I've only blogged 3 times this year. Three! There was a time I'd post that many in a week, but alas, life gets filled with other things and I tend to stay caught up on things on Facebook.
Somehow we're already halfway through 2016.
The boys and I have already taken 3 trips to Iowa this year, with 2 more trips planned just within the next 5 weeks! One of those trips we brought along a surprise...Erica! We really pulled a good one over on mom. We had been planning it since December and kept everything a secret from her (and dad too!)
Daniel finished his 3 year old year of preschool just before Erica came so she got to come to graduation with us. He loves his preschool and his teachers, and I'm so excited that he'll get to go again this fall. We're already talking about it and he can't wait. He grew so much over this year. On his first day of preschool I remember him holding my hand and I could feel him near me starting to breath heavily. His anxiety was rising and I was trying to keep mine in check. There were tears, but I knew he'd be okay. Within a week he was jumping out of the van and forgetting to say goodbye some mornings! It was so good to see him gain self confidence and social skills.
It really hit me last night though. Next summer at this time we'll be preparing him for kindergarten! I don't know if I'm ready for this yet! Okay...most days I'm needing a break, but wow. Wasn't I just pregnant with him? I'm kind of glad he has a November birthday. It gives me an extra year with him. I'll have the same privilege with James at well.
The boys and I are still loving our church. Daniel gets excited to go each week. James always has fun, even though he likes to fuss when I pass him off. I never let it fool me. They always tell me later what a happy little guy he is. He goes around and gives kisses and acts silly. I love his little personality.
I finally got involved in a Life Group at church (which is a small group that meets during the week). Last year I was kind of interested in attending one, but I just didn't think it would work at the time because Daniel was very insistent that I be home to tuck him in each night and I wouldn't have been home one night each week. Not to mention...even though I wanted to get involved I always struggle because I get that nervous and uneasy feeling when I do new things, and I sometimes let that hold me back.
Well, once again they started talking about the next session of groups starting up for the summer and encouraging everyone to get involved in one. I kept thinking I should but still couldn't figure out the logistics of it, so I put it off. I even kind of glanced at all of the groups again one day after church and saw I group I was interested in and figured it wouldn't work out. That week I got a Facebook message from the leader of the group that I had been interested in asking me if I was signed up for a Life Group and if not she really wanted me to join her group! "Okay, God I hear you loud and clear on that one!" So, I talked with Jacob and with Daniel because Daniel has such a hard time with changes in routine. I explained that once every couple of weeks Daddy will be doing bedtime. He seemed fine, so we gave it a whirl.
We just have 4 of us in our group right now, but let me tell you...these are "my people". I literally have no doubt in my mind that God orchestrated things just so, so that we would all be together in this group. I feel like I can really be open. I feel like its making me a better person and that I'm growing more in my relationship with Christ. We have "homework" to do and I always feel a bit unsure of myself when it comes to sharing because I feel like what I say might not make sense, and yet I'm finding that maybe I'm just not always confident in myself because it ends up seeming to make sense. I'm just not always good with words. At least not out loud...I'm better at typing my thoughts. I love hearing what everyone else has to say as well.
And are you ready for this? I don't pray out loud in front of people...basically ever. I pray with my kids and sometimes at supper, but other than that I do not pray out loud. It's not something I have ever felt comfortable doing, and I expressed that the first week of our group. But, last week I prayed before our meal. I know that seems like such a small thing, but it was really big for me. I can't say I'll always be comfortable doing it, but God has given me the strength and courage to step out of my comfort zone and do new things. So, not only am I growing as a person, I've gained 3 new friends that are already becoming very dear to me! I look forward to our get togethers!
Tomorrow after church I have to get crackin' on packin'. Ha! Sorry...sometimes I think things are funnier than they are. We're Iowa and Minnesota bound! Then home for a few weeks and then back to Iowa again because Erica and Jim will be there for a few days. Yay! More sister time! And then I'll leave Daniel in Iowa for a week with Mimi and Pa!
Whew! I did it. I finished a post...so hopefully Sheila will be happy! :)
