.::ch-ch-changes::.

As if life needed more change. We are at it again switching things up and making some much needed (albeit sometimes difficult) changes. Which explains why my blog has been little more then an online ghost town of a space. :)

First up, duh-duh-duhn...
Meet my friend, Dave. You've heard of him I'm sure. If not, here's a picture.

My husband and I are taking a "Financial Peace" course through our church. So far, SO good. We are only in week 3 and I feel like the take-aways have been helpful and eventually life changing. This week we'll be testing the waters of the envelope system and looking proactively into setting up a solid emergency fund. We have never done either of those - so this should be a good challenge. Our goal in taking this course is to really get a grip on our finances. We praise God that our only debt is student loans (Dave says a mortgage is not considered a debt), and I don't say that lightly... as we both have... enough. (boo!) But being in our early thirties with three children under our belt - we really feel NOW is the time to get serious and take control. We have always lived with the mindset that on payday you set out your tithe, pay your bills and then just don't spend. Imagine my slight surprise to find out there are better ways. :) I'm eager and excited to put what we've learned to practice! I'm also looking forward to being prepared for emergencies, broken whatevers, and extra expenses. {sigh}
So, big change. But it's time.

Next, managing this home and these children.
Yikes. This stay at home mom thing is not for the faint of heart. There are days when I go to bed feeling completely exhausted and yet I cannot actually remember why I'm so tired. Been there?
Part of my problem I'm realizing is that I haven't delegated much out - and I'm taking on everything. Which, I enjoy doing, but it's time for a change here also. So, today I jotted out a few jurisdiction charts for my children and started my "command center" that I hope to get done here within a few weeks. It will be a spot for kids to check off finished chores, see meal schedules, school info, etc. I grabbed a notebook and made a chore chart for myself as well. I constantly feel like I can't stay on top of the house work & organization - so I get overwhelmed and just sit down and do nothing. And then that goes on for several days until our home resembles a Hoarders episode. Or... until we are going to have company. Hey, just being honest.
The organized work schedule is something that I have thrived on in the past and I know it will help me stay on task, and then have designated intentional time for my babies throughout the day. I need this. My family needs this. We have been in survival mode since my 8th month of pregnancy until now. It.must.end.

And, bible study. Another new.
In my 19 years of walking with the Lord I don't think I've ever done a study on the Sermon on the Mount personally. This year our fall ladies bible study is based on just that and it's AWESOME. Seriously. Jen Wilken teaches on a video lesson and then we have great discussion time after. I'm already so challenged on topics like - what really does it mean to be salt? To be light? What exactly do the beattitudes mean? So good.

Lots of changes. Lots of busy but good things.
Ah, life is sweet.

There are no perfect days

For the last few days the sky has been gray.
The mornings start out cool and the sun is going down in a flame of oranges and reds at the end of the day.
It's my season.
A neighbors tree has the most amazing orange leaves that have started to change already. In the evenings you can stand on the porch and smell wood burning stoves and nearby bonfire pits, as people enjoy the last of the warm season. There's enough chill to notice. Fuzzy socks have been put back in our dresser drawers... for me, it's the best time of the year. I adore this season of all things Autumn.

And, while there is no such thing as a perfect day, we may have come close today. While my kindergartener was at school - the rest of the fam headed out for some library time. I love the library for many reasons - but especially when I'm going in search of cookbooks. I've been feeling so frazzled lately and slightly overwhelmed with all of life and responsibilities, etc. There is something so soothing to me to walk up and down rows of cookbooks just dreaming and thinking and planning. After finding a good one I rejoined the fam and we found some good fall themed books to read at home.

The book on the right is so fantastic! It was in the cookbook aisle but is such a good, fun, mommy read. It has recipes and little stories, crafty ideas and the authors family memories.

"Give me the splendid silent sun with all his beams full-dazzling, 

give me juicy autumnal fruit ripe and red from the orchard."

Walt Whitman

I'm eager to dig in and enjoy. And, because my husband knows of my joy in this season... he treated me to one of these gems. :) Oh pumpkin and apple everything. You are my favorites.

And now, as the youngest children nap and my hubby and big girl are out and about. The quiet. It's not perfect, but it sure is good.

Some thoughts before my next cup of coffee

Good morning and happy Monday! It's still early morning and the irony is not lost on this day...
I set my alarm for "early", as I'm still fighting to get up before everyone and get into the Word of God. I need it. I want it. I keep trying and trying to do things in my own strength and by the end of the day that worn, weary feeling is worse - because I keep forgetting my source of strength. So I fight the drooping eyes and roll out of the bed, tip toe downstairs, brew the coffee, sit down to read and... the red lights on the monitor go off. Jane is awake. Of course she is, because I just sat down to read. (sigh)

But the Lord in his kindness to me - gave me a sweet child. She nurses quietly and dozes off and on before finishing up. Then while I read (some out loud to her) she just lays in my arms. I love that baby. We have our own precious morning thing going - and she's back to bed an hour later.

I just started reading through the book, "Discipline" by Elisabeth Elliot. Wow. Good stuff.

 

I enjoy Ms. Elliot's writing style and I'm thinking I have MUCH to learn from this book. Eager to grow and hear her wisdom.  I'm trying (again) to wake up early and spend time in the word... the older I get the more I realize how much discipline I NEED in my life. I'm a work in progress for sure.

I also took 30 minutes last night to watch this interview with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. If you (like me) struggle with "how on earth do I raise these children without losing my brain?!"... you will be blessed and encouraged by them. It's worth your time. They have a lot of experience and are so tender to the Lord's working. I have always been a Duggar fan, but over the last few weeks I have been so thankful for this living example of a Mom who strives to raise her children to honor and love the Lord - and, each other! Go ahead... watch. :) You won't be disappointed.