Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Several months of catch up

I never blog anymore. Today I sort of realized that I missed it. I've been writing a bunch elsewhere; I've been thinking a bunch; and our family has been going through a bunch. Leisure time has been nonexistent, but I like this outlet, this relationship that I've had with blogger over the past 3 years, and I decided it was time to jump back in.

I don't have tons to write about on my usual topics. I haven't read much--although I am reading an awesome book right now World Without End by Ken Follet and finished Middlesex and The Shack earlier this year; I haven't seen many movies lately--but I did enjoy Marley and Me over Spring Break and was part of the Slumdog Millionaire fan club; the only traveling I've done was a girls' trip to Florida over Spring Break. My life has mostly consisted of taking care of my sweet baby, enjoying Patrick's days when he's been able to come to town, mentoring my student teacher, and preparing my Juniors for their AP exam--which means grading lots and LOTS of essays. I have had fun weekend visits and homecooked meals from Jesse, sleepovers with Heather, and evenings with Lia. I've been busy and distracted, but I've been learning lots of hard lessons through the craziness of life.

The Lord has been teaching our family so much through our experiences these past few months. Mostly, he's been reteaching us how to depend on Him, that He has to be our first love, and that we should not ever take any of our moments together as a family for granted.

Sometimes I complain about how my students have entitlement issues. They think they deserve to have grades, freedoms, luxuries at their disposal. However, through our countries' struggling economic times, our world is changing. My world has totally changed, and upon reflection, I realize that I have had some entitlement issues of my own--expecting my life to go along according to my plan.

I am learning to appreciate the little things--sweet moments with my daughter, quiet moments with my husband, bonding together as a family. I'm learning again how to take time for myself, but I'm learning that I can't do it--and don't have to do it--all by myself. Thank goodness for real friendship and strong family loyalties.

All in all, 2009 has been a whirlwind of change, independence, flexibility, balance, and growing pains. Though some of it has been painful, we have experienced some of our most precious moments and made incredible memories. Being a mother is one of the most challenging, humbling, and rewarding roles I have ever played, and I can truly say that I love every moment of it. I am amazed by Addison every day.

Here are a few recent snapshots of our little girl:

9 comments:

Sarah Armstrong said...

Oh, she has changed so much!! What a cutie - and a perfect blend of you and Patrick! Miss you!

L said...

she is soooo cute!! i can't imagine how hard this valley is for you and patrick right now, but it is really cool to hear all that you are learning through it all. thank you for sharing! love you.

Tiffany Norris said...

I really like this post. :) Good thoughts...and our little family has struggled with some of the same big issues.
Also, what did you think of Middlesex?

Jesse Faris said...

Good thoughts. Your adoring audience welcomes you back! Sometimes in life we just have to take time to re-learn how to be ourselves in our new life circumstances--at least, I know this is true for me. I think you are a wonderful (I mean WONDERFUL) mother, and you're not too shabby as a friend, either. ;)

Kimberly said...

Addy is so adorable!! I agree with Sarah, she is a perfect blend of the two of you. It is so good to see you back to blogging!

Hilary said...

Addy is beautiful! She is growing so fast.

Jenny said...

She is sooo freakin' adorable. Glad you are blogging again. I miss you.

H Vest said...

Loved the update on you guys - I've been thinking about you a lot. Your blog was a great reminder to treasure the now, and not keep wishing away these last two months. Addison is just as beautiful as ever. May the next few months bring even more special moments with your family!

Ashley @ pure and lovely said...

okay so addison has patrick's eyes and your mouth. wouldn't have recognized her. crazy how fast she is growing. glad things are well with yall, even though I know it has been tough. hope sweet lil gal is feeling better this week! those er visits SUCK.