Oh yes, I forgot to mention, Greg is feeling MUCH better now.  I arranged for him to take off work this morning, so he had a relaxed start to his day.  He was feeling better this morning, but if you could have seen (or heard - be thankful you didn’t) how sick he was, you’d want to take the day off, too!  While I feel virtually no pain with my migraines, but have been hospitalized, and made a few trips to the ER because of them (another story), he on the other hand gets them quickly and violently.  Anyway, all is well again. 

 AND, Cole & I painted the boys’ room tonight.  It’s not finished.  I still need to do the icky parts (around the trim, ceiling, etc.  My least favourite part of painting.), but it looks so good.  I will admit to second-guessing the shade.  I chose a few greens (Cole’s request for colour), and then let him choose from those greens.  Of course, he chose the most outrageous one, but I have to say, only a few strokes into it, and I KNEW we had a good colour going on.  He’s so excited to have helped me, and I am motivated to get the rest of the basement finished.  I do relish progress.

OK.  I’m sorry.  But if this is global warming, I LOVE IT!!!  (If you find this offensive, please take a moment to NOT take yourself so seriously, and realize I’m joking….uh, partially.)  26 DEGREES, People! 

My kids were back in the water today.  We had to raise the sun umbrella.  We ate our dinner outside at the tables - good thing we hadn’t gotten all the patio furniture put away yet.  Said dinner was bbq steak, baked potatoes, green beans, and salad.  Chased down with some yummy ice cream. 

Honestly, I am obnoxious enough to say, I think this fall was planned just for me.  God knows how much time I spent this summer just getting better.  He knows that I felt ripped off by not being able to fully enjoy it from start to finish.  He knows I love summer, and nearly as equally love spring and fall.  He also knows how much I dread winter.  And so I think, He did this just for me.  Because I’m His favourite.

Today was pretty much the most perfect autumn day I remember ever.  We made a trip to Lakeville to visit my aunt and uncle (who run homeschooljournal.net).  We hadn’t seen their “new” house since they moved earlier this year.  This move puts them in a much more accessible location - “an easy distance” is how I believe Mr. Darcy would refer to it.  We had fun, cramming as much conversation into the few hours we were there as we could.  Kids exploring, making messes, eating, being cute, fighting.  It was good times.  Oh, and comparing war wounds and accompanying stories.  I also had lots of questions about things such as homeschooling, transcripts, blogs, and plug-ins answered. 

 It was a great day, and the only disappointment is that Greg started vomiting on the way home, and went to bed with an upset stomach, which is a symptom of the migraine he is now nursing.  Poor guy! 

Well, I’m feeling better.  My life is NOT boring when it comes to crazy interactions with people. 

We officially left our church yesterday, and our pastors were very wonderful about it all.  Had an unexpected encounter with my dad in the parking lot at the mall, which was weird but good, as Greg spoke to him, and made it clear that he’s not just dealing with me.  That’s been one of the frustrating things all along.  Whether Dawn or Nanny, Dad or Kelly, they all act like I’m the only one making the calls here.  In fact, what they don’t realize, is that as the head of this home, the final authority, Greg has more say than I do, so they need to be addressing him, not me.  Instead, all of the accusations, insults, and pressure have been directed solely on me.  If nothing else, our unexpected, strained minute of conversation yesterday (in which Greg spoke, and I had the freedom to say NOTHING!) let Dad know MY HUSBAND is going to do what needs to be done to keep me from being hurt by my father anymore.  What a wonderful feeling to know I am so loved and protected.

 So while my Knight is off to Promise Keepers for the day, I will enjoy my day with the children, and enjoy the lightness that has overtaken me.  I’m telling you, and ladies that are reading, this whole business of submission has way more perks than most of us are led to believe.  When we respond to our husbands with the right heart, they will rise to the challenge of leading like you wouldn’t believe!

I’m feeling very heavy tonight.  And weary.  I want to be a good wife and mom, and I don’t mean mediocre.  I want to run this race with excellence, not just average effort.  And right now, I’m feeling terribly inadequate to that task.  So many things are swirling through my head, and my heart is heavy with a very deep ache.  I want, no I need it to turn off.  To focus my thoughts back on all the promises that my heavenly Father has laid before me in His word.  To remember that He has plans for me, plans for a future and a hope.  That His ways are not my ways; His thoughts are higher than mine; and His love is deeper than anything.  Even when all else around me is crumbling, and looking bleak.

“There is a God Who loves me.  Who wraps me in His arms.  That is the place where I’m changed.  That is where I belong.”

 This song will be the pillow I lay my head on tonight.

I would take no for an answer,
Just to know I heard you speak,
And I’m wondering why I’ve never,
Seen the signs they claim they see,
A lotta special revelations,
Meant for everybody but me,
Maybe I don’t truly know You,
or maybe I just simply believe…

Cause I can sniff, I can see, and I can
count up pretty high; but these faculties
aren’t getting me any closer to the sky,
but my heart of faith keeps poundin’ so
I know I’m doin’ fine but sometimes findin
you is just like tryin to smell the color nine.
Smell the color nine…

Now I’ve never felt the presence,
But I know You’re always near,
And I’ve never heard the calling,
But somehow You’ve led me right here,
So I’m not lookin’ for burnin’ bushes,
Or some Divine graffiti to appear,
I’m just beggin You for Your wisdom,
And I believe You’re puttin’ some here…

Nine’s not a color…
and if even if it were you can’t smell a color, no
That’s my point exactly.

Chris Rice

If you have unsuccessfully tried to leave a comment since I switched to this theme, please try again.  The beautiful and talented Andrea discovered a problem with this particular theme, and has it fixed.  So please comment away.  I love comments. 

 And Andrea, about my hair.  Yes, you do in fact see red.  Along with my natural (ash blonde), a few almost-platinum highlights, and some light brown.  I’m almost a rainbow! 

I got my hair coloured yesterday, and trimmed a bit.  About a month ago, I had substantial length taken off of it.  I sure wish it wasn’t so much work to keep it straight.  It feels weird to have such flat, smooth, straight hair, but I love it!  So here’s the new do….

My Baby has teeth!

 She will be five months old on Friday, and I’ve known she’s been teething for a while, but come on!  She cut her two bottom middle teeth today.  Can’t she stay a baby just a bit longer???  Maybe if I just deny it, they will go away, and she will stop growing up so fast. 

Right vs. Left. 
I can actually see it both ways, but I have to look at the shadow first in order to do so.