Charles sent me flowers!!!

These are the beautiful flowers my husband sent me. I am so excited.

Fun with Family

This weekend Charles' mom and grandmother were here. It was a short visit, but it was great to have them here. The quality was great. On Saturday we went to the beach. From the house it only takes about five minutes to get there. Here is a picture of mom with the kids:

The kids are getting to be so brave in the water. The swimming lessons are really helping. The girls spent most of the time in the water. Nate played at the waters edge most of the time and Jacob used the time to build a fortress in the sand. I am grateful that we live so close to the beach.

On Sunday, after church and naps, we ventured out to dinner and went to see Pirates of the Carribean. It was great to have fun with our family. We cannot wait until the next visit.

Life is non-stop

I keep wondering when the day will come that I can just sit at home and do nothing. Unfortunately with four children, that day does not seem to ever arrive. Since summer started I have had something going on daily. First the trip I took, then the week long camps both Jacob and Victoria participated in. Last weekend I went to the women's retreat. We have swimming twice a week, weekly appointments, and many other things. Just in the last week Jacob and I were both sick and then Charles' mom and grandmother come for a visit. It was a wonderful visit, but I am exhausted.

One thing I have learned through it all is that I can manage. Daily I reflect on Philippians 4:13 and 1Corinthians 10:13. He is my strength and will not put more things on my plate than I can bear. There are some days (many actually) that I am not sure how I am going to make it through the day, but I make it through (often with much prayer).

I have to say I really dislike being a single parent. I am grateful that I do have an amazing husband that will be home in 3 more months to help out. Until then I face each day as it arrives. If I look at the scope of the full 6 months it is too overwhelming, but taking one day at a time, I feel like I can I can manage. Thank God for email. I remember the days without, I am grateful that is no longer the case.

So I will continue to face life as it arrives. I know there are not very many chances to catch my breath right now. I do however know that I will grab every opportunity that arises to take a time out and enjoy a bit of time to myself (even if it is at 1 in the morning).