Evening Ramblings

I recently changed shifts at work to the opening shift.  This means I now get up before the sun.  My oldest daughter blames me when she is tired/grouchy because I wake her up too early.  Tonight I am tired enough to go to bed and sleep very well.  I'm just avoiding it to finish listening to my pastor's most recent sermon.  He has been gone a while, grieving the death of his son.  It is good to hear him again, and to hear that his faith is just as strong, his gift of teaching the Word has not been hindered by his recent life experience.

The drama in my life seems to revolve around work.  But there are things going on in the home front too, just not as stressful.  My children are in swimming lessons on a weekly basis, and my husband and I are continuing to figure out how to work together and what our goals for our family are.  When work is stressful it is hard to be present at home.  When I am able to leave work on time and not work overtime, it is very nice. That is the perk of working the early shift!  I come home well before supper time while it is still daytime and energy is still available. 

A theatre camp is sharing the same building as my children's school.  I got to go with them to see a dress rehearsal of the Sound of Music and later Alice in Wonderland.  It was very well done and it is all done by children.  My youngest is my performer and it was fun to watch the intensity on her face as she watched the play and took it all in.  I could see that not only was she enjoying the story, but she was fascinated by the costumes, makeup, songs, and even the boy who played Captain Von Trapp...and we are no where near the teenage years yet!!!  Oh, dear...I see the cuteness of this moment, but I also foresee a challenging future as a mother in this moment!

My oldest is having a better summer than last year.  She has more peers her age this year and the teacher is much better at handling the cruelty children can throw around.  I have been helping her capture creepy crawlies, although she has gone farther than I care to.  She is catching moths and spiders in addition to the normal centipedes and roly poly bugs.

All in all, I am learning how to be WITH my family more.  To be mentally present, physically present and to include them in my daily activities.  My hubby and I are talking better and sharing on a more team level.  My children and I are having more times together being ourselves.  And I am praying to figure out how to stay close to the Lord and keep that relationship growing...thanks for reading.  Have a wonderful night!