... not much to say...

I haven't had much to say here lately...
I have been waiting for something profound, something to encourage others, something funny, or something domestic.
Truth is life has continued to be a little challenging around here.  Mr. Steady's back has really flared up again, poor guy can't stand up straight {another MRI tomorrow to see what is going on}.  I'm feeling drained at the end of most days.  Parenting has been challenging lately {always is really, I keep trying to remind myself  that this isn't supposed to be easy to train up these little peeps}.  My house is messier than normal {quickly realizing how much my man usually helps keep things picked up}.  There is chaos in my head with possible changes {nothing major, so no one freak out on me}.  My selfish heart daily beckons me to be lazy to have a pitty-party, to live life my own way {conviction is good, turning from sin is hard, but so worth it}.  After having exercised 5 days a week for 5 months, this last month, I have only worked out like once a week... I had really hoped my new routine would stick.. not so much.  I haven't been as intentional with my kids as I would like/ hope for {and you can see it in how they are living/ loving/ and obeying, or the lack there of}.

But I am thankful {do you believe me after that paragraph above}

I'm thankful for: 
- My baby turned 2- thankful for this spirited, loud, crazy, silly  little man!
- My big boy graduated kindergarten!  He had an awesome year!
- My Bug is growing in joy, developing her own interests, and loving on her bros!
- God has continued to provide for us, and I have a hard working man!  Mr. Steady was the #1 sales rep in his office for multiple months... even during all of his medical issues!!!
- I have found a renewed joy of reading God's Word!!!!!
- We have 2 family weddings this Fall so a long trip to Utah is on the schedule! Woo Hoo!
- With our current situation, God is teaching me a lot (to slow down, that I can't make plans, to do a better job around the house, to be thankful, to be patient, to give myself and others more grace, to ask for help when needed...)
- Mr. Steady and I are reading a book/ study together that is AWESOME!  It is called "Changed into His Image" by Jim Berg.  It is really challenging and encouraging me!  If you are ready for your walk with Christ to go to a new level, I think you should read this!
- Medical insurance... and that we have met our out of pocket max for the year!  So thankful that medical bills are not hanging over our head, and that each procedure that Mr. Steady needs is not going to cost us anything more!
- Support of friends, family, and friends that should be called family : )
- Our summer fun list... to remind me to keep making fun memories with my kiddos.
- For the exciting changes in the lives of friends and family... new babies, new houses, new jobs, soon to be new spouses! 
- that as a family we were able to go to the beach tonight for a bonfire to celebrate B's birthday, and fathers day!

- that I actually am posting on here, hoping this gets the ball rolling again : )
- and I'm thankful for you... anyone that stuck with me and read this whole rambling post!

let them be boys!

I am slowly learning what it means to be a mom of a boy.  You would think I would have got this down by now since H is almost 4 1/2!  But, I often hear myself saying things like "be careful," "calm down," and "please don't get dirty."  Not saying that these are inappropriate comments/ encouragements/ directions for a mom of a boy to give... but there should be times that these "suggestions" are thrown out the window and that boys are allowed to be boy, careless, dirty, full of energy, and somewhat crazy.  So here is to an afternoon that my friend Nicole and I were able to let our boys be boys! (Truth be told, it was totally unnatural for both of us, but when all was said and done, we were kind of proud of ourselves for not stepping in and hindering the fun... which is something I am really good at doing).

 Yes, we did have to shower them off outside, soak the clothes over-night in oxy-clean and pick dirt out of his ears.  But it was TOTALLY worth it!  Oh, and Nicole, did have to buy more dirt to put around the tree where all of the mud washed away.  But I think she would agree, it was such a great afternoon of letting them be dirty messy boys, playing in the mud!

And in case you are wondering... sweet Bug, took a long nap that day!  I still wonder if she would have joined in the mud and mess or if she would have sat by and let the boys have all of the fun!