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I was home from church this morning when I started this blog.  It is now 6:17 and I'm back to finish it...

It's now 8:49 and I'm back again...

I remember a time when the thought of staying home from church because of a sick child was almost a welcome thought because it meant a relaxing morning at home.  Times change with 3 children.

Several of us are fighting colds.  I guess we picked up something at VBS last week.  Do you ever regret not forcing your kids to wash their hands every 10 minutes like it or not?  Combine 50 kids, sweat, small rooms and 5 nights and there's a good chance someone will end up with something.   I know it's wrong, but I kind of wish one my kids would have brought home one of the other kids toys or something -not their germs!  This is life with small children, it is a phase and today I will embrace it.

It seems there has been lot going on around here lately.  Here is just a few things:

As of July 1, 2011, Jeremy is now the lead pastor at our church.  Or maybe it's the senior pastor, possibly the head pastor.  I'm not sure.  The title doesn't really matter.  It's a time of transition for us.  Our church is one of the most amazing, supportive congregations I've ever known.  They are such a blessing to us.  I could fill up a lot of blog space describing the emotions that I have processed through due to this new path God has opened up for us.  I'm learning a lot about humility and my lack of ability to do anything apart from God.  God has been so faithful and the confirmation that this is where He wants Jeremy (and all of us) right now is the grace that He provides.

On July 4th I participated in my first 5k race.  I didn't finish in a great time, but I was still pretty proud of myself if I'm allowed to say that.  Especially considering that a year ago the thought of running was not something I thought I'd ever do.  I hope to do another race sometime and hopefully run it with someone right beside me.  I think that would help me push harder.  Several other friends did it run the same race, but we got separated.  Over all it was a fun experience.  Someday I might post pictures.

VBS was the next big thing in our summer.  It went well, but I am very happy it's over.  Just being honest. :)  The kids loved it and did learn some good stuff.

The next event will be the CMC conference and Among Women.  Among Women was an unexpected journey for me this last year.  Little did I realize when I agreed to be part of this that I would learn things about myself I never realized were there.  I started to look at some things in my heart face to ugly fact and had to work through it.  It's one of those things were I think I gained more than I gave.  It was an honor to be part of this and the women I met through Among Women will be life long friends. Now if I can figure out how to represent my sphere, stay at home mom of preschoolers, at a conference where those preschoolers I'm mom to will also be in attendance.  Not only will they be there, but they will be out of their normal schedule, sleeping in a strange bed, eating different food, meeting new people.  Oh boy.

After conference we're onto Thunder Bay to visit my parents.  I plan to relax! Oh, I'll do a few things, I might even pick a few blueberries, but other than that I plan to enjoy some Canadian summer.

Travels

Warning: This was written by a rather sleepy person.

I really want to post pictures, but Jeremy is working on the computer that has all the pictures so I'll have to settle for words.

The past few months have been busy with a lot of coming and going.

In January I attended the second Among Women retreat near Columbus. While I was there Jeremy and the children were at my aunt and uncle's place in Cincinnati. I joined them after the retreat. Sadly I think we only have about 2 pictures from that weekend. Jeremy took them of Isaiah and Nathan sleeping in a double bed. They are cute pictures, but the cuteness wore off sometime during the night when they woke up fighting about covers. I was blissfully sound asleep 2 hours away. (Jeremy has very graciously encouraged me to be part of Among Women while he carries on the "home" responsibilities.) We always enjoy are time at Joyce and Paul's. The kids love all the new toys and we love the relaxing, the great food and the great company.

In February we attended CMC's pastor's conference in Kansas. It was a long trip, but it was worth it. My parents also attended the conference and we were able to stay at the same place they did. My parents helped out a lot with the kids -very much appreciated (and needed). The evening before we left to come home Isaiah starting throwing up. Great. Nate woke up at 3:30 AM doing the same. Jeremy decided we should just get up and leave for home then. I'm not sure if I've ever dreaded a trip that much. We buckled the kids in and I sat in the middle of the van with the bucket close by. Thankfully no one threw up. They boys slept a lot. Callie didn't. She isn't a real great traveler. :( We drove 19 hours straight to get home. We stopped only 3 times. It was a very long day, but it was nice to be home and wake up in our own beds Saturday morning.

Brandon and Cindy along with their family and Cindy's sister arrived here on March 1. It was wonderful to finally meet Adam and Ashton. I'm in love. I have some great pictures that I'll hopefully post soon. My whole family spent several days together at a cabin. Good times. I'll let the pictures tell more. :)

I'm sitting her trying to stay awake until Jeremy is done with his online class lecture. I'm done and he is still working. :( Speaking of Jeremy, last weekend he and I were very blessed to be able to get away for the weekend -Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. So good. I'll post more on that later, maybe.

Among Women

There are some new posts on the Among Women blog. Check it out here. At the end of the newest entry two questions are asked:

• What is one thing that you have learned from a woman who occupied a different sphere from your own that changed the way that you think or act?
• Have you ever found unity in a surprising place?

These are great questions. Think about them then please give you feedback -don't be shy! Leave your comments on that blog, not this one. :)