It is a THURSDAY. . . .

Today is a Thursday. . . . .

Thursday's are a really hard day in our house! I love our life, our days, weeks, months. However, we are a very busy family. Constantly adding things to the list. Also, constantly taking things away when they become too much. On Thursday our children are in melt down mode.

I have officially been working for one year this month. I love my job and everyday I am excited to start it all over again. I also love my job as Mommy and wife. After staying home for 2 1/2 years I never really thought I would love something enough to take me away from my home. Last year I found that.

Blakely has had the hardest time adjusting to the change. I had been at home with her everyday since she was born. She has done really well considering the total shock she was thrown into at first. Today she had a melt down when I came home. She did not want to leave the wonderful enviroment she was in. Although the fit she threw was not pleasent I was happy she was content. She has really come into her own personality since being away from me. This is such a blessing to watch.

Ty is adaptable. I am not sure if this comes from us training him to be or just his nature? I am impressed daily with his ability to go with the flow. While both of our children have inherited their father's "laid back attitude". Ty is the definition.

Bryan has also had to adjust to life without a stay at home wife. At times the transition was hardest for him. Their is a level of convenience and security that comes with a spouse at home. Someone to pick up dry cleaning, meet the repair person, maintain the house, attempt to fix dinner every night ;) ( I tried), standing lunch date, and caring for the children. I will say that the most difficult part for Bryan was that someone else was involved in caring for our children. There was a sense of control that was lost. A lot of peace comes when you know that your children are being loved and protected.

So on Thursday our week is coming to an end. In the Waldenville house Thursday is our Friday. I do not work on Fridays and Bryan is off also. Being in ministry Sunday has become a work day for our entire family. Friday is our day of rest. We often sleep in and stay in our pajamas until noon. Blakely loves to help make Cinnamon rolls. We all lay around the house with the windows open and have an occasional dance party ;), Two weeks ago Bryan felt that we should introduce our children to Michael Jackson. Since he has become the next Elvis for our generation. Needless to say, these days have become some of the most special.

Thursday afternoon our children are extremely ready for Mom and Dad to care and love on them. I think that in a way they have had a work week also. I have a very flexible schedule. However, anytime they are away from us for four days regardless of how long they are exhausted. Then we start our weekend. They begin their routine with Mom and Dad and the world is at peace again. They just really need to be reset. They know what to expect from us. In their world they need routine. They need to know we watch cartoons, eat breakfast, play, snack, play, lunch, and then we all four nap ;). All of our loved ones know if they call our house between 1-4 on Fridays. We will not answer. Napping is something we all have in common.

Although as a mother it is hard to let go of my children. It has taught me an enormous amount about God and just how BIG he is. You have to give up that control. You have to release your children to the Lord. Know that he is mighty, powerful, and a protector. You have to know that they are ultimately his. So Monday through Thursday is my way of saying God I trust you and have faith that you will protect them. I am letting go. When I am with them I will do my job as a parent and a good steward of the two blessings you have given Bryan and I. When they are away from me I will trust you to watch over them.

I miss them if I am away 5 minutes or 5 hours. I have grown so much as a person in the last twelve months. Knowing that I am my own person. It is very easy to neglect or forget that when your children are so intertwined in you. The Lord blesses me when I am with them and when I am away. I appreciate every moment I spend with them. The time I spend with them is truly quality time.

I am watching them grow into this unique and wonderful individuals. I am so thankful for where we have been and where we are going. Ty and Blakely are blessings in their own individual ways. Both precious. I am going to look back at this time and remember how wonderful these years were. I could not feel more blessed to have a loving husband. The Lord has allowed us to have a family and create a legacy that I know will continue to bless us in the coming years.

Bryan and I are going to take the babies and go to the beach for a week. We are leaving this weekend after the Journey EC side walk VBX. Time to reconnect as a family and make some memories. Looking forward to a special time with the people I love the most.

A CRAZY WONDERFUL LIFE!

So I knew when I started this blog I would struggle to keep it updated and I have. For all of you who have given me a hard time (no one specific) about not posting. . . please refer to the disclaimer that I wrote on the very first post. I will do my very best. However, I do not make any promises on how frequently I will post. ;) So with the said. . .

I do not have any pictures to share at this time. I have probably over 500 that we have taken over the past month. We have been extremely busy. Living life. Sometimes when we are tired I have to stop and remind myself that I am so thankful for a blessed life. We have been busy traveling, building relationships, building companies, building churches, going to fundraisers, dinner parties, Easter egg hunting, passing out door hangers, having the flu, loving our children/spouse, and building God's kingdom. I could go on and on. Anyways, it has all been a blast.

So I will share some wonderful pictures very soon. I promise.

We traveled to California in March with my entire family. Bryan, Blakely, Ty, Amelia, Amanda, Mom, Grandpa, Aunt D, Uncle Bob, Megan, and I. We started in San Fransisco, then headed down the coast to Monterrey, and then back to Sacramento. We flew into San Fransisco and then drove the entire time. I just need to say, I have NEVER enjoyed driving sooooo much. We saw the most fantastic, amazing, beautiful part of this country that I have ever seen! For those of you who have driven HWY 1 or done the 17 mile drive you will most likely agree that God carved out the most beautiful piece of scenery in this area.

In San Fransisco we went to China Town, the Pier, shopping, and ate seafood until we were sick. In Monterrey we relaxed, went to the aquarium, surfing, deep sea fishing, played on the beach, went shopping, and headed out on the 17 mile drive.
On the 17 mile drive. We saw the most beautiful golf courses in the world! We walked Pebble Beach golf course. Saw Otter Rock. The lone Cypress.
Next was Carmel. It was a wonderful little spot. Very unique and interesting.
Next we headed back to Sacramento where my mom has been living. We relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful weather. We swam, ate, and had a massage.

The trip was so wonderful. We are very appreciative to my Grandfather who took us all. It is not very often you get to experience such a wonderful trip with the entire family.

Nap time is over. . . . I will try and post again soon. Have a blessed Easter. We are excited to celebrate the risen Christ!!!!!