I've got to say, it feels like I'm nearly the only one left blogging anymore. The few blogs I have followed are now infrequently updated, if at all. Maybe blogging is going out of vogue, yielding to other forms of social media. (Ha! 'Social' and 'media' don't really go well with me... Just ask my husband!) For me though, blogging still remains the easiest way to both journal and combine pictures. So even though I'm not sure who comes by this little space anymore, I continue to post as opportunity and desire remain. Documenting a little of my days, some memories through pictures, and the things of my heart will be something of a treasure to me in the decades to come.
Progress continues to be made around our house, although it is not always the type of progress one would expect in a house badly needing a remodel. Today there was some rewiring going on; it was a longer and more involved process than I had expected. More invasive too. I was standing at my bathroom sink when-- unexpected to me-- a man walked into my room and asked about some outlets. I thought the guy was working outside! It's a good thing I was decent, but he could have at least knocked.
Jon was home, so I decided I didn't need to be there while the work continued. It was another gorgeous day, so I loaded up my kids and their scouters and we took off for a large park nearby. I grabbed my camera on the way out, but what I really should have brought was a book. Yeah, my kids took off on their scouters and left me in the dust. They think they're so cool, too. For a while I entertained myself taking pictures of leaves, and my shoes, and tree bark. Eventually they came back to tell me all that they had seen, and all that I had missed.
(Fall on it's way...)
(Picture taken by Andrew, above.)
(Then Jacob wanted a turn as photographer, below.)
We haven't taken our traditional start-of-the-school-year picture yet, so the kids suggested we take one today. I'm normally supposed to be in it too, but they didn't care and I didn't have a tripod. So here's our school picture...
Then the acrobatic skills were pictured. Way more fun than standing in line for cheesy school pictures!
For the record, school is going so well this year. I don't feel like a juggling tight-rope walking circus lady anymore! I'm not sure exactly why there has been such a drastic shift, but it's probably a combination of streamlined curriculum, an organized and dedicated school room, a lighter evening and extra-curricular load, and boys that have matured over the summer. In any case, we seem to be accomplishing more in our school hours than ever before. I am thankful, and really enjoying our days together.
Andrew's new remote control helicopter arrived in the mail from Amazon today. I think he's mocking me here... You know how freaky it is to have that thing crash into your head? Olivia would agree because I've untangled the propellers form her hair more than once.
This boy doesn't like to spend his money, and he is already asking for extra jobs to yearn back his spent cash.
Jacob made friends with a few old men gathered at the park with their dogs.
I've had a good deal of other stuff to journal recently-- various things going on, new lessons learned, new commitments made, relationships deepened, etc.-- but something always stops me. Maybe it's because the time isn't right yet, it's too personal, or it hasn't been worked out enough to put into words. So in that way a public blog isn't the best for accurate record keeping!
But for the very same reasons I am not an open book to the public or even to those closest to us, I am an open book to God. What a comfort! Not only does He understand the situations, the things we're working through, the questions, the longings, the confusion, the trials... He sympathizes and works mightily on our behalf.
So I tell Him my stuff-- all of it-- and He understands me.
Yes, what a comfort to me as I head to bed now.
~Katherine
Loved seeing pictures of those cute kids of yours and your final thoughts. Along those lines, I just read this the other day and took great comfort in it: "The upright are in His confidence." (Proverbs 2:32) Amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the Proverbs. I love it.
DeleteMiss you lots...
Blogging is not out of vogue as far as I'm concerned...It's just that life is happening at such a pace for me that I haven't had time to post. Things seem to be settling down a bit so hope to have more to say soon. :) I love your beautiful thoughts, and trust in God, who knows us better than we know ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI still frequent your blog! I may not always comment, but I love getting encouragement and keeping up with you this way!!
ReplyDeletewe've never met and i can't quite remember how i stumbled onto your blog, i think perhaps through ewife blog which i also stumbled upon, but i check back every few days to see your beautiful pictures and read about your days with your family. its blogs like yours that helped me decide to homeschool my own kids and encourage me to enjoy every moment with them. the love you have for your kids, your husband and God are an encouragement to me, even as a stranger far away! thanks for taking the time to share :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the introduction and for your kind words! It's nice to "meet" you!
Deleteyou know i love all your posts! so much of what you say is what I'm thinking or feeling. blogging comes and goes for me:) this is a funny world of 'social media' and sometimes it feels good to step far away, but i agree it's a very convent way to document life and I'm so thankful for the years I've done it. I'm starting on the daunting task of turning it into a book.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jessica! I've thought of looking into converting my blog into print form, or of backing it up, but I haven't taken the time to look into it. I sort of feel it's risky to depend on all free services like blogger and photo bucket to keep my words and pictures safe. You are scaring me with words like "daunting task"-- let me know what you learn and what worked for you!
DeleteI love your blog, thank you for sharing! I'm so inspired by your daily focus on God and your eternal perspective, and your commitment to your husband and family to make the most out of each and every day. Very helpful to me as Brent and I look forward to welcoming our firstborn in November.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Hayley! I'm super happy for you! Funny that you should send me a little comment... I was just thinking about you this weekend because I wore that olive green necklace you strung together for me a few years ago. Do you remember? You came by for a visit one evening; I had a bunch of ironing to do, and you fixed my broken necklace while we talked! You had just married Brent, and now you're about to have a baby!
DeleteI do remember that evening! I think one of the topics of our discussion was how Brent and I did NOT feel ready for kids yet, ha! God's timing is perfect!
DeleteI enjoy your blog so much. Reading it makes me feel as if I am in your living room hearing the stories of your "days ordained". I need to work at updating my blog more. I have a fear of writing! I am not very good with words. Your kids are growing and SoCal is treating y'all well!
ReplyDeleteI think I've said it before, but our boys would have such a great time together! Wouldn't it be nice to get together one fine day? I would LOVE to sit and talk with you while our kids get muddy or whatever! Too bad we live on opposite coasts!
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