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Happy Thursday! I'm so thankful for a family dinner tonight and having hubby at home this week! He's been running errands during the day, including taking our boys in for haircuts today. Can't wait to see their cute little shaved bodies :) I'm also extremely grateful for answered prayer. Our God is good!

Reflection

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Thinking back, I remember about this time two years ago, I was both so happy for my sister in her wedding planning, and a mixture of sad/angry/jealous that J and I ourselves couldn't get engaged "any day now," since this was my sister's time. It was ridiculous. I'm so embarrassed for focusing on myself. Even trying to shake it, I would still throw myself a little pity party every now and then. In retrospect, I'm so thankful for that time. While in my head, I was focused on what I couldn't do anymore, really I was just wanting to plan things my way. I didn't want to wait for God's plan when the plan I envisioned seemed so much more appealing. I was able to support and share her joy, particularly in her last month before married life, in my opinion, but after they got married, I was still a little too excited about "my plan." I finally let go and let God, and then J proposed the next day. The length that we dated was closer to what I would have wanted, well, particularly J would have wanted anyway.
The lengthy process I went through from wanting my way to realizing I want God's way was eye opening for me. (Of course I still continue to learn that) Our times of struggle, regardless what it is, is meant to draw us to the Lord. He fills us up. It can be hard to share others' joy or sorrows, but we're meant to. It helps us all draw closer to God and closer to each other. It's not really about getting our way, getting attention, or things going "right"; it's about growth, and love, and forever deepening our relationship. I so hope to keep learning!

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Home again

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Happy Monday! I had a great time in New Bern - it was fun to see Stephanie's new place, get to take the boys to the beach, and get quality time. Sully loved digging in the sand to get to the cooler sand to lie in. Dash would help dig, but wasn't sure why. Sully also laid down in the ocean - only to try to run away with new waves, while Dash jumped the new waves. It was really fun to experience, and I took some phone videos to share with J. Hope the first weekend in June was good for all!

Junebug

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Happy June! Looking forward to a weekend in New Bern with Stephanie :) I get to take the boys on a road trip, see the beach, and get plenty of girl time! J will be busy at home - good luck to all with tryouts!

 

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May Books

 

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Someday by Karen Kingsbury (3rd out of a series of 4, but it was a gift so I read it - very touching (like tears) I enjoyed it)
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas (very good)
Raising Kids with Character That Lasts by John Yates and Susan Alexander Yates (inspiring - made me want to work on my habits)
The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian (short chapters, easy to read, and kept my mind on praying)
Underworld by Meg Cabot (book 2 in a retelling of Persephone, I like it)

5 for the month, 43 for the year :)

beautiful

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Happy half-way through the week :) The bad news, I have poison ivy and it's relatively miserable. Sleep was a little hard last night. But good news, husband and I have a date night today out at Twisted Fork :)  And now, about some one else: my sister in law just recently started a blog, Learning Faith + Hope + Love, and not only am I interested because I'm interested in her, but also she and some friends have started a very neat project, and she shares some great perspectives. Happy Wednesday!

All good

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Happy Monday/Tuesday :) Looking forward to a short work week! J and I had a great weekend! I'm so glad we got the opportunity to catch up with his family and get a nice visit, we had fun in Ikea, getting a few things and some inspiration, and maybe the most exciting - my younger brother got ENGAGED!! :) He surprised his now fiancee with a mountain top proposal, literally. Her family and friends helped set up a table and cooler with flowers and candles for them to share this sweet moment together. My parents attended their engagement party which sounds like it included some of the town, and loved the future part of our new family. I so look forward to meeting them someday. Hope everyone had a great Memorial weekend :)