... 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!

Mr. Steady-ism

I just showed Mr. Steady all of my hard work in creating tabs at the top of my blog.  He responded, "Nice."  In a joking manner I said, "You need to be more excited, that took me a while."  And he pointed to his picture on the side of the page and said, "See it says I am Mr. Steady, not Mr. Excited!"

Ha!  It made me laugh out loud!  Sometimes I wish he was more excitable, and exuberant, but usually those that have high highs, have some low lows.  So thankful for my Mr. Steady!  Though he might not ever physically jump for joy, he is never mean, depressed or negative!

I love my man!

Encourage your man!

Okay ladies, some of you asked for it, here is my first post on marriage.  I am a little humbled to write this... it feels so different to write about marriage (as opposed to my kiddos).  Mr. Steady and I have a really good marriage.  Like everyone else, we have had some ups and downs.  But by God's grace we have had many more ups than downs, and even the downs haven't been so bad.  Honestly God blessed me beyond my every expectation with Mr. Steady!  And Mr. Steady is such a great husband!  He brings balance to my life in so many ways, loves me with so much grace and is just an amazing guy.

With that being said, I have a fun idea to share.  I did this for Mr. Steady about 2 years ago, and he LOVED it!  I decided it was due time to give my man some extra encouragement!

So it here is a little challenge for you. Go out of your way to encourage your hubby.  I know for Mr. Steady, and about EVERY other guy I know, that words of affirmation are critical!  Here is a simple, yet resounding way to encourage your hubby.

Step 1:
Grab a stack of 3x5 cards and a pen

Step 2:
Write out as many things as you can think of that you love about your man, things you are thankful for, things that are endearing, ways your love has grown... Try to write out at least 20 cards.

Step 3:
Place the cards around the house in the locations that best represent what you are thankful for...

Step 4:
When he gets home let the scavenger hunt of encouragement begin

When I was first going to do this idea, I wanted to make it on the computer, or on color coordinating paper to make it look pretty.  Then it hit me... making it look good would be for me.  Mr. Steady could care less about the presentation, he just cares about the words from my heart.

Round 2 of encouragement scavenger-hunt was just as much fun as the first time around!  I think I will make this a tradition to do every few years!  Now it is your turn to try ladies!  Oh, and don't ever tell your man that you heard this idea from me... please own it as your own!