Wednesday, September 30, 2009

I am here (also Thursday Thanks #23)

Bible study at my church - "When Wallflowers Dance" by Angela Thomas

My apologies for the wildly askew photo (I think I'm channeling a bit of Esbee here). Just wanted to let you know that I'm still here. That things are OK. But that I'm taking some guidance from today's lesson, part of which included the suggestions to "choose to stop the chaos" and "choose to restore order."

I daresay it's been a full month since I've posted regularly. Life has been rich and full. The children are thriving in their new school. I have been busy with church and work commitments, extracurricular activities, and shuttling children from here to there. I haven't posted the first photo of Mister J in his soccer uniform. Of Miss M in her dancewear. Of a lunch in quite a while (though I pack them every night for school the next day). But trying to juggle all of the balls was wearing me out, so I've had to at least slow the chaos. I've pulled back from a few things - namely, the blog, email, and social networking. I've got photos I want to post, memories I want to document, and funny stories I want to tell. But for now, please forgive me for the lack of posts and photos.

I'm also choosing, in my case, to establish order. I'm trying to eliminate the clutter and disorganization in a pretty heavy-handed way around here. I'm trying to repurpose spaces and "stuff" in a way that makes sense for our family. It's going in baby steps, but the small victories keep me motivated.

I'm the midst of all of the de-chaos-ing and re-ordering, I'm taking a bit of time for myself. Not just doing the grocery shopping alone, but some real, adult time with other women in my Bible study. And here's my Thursday Thanks just a bit early.... I am so thankful for the women who are crossing my path as a part of this study. I am learning from them and connecting with them in new ways each time we meet, even if they are women I have known for years. In just a couple of hours a week, I am refreshed and energized in a way I'd forgotten existed.

I'll be back, though it may continue to be sporadic for a time. My goal is to complete some projects around the house, re-claim the calm that comes along with order and organization, and meet a couple of personal goals, including a return to more regular blogging.

See you soon.

3 comments:

Jane Anne said...

Time for yourself "not just doing the grocery shopping alone"... I love that. It's good to catch up with you. I need more order and I want to slow my pace. This post reminded me how nice it is when I do that.

Patti Moore said...

I so enjoyed having coffee with you today, Ryan Leigh!... What a treat to stop & create some friend-time together to catch up!

I admire the way you're working at home toward creating peace & order for your family. Choosing what is really important is an ongoing challenge as our families grow up & their needs change! I think you're on the right track... YAY for you! Thanks for inspiring me to do the same for my family! :)

I hope we can chat over coffee again sometime soon!

Blessings!!
~ Patti

Heather said...

Glad to hear you're doing ok! While I miss your regular posts (and comments on my blog) I can really understand needing to take time for you and slow the chaos. Some times you just have to say NO...I'm working on it too. Best of luck!