Summer!

So, I almost feel like a kid enjoying summer vacation! In the fall Audrey is starting pre-school (time has flown by way too fast for that girl.. Can't believe she's 4!) and I've been loving spending time with my kiddos and as a family. Since it's almost August, which means September is right around the corner I thought I'd post an update on what we've been doing this summer:

First Pillow Mattress

Me- I have been doing quite a few sewing projects and things around the house that have bothered me but I haven't had time to tackle. One thing I am proud of making is a pillow mattress for Audrey (and at least 2 more to follow eventually). I couldn't find any real instructions online, but with basic measurements, a pillow and sheer determination --- I did it! :)(Most of the time I'm behind the camera.. so, I don't have too many photos of myself.)

Audrey @ Idlewild Park

Audrey -- She has been enjoying going to see movies at Leitersburg (with Landon and myself), spending time and play dates with friends and getting ready for pre-school. We went to Idlewild park for the day and she had a blast getting on every ride she could. She has also been using her creative juices and making all kinds of pictures, or writing notes. It's been fun, and bittersweet, to see her grow up the last few months I've been home with her. The more I am with her, the more I realize she is like me... Makes me think twice before I correct or do something that could hurt her or her feelings.

Landon -- I love that little boy :) He is, for the most part, such a pleasant little man and has recently discovered how fun self play can be. YAY! He loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. That theme song can come on and he will look for that mouse. So cute. He is recently figured out how to move in the walker.. Watch your toes and heels when you visit!!! 

And, Shannon -- He's been watching the Buccos on TV and in the stadium and loving what he's been seeing! I think he's also enjoyed having his nights/weekends back to spend with his family. I've enjoyed it because he can go back on chef duty :)

It is Well With My Soul

(I think I have made an attempt to start this blog at least three times.... I'm not really sure where to start...)

We had debated this morning about whether or not we should just stay home instead of going to church. I'm so glad we decided to go.  Life is never easy. Some may have circumstances easier or harder.. but to each individual life has it's trials as well as it's joys.

I think one of my favorite hymns is It is Well With My Soul. It's a song you can almost feel the pain the author was experiencing as it was penned .... but also the sense of hope and peace. In three short years in Horatio's life, he had lost his only son to scarlet fever, real estate in the great Chicago fire, all 4 of his daughters when the boat they were on was struck by another boat. He then got on the next boat to go to his mourning wife the captain called him when they came upon the wreckage of the boat that claimed the life of his 4 daughters.

He lost so much in such a short time frame. Five children, a huge real estate investment -- gone. Even with so much bad (and bad really doesn't come close to the magnitude of devastation) he planted himself on the firm foundation of God and found peace. His peace wasn't masked, he was raw in his pain, but he also had the positivity to turn to God in his time of mourning.

Today's sermon was about suffering and how we react. Made me think --- How do I cope with stuff? Some of the coping mechanisms may help for a short time (drugs, alcohol, medications, therapy, other people, etc.), but the only thing that will stay constant is God. 

There will always be bad.. Always. One of the few things I can count on! But I think from what has happened in my past 30 years, I have learned God is a stable source that I can rely on at all times. There is always a silver lining to every bad situation, there is positivity during negative moment of life - sometimes it just takes some digging to find it. 

Below are the lyrics to It is Well With My Soul. I love that words written in 1873 can still be comforting in 2012.  

It Is Well With My Soul -- Horatio Gates Spafford

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul

 It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.