Life Is Beautiful

What a hell of a week.  No time to talk, just keeping on.  Not really that terrible in it's parts, but all put together - thinks have been pretty exhausting.  Here's my wah-wah...just thinking "out loud." The kids - wow, did anyone else experience any "transformations" due to the full moon??  My 9yo dear daughter has been the most resistant in school ...my 2yo has found is "screaming, whining voice," and if my 13yo calls me Mother one more time I'm going to prove to him that I'm still tougher than he is. The training - following the low volume triathlete plan from Racing Weight .  Excited to do some speed interval training on the bike and get in the water twice a week - but it's taking some getting used to.  A little different than just pounding the pavement and taking a spin on the bike each week.  Oh, and the weight training...yah. The house - what a mess.  Thank God for my husband...he does dishes and laundry and bathes kids. ...

Happy Anniversary to my sweet husband, David. I am never even slightly deluded in to thinking that I deserve such a patient, loving man. And while it's wonderful to be loved, it's also so good to be known. This morning, he left for work at the usual time.  He came home an hour later with a gift that just proves how well he knows me.  He parked down the street and rang the bell - a DOZEN roses in hand. There are 2 white roses to represent he and I.  Two pink for our sweet little girls, two peach for our rough and tumble boys.  There are 5 open roses to represent our 5 years of marriage, and one closed bud for the future that is to come.  What a romantic man...*sigh* To round it out, he brought me the latest issue of Triathlete magazine, a beautiful card with a handwritten sentiment, and a few tasty treats from the bulk section of the health market. So he was home all day with us - we all went to the mall and had some fun, then later we went for a ru...

This little girl is very special to me. She is a bright, intelligent, kind soul. She has taught me most of what I know about gentleness and compassion. God put her in my life to train me. She would give her last lollipop to the next door neighbor or donate all of her allowance to the first person who knocks on the door with a collection plate. She is brave, resilient and joyful even in trial. And, as little girls often do, she has now grown up. In a few days, she will be getting married. I'm so proud of her and so humbled by her example of godly love. The only thanks I can give her for showing me patience and kindness to live a godly life myself. Grace is something we can't earn and can't repay. And so it is with my sister. My friend, my confidant. She knows it all and loves me anyway. May God richly bless Amy and Nat as they join in marriage on May 21st, 2011!

Last night my husband pointed out something which got me thinking. This last few months has seen a string of injuries and irritations on my part. Nothing debilitating, but enough to upset the normal flow of the day. Under attack. I normally think of times of trial as being a way for God to draw you to him. While that is true, I may have a deeper meaning. An uglier, sneakier side of this. From problems with my last pregnancy, a baby that wouldn't sleep for nuttin ', recurring back issues and a head injury I've been through the mill. Having Momma sick or hurt puts a strain on the whole family. We need to eat, dishes need washed, kids need attention. I've, so far, been able to bounce back on nearly all accounts. It seems I've been able to pay attention to everything except for my marriage. My husband gets to pull double duty when I'm down and never fails. But we have zero time alone together. By the time the kids go to bed, I exercise and have a snack, ...

The other day when my husband was home during the day with us - he looked at me and said the words I've longed to hear. Yes, in the midst of a screaming baby, a naked sprinting toddler, two fighting big kids and the blaring TV - my beloved says "This is madness! I don't see how you do it!" With my spirit bolstered and my pride stroked a bit, I just shrugged and agreed that it is indeed madness, smiled and said "And I make it look GOOD." Hey, you have to laugh or you'll cry sometimes! I was happy to be acknowledged. At a conventional job, you may get a regular performance review. What follows would be suggestions, commendations, and if your lucky, additional compensation. I don't care about the compensation as such. I am paid in hugs. I also hold the title of "Only One Who Can Comfort" at times. That is worth a Million Bucks, roughly, in US Currency. But what I sometimes crave is an overall assessment of my performance. There are t...