Getting back in the groove…

Thanks for all the emails and prayers! James is just about one hundred percent again. But, *ahem* if you happen to get an upper respiratory virus or bacterial infection, we love you, but we'll avoid you like the plague! *grins*
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FOR TODAY, July 6th…

Outside my window…
Sunshine, a light airy breeze, and just enough cloud cover to keep it comfortable. We have lived outside the last four days, playing, even taking meals on a quilt…it's been too lovely not to. I am sure that it has helped with healing and restoration!

I am thinking…
Of Andrea– waiting with her as we enter our last weeks. It's been a crummy June for us both. Now for July and the joy of new life!

I am thankful for…
Rest. Rest. Rest. Can I say that enough? After a hectic month and a half coupled with a hospital visit, I did not realize just how exhausted and depleted I was. This last week has been so quiet, with no obligations (aside from a doctor's visit or two), no visitors, no nothing. Dear friends kept us in meals, so no cooking either… Between the beautiful weather and the chance to literally 'do nothing', I feel so much better- we all do!

From the learning rooms…
We're on sabbatical for a wee bit. I don't think we are going to get very intensive until late August- while I was expecting to school into May and June, it just did not happen with all the craziness, and I am just letting it go. We've been doing a bit of math here and there, and lots and lots of reading from the library. Working mostly on really making a learning space for the kids this summer…we moved from the dining room table at the beginning of the year, to a space downstairs (set with old metal school desks) to sort of car schooling towards the end…and while I love the flexibility of that, I just don't feel like it's working. It's impossible to say, get art supplies out and really play with them. They are stored in the garage for lack of a better place to be. I want to make spaces for that. Love the inspiration by Jennifer…she's given me tons to think about (especially in the art supply cabinet). I am limited as our room is cinderblock and the lighting leaves a lot to be desired. I don't know. Thinking it over right now, trying to decide how I want to focus for the next year. Figuring out how to make a designated learning space with the resources I have on hand- I have great bookshelves, and that's half the battle!

From the kitchen…
Lots and lots of fresh veggies, right out of our garden. Grilled. Anything that can be grilled. The kitchen probably hasn't been used in about four days, except for breakfast. Yummy! We're making this tonight.

I am wearing…
A brown short dress over my flowy black gouchos. Very crunchy earth mama. Very 8.5 months pregnant tummy friendly, and very comfortable. No shoes. Sunscreen. Bug spray.

I am creating…
Nothing in the studio, but I think I'm finally feeling up to it this week. Now baby, on the other hand, is baking quite well and getting bigger by the minute. So I guess you could say I'm still creating?

I am going…
to keep still. (As much as can happen with four kiddos bouncing around!) Just enjoying and engaging in the chance to rest and restore. At peace, just waiting for Bean (obviously not baby's real name, but we like to keep it quiet until the arrival) to come in God's good timing. All of my professional obligations and mommy stuff has all been discharged for a while, so no deadlines hanging! I'd forgotten what it was like to read and read and read. And sleep. And play. Lots of playing.

I am reading…
Um, do you want to list this by hour or by day? *grins* Tons of stuff on diet and allergies and sensory processing disorder. Really, truly, have been enjoying this whole series from Ann about journaling as a spiritual process.

I am praying…
for so many things. Hewing close to the Master these days, gathering strength. Resting in His Grace. At peace.

I am hearing…
David and Ben playing. The other two are 'working' with Daddy out back. David learned how to say "love you" this last week or so. It is so sweet and makes me smile!

Around the house…
The house is a wreck, but the yard and gardens look amazing. After so long, the weather is finally with us and so many outdoor maintence things are being attended to. We are so sore at the end of the day (and definitely earn our showers) but boy, does it feel good. Think the boys are learning the real meaning of good hard work the last few days. I think I might make one last push to get things in order inside before Baby arrives, but it's all good. The basics are getting hit each day, and that's all that really needs done right now.

One of my favorite things…
Sweet tea. With mint. Put it in an IV drip and I'd be good! Oh, and water. Pools. Things that take pressure off my sore pregnant back…massages.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
HA! None. If I can help it. Want to hold on to this low-key, lazy dazy summer for as long as we can!

Here is picture thought I am sharing…
Daddy and Lorelei watching the parade downtown on Friday.


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