Look what Anna learned this week!

This past week has been lllooooonnnnngggg!!!!

The reason being that Micaiah is sick.  He has a viral rash that is very itchy and it makes him very cranky.  He has had it for 3 very llllooonnnngggg days, so I hope it clears up soon.

 Anna has had quite a week.  She learned to sound out and spell a few words all by herself!!!  She gets so excited when she learns to do things on her own.  She asked me how to spell a word and I simply told her to try to sound out the word and write down the letters.  The next thing I know, she is writing MAMA, PAPA, ANNA, and CAR all by herself!!!  WOW!!!  I was pleasantly surprised and excited for her.  She is well on her way to reading. 

Since the weather has been nice, we've been going to the local parks.  Anna enjoys riding her bike and I found a walking trail that is nearby so Anna can ride and I can walk...until it gets too cold. We've had some nice warm weather, even days that didn't require a jacket or hoodie.

Juggling

I've often viewed life as a juggling act.  You know, putting all the different roles that you are in a day all thrown into a juggling rhythm that you try to keep going, even if you drop one.  Ah, wouldn't it be nice if it was really that easy.  Hmmm....until you actually try to do it!  So how is it possible to be a wife, mother, teacher, photographer, cooker lady, house cleaner, doctor appointment taker, and grocery shopper???!!!   Well, there are no easy answers, but there are solutions to time efficiency!  (thank you Lord!)  I thought I'd share a few time efficiency tips that would bring you encouragement and humor while you juggle through your busy day!

1) Take a deep breath!  The extra oxygen helps to clear your mind and focus.
2) When the kids color with marker on your dining room table, google search for remedies BEFORE the husband comes home.
3) Cook dinner during the day while you have energy so that all you have to do is heat it up later when you're ready to eat.  The kids can help too!
4) Keep a schedule and set time limits...kids and adults thrive better with consistency.
5) Know your responsibilities and manage obligations. (learning to say no is important for this one)
6) Purchase food and cook meals in bulk to save time and money.
7) Spend at least 5 minutes a day either tickling or dancing with your kids. :)
8) Always kiss and hug your husband when he arrives home from work!!!  (one of the best rewards after a day of work.)
9) Take walks around the block as often as you can for as long as you can.  Exercise is good for the body and soul.
10) Take the last half hour of the day to prepare for the next day, if possible.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."  (Proverbs 17:22)

"Save, we pray!" (Psalm 118:25)

  

"The best and most beautiful things in this world 

cannot be seen or even heard,

but must be felt with the heart."  

(Helen Keller)

Recently, my thoughts and prayers have been for two of my friends who have both experienced a miscarriage of twins.  For these two wonderful ladies and their families, please know that I am thinking and praying specifically for you during this time of grief and surrender.  

Please join me in praying for these two ladies.

As we enter into the month of October, I am reminded of Hosanna, our son who did not survive in October 2007.  Throughout this month, I'll share more about our family's experience and about what the Lord Jesus has done in our hearts and lives through the past 3 years.

The above image is

in memory of Hosanna and the many precious little ones
 that are safe in the arms of Jesus.