Five Month Sabbatical

Well, I've been gone from this blog for five months.  Life just happened, I was busy, and I simply lost the urge and desire to write.

I'm starting to feel the urge again. . .maybe a little.  Life is still crazy busy, so we'll see how long this lasts.  But I've been blogging off and on since 2008!  This is the chronicling of my life, my crazy thoughts, my growth. . .how can I stop permanently?

I'm thinking I'll duck back and hit some highlights from the last several months, especially since I have some posts sitting in my drafts folder. Grin  I may jump back and forth over this next month, and even bring over some book reviews, for yes, I've still been writing those on Goodreads.

Then school will be starting back up, and we'll just see how it goes.  I'm making no promises.

MIA

Isn't summer supposed to be a time of relaxation?  Isn't it supposed to be a leisurely time when one does what they want to do (such as read books, reflect, and write)?

Somehow my summer missed that memo.  And here it is AUGUST!  I haven't written a post in six weeks!  I was thinking it's time to let the blog go, but then a friend asked for book recommendations and I was able to send links to some book reviews on my blog.  And then another friend wanted to start a group to do freezer cooking and I was able to send her to some of my posts with tips and recipes.  And then I realized how fun it is to have these records. . .so I'm thinking I'll try to get back into the routine.  We'll see how it goes, especially as school will soon be resuming.

Aryana is sleeping much better now.  She is an extremely busy 15-month-old, but she's starting to learn what's okay and what's not--and I'm not so tired exhausted as I had been for the last. . .what seems like the last entire year.

So, I'll try to share a few book reviews this week, and maybe a couple posts about some of the highlights of our summer, and we'll see if I can get back into blogging a little bit.

Four Letter Word

T.I.M.E!

I'm struggling with finding time to write out my thoughts during this busy season of my life.  I wish there was some way to email between my brain and blogger.

Until someone invents that capability, I guess I'm just going to have to wrestle with time until I get enough pinned down to compose a worthwhile post.

Getting Back in the Groove

That old urge is tickling at the edges of my brain again.  I've rather missed it.

If you've followed me long, you'll know I used to blog a lot more often.  I wrote about my faith walk, my children, our homeschool, our outdoor escapades, my homemaking, adoption, book reviews, the occasional soapbox. . .

But this year I haven't had much to say.  Oh, yes, I keep posting those book reviews and I like to post our freezer cooking recipes so I can come back to them later.  But for the most part I just haven't felt like writing.

It's been strange.  I have always written.  My desk has always been littered with scraps of paper containing quick outlines of a blog post.  I've had more ideas (many more ideas!) than I've had time.  And yes, life has been ever busier this year.  Yet there have been times I've sat at my computer during the children's naptime thinking "I should write something". . .and the cursor just blinked at me.

This last week I have started scribbling ideas again.  I may have difficulty finding the time to flesh them out, but I'm still happy just to have the scribbles.  I'm not sure what has re-ignited this fire.  I'm guessing it might have something to do with a combination of the three following events:

• A friend referred me to another blog author who was looking for guest bloggers during November's Adoption Month.  I really enjoyed sharing my (long-winded) adoption journey for her.
• I made a quick trip to New York to see a dear friend I hadn't seen in three years.  I hope to blog about that, but she always invigorates me and "stirs me up to love and good works."  While she didn't encourage me to write, she encouraged me to think and to self-examine and to step outside of the daily grind that is my comfort zone.
• Aryana is sleeping through the night, so I'm getting more rest.  :)

I hope to chat with you more soon!

On the Run

There has been a lot going on around here lately--that's my excuse for getting behind in blogging yet again.  I have several posts started which I will try to finish up one of these days, but for now, I'll give you a quick peek into our life the last couple weeks or so.

• We got to help my brother and his family move into their new-to-them house.  It is just an adorable house for them and Marcy has (as usual) fixed it up to be a cozy and lovely home.  We couldn't be happier for them or prouder of them for managing their God-given resources wisely and being able to purchase a house.
• Tyrell turned three!!  I can't believe how fast time is going--he is simply not a baby anymore!  He chose to wear his jammies all day on his birthday and picked sausage, eggs, and coffeecake for lunch, and country fried steak for supper.  We got him a cowboy hat and holsters with two pistols for his birthday because he likes a Tom and Jerry scene where Tom "shoots two guns at the same time, pyou, pyou."  He talks a mile a minute, responds to every comment with "why?", and doesn't walk anywhere--he just runs.  He is such a joy and blessing!

 

• We were blessed to attend eight days of a two-week conference-style Bible study and stay with some special friends in Kansas City.  Two of my favorite lessons included one about raising teenagers and another overviewing the book of Ecclesiastes.  The latter study inspired me to dig into this book with my teenagers this Fall and we are really looking forward to it.  Our time with our friends was also quite uplifting as we not only have fun together, but we also enjoy meaningful conversation into the night (between Alan's yawns).  Tyrell has even been asking if we can go back to their house the last couple days!
• We have also been scrambling to update our home study (paperwork, paperwork, paperwork!) after receiving a second email searching for a family for two young boys.  After much prayer and deliberation, we decided to take the steps the government deems necessary in order to again open our home and hearts to children who need a family.  We don't know that we will get our home study updated before a home is found for these particular boys, but we will just see.  That's how our adoption journeys tend to start--the Lord opens our hearts, we step out in faith and obedience, and then we watch to see what He does.
• Briana and Destry also flew to Florida, all by themselves, for a TeenPact alumni event.  They were met at the airport by some friends we met at church while in Florida to adopt Tyrell three years ago and were able to spend the night with them and attend church services before our friends drove them to the camp.  This experience, as usual, brought my big kids home more independent, more thoughtful, and more committed to serving the Lord in whatever arenas their life takes them.  This season of giving my children wings is a time of growth for them and mama both.

• In the midst of all this, we have been meeting weekly with six other couples to discuss our reading of Equipped to Love written by Norm Wakefield.  This has been a wonderful time as we each are evaluating ourselves, learning to love more like God loves, and especially opening our hearts to one another and building relationships.  We will probably be meeting three more weeks before we finish up.
• We also got to meet up with Easton's birthmother last week.  It's always so nice to get to spend some time with our children's families of origin as it's an opportunity to learn more about our child, to identify genetic characteristics he shares with those who share his blood.  I think his first mom also enjoyed seeing how much he has grown, how much we love him, and how happy he is.  They had a nice time visiting, playing games and enjoying pizza together.

That pretty well catches up the last couple weeks.  In the next week I anticipate lots of gardening and canning of fruits and vegetables, as well as planning for school.  Then too, the big kids will perform a skit at the Iowa State Fair, we are hosting an ice cream social and planning meeting for our homeschool group Monday night, and hosting a teen Bible study Saturday night.

Where did I ever get the idea that summertime is a time of rest and recharging?  :)

Still Kickin'

Life has been B-U-S-Y!  Busy, but good.  I've been a little surprised that I haven't really even missed blogging.  I've been working on a scrapbook of this last school year, however, and as I've used my blog as a resource, I've realized how fun it is to go back and read it, so I'm going to try to be a little more consistent here.

So, let's see here, where have we been?  There was the Walk for Life to raise money for our local crisis pregnancy center (for which Alan is now serving on the board), a couple music performances we attended, and both a piano recital and violin recital for Destry. 

 Then there was the homeschool track and field day which was tons of fun.  The kids raced, did long jumps, softball throw, obstacle course. . .all kinds of fun stuff.  I got a kick out of this shot of Destry and Jarret racing--mostly because Destry is racing in jeans AND his cap.  He at least made the concession of wearing tennis shoes instead of his work boots!  He managed to beat is good friend, Jarret, in both the sprint and the longer run, but I think Trevor may be able to beat them both next year.

For the homeschool achievement night, Destry played a piece on the violin and Kiana stole the show with a couple of ballet routines.

She was simply adorable and not afraid of the spotlight at all.  Two other mothers ordered the little ballet dvd Kiana has been using for her "lessons" for their little girls who were entranced at Kiana'a performance.

Briana sang a song from The Sound of Music while Destry accompanied her on the piano and Emily played the clarinet.  Destry also accompanied Emily as she sang "Think of Me" from Phantom.  The kids also had fun choosing some of their artwork, handicrafts, and Lego creations to display on our table.

As far as a weight loss update, I've stalled at 21 pounds lost and am hoping to pick it up a little better in the next few weeks.  I'm just happy I haven't gained back, even though I don't think I'll make my original goal of fifty pounds off by my birthday.  Maybe 35. . .or even 40!

I'll try to update you with other events over the next few days, but meanwhile know that we are enjoying SUMMER--complete with dandelions and lawn mowing.

To Everything There is a Season

To everything (turn, turn, turn. . .what does that mean, anyway?)
there is a season (turn, turn, turn). . .

And I think my season of blogging has come to an end.  There are several reasons for this, but the top three are time (or lack thereof), focus, and relationship.

The first one is surely self-explanatory.  I've been borrowing blogging time from sleeping time for a little too long as it is.  I'm a homeschooling mother of five children--enough said, right?  And when I add that the youngest children are nearing the end of the napping years (prime blogging time) it surely makes even more sense.

Time segues nicely into focus as I'm not sure blogging is the best use of my limited time in this next season.  There are some other areas I need to focus on including the character training of my children, personal Bible study, involvement in our local homeschool community, and serving in our community just to name a few.  I've enjoyed blogging and would like to think I have encouraged people here and there as I've reflected on books I've read, what the Lord is doing in our family and homeschool, and along my faith walk with the Lord but I sense a changing and more immediate focus ahead.

It's time to focus on relationships in my immediate vicinity.  I pour a lot of myself onto my blog and frankly, don't get a lot back.  Few people comment and some just check in every once in a while to see what's up in my life without catching me up on what's up in theirs or engaging in any discussion.  Once I've digested my life or my thoughts about a book or my struggles in my daily christian walk on my blog, I am disinclined to rehash these topics again in face-to-face conversation.  As we've so recently moved and are developing new friendships, I am finding this practice to be damaging to establishing meaningful "real-life" relationships and I bear full responsibility.

I think it will be hard to completely give up blogging as sometimes I just need to sit down and write.  My plan is to leave this post up for a few days so I don't just "drop off the face of the. . .internet" and then I'll set my blog to private.  This will also help prevent my recent increase in spam comments (insert annoyed grimace).  I may still post once a week or so as the urge hits me, so if you would like to be invited to read my much-less-active blog, click on my profile to your right and use the button under "contact me" to give me your email address.  (I won't be inviting anyone without an explicit request to do so as I don't want to assume anything)

I still hope to stay in touch with my long-distance bloggy friends by reading (and commenting on) your blogs.  Until then, thanks for reading!

Blog Love

I don't feel like I've had much of depth to say lately, but I have been reading a few posts shared by friends which just keep percolating in my mind.  I'm going to share them here both to give you the opportunity to read them and also to help me process them a little bit.

• On adoption disruption

For those not in adoption circles, an adoption disruption is when a family formed by adoption decides it's not working out for any of them and they find a different home for the child or children to whom they have promised to be their forever family.  It's a rough, rough road that I have a hard time wrapping my head around.

I was most struck by the quoted characteristics of the mother who disrupts an adoption:

Certain types of parents are more likely to end up giving up adopted children, as well. Younger adoptive parents, inexperienced parents, and parents who both work outside the home are linked with higher levels of disruption. Wealthier parents and more educated mothers, in particular, are also more likely to disrupt an adoption.

"I understand where that might seem odd, but I think there's a potential for less tolerance if someone's more educated or they make more money," says Brooke Randolph, director of adoption preparation and support services at an Indianapolis adoption agency.

 I keep thinking about what this means.  My gut equates these characteristics with selfishness.  I'm not professing to have it all figured out, I'm just not comfortable with those characteristics and lower tolerance leading to upheaval in a child's life.

• On hurrying to get it all done vs. remembering what really is most important:

This one is a must read for every mother.  It got me big time.  We serve Christ when we serve our families.  What do we think is so important that we need to get to that we try to hurry up and get all our housework done for, that we try to get our kids to hurry up and be perfectly trained for, that we want to check "done" beside our families so we can get to it???

Be here, in the now. There is nowhere more important to be; there’s nothing more important to accomplish.

I really encourage my fellow mom-friends to read this one.  It's too good to miss.

• The "trainwreck" conversion of an atheist lesbian English professor:

WOW!!  There's so much in this post, I just can't stop thinking about it.  I ordered her book just today and can hardly wait to read it.  It addresses the stumbling block of non-thinking Christians, the way your worldview affects the way you think, and the effectiveness of loving kindness.  It addresses the difference between praying a prayer for the willingness to obey and praying a prayer for miraculous healing "if" God really doesn't want me to live this way.

Even more, it shares the power of the WORD OF GOD to bring people to Him. Even when the cost is an entire lifestyle, your loved ones, your career path, your very identity.

• On homeschoolers held hostage by the expectations of the world:

It's so easy to lose my vision--my focus--in our daily homeschooling.  High school, worrying about future careers and goals, getting distracted by what others around me are doing, wondering if I am doing enough. . .all this clanging noise tempts me to push my teenagers into a typical, college prep academic path.  St. John's reminder that doing more is not God's expectation was a breath of fresh air to me.  She looked back at the pioneer homeschooling mothers and reminded me why they were successful.

these moms had a vision for homeschooling—they weren’t trying to re-create school at home. They were simply being obedient to the One who had called them to be different. They knew that if He had called them, He would equip them. And they were right.

I'm so excited for more fresh air from Heidi St. John when I get to go with three new friends to the Teach Them Diligently conference in a few months! (giggle and tee hee)

Blog Break

In case you haven't noticed, I'm on a blog break.

First it was because of Christmas break.
Then it was because we were hit with a sickness rather like influenza (we didn't go to the doctor, but it lasted a solid week for each of us).
Then Tyrell got strep throat.

And now school has started back up and I didn't accomplish anything over "the break".  So I'm scrambling a half a step behind.

And I don't have anything to say anyway! :)  I have lots of stuff swirling in my brain, but nothing logical or organized.  I'll hopefully be back soon.

Things I Don't Like About Blogging

I have a love/hate relationship with my blog.  Sometimes I really love blogging and interacting with my readers.  It's a great way to record memories for my family; it's an outlet for my thoughts; and it helps me process what I'm reading and thus thinking about.

Other times I find it frustrating.  It seems that when I don't have time to blog, I have many ideas and I compose posts in my head (really great posts) that never actually make it to my blog.  When I do have time, I can't think of anything to write about.  And the little time I have results in posts without editing.  Thus I think blogging has damaged my writing skills.  I don't take time to edit, but rather just BLUNK it out there (yes, that's a technological writing term, it's an onomatopoeia you know).

Sometimes I feel frustrated because I wonder who is reading (is anyone?)?  Why are they reading?  Why won't they talk to me?  I know a lot of bloggers are introverts but I'm not.  I like the "two-way traffic" version of communication.  It turns out blogging isn't really such a great way to build relationships or interact with people.  Sometimes I feel like I'm pouring myself out and not getting much back in return.

Then too, I feel occasionally feel guilty about the time I spend blogging.  Admittedly, I type really fast.  And my brain is always running like crazy so I usually have a post mostly composed in my head before I sit down to quickly type it out.  And I don't take the time to edit (which you've likely observed).  And I blog while the little ones are napping or late at night.  Still, that is time I could be doing something else more productive.  (But I will point out that once I write a post it stays written, unlike cooking, dishes, laundry, sweeping, etc., etc.  This was always one of the things I loved about scrapbooking back in the day--it was something I invested time in that I could look back and see instead of it just needing done all over again).

And the conclusion of the whole matter?  Yet to be determined.

Struggles and Growth

There's a lot of growth taking place in my life, and I'm finding it a struggle to blog about it.  I've been studying the book of James the last couple weeks--a great, digging-in-study that hasn't quite taken me through the first chapter yet.   I'm realizing change that's taking place in my life, and change that *needs* to happen in my life.  I'm experiencing joy in a new way, a new level.  But I'm having a hard time sharing it on my blog.

For one thing, I'm struggling with finding the time to write, period.  Blog posts swirl in my brain as I cook meals, as I wash dishes, as I fold laundry.  I flesh out ideas mentally as I braid hair and drive down the road.  Ideas flit through my mind as I grade math, biology and essays, read and study the Bible, and lie in bed trying to go to sleep.  But the time to sit at the computer and type them out evades me.  When I do manage to grab a few minutes to type, like now as the children sleep, it's not enough time to express what's in my heart.

Which leads to my other struggle--finding the words.  A couple times I've sat down to type and just stared at the screen, my fingers motionless, waiting for the right words.  It's not writer's block--I have scribbles jotted all over the place of ideas I want, even need to express.  It's the mode of expression that I'm struggling with.  And discovering those words. . .well, it's going to take some time.

And the circle continues.

Yet I want to find the time and the words so I can process it.  So I won't forget.  So I can share what the Lord is doing.

Commenting Problems

Alrighty, I've now had at least four and maybe five people tell me they read my blog and they want to be polite and engage in discourse by leaving comments, but they can't.  At the same time, others are still able to leave comments so I don't think it is a problem with my blog.

I'm thinking the solution is for you to enable third party cookie access on your individual computer.  If you want to talk to me badly enough (chuckle) you can go here, find the browser you use, and follow the directions to change your computer so you can talk to me!  (And we all know how much I truly prefer conversation--the *exchange* of ideas).

For better understanding you can check out this post, and if you have any other suggestions, feel free to share them (if you can't comment, you can email me).

Hope this helps!

Whoops

"The rules of blogging include succinctness."

--Jen Hatmaker

'Wonder what other rules I'm breaking!!

So Much to Say

So little time. . .Does anyone else do this? I have scraps of paper in a pile beside my computer on my desk filled with thoughts and ideas for future posts "someday when I have time".

I've heard it said before that one should write (or speak) because they have something to say--not come up with something to talk about because they have to write (or speak). I think this is true whether you are writing a newsletter, speaking before a congregation of believers, writing an essay for a class, delivering a speech for a class. . .or writing a blog! :)

It seems to me that the more I take in--whether in life experiences, books I read, study from God's Word, or counsel and conversations with others--the more I feel an urge to output. This helps me process what I'm learning and thinking and nurtures my love of writing.

Now if only I had more time to finish those drafts begun in my drafts folder and flesh out the scribbles on those scraps of paper. . .

Acceptance Speech

I love blogging. I love to write, and this blog has provided that outlet in a painless way. Writing helps me organize my thoughts and process ideas I encounter. I am also something of a historian by nature, a trait I applied to a scrapbooking obsession "back in the day". I find this blog to be a substitute medium for scrapbooking as I am still recording events from our family's experiences. One of these days I really am going to have my blog turned into that book I keep talking about. One of these days. . .

I know most bloggers have a focus, and I probably drive some people crazy because you never know what topic I will be addressing here, but I like it that way. It's who I am. Eclectic--that's my word. I may just have some pictures of my adorable kids (hey, it's my blog, I can say that!) or some cute story about something they said or did. I may write about my walk with the Lord or share thoughts about or an experience from our adoption journeys, or rave over the latest book I read. Homeschooling, life on the farm, rants, musings, childrearing, random thoughts from a constantly whirring brain. . .it's all fodder for the blog!

So imagine my delight and surprise to have recently (hey, within the last two months still qualifies as recent, right?!) been blessed with two awards for my blog!! Both Laura and Sarah honored me with a "sunshine award" as a blogger who "always brings sunshine into your world when you visit." Thank you, thank you, Laura and Sarah for brightening MY day with these awards.
Rules for acceptance seem to vary, so I'll select a little from each set of rules (eclectic, remember?) and we'll play it my way.

1. Write a post about the award in which you thank and link back to the giver of the reward.
2. Pass the award on to another blogger who "always brings sunshine into your world when you visit."

And the winner is. . .

Carrie from Reading to Know!!!! (thunderous applause)

Carrie mostly posts reviews of books on her blog, but she writes her reviews with personality and insight. I love her perspective, the way she thinks, and her faith that permeates everything she says. I enjoy reading these reviews which aren't just for information about whether to read the book--her reviews contain her own unique reactions and thoughts prompted by her reading. She has brought much sunshine into my world, both through her reviews and through authors/books I have read at her recommendation. (FYI, she recommends The Mysterious Benedict Society!!! A fellow adult who enjoys children's literature--of course I love her blog!)

Discoveries of the Day

Today I discovered five things.

1) Firstly, I have an addiction. Could someone direct me to "Book-a-holics Anonymous"? My bookshelves are all packed to overflowing. My bedroom is quickly joining along as it has become my "dump spot" for the books that are too good of deals to pass up.

For example, here are some outstanding books I picked up at a garage sale last weekend. A preschool teacher was retiring and I wanted every single book in the 10-12 boxes she had spread over a table. I think I showed admirable restraint in buying only two boxes full! There are delightful storybooks, books about musicians, books about art and artists, books about children of all colors and cultures, books of poetry for children, books for 'fun' and books for 'education'. I also got games for art appreciation and some Discovery Toy active cubes for a great price. Add in the three books full of literature units and imagine the happy dance I was doing!!
Since my bookshelves are all full, I 'had' to pick up the shelf also pictured (justifiable, right?). This little shelf now sits where Tyrell's bassinet used to sit in the living room with 10-12 books faced outward on it. Easton and Kiana love it! This morning they were parked in front of it with every book off the shelf at 6:45 am--before breakfast. What joy that brings mama's heart! I envision trading out these books once a week for endless hours of enjoyment. You know these books are great finds when my 14yod and 13yos spent an hour reading through them and pronounced them 'good'.
Then a friend who is no longer homeschooling passed me a few books that I just couldn't turn down. They look like great fun and I'm sure the little ones will enjoy them one of these days as I revisit these unit studies with them.Dare I confess that this box of books I purchased at a garage sale some time ago are still in said box? I have read several of them, but simply do not have room on a bookshelf to make them a permanent home. Yes, there are lots and lots of Francine Rivers books in that pile (hooray!) and several other gems I just couldn't pass up.My children's piano teacher has an entire wall covered with bookshelves--the bookshelves cover every inch of the wall all around her piano above and on both sides. I'm trying not to covet these bookshelves. I told my husband this is how I picture the south wall of my dining room. We'll see. . .

2) Today I also discovered why I spent $40 and three hours on prints of pictures, writing on the backs, and putting them in a photo album last Saturday. My children love looking at pictures of their life. It is so cute and rewarding to watch them pore over their history.3) Kiana will never be a neat and clean, girly girl. This is dirt. What in the world was she doing?? (Please don't even suggest she was eating it--I refuse to entertain that theory.)4) I am in love with my little boy. Okay, you're right, I didn't just discover this today. I just wanted an excuse to post this picture of him. Couldn't you just eat him up?!5) Attitude is not cute. No matter how cute you are. Fortunately, there is no picture of my attitude to illustrate this concept, (I dug this one out of the files) so maybe you won't realize I discovered the ugliness of MY selfish attitude today.I got this idea from fellow blogger Courtney and it was too fun not to join in!

Go Private?

I'm thinking about going a little more private with my blog. It's such a hard decision. I think it's a pain to have to login to read private blogs, but yet it sort of weirds me out wondering who all reads my crazy thoughts and looks at pictures of my kids! The more I think about it, the more I wish I knew who was reading it, and people just don't necessarily leave comments to let me know. That was one feature I liked about xanga that I miss--I could see 'footprints' of who had viewed my blog!

But it would also be a pain to remember emails to invite people to read my blog, and I'm sure I would forget someone, which would make me feel badly. . .hmmmm. Several people already leave comments with some regularity and I so appreciate those people conversing with me, giving back as I share my personal thoughts, experiences, and family life.

I've set my blog to private a couple times lately trying to figure out what I want to do, but I'm reluctant to actually make it permanently private. So, how about a compromise?! If you're reading my blog, let me know! You can click on 'follow' if you read it regularly. And please, leave comments, so I know you're reading. Let me know who you are.

It's just good manners, after all. :) Proper blog etiquette--don't be a lurker, just spying on someone's thoughts they share. Come out of lurkdom and give back. Go ahead, reassure me that I don't really have to go private.

Playing Around

I'm venturing out and messing around with my blog! I love the book background and have visions of additional pages floating around in my head.

• I have a list of books I've read this year on a page now.
  
• I'm thinking it would be fun to have a page introducing our family members,
  
• a page possibly talking about homeschool curricula we're using,
  
• a page of quotes that make me think,
  
• a page for adoption poems and verses that bless me, and maybe even some articles that have impacted me . . .

The possibilities are limitless!! (Well, okay, you're right, they are limited by my time! But for now, in my mind. . .)

and on the adoption front. . .
we continue waiting! My guess is that Keisha took the profiles home with her over the weekend so she could think about them some more. Maybe we'll find out Monday. . .It's such a big decision! I just can't imagine how hard it must be. Depending on her decision, we have also been asked if we are interested in being presented to a birthmother who is expecting a baby in August. I don't know much about this situation, but the one thing that hits me in the gut is that this birthmother went to have an abortion at 16 weeks gestation because she knew she couldn't raise a child in her circumstances. After watching a video at the clinic, she decided she couldn't kill her baby, so walked out of the clinic to make a plan for her baby's life!

This reminds me of one of the many reasons our family has taken this path that is full of hills, corners, valleys and high places. It's all worth it, regardless of the little dips in the road. I am thankful for the reminder to keep on keepin' on.

To Switch or Not to Switch

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

I'm thinking about moving my blog. It seems such a pain, because I would want to move all these old posts. But school is out, so I might have the time. . . Why would I move my blog, you ask? Well, check out this site my dear friend and sister-in-law shared with me: http://www.blurb.com/create/book/blogbook I don't scrapbook anymore. I used to scrapbook and thus preserve our family memories. My kids love to look at these scrapbooks. But it's been three years since I really scrapbooked, and this last year, I've been doing the same sort of thing with my blog. Wouldn't it be neat to have a 'book' of my blog, chronicling what is going on in our family's life? Admittedly, my scrapbooks didn't contain the reflections and thoughts I sometimes share, nor the days I felt like complaining. . .but I think it might still be a neat family memory, to make a book of these pictures and stories and even Mom's thoughts and struggles and weaknesses. The thing is, a xanga blog is not on the list of those that can be turned into a book. So, I'm in the process of moving to http://learninghowmuchidontknow.blogspot.com/ I'm actually having fun reading through some old posts as I transfer them! There are some things I like better about xanga. I like the footprints feature so I can see who is reading my blog (especially because of those of you who don't leave comments! ha!). I like that it can be locked so not just anyone can see it--although blogger has that feature as well, I think. And I like that I have xanga figured out, and I don't look forward to figuring out blogger. But I guess that's life--it's all about growing and learning new things, right?!