Where have I been?

You may be so frustrated that I have dropped right off the blogging scene. I know there are days when you actually want to hop onto a friends blog and see something other than the same posts you've viewed for nearly three months!! :)

So where in the world have I been? Well.... my beautiful little sister Jenae and her family just moved in with us a few weeks ago. They own a lot near our home and find themselves in relocating limbo. I will admit that it has been more than fun, but it does keep us busy. Our little toddlers are constantly up to no good and I'd say the normal family disaster has doubled. Consequently, Jenae and I spend the majority of our day cleaning and mothering and we are getting GOOD at it. But what ever happened to the hours we thought we'd have to sew and craft? Hey.... there's nothing wrong with dreaming.

Be patient with my sporadic postings as we find our bearings around here. Stay tuned for photos of Jenae and I on our quest to becoming DOMESTIC GODDESSES.

Come see photos of our last boating adventure for the year. Click HERE

This morning I was thinking about my blog. I was chuckling about my many posts during pregnancy. Did pregnancy knock out the filter between my brain and my mouth? I think so. On the one hand - it's a bit embarrassing to think about the way I rattled on and on about my struggles, my bad attitude and all my feelings in between.

I realize it has been a long while since I posted anything dramatic ( a girly trait no doubt) You are probably grateful to have had a long break from it all. But this morning.... I can't help but purge. I suppose I come to my blog to purge because I have already bored my sister and my mother and any listening ear I can steal for a moment.

What's got my goat lately? WHO KNOWS. I can't decide if it is still acceptable to claim "I struggle because I have a new baby". How long can you use that excuse anyway. So the bottom line is.....

I feel overwhelmed. You too? How's a mom to overcome the feeling that she is running faster than she is able? And yet..... I'm not running at all. I think I am actually dragging my feet everywhere I go. Capable of accomplishing so much more. Capable of loving my children more fully. Capable of serving others more adequately. Capable of finding self fulfillment. Yet, unable!

So Trev talked to me about managing my time better. He is absolutely on to something. My kids are back in school, I'm back to teaching lessons, I have two callings and a new job accompanying a professional choir. That's in addition to the dishes, laundry and yard work that seem to be looming over me. My situation requires constant effort and organization. And yet, I'm here...... typing nonsense on my blog.

What will provoke me to jump start this body and mind of mine that is capable of doing so much more?

Labor Day Weekend

I just wanted you to know that I posted some pictures and an update of our Labor Day weekend on my private blog. Click HERE to see the update. If you need an invite please leave me a comment with your email address (it won't be visible to all).

Kamber was Baptised this last weekend and we celebrated Abigail's birthday! Swing by and check out the photos.

Campout photos

To view pictures of our family campout - click HERE. If you need an invite to view our private blog, leave me a comment with your email and I will add you.

Pppffft

Trev is getting really creative when it comes to motivating me. Today's tactic....... he told me that I needed to snap some photos of our kitchen for his brother. Now, is that true or is he just aware that I need solid REASONS to clean these days?! :) Not only did I have to snap some photos, but I had to post them within forty five minutes. Is that a challenge? You bet your booty I cleaned my kitchen in a fury and find myself racing against the clock. (just so you know.... I got the call thirty minutes ago.)

The Lights are approximately 53 inches apart. Perhaps bigger lights would have been better eh?

Just pretend like I had the sense to polish my sink!

Are you wondering why Trev is sitting in a WHITE truck with a SMILE on his face? Are you wondering what happened to the black lawn ornament you usually saw Trev working on?
Well..... we bid farewell to the "black widow" (dodge mini pick up) that Trev grew so fond of the last few years (are you sensing the sarcasm in my voice here?) I'd say we probably dumped 6 thousand dollars into that piece of junk. However, Trev practically rebuilt the entire truck so there isn't a mechanical problem that intimidates him. And that folks, was worth it!

So for the last year we have been a one car family. Which has been more inconvenient to our friends the Savages than it probably has been for us. Trev hitched a ride with Greg to work and any time I was stranded, Trish would tote me into the store. Not to mention the time I wanted to go camping but Trev needed the van. So ...... I used the Savages van. (I know, we don't deserve such patient friends)

We knew that we needed to be patient and the right vehicle (notice I didn't say truck here - though we figured that would be a bonus) at the right price would come along. AND IT DID! So........Trev finally got his truck. One that works I mean! The best part of this purchase is the fact that we bought it from our FABULOUS neighbor who was the original owner. He's never had a problem with it, and he took good care of it. I don't think you will see Trev shoulder deep in this engine!