I've been MIA lately, and I do apologize. I haven't felt like myself in a few weeks and have taken some time to do some soul searching. As I was telling a dear friend this morning, it seems as if I have lost my joy in doing the little things that a wife and mother do. When I pick up my husbands shoes that he kicks off by the front door, I have grumbled and complained instead of thanking God that I have a husband who can walk. When I wash the dishes I feel trodden down instead of being thankful that there are dirty dishes, because that means we have food to eat. I have snapped at my husband for staying late at work when I should be thankful that he has a job and can provide for us. You see, if you take joy in the small things, it will run over into the big things. And lately, I can't find that joy. I am working hard, praying hard, and I am sure that with the help of wonderful friends, family, and God, I will come through this valley.

I am working hard today and this next week to get my household back on track. I have the yard, flowers and vegetables almost on track again. (And will tonight when I finally plant my potatoes in the trash can! Yes -- a trash can -- ask me how!) On Wednesday of next week I hope to get back to regular blogging, as we will be on a mini vacation until then. Happy Memorial Day!

Are you ready to be swarmed with pictures?

When our old (not so old, actually!) camera broke on us shortly after Sara came along, my mom lent us her HP camera to get us through until we had the money saved to buy a really nice one. It's an older model, but has been faithful to us thus far...even though it likes to eat the battery life. Thank God for rechargeable batteries! I was having to take it to Wal-Mart and put all of the pictures on a CD to upload onto the computer (which could get expensive at $2.50 per CD!), but she found her camera cord and software CD while spring cleaning today. Thank the Lord! Now I will be able to put pictures up more often AND more easily. Can't beat that with a stick. :)

As some of you might know, Michael is most likely deploying to Afghanistan in October. I am having a hard time with it. It is affecting my attitude and my soul a little more every day. I am very happy to say that tonight I finally turned it all over to the Lord and will trust Him to take us through! I don't know why I couldn't/didn't do that before. I wasn't even expecting it. I was saying goodnight prayers with Sara as I was putting her to bed and suddenly I was on my knees, crying, and pouring out my soul. It feels good to be "free" of such a worry! I'm sure my husband will rejoice in the change in my manner, as well. 

Life seems to be so busy lately. My goal for this week is to slow down and enjoy the little moments. I'll let you know next Sunday how that went!