September Snapshot

So, here we are. The end of September. What a month! I feel a little sense of accomplishment that I got all our Halloween and Fall decor up around the house last week..before the official 1st day of Fall! I LOVE Fall!!
I used the time that I was at home from work for half a day last week with a sick little boy to get the decorations up. Here's a look at our Halloween "fun".:)

Jonah had to have a total of 3 breathing treatments last week, along with being diagnosed with strep and bronchitis. He is a tough boy. He's doing much better already. And super funny!:) I just love this guy...

I wish I had had my video camera to film Mary Claire's reaction when she got home from school and saw the decorations. It was priceless and so cute, and well worth the complaints I received from my husband for the added "stuff". (Sorry, Jan. I love you anyway!)

On September 8, my mom, Jan and myself ran in the Cotton Pickin' 5K in Somerville. Last year, I came in 4th place and this year, I was hoping to place in my new age group (35-39 yr. olds). I told my mom and Jan that I really wanted a cotton bale! (They are the neatest race awards I have seen!) I ran a decent race, but not my best time...I was surprised when they called my name at the awards ceremony as the 3rd place winner. Mom got 1st place in her age group and she received an even bigger cotton bale!

Other races Jan and I have done this month include the 2 Memphis Runners Track and Club 10Ks at Shelby Farms. Let me tell you, there is beauty in seeing the sun rise surrounded by the scenery in Shelby Farms! And the Cooper Young 4 Miler with lots of our friends! Super fun Friday night run...
We still have one more race before this month ends...the Covington Rotary Run this Saturday. I ran it last year, and I hope to improve my time this weekend. Running, running, running...every chance I get. Oh, and my sweet husband gave me a bike for my birthday at the beginning of Sept., so I have logged quite a few miles on my new bike as well. I would love to try a mini triathlon soon if I can find the time to train in a pool somewhere.

September has also brought Upward Soccer for all 3 kiddos. Our church just started this soccer program, and we are very happy with it. I am coaching Mary Claire's K4/5 team. I am enjoying the devotionals and teaching them the basics of soccer. If I could just keep my own child on the field instead of escaping to the playground in the middle of the game...:)
John Owen is doing great! Here's some pictures I managed to snap of his game thispast Saturday. (No pictures of Jonah since he was "benched" due to his illness last week.)

Can you look at these face paintings from Heritage Day and tell we are ready for Halloween?:)

Searching, Searching...

for time to post on this blog!:) The blog is an added element to my life and never has, never will take priority to the people and things in my life. But it is something I enjoy doing.
My "Mental Moments", if you will.
(Honestly, I started this post several days ago, and I am just now finishing it...which just explains so much of what I know most of you reading this deal with everyday, too...A lack of TIME!!)

This morning, before we set off to school, we read from I Thessalonians, "Give thanks to the Lord in all circumstances..." So, I am giving thanks for all the wonderful things that fill my daily schedule and have us "running" from one thing to the next. Really...I am giving thanks, not complaining here!
I am so very thankful for life. That's pretty much sums it up.:) I celebrated my 35th birthday on Sept. 4th, so, of course, I am thankful God allowed me to see another year. I am thankful for the lives of my children and my husband and family. They certainly spoiled me on my birthday!

I am thankful for the life of my grandmother who suffers from advanced dementia. I have come to terms with it, I think. For almost a year now, she hasn't recognized me or the kids, but she smiles at me. I am thankful for the smiles.

I am thankful for a nice car to drive and a great job that I can go to everyday. And for the nice home that I return to at the end of a very long day. Thankful for a nice bed to lie in, however late I find myself finally getting there. Thankful for the never ending loads of laundry, for without them, there would be no people dirtying those clothes. Thankful for the wonderfully funny things said by the little people who call me "Mommy". Makes me smile just thinking of it...I am thankful for each one of their personalities.

I am thankful for the ability to multi-task which is a quality any full-time working wife, mother, daughter, friend, etc. needs, right? As I type the end of this post, I am multi-tasking at the highest level...listening to the songs I am leading for our AWANA program church tonight while trying to finish this post!!

I am thankful for good friends who encourage and support...

Thankful for good health and that we are able to live life to the fullest everyday. On the days when the kids and I leave the house before 7:00 a.m. and don't return to the house until almost 7:00 p.m. or maybe only get 30 mins. at home before we have to be somewhere else, I try really hard to remember all of this which I have poured out in this post. Some weeks are better than others, and I realize that some of what we do is "self-inflicted". I have come to appreciate the moments at home more, I think. What I am still learning and searching for is the ability to protect my time with my family MORE! To NOT "spread myself too thin".

I pray that God will continue to teach me and use me for His glory in everything I do whether it be on the work commute in my car or at home with my family, at work or at church...
That I will be always searching for His will...

Thanks for enduring this slightly overwhelmed mom's mental moment. :)