Field Trip - Pumpkin Patch Round 2

I have fond memories of being a chaperone on a trip a couple of years ago to Clinton Sease Farm's pumpkin patch; so I was excited to do it again this time with my adorable middle!

It was an unusual cold morning but the kids were troopers!  They sang a cute pumpkin growing song that they were taught and...

learned how to milk a cow (and even got to practice).

The playground free time was next and we found cousin Adalyn.  I do so love that they can do things like this together.

They have pretty fun slides that even some of the teachers joined in on!

Our "hayride" was next and Shiloh enjoyed the wind and some snuggles!

It was interesting getting to see some of the animals up close.

Our girls have the best teachers and they are so LOVED!  Makes this momma's heart so full!

Then it was our turn to pick out some pumpkins.  I did think it as somewhat funny as they were just spread out here in this "field".

Shiloh enjoyed the buddies in our group.

Finally, it was on to playground number two which has some more fun original things to explore.

We did have such a blast at the farm! They do a great job on their agritourism that left more fun memories for years to come!

Benched Again

"Put me in coach!"  Put me in....into this game of life, into being able to be there more for my kids, into being able to support my husband the way he would like too, into being able to do and serve and just be with others.  But here I am benched again.  I hate watching from the sidelines.  I hate that the quality times that I have with my kids often involve them having to serve me or snuggle in bed with me.

You may not know it, because I hate it, and don't want to walk around walling in it. Plus on the "good" days I need to take it all in and need to get much done.  Or maybe you have caught me on a vulnerable day where I will express my frustration about being sooo healthy yet very sick.  It's part of the reason I had to quite my job almost three years ago (and so glad I did); why I'm not able to help and volunteer more, as who knows what my body will be doing on that day; why I haven't been able to help more with the business, although my heart desires to do so.

This year I have gotten more information about what's going on with my body: thyroid, SIBO and Chronic Epstein-Barr (think mono).  With it way to many supplements and a medication then I would like.  These are the results of genetics, sucking it up and pushing through, our toxic world, years of eating unhealthily and a childhood illness.  I've worked hard to do all that I know to do to help my body heal, to listen to and nurture it.  I'm still trying to learn more, to not lose hope.  However, I admit on those days that I just can't seem to get out of bed, again, it can feel pretty hopeless. 

One thing that it causes me to have to face over and over again, is how my mind has a "do"mentality.  I want to be able to do things, to work, to help, to move, to have purpose!  However, my body is in this "be" state, for it is all that it can do; just "being" has never been easy for me.  So there is this great conflict in my mind fighting over doing vs. being.  I KNOW that we need both in our lives, God does not call us to work for his love, but man do I forget!

I aware that I'm not alone on this (the diagnoses and symptoms may look different but often the same result).  In this fallen world the numbers will only continue to grow. More people to watch from the sidelines and how I understand this view even more.  However, I'm far from stopping the pleading,  I'm ready to play,"Put me in coach!" Would you come to the Father on my behalf as well?

Focusing on the Positives of September

This month really has had many highs and lows, as the first half I battled some sort of sickness.  Fortunately, there were many fun things to make good memories including my ice skating date, birthday and the farm tour.  Also the bits in-between that don't need to be forgotten!

Co-op day and somebody found the sticker drawer!

The first time I asked for them to take a picture, this was what I got!

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While the girls are away, Ezra will play!

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One Saturday we had enough energy to enjoy a walk outside on the golf course.  Ezra attempted some plane flying.

When he got worn out from all that running, Ezra caught a ride (notice the hand placement).

We walked a good bit, thankful of the beauty that is so close!

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Zoe was sitting in the "sun room" one afternoon and I just loved how the light caught her face.

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We had the best surprise when Beach's uncle and aunt were in town and called wanting to take us to dinner.  My sister was thankfully able to babysit and my heart and belly were so full from this amazing night!

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Co-op day again!  I love 3-year-olds!

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Ezra made a crown at church!  He even managed to smile without opening his whole mouth!  

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Zoe's grade preformed at the school's PTA meeting.  She was pretty excited about it!

All the kids did a great job and I loved it!

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Lunch date with my little kindergartner!

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Donuts for Dads and the girls were pretty excited that Beach could make it!

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Nothing says small time living to me like the Okra Strut Parade!

We camped out at a pretty good spot and were drink ready!

Zoe was in the parade with her dance group.  She really did not want me walking along with them and gave me the biggest hug when I informed her that I wasn't!

Parade watchers in full force!

Kids were stoked about the candy.

I will say we all had a great time!

Thankful for amazing weather this year.

I do love how Zoe's dance team always points the focus to Christ!

Let your light shine little ones!

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Shiloh made herself comfortable with finally great weather!

I didn't realize that Beach had taken a picture of her as well.

Here is to better health and cooler days in the month to come!

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