Monday, June 15, 2009

Summer...

School is finally out. I didn't think the last day was ever going to come, and I honestly don't know who was more excited about the end of the school year- me or the kids. I am a mom that loves summer vacation. No schedule, care-free days, swimming, late nights, and just being able to be together as a family.

A few things that I have learned over these last several weeks and months is to stay rested and to not allow myself to stress out. Even though I had been warned and encouraged that these last few months of having a daughter graduate from high school would be tiring, I had no idea until I completely crashed and burned for two days last week. I am now feeling back to normal (whatever that is) and look forward to having this summer to rest, regroup, and relax.

I know that this summer, however, brings a lot of change. I am trying to honestly get my mind wrapped around all the changes that have presented themselves in my life right now and accept that change. I don't know that there has ever been so many big changes in my life before, or at least all at the same time like they are now. Jessica will be leaving in September to attend YWAM in Maui, Hawaii. She will be returning then in March 2010. What a difference our home will be like not having her here. My parents also made a move to Virginia a few days after Jessica's graduation. Up until this move, we have always lived within 15 minutes of each other. This is also the first big move for my parents as well. They are both from the Cincinnati area and for the last 40+ years have made Ohio their home. I think the process of this move has been somewhat easy to accept and embrace because they have no doubt that this is where God has led them. It's exciting to watch someone follow God. Once summer comes to an end and school days start again, I will be sending both of our boys to middle school (6th and 7th grade). For the umpteenth time, I am asking myself, "Where has the time gone?" One thing I do know is that I am going to have a lot of time on my hands. I have always been a stay at home mom for which I am so incredibly thankful. Now I am just wondering what I am supposed to do with my time while they are at school.

Even in the midst of all the changes and the stress that it can bring, I am so longing to find that place of being in God's presence again - to hear Him, talk to Him, and to find and have everything I need in Him. It's been somewhat of a struggle for me here recently, and I have allowed busyness, tiredness, and other things to take from that. God has been drawing my heart to His again. It's times like this when I just can't grasp His character. One of steadfast love, patience, and so full of grace. I can be so distracted by the cares of this world, caught up in my own little self, and not make my relationship with Him the priority it should be or want it to be. He always calls me back though. He is always there.

This summer I want to embrace the changes and allow them to grow me and transform me into the woman God wants me to be. I so want to purposeful about making memories and enjoy all the special moments. To live in the moments and have them really mean something. I want to find rest, joy, and to be a woman that surrenders to His holy ways.



Sunday, June 14, 2009

Isaiah 30:21

Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it."
Isaiah 30:21

Friday, June 12, 2009

Pretty Spaces...

Just some random pictures of pretty spaces...








Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Graduation...


Well, we made it through graduation! Everything about it was wonderful- having family here to celebrate with us, the weather (sunny and 80 degrees!), the graduation ceremony, all the friends that came to visit, the food, and of course the fact that this girl is now an official 2009 graduate...


Jessica with her brothers


Jessica with Aunt Say Say, Anna Claire, and Uncle Mike

Here are some pictures from the open house we had the following day...

I had some of my best girlfriends help out at the open house... what a tremendous blessing this was!


Thank you Lori, Betsy, Tammy, Carrie, and Kim ( sorry I didn't get pictures with the two of you)... you all are wonderful and I love ya!

Hugs from Aunt Beth

Jessica with the Grandparents

Jessica with her cousin, Andrew, who also graduated this year.


This frame was one of those last minute items we purchased and what a keepsake this will be for Jessica. Thanks to her cousin, Andrew, we also have the open house on video with people offering words of wisdom, well wishes, and encouragement for Jessica. I know this will be something that is very special to her down the road. Thank you to everyone who came and made this be such a memorable day for Jessica!

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Let the Countdown Begin...

This morning my husband and I watched our daughter, Jessica leave for school for the last time. Where has the time gone? As we came inside I asked him if her remembered her first day of school. We made the choice for Jessica to be home schooled at that time and it was a year that I will never forget. There she was this little 5 year-old girl with a pony tail all dressed up in her jean shorts and t-shirt. I have a picture of her sitting at our kitchen table for her first day of kindergarten with this quirky smile on her face.

We both made it through that first year of school and it is a time that I will never take back or regret doing. A lot was learned that year... for both of us.

There has been a lot of recollections these past few weeks of all the "firsts" and "lasts". I am storing up a lot of memories these days and trying not to be too emotional. Not that I have the tendency to do that or anything.

Today, Jessica we celebrate with you. All that you have accomplished and most of all for who you are. We love you so very much! You have done well my sweet girl.



Countdown to graduation... 3 days!!!