seeing her serving others and LOVING it.
It is a good tired. One thing I realized with my "simple" life I haven't put myself into such committed situations in a L O N G time. Often I have worked to keep my younger daughter "safe" and keep things moving along smoothly. I haven't stretched myself in a long time. I have lived in fear of letting others down if she got sick and took me away from the "important event".
I have come a long way and without even realizing it I took this event one step at a time. I didn't really stress over her health or make a back-up plan if she got sick. I simply moved forward.
At the end of this busy weekend I am tired. My house is a mess. The laundry isn't done. There aren't a lot of food choices for the week. My family is a bit grumpy and tired. BUT my life is good. I allowed myself to stretch and grow a little.
Tonight I am a good tired. With that I think I'll work on getting my tired family to bed a little earlier.
The past few days have been "simply" BUSY. It was a busy weekend with homecoming activities and hosting a marching contest at our school. WHEW!
Yes, it was tiring but it was also good. It is good to be a part of a community that works together for community spirit and great events. It is good to mark time with my teenage daughter to see her growing into a beautiful young woman. It is good to work along side my family for a worthy event. It is good to be in a press box all day working along side my daughter and seeing her serving others and LOVING it.
It is a good tired. One thing I realized with my "simple" life I haven't put myself into such committed situations in a L O N G time. Often I have worked to keep my younger daughter "safe" and keep things moving along smoothly. I haven't stretched myself in a long time. I have lived in fear of letting others down if she got sick and took me away from the "important event".
I have come a long way and without even realizing it I took this event one step at a time. I didn't really stress over her health or make a back-up plan if she got sick. I simply moved forward.
At the end of this busy weekend I am tired. My house is a mess. The laundry isn't done. There aren't a lot of food choices for the week. My family is a bit grumpy and tired. BUT my life is good. I allowed myself to stretch and grow a little.
Tonight I am a good tired. With that I think I'll work on getting my tired family to bed a little earlier.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Day 9 - List #31Days
Today I was a busy mom. (Who isn't really?) Well I NEEDED a list to get make sure I stayed on track and took care of details that needed to be done.
This is a busy month for us and this weekend is FULL. I realized how helpful my lists was. I could focus on each item and was certain I was taking care of each item.
Today I realized that my list helped me simplify my crazy thoughts that kept running away. I'm thankful for my simple lists today.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Day 8 - Simple Opportunities #31Days
My busy life is often consumed by being a mom and taking care of my family. Today I had lunch with a young, dear sweet sister in Christ. I've had the joy of watching her grow up for many years and now I sat across the table and saw the amazing, beautiful woman of God that she has become.
JOY, SWEET, TEARS, STORIES, HISTORY
These words all describe our lunch. She is stepping out in faith and following the unique path that God has been laying out for her. I can remember when she was the age of my youngest daughter. She needed an extra hug and care on Summer day. I had that joy then. Today I had the joy of praying with her.
I am in awe of her. Today I experienced a true joy of my simple life.... time....
JOY, SWEET, TEARS, STORIES, HISTORY
These words all describe our lunch. She is stepping out in faith and following the unique path that God has been laying out for her. I can remember when she was the age of my youngest daughter. She needed an extra hug and care on Summer day. I had that joy then. Today I had the joy of praying with her.
I am in awe of her. Today I experienced a true joy of my simple life.... time....
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Day 7 - Good #31Days
The truth is my life really isn't simple. I am the mom to a medically fragile daughter. There have been a myriad of days over the past 12+ years. Some very hard. Some amazingly good. Some long. Some have flown by. They all add together and make for the life that I live.
I love being her mom. She has transformed me in so many ways. Much of what I wrote about last October 31 Days talks about that journey.
Today was her check up at her "smart doctor" (as we used to call him). The appointment went well and routine. Most of these appointments have gone that way. Today I did my job well. I was prepared. I asked the questions I intended to. We updated them on the past year.
She and I make going to the doctor an event. She always has her "things" with her that will entertain her and distract her from the events of the visit (labs). I was looking at her as we waited today and realized that our routines have made these complicated and concerning visits pretty simple. I remember being the mom of a new born wondering how I would ever do this alone. I watched another mom of a small infant manage all of her stuff (stroller, blankets, bottles, paperwork) and realized how far I have come.
I may not be making a very big mark on the world at large but what I do as her mom is important. Reviewing the events of the past 12 years I realize the efforts we have gone through and many of the sacrifices we have chosen to make have probably made a real difference to the quality of her life.
I love being her mom. She has transformed me in so many ways. Much of what I wrote about last October 31 Days talks about that journey.
Today was her check up at her "smart doctor" (as we used to call him). The appointment went well and routine. Most of these appointments have gone that way. Today I did my job well. I was prepared. I asked the questions I intended to. We updated them on the past year.
She and I make going to the doctor an event. She always has her "things" with her that will entertain her and distract her from the events of the visit (labs). I was looking at her as we waited today and realized that our routines have made these complicated and concerning visits pretty simple. I remember being the mom of a new born wondering how I would ever do this alone. I watched another mom of a small infant manage all of her stuff (stroller, blankets, bottles, paperwork) and realized how far I have come.
I may not be making a very big mark on the world at large but what I do as her mom is important. Reviewing the events of the past 12 years I realize the efforts we have gone through and many of the sacrifices we have chosen to make have probably made a real difference to the quality of her life.
Day 6 (late again) Simple Tradition #31Days
Tradition. One of our family traditions is to attend our state fair every year. Every school student receives a free ticket and they give the kids a day off from school.
I remember going with my dad as a girl. It was fun. I rode a few rides, played a few games, saw the animals, ate a few fried foods and, took a picture with Big Tex... it was fun.
As a family we have been going since our girls were school-aged. We ride a few rides, play a few games, see some animals and shows, eat some fair foods, and take our picture with Big Tex. It is FUN.
We are tired after such a full day but we always go. We always look forward to this day.
Yesterday was another such day. There is a sweet simple rhythm to going every year. I noticed yesterday that my girls still seem to love being with our family. Somehow our family traditions have become things we can count on. We measure time with them too. We remembered friends we had been with in the past. We remembered what their favorite parts were when they were little. We realized that the "scary" rides weren't scary but it were still fun to do together.
These simple traditions are precious to me. Toward the end of the day my husband leaned over and said, "we have two more." He meant that we have two more "fair days" before our oldest is a college student and our tradition will change. Usually this makes me sad but today I'm choosing to simply enjoy this simple tradition.
I remember going with my dad as a girl. It was fun. I rode a few rides, played a few games, saw the animals, ate a few fried foods and, took a picture with Big Tex... it was fun.
As a family we have been going since our girls were school-aged. We ride a few rides, play a few games, see some animals and shows, eat some fair foods, and take our picture with Big Tex. It is FUN.
We are tired after such a full day but we always go. We always look forward to this day.
Yesterday was another such day. There is a sweet simple rhythm to going every year. I noticed yesterday that my girls still seem to love being with our family. Somehow our family traditions have become things we can count on. We measure time with them too. We remembered friends we had been with in the past. We remembered what their favorite parts were when they were little. We realized that the "scary" rides weren't scary but it were still fun to do together.
These simple traditions are precious to me. Toward the end of the day my husband leaned over and said, "we have two more." He meant that we have two more "fair days" before our oldest is a college student and our tradition will change. Usually this makes me sad but today I'm choosing to simply enjoy this simple tradition.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Day 5 - Text Message and a Phone Call #31Days
Life isn't really simple. Life is full of amazing opportunities, ups, downs and people.
Today I am reminded that as long as I am following God's call on my life I am right where I need to be. From texting a friend while thinking about her (while I was in Sunday school) to encouraging her through her tears on a phone call from the other side of the world my "simple" life had me right where I needed to be today. I was to listen and encourage. I am blessed.
Life isn't simple. My job or role in life isn't simple either.
Instead of feeling discouraged or insignificant I need to stop and look around. I need to open my eyes to what God has put in front of me. My "simple" life is AMAZING.
Today I am reminded that as long as I am following God's call on my life I am right where I need to be. From texting a friend while thinking about her (while I was in Sunday school) to encouraging her through her tears on a phone call from the other side of the world my "simple" life had me right where I needed to be today. I was to listen and encourage. I am blessed.
Life isn't simple. My job or role in life isn't simple either.
Instead of feeling discouraged or insignificant I need to stop and look around. I need to open my eyes to what God has put in front of me. My "simple" life is AMAZING.
Day 4 (a tad late) - FULL days #31Days
Ok so I missed a day. In my defense it was a REALLY full day. It was a Saturday and our family had a LOT on the schedule....
One of the things I love about my SIMPLE life is that I get to be around my kids and their friends. I got to be with the high school band all day serving the kiddos and the directors. There was a small army of parents who helped out through the day.
I love that I get to hang around these great kids. I love that they ask me questions when they need help. I love that they help me with technology (yep, got a Twitter lesson from one). I love that the time I spend around them help me to get to know them a little bit better.
It was a FULL day but it was a joy. Because of my SIMPLE life I was able to be there. Now I wonder what today's SIMPLE life will hold...
One of the things I love about my SIMPLE life is that I get to be around my kids and their friends. I got to be with the high school band all day serving the kiddos and the directors. There was a small army of parents who helped out through the day.
I love that I get to hang around these great kids. I love that they ask me questions when they need help. I love that they help me with technology (yep, got a Twitter lesson from one). I love that the time I spend around them help me to get to know them a little bit better.
It was a FULL day but it was a joy. Because of my SIMPLE life I was able to be there. Now I wonder what today's SIMPLE life will hold...
Friday, October 3, 2014
Normal "Not-So-Simple" Day #31Days
A a mom to a medically fragile daughter you might think I would have it all figured out by now. She is 12 years old after all. I don't. This is complicated.
Today was like many she has faced each fall... yucky hacking cough, feels crummy, BUT not really sick. I made her go to school. I checked on her. I took her to the doctor just to make sure we weren't missing something. We weren't.
The truth is her body doesn't work right. It never will. Today her body struggled to keep up and yet, she is still so strong and resilient. She amazes me.
It is amazing how "normal" this has become to our family. I am reminded that my life will never be "simple". I will never enjoy a day and not be a little concerned about what will happen to her. My life may not be simple but it is amazing.
Being her mom and making sure she is ok is a very good thing. It's even ok for me to simply be her mom. There is nothing more beautiful than being her mom.
Today was like many she has faced each fall... yucky hacking cough, feels crummy, BUT not really sick. I made her go to school. I checked on her. I took her to the doctor just to make sure we weren't missing something. We weren't.
The truth is her body doesn't work right. It never will. Today her body struggled to keep up and yet, she is still so strong and resilient. She amazes me.
It is amazing how "normal" this has become to our family. I am reminded that my life will never be "simple". I will never enjoy a day and not be a little concerned about what will happen to her. My life may not be simple but it is amazing.
Being her mom and making sure she is ok is a very good thing. It's even ok for me to simply be her mom. There is nothing more beautiful than being her mom.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Available #31Days
I LOVE that today I was AVAILABLE!
I was available to spend a few hours looking for ideas and inspiration.
I was available to help out for an event at the school.
I was available to meet the guy who was going to remove the bees that moved into our house.
I was available to pick up my daughter early from school (she wasn't feeling well).
I was available to take my older daughter to get her basketball shoe size (they have to be ordered tomorrow).
I was available to help when the school event was cancelled due to weather-related power outage.
Tonight our family had an unexpected evening at home together. Because my life is a little simpler I am AVAILABLE and I LOVE it.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
My "Simple" Life #31Days
Last October I joined The Nester 31 Day writing challenge. It was a wonderful time of sharing many of the events of our "unexpected journey".
As October came closer and closer I found myself thinking about many different topics I could write about. Then I realized my main focus these days is enjoying each day with my family. This October promises to be full of lots of events and activities for our family.
One of the best things I can do is to stop and mark these days. I admit I am writing this mostly for myself. As a mom who is allowed the joy of taking care of my family I find myself thinking what I do isn't important or significant. Sometimes I think my life is too "simple". I know that it is this "simple" life that I love. It is this "simple" ordinary, normal life that I have often craved since our youngest was born. I LOVE my simple life but sometimes I get lost in it.
Truthfully raising two daughters these days is anything but "simple". It is loud. It is unexpected. It is full of laughter and tears. It is MY "simple" life and I love it.
I hope you enjoy the glimpse of my "simple" life this October.
As October came closer and closer I found myself thinking about many different topics I could write about. Then I realized my main focus these days is enjoying each day with my family. This October promises to be full of lots of events and activities for our family.
One of the best things I can do is to stop and mark these days. I admit I am writing this mostly for myself. As a mom who is allowed the joy of taking care of my family I find myself thinking what I do isn't important or significant. Sometimes I think my life is too "simple". I know that it is this "simple" life that I love. It is this "simple" ordinary, normal life that I have often craved since our youngest was born. I LOVE my simple life but sometimes I get lost in it.
Truthfully raising two daughters these days is anything but "simple". It is loud. It is unexpected. It is full of laughter and tears. It is MY "simple" life and I love it.
I hope you enjoy the glimpse of my "simple" life this October.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
New Year.... direction and purpose....
It is a new year and many are talking about and thinking about goals and resolutions for the year.
I have found myself caught between looking back at what God has done in 2013 and what I want and need to do in 2014. I have been inspired. I am waiting expectantly for the sweet words that great authors have to share. I am thinking through what I want and more importantly what God wants from me in 2014.
So where am I? Thinking. Pondering. Seeking.
I am seeking what the Lord wants from me. I am thinking about the lessons I have learned and how I should be different because of those lessons. I am pondering what I want and what the Lord is laying on my heart. Today with the new year already under way I am try to jump start my brain and my heart so I am walking through this year with purpose and joy.
I have followed several links and done some reading about the idea of choosing one word to sum up how I want to live my life this year. oneword365.com is an inspiring idea and concept. One that takes commitment and purpose. It's a good idea.
Today I am working on my one word. I have a strong idea about what it is, but I will take time to ponder and mediate on it. I want to seek the Lord about His plans and then I hope to explore God's ideas and plan this year.
I have found myself caught between looking back at what God has done in 2013 and what I want and need to do in 2014. I have been inspired. I am waiting expectantly for the sweet words that great authors have to share. I am thinking through what I want and more importantly what God wants from me in 2014.
So where am I? Thinking. Pondering. Seeking.
I am seeking what the Lord wants from me. I am thinking about the lessons I have learned and how I should be different because of those lessons. I am pondering what I want and what the Lord is laying on my heart. Today with the new year already under way I am try to jump start my brain and my heart so I am walking through this year with purpose and joy.
I have followed several links and done some reading about the idea of choosing one word to sum up how I want to live my life this year. oneword365.com is an inspiring idea and concept. One that takes commitment and purpose. It's a good idea.
Today I am working on my one word. I have a strong idea about what it is, but I will take time to ponder and mediate on it. I want to seek the Lord about His plans and then I hope to explore God's ideas and plan this year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
