Catch Up

Well, it has been a while since I posted.  Time flies.  Cameron has been on holidays for two weeks already and I feel like we are only just starting to relax and get into holiday mode.  For the first week or so we had errands to run, sleep to catch up on and a seminar for Cameron (more on that later).  Now I am actually planning to have a sleep-in tomorrow and just go with the flow - see how the day develops.  I NEVER DO THAT.  I mean never.  I like to get up before the boys, have my shower and quiet time and prepare for my day.  No doubt I'll still get up earlier than the boys but we'll see how it goes.

Anyway...

A week ago Cameron and I went to Brisbane for about 5 days so he could attend a seminar presented by 21st Century Academy.  For me this involved 4 full days (8.00am til after midnight!!) to entertain 3 boys who were outside of their normal environment and with rainy Brisbane weather.  A big shout out to Aunty Elly who took a couple of days off to spend with us.  Even though it was hard going and I was exhausted, I was glad to do it because Cameron is preparing for our future as a family.  Our goal is to have Cameron be able to retire from his job in about 3 to 5 years, be financially secure with various investments and have him be able to work from home and enjoy quality of life.  With 3 active boys who dote on their Daddy, this is an exciting vision.

After a huge 4 days, I went out with my sister for some girly time at the local shopping centre.  Coffee, shopping, more coffee, lunch out - four and a half hours later and I was a whole new woman!  I can't remember the last time I had that much time away from my boys.  I could finish my train of thought, or complete a sentence and everything.  It was amazing (and I'm really sorry Aunty Elly for babbling so much at our morning coffee).

(There is supposed to be a lovely photo of my sister and I here but for some reason it is not showing up!!)

I have noticed a big change in Cameron since attending this seminar.  The training not only discusses financial aspects but personal motivation as well.  Cameron is wanting to be more disciplined; is more focused in his vision; and back to his more relaxed self.  One thing he said to me at the end of the training weekend was that he was sorry for having neglected me a bit lately.  I don't know if I really felt neglected  (we've been busy and had a lot going on lately) but just that he was aware of it and communicated it made me feel very appreciated.

So that is what has been happening with us lately.  Three more weeks of holidays will find us catching up with old friends for a number of dinner parties; going on a date to watch the local production of The Music Man (can't wait Saminda and Jane); another weekend trip to Brisbane (so Cam can fly to Melbourne for a BB King concert) and possibly another road trip.

Life is good.

Blessings,

I Heart ...

* My new budget iron ($13 people!) that works like a charm and is cute as well

* Uniforms ironed and ready so the holidays don't get away from me

* 3 precious boys at peace in their beds after an active day

Sasha



Isaac



Eddie

 * A tea party with my beloved

*  High hopes

* Oh, and did I mention the 5 weeks holiday thing!!!

Blessings,

Hangin' On

As I sit to type this post, my husband is finishing his second last shift before holidays.  Tomorrow will be a night shift and then he will be on holidays for just over 5 weeks.  It cannot come a moment too soon.  Life has been tough lately - nothing extraordinary, just life.  Being there for friends with marriage problems; life with three energetic boys; health issues for me where I feel I am just run down.  It catches up with you.

It also affects you spiritually.  When circumstances just keep piling up and you rarely get a quiet moment to process things let alone plan for the next week, then what do you do?  Keep suppressing those emotions and trust you will get a chance to deal with things later.  I've been struggling with hearing God's voice lately.  I have never ever doubted God's ability or desire to move in miraculous ways; never doubted His love for His people; and never doubted His ways and timing are perfect.  What I have questioned or struggled with is why I don't see answers to my specific prayers, or why I don't "feel" His particular guidance when facing decisions.  Those feelings when coupled with sleep deprivation lead to a bit of doubt.  Doubt and guilt.  Am I doing something wrong?  If only I tried harder, served more, then I would see breakthrough.  LIES. 

The Mighty God I serve is not a God of feeling but of fact.  I need to constantly remind myself that feelings change but God is the same yesterday, today and forever.  One John 3:1 says "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God."  Lavished.  That does not sound like a conditional love. 

My God sees my hearts' desire and that is to know Him more, love Him more and be faithful to be counted a child of the living God.  So I am going to try to go easy on myself until I can spend some time in quiet contemplation.  I tend to be the sort of person who prays and then gives God some suggestions for answers.  It goes a bit like this - "Father, please give me Your wisdom in this situation. (2 second pause).  Do You think I should do this?  Or maybe You want me to do this?"  I don't know if it's just that I'm a fixer by nature and need solutions, or that I'm scared of the silence - like all that soul searching was a bit too much work.

Anyway sorry for the ramble - I didn't intend for this to be so deep, but as you can see, there is a lot to process for me lately.  I've felt very snappy and not myself for a long time.  I'm usually a very calm person who sees the positive in every situation and I can barely recognise myself lately.  But I am holding on.  The end is in sight - this too shall pass.

I talked briefly to Cameron before he went to work today and mentioned my need for a retreat. I think it is achievable.  I need to not feel guilty about taking time from my family because I know in the end it will serve them so much more.  My older sister is coming up to visit for the weekend with a friend of ours and I am planning to talk to her about visiting her in Brisbane by myself sometime soon.  First and foremost will be at least half a day that is not planned, ie. no reading, no studying.  Just silence and waiting on God's voice and direction.  He knows my needs and will not let me down.  Then will come the reading, studying, planning I'm sure.  Can't wait. 

If you have managed to stay with me for this whole post, I thank you and love you.  Will try to be more upbeat in the next post.  Anyway, feel free to share your comments - do you ever feel the same?

Blessings to you,

Birthday

Well, today my sweet second son turned 4.  This boy is so special.  He didn't even ask for presents today - not once.  When he woke up he asked whether today was his birthday and "does that mean I'm 4 now".   He was just as excited about receiving a birthday card as he was to receive a toy.  He received clothes, DVD, books, gift card and a toy car and each was met with an enthusiasm and appreciation which made me so proud of him. 

Sasha was our surprise child.  He arrived only 10 months after Eddie was born so we had our hands full.  He was a very serious baby - very rarely smiling and making you work hard for each smile he gave away.  It wasn't until he was about 9 or 10 months old that he all of a sudden become Mr Personality.  This boy is funny, caring, artistic, loving and a never-ending barrel of energy. 

We love you Sasha.  You are God's special gift to our family and your personality makes you a favourite with so many.  Glad you enjoyed your special day.

Here are a few photos of our quiet family day.





Banana cake with lemon cream cheese frosting.

Waving the smoke away - quirky child.

Reading his birthday card from some good friends.

Blessings,