I forgot...

I forgot that when I worked before my house was A.L.W.A.Y.S. a disaster. Now, I remember.

I forgot that when I worked before dinner was an afterthought. Whatever was quick and easy was on the menu. Cereal, anyone?

I forgot that when I worked before laundry was washed, dried, and folded on an as needed basis. Putting away laundry was hardly ever done. Today, Scott picked thru a pile in our bedroom to find a matching pair of socks. What? They were clean! I'm pretty sure they were anyway.

I forgot that when I worked before I forgot lots of little things. Today, too late, I remembered that Henry should have had ice cream money for school. I forgot. My family binder/calendar is more jumbled than I care to admit.

Working has been an incredible blessing for my family. Scott's work is never guaranteed, so my little added income has been great for us. I like my work. I am good at what I do. The people who employ me show me Godly examples of marriage and parenting. They make me smile and challenge me on a daily basis.

Working has eliminated financial stress for Scott. He feels so much better knowing that the sole burden of meeting our needs does not fall on his shoulders. I like that too. He is a happier person. He has this great smile that I have seen more lately. Soon, his path will change. We are patient for God's will.

I am home when my kids are home. Really, I have a wonderful schedule. I get to have a floating off day that I use for necessary field trips, meetings, or appointments. I am volunteering in Abigail's classroom for a few weeks, so my schedule allows for me to do that as well. It's honestly a true blessing.

However, my home has a tendency to suffer because of my poor planning and excellent procrastination. We have clean clothes, we eat decent meals, and I do vacuum on occasion. It could be better, but for this season in my life, I am taking it in stride.

Friendships (how catchy is that?)

Sometimes life is funny. Sometimes life is confusing. Sometimes life makes you laugh while other times you cry.

It is a blessing to be able to share the events of life with friends. I'll be honest, I'm a crappy friend. It's that whole low self esteem thing. I mean, really, why would someone want to be bothered by me calling them making them feel like they have to hang out with me.

Well, I've gotten over that. For the most part any way. Small steps up a long staircase.

I've always had friends but none really that I would call when something great happened. Or when something terrible happened. Scott is, without question, my best friend. But sometimes, you just need that girl friend. It's fun to laugh with girls.

I have had friends in my adult life who I have treasured and then (out of nowhere) it becomes high school drama. Really, I don't have time for that. I don't respond to that. I will be pleasant, but feel that the bond is broken.

Over the last year or so, I've been blessed with a great group. There are three couples in our group and we've all gotten very close. Actually, we went on vacation with one couple this summer. Our weekends intertwine, our kids play, our hearts toward God and His service are the same. Actually, that is what really brought us together- our desire to serve.

The girls make me laugh. So hard I cry. They guys are like brothers. They make me laugh too. The kids are loud when they are together and I love it.

I am thankful. My key word for 2009 was COMMIT. I can honestly say that with our friends, I have made a choice to commit. I feel that I am getting better about committing to the relationships I have made. Of course, there is room for improvement.

Can I just say, though, that texting has helped me maintain friendships? I know, how bizarro is that and so high school (and I was just talking down high school drama). But, really, a lot of times I do not have time for a long phone chat, so I'll send a text to a friend to check in on their day. Works for me.

What crazy way do you keep in touch with friends? And, Brandi, if you're reading this, can I text you too? Miss you, love you, and will have dinner soon.