August Changes

Our summer flew by. Full of lazy days, swimming and friends. I can't believe that fall is finally upon us. School is quickly approaching and I am thankful for the help of my parents as I prep my classroom for my eighth year of teaching. Kaitlyn will be in sixth grade, and Lucas will be loved and cared for by Renee again. I am thankful that we have such wonderful people in our lives who care about our family. Richard is still looking for a new job, that would provide more family time. He is blessed to have steady and well paid work in a time when our economy is still recovering. I know that God has everything held in the palm of his hand, but I still struggle with the uncertainty of the unknown. It is hard to juggle the kids, house, work, school, church and all the other activities of life. I have found myself overwhelmed as of late, attempting to discern where God wants me to pour my energy into. I know he has Richard and I where we are supposed to be, because no other doors have opened, but I am running low on patience and peace, missing my husband. Praying that each day I will be stronger and find more trust in the Lord.

"Single-ish" Mom

Life lately has been hectic and busy. I feel like we just run from one thing to the next. That we live in our car between swim team, play dates and parties. We are over scheduled to say the least. Monday through Friday I am a "single-ish" mom. I have been changing the terminology that comes out of my mouth from "single mom" to "single-ish" mom, after reading this interview from our first lady, Michelle Obama. Single Mom  is a label that I have worn before, after my divorce, and prior to my remarriage. I know that being a "single mom" is a difficult job, but that any form of motherhood is rewarding. After reading the article, I decided I needed to change my current label to "single-ish mom" I know that Saturday and Sunday, I have the husband to help me tag team the kiddos. My husband is working nights, and due to our schedules overlapping we see each other only in passing, as he comes to school to pick up our daughter, Kaitlyn for swim practice. I am constantly frustrated with my present situation in life. I am attempting to be content and find joy in our life. In the fact that my children have their health, that we have more than enough food and a warm home to spend our days and nights in. I am blessed to be able to work in a wonderful environment, that encourages me and my students to have a loving relationship with God and each other. It helps that before I go to bed, that I count my blessings and believe that this current situation of time apart from my husband, is only strengthening our marriage and preparing him for something else in the future. In the meantime, my little man is loving his first car.

...Little Man...

Lucas, also known as "little man" is driving me crazy. He didn't sleep today for his babysitter and the result was absolute chaos tonight. I couldn't help but think of the book I'll Love You Forever, because my son was seriously driving me up the wall. I am thankful that I am finally in bed, and able to escape on the internet for a few minutes, before escaping into hopefully a good book. Most of all, I am thankful that my son who thinks he is a big boy, is finally sleeping.

Update on life...

The last few months have flown by! Lucas is now 7 months old! He was extremely colicky, so our life was a blur of sleepless days and nights. He is growing quite rapidly now and pretty soon will be mobile. Kaitlyn is currently playing soccer, doing guitar lessons, participating in American Girl doll club, and involved in multiple things at church. It goes without saying that we are busy. I love being Kaitlyn's fifth grade teacher and although I find myself drinking multiple cups of coffee throughout the day, our year is going well. Richard is all over the place, working his full time job, doing side work and being daddy & husband.

My favorite part of maternity leave was reading. I didn't get much else done, but I was able to read as much as I wanted. If only I could be paid to read...

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Three Weeks

I can't believe how time has flown by! Our baby boy is already three weeks old! Lucas Kaeo Battle was born February 19, at 9:03 AM. The last few weeks have been amazing! We are so blessed. God is so faithful to what he has promised us!

Thankful

I am so thankful this year, for time spent with family and friends. For all the good I know God has planned for us. For the surprises in my life, like getting to take my daughter to the Christmas parade in town with family, and for my husband getting of from work early enough, to go too. God plants these little seeds of joy in my life, to bless me, and probably to keep me from going crazy. I can't believe how quickly time is flying by, and how soon our little baby boy is going to be here! Last night, we splurged and bought him a cozy gray blankly from the local boutique, SunBeams. I can't wait to use it!