Fall Fun

A few weeks ago, Matt and I decided to take the boys on our annual trip to an apple orchard to pick pumpkins (which the squirrels have since eaten) and apples (which the boys don't like). Despite our lack of successful products brought home, we had a great time! I love fall!

Where have you been!?!?!?!

Gosh.  Life is busy!  School, work, volleyball, kids, birthdays, anniversaries, friends, family, fall, holidays...the list just goes on.

Things are going well here.  Matt and I just celebrated our 9th year of marriage.  It's still a single digit, but it's pretty impressive to me.  I'm really happy.  He's really happy.  Our kids rock and our love grows.  What more can a girl ask for?!

We got a new family van (she doesn't have a name yet).  On Friday we sent the kids to my inlaws (Thanks, Dot & Gene!!!) and we headed to OH to pick up the van.  We spent a night with my aunt & uncle and then turned around to come home.  We took a long, leisurely trip home and had a great time just the two of us, enjoying each other's company and...of course, the love we share. (Gosh, I'm such a SAP!)

I did get the chance to take some good photos that can be seen on my photo blog.  Check 'em out if you have time.

Otherwise, just hang on for an update again...when I find the time!

Venti Sized Dreams

A few weeks ago, we started a new course at church: You matter more than you think.

At last week's session, I we were challenged to dream "venti sized dreams".  Not just little dreams, but big dreams that change things.  Not to limit ourselves.    I take that challenge.  And I hope to run with it. 

I know that God will put the seed in my head.  The shot of espresso sized dream that will turn into a venti sized dream - if you will.  I'm looking forward to the amazing plans God has for me. 

Volleyball & Stuff

So, after only about 5 hours of practices, my varsity volleyball girls took the court for their first game. Thankfully, our JV team went first. It was a great chance for the girls to see a game in action and learn the rules and how things "move" on the court.

We didn't win any of our three matches, but the girls did an AMAZING job with attitude, positivity and effort. I can't wait to see them tomorrow at practice to tell them (again) how unbelievably proud of them I am. It may not be a winning season, but it's going to be a GREAT season. ♥

And...everything else is going well. I'm enjoying my job a lot again this year. Matt and Maxwell are falling into a great routine of "school", chores and errands. Payton is loving Mr. Asper. And we STILL have our foster dog MaxTheDog. Know anyone who wants a MinPin???

School Lunches: Week 3 Review

We're finally falling into a routine with our lunches.  Most days they only take me 5-10 minutes to pack.  Having a menu filled out in advance has been really helpful.  I filled out three weeks when I started them, just to make sure I wasn't repeating things too often.  I check it every weekend to make sure we have the grocery items we need to make everything.  After that, it's as simple as referencing the lists to see what I need to pack.  I also find that I don't serve "too much" of the same thing when I can see it written out. 

I have been using anotherlunch.com for a lot of fun ideas.  And bentolunch.com has a lot of useful tips and images that have been helpful too.  Payton has enjoyed most of what I have sent, but he's sure to tell me when he doesn't like things too.  I've crossed a few items off our "go-to" list and added a few as well.  The pizza pockets are still a big hit...I really should make those again this week.

Thank you to everyone who's made supportive comments on Facebook or sent me "fun facts" for P's white board.  He's loving them all!  And the teachers at Reach are asking him what the "fun fact of the day" was.  :)

Time with My Best Friend

Amazing. That's what summarizes this past weekend.

My wonderful inlaws went out of their way (twice) to assist Matt and I in having a "grown up" weekend. It seems it's been a long time, and it was well overdue.

We didn't run away for a romantic getaway. We didn't go to fancy restaurants and stare deep into each others eyes. We didn't walk hand-in-hand down the beach at sunset. We just spent time together.

Time. It seems that there isn't as much of it as anyone needs. I am involved in so many great things that sometimes I forget my family, especially my husband, deserves the best of me. I don't always give him the time he deserves. Or even the time he needs.

Those of you that are friends with me on Facebook saw my post on Sunday: 2 years ago today Matt & I decided not to walk away from our marriage. We've never been happier than we are today. God did amazing things for us!

Before that time, life had just gotten busy. Busy in our heads. Busy in our hearts. That made things complicated. I realized I didn't want to have to tell my kids I'd walked away without trying everything. God told me, "Give it time.". We did. And I'm so very very very glad we did.

Through everything we've made it through, I still forget that my husband deserves my time. And I deserve his. Not just family time. Not just eating time. Not just TV time. Real time. Focused time.

This weekend we found time. Time together. Time talking. Time cuddling. Just time. Quality, much needed time.

I love you, Husband. More and more each day. Thank you for giving me your time.