play hookie sometimes

So today I kinda played "hookie". My middle son wasnt feeling well, however appears to be fine now, but none the less he needed me to stay home with him. So I called into work. I never call into work. Its kinda odd that I did LOL. I have enjoyed being home getting things cleaned up again. The past 6 weeks I have been sickly, mentally sick...."i dont care mood". My house shows for it. I am a neat, organized person usually. Its funny how we let things go when we are down. Now that I have some good days, I am noticing how dusty mini blinds are. How the floor hasnt been swept or vacuumed to my satisfaction. Ive noticed the fridge is sticky. Today its driving me insane. So I did something about it. I dusted the blinds, and living room. And cleaned off our neglected dining room table. We havent sat and eaten as a family in 5 weeks....that makes me sad.

Despite being "down", our schedule hasnt died at all. We are super busy people, and as much as i like to sleep, there are days i need more hours to just get things done. Mondays are actually one of our least busy days....but tuesday-thursdays we dont really get home to sit until 7:30-8pm. I am so thankful cross country ends in 3 weeks... i know its good for the boys. burns energy. teaches them perseverence. but at the same time being idle  sometimes can be a good thing. Soccer is also in full swing, and that ends in 5 more weeks. Its crazy to think we do these crazy things to ourselves. By not saying no to anything. Giving into extra activites. I struggle with saying no, because i dont want to dissappoint anyone. My oldest son amazed me yesterday when he said he had not signed up for any clubs at school. He is already too busy. WOW. he does not get that from his father or i. If only i had that attitude sometimes.

Too often I think of how even Jesus took time for himself. God had a day of rest too. So playing "hookie" aka rest, is a good thing, a biblical thing.The rest of this week will not be as slow for me, so I needed todays rest to make it! Remember its ok to be down and idle sometimes, you can have a different kind of "productivity". Encouraging others via FB or email....is a great way! We should do these days more often. As I enjoy the rest of my off day, enjoy your tuesday!

Simple everyday blessings.

Lately I have been learning to surround myself with positive things. Happiness. Anything good. I've learned that I've been taking simple things for granted. Things I'd give anything to get back right now. Simple everyday things. Like.....taking a pain free deep breath. Swallowing with out choking on everything swollen. Sides that don't ache like I ran a Marathon..... And to end gloom and lonliness. There are days my chaotic world feels empty. I don't like to be the center of attention, but I hate feeling invisible. with 400+ Facebook friends.....and I feel sometimes I have no one....somedays you just need a hug....and a good mug of coffee.                              Since I've become sicker.....I have learn to notice the little things in life. Appreciate everyday adventures. Thank God for just living everyday. Which is hard to do with "a cloud of gloom". Aside from my family. I love my friends. You know who you are. Your texts, msgs, thoughtful cards, posts, and yummy meals. Means the world you take the time for me and my family. I love the upcoming season. Autumn. Nature is getting ready to transform into gorgeous warm colors. Leaves will start floating down, temps will begin to cool. I love cool brisk mornings. Blanket cuddling evenings. I Absolutely love love love the rain and fog. Can't wait.                           Praying this week is full of simple, favorite things. Remember to appreciate everyone who comes into your life, keep the close encouraging friends......even closer than they've been. God sends them to us :-)

It was good!

Since my last post, I took a much needed, much deserved vacation with my family. My husband and I enjoy taking our boys camping. The boys love it. Love the freedom of wide open spaces to run, and imagine and create games. We had made one rule on this weekend trip, that there would be NO schedules. No Timelines. No hurrying. I needed the rest and relaxation, and my hubby who is often over worked deserved a weekend with no cell phone coverage or laptop :)

We escaped to a special place. A place I have grown up going to with family and church family. I have fond memories of many families camping for Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day weekend. Or our family enjoying a July campout there. We headed up the mountain towards Hume Lake. If youve never been to the Kings Canyon/Sequoia National forest, you must treat yourself to a weekend trip. The lake isnt very big.  But is extremely peaceful. No motorized boats are allowed on the lake. So you hear children laughing. Families and friends enjoying a picnic or volleyball game. Canoes paddling around. I love it!

On this trip we had decided also to find three things we had never seen or done before. I couldnt do any major hiking, thanks to my inflamed lungs, but I could do a casual stroll of a hike. Saturday we went in search of Big Stump....made a wrong turn on the trail and made our way to the Shattered Giant redwood tree. An enormous, fallen tree in the meadow. It was pretty cool to see and walk across. Next we went to find Chicago Stump. This stump was hidden way deep in the bear country part of the forest, About 10 minute trail to see the massive beast. It was recorded being 3200 years old. Such a moment of silence to see something that old in our presence.
And lastly we went up the trail to Panoramic view, 7500 ft up and experienced the scene like birds. The lake was incredible from that difference. It was such a fun and relaxing, laidback weekend. Really need to plan more of these!!

I am speechless and in awe everytime we go to the mountains or the coast. The creativeness and handiwork or God really shines thru up there. Blows me away to think of all the detail He thought up and put into everything.

"...and He saw that it was Good. And it was!"

Praying everyone has a splendid September beginning....Autumn is on its way!