My Cup Overflows....

My Heart overflows this morning...

I look out on the freshly watered lawn and I breathe. A deep full breath of the clean, rainwashed air. Fresh. New. Alive.

Everything looks greener. Happier. Is it my imagination or do the birds sing just that much sweeter a song-like melody?

Nothing starts a day off right like a bird song. Echoing my own heart as I wake up my family for a new day. Correction....I wake up Cade for the new day. My man has to get me up each morning to face the day. But, if I am up then I am running! =)

The day begins after a weekend of what some are calling "rain". Whatever it is called, I am thankful.

Our goats are doing great. We are working on a shelter for them as well as a pen.

Cade is loving school. How can it seem like only yesterday when I felt his warm little body for the first time and introduced myself as his mama? Hard to imagine what those big blue-green eyes were thinking when they first laid eyes on the world. After breakfast this morning, Cade asked me to dance. So we did. Ballroom. Jazz. Rock and Roll. Hip Hop. Line Dance. We did it all. As he hopped into my friends car to drive off to school, that sweet cherub-like face looked out through the window and waved goodbye. He is off to a world of learning in the first grade. Off to one more day of tasting and seeing that the Lord is good.

It starts with me. Oh how heavy that feels at times, but also so good. I have been learning that it isn't in the trying of things, it is in the doing. The trying often side tracks me because it at times implies the temporary. I desire for what I teach Him in Jesus to be permanent. Lasting.

I love that little boy.

I don't brag enough about my man. He is one of a kind. The one in a million that I am blessed to do life with. He works hard, plays hard and loves life. He supports me when my one ounce of estrogen flares. He loves Cade into submission. He wants to start a support group for men whose wives love Pinterest. He often fills in for Sunday School teachers. Besides leading worship at church, he has been diligently working away at getting a degree in Church Ministry, one class at a time in Seminary. Yes, his plate is full, but rarely complains.

I love that man.

Each and every day I am reminded. I am thankful for life. I love living. I recently saw a picture of me without hair and it literally made me cry. Yes, the one ounce of Estrogen lives. Viva La Estrogen. I embrace this new change of life. It is difficult. Painful at times. But I am learning to roll with it. Not looking back unless it is to move forward. Looking forward makes me discontent in today. So I am leaning to float. To relax in the pools of today. The blessings flood my soul as I look around me.

The Greening grass.

The dew soaked deck.

The singing birds.

The smell of the barnyard.

The taste of happiness in the dance with my little boy and in the warm embrace of my man as he goes off to work.

Yes, this heart overflows.

Psalm 23 has become so precious to me. I have begun to see the life, adventure, guidance, protection, warrior side of God as He draws me near with His staff and fends off the enemy with His rod. Oh how I love my Jesus. He is restoring this soul. Piece by broken piece and mending it for His glory and purpose. At times I don't know what to write....here or in my book.

There is so much, but no words at times.

Mountain Highs and Valleys Low.

"My Cup Overflows...."

For today...that is enough.

Laughter, Tears, and Goats

School has started and is in full force. This year brings some changes for us. Namely Cade is in a combined class of 1st and 2nd Graders. I am excited as he will be learning along other children who are obviously learning in an older grade, but as he is now in the same classroom, he will have the opportunity to not get bored...LOL.

If you think it is impossible for that little man to get bored, think again! Over the past few weeks of summer he has managed to cut up his pillow case thinking that it would be "no big deal" for me to get on Pinterest to re-work it back into a pillow case.

More recently he found a can of blue spray paint that to him appeared "bored" so he spray painted the cat.

Good grief! I need a nap just thinking about it!

This year I am volunteering at the school one morning a week for a couple of hours. (where I am at now) I work at the welcome window taking lunch money, answering phones, taking messages, writing out tardy/absentee slips, etc. Then I fill in the rest of the down time doing projects from home or helping with other things that come up. So far it has been fun. I love doing secretarial stuff!

I cannot believe Cade is in 1st Grade. (Tears) It seems just like yesterday that he was way too small to even think about going to school. Now he promptly gives me a peck on the cheek if "no other kids are around" and skips on his way. Wow! Time is so precious because they grow so fast. He is such a great kid...even if he spray paints animals.

I mentioned earlier that we had goats. We do. We HAVE four now. We have been building a shelter for them for the winter and are getting close to completing that. Next will be the fence. For now, they are chained to a brick, or tree and have done a marvelous job of eating anything and everything in sight. I've told you I love to mow the lawn, it is no wonder why I took to goats so quickly! =)

I meet with my plastic surgeon again today. Should find out when my last surgery is scheduled! (fist pump- can you tell I live with boys?) My Oncologist moved practices, so in the meantime as he relocates I am filling in with a partner of his. Much fear and trepidation there with that, but the Lord will work it out. I will rejoin with him when he is established.

Much has happened since we have last "talked"...exciting things! I am working diligently on my book. I am getting close...but as with any project it is important to do them well. SO, I will take whatever time I need to do that.

No word on the adoption things. Silence is golden only when you want to hear it audibly quiet down around you. I am learning great patience and listening in this area. He is good and knows.

Have to run, but wanted to catch up a bit. We'll talk again soon. Until then, blessings!

Love me some family time.

Nothing like late nights and early mornings, chatting with the fam, swimming in the kiddie pool and swatting pesky flies and mosquitos.

Not sure how the time flies so quickly, but I am THANKFUL for the time that we have had!!!

Adam came in last night. It is so wonderful to see him. Just over a year since last time...

Cade enjoyed VBS at my sisters church while we were here earlier this week, and he and I took a little trip to Ohio to visit with some great friends from college. Megan and Mark have three adorable little boys who welcomed Cade and even declared BFF status. I love the summertime friends and bonds that once formed are inseperable by distance.

Today is full of visiting at a wedding reception and possibly a fireside visit with the siblings. Great memories and shared laughs are just a few of my favorite things.

So glad I have a couple more days.

Alison and I have yet to go car shopping; mom and I have plans for cleaning out the garage; Sarah and I are going to get the kiddos together for a play date, and some other bits and pieces left to tie up.

It has been wonderful for me to be here. Sort of like a fresh breath of air. A much needed respite. Don't know why, but thankful all the same. Everyday I've had time to sit and just think. And even NOT think. Just being still. A discipline I am still mastering.

While driving to OH, Cade noticed the Amish. I admire their simplicity, and diligence with which most of them work. After a while, he speaks up from the back seat..."Hey mom, let's play I SPY AN AMISH GUY". Seriously had to laugh over that one.

I must go for now. Looking forward to posting pictures of the purse Megan and I made while at her house; the pictures of the boys we took while at a park; and those of family while we are here.

See you later for now!