what is missing

For the past 2+ years I have been doing life as a single mom. There is no break that comes at the end of the day when my husband walks through the door. The evenings are usually challenging because there are 2 tired kiddos + 1 tired mommy all trying to make it to bedtime.

At some point along the way I became used to this. I rarely focus on what is missing. I do our night time routine because it needs to be done. I don't have time to dwell on it and dwelling on it is really not going to change anything.

But last night was different. Last night I had a friend and her kids over for dinner. I took care of the kids (hers and mine) all day and cooked a meal. She came over after work to enjoy the meal with us before heading home with her kids for the night. There was another adult at the table. There was another adult in the house distracting the kids from the kitchen while I finished up dinner. There was another adult in the house causing them to laugh hysterically after dinner was done and the dishes were taken care of. It was like a breath of fresh air to me!

After she left with her kids and Lily and Wyatt were in bed, I was standing in the kitchen and it hit me. There is something missing. That is what God intended life to be like -- he intended for there to be a mom and a dad in a home. He intended raising children to be a partnership. He intended for husbands and wives to help one another.

I know this is not the most positive post I have written. And don't get me wrong, I am incredibly thankful that God gives me the strength to get through each day from morning til night. But in all honesty, I wish I didn't have...I wish there was nothing missing...

Thankful

The month of November always makes me stop and reflect on all the things that I have to be thankful for. Some things are HUGE. Some things are not. Each thing is a blessing in my life.

• Wyatt: my sweet, cuddly, momma's boy. He loves trucks, reading books, and playing with his sister. He has a FABULOUS memory. He is great at learning his AWANA verses and he LOVES to sing praise and worship songs with mommy!
• Lily: my sweet, independent, thoughtful, little girl. She loves babies (dolls and real). She loves to color, draw, paint, play with playdoh. She is always looking out for her brother -- 9 times out of 10 she will allow him to have his way if they disagree (not always sure this is a good thing). She almost always has a smile on her face. She also loves to store God's word in her heart.
• Our Health: we are all healthy and that is such a huge blessing!
• My Jobs: I love both of my jobs. I enjoy taking care of a precious 15 month old and her 9 week old brother. I also enjoy working at church one day a week -- and the change of pace it brings to our lives.
• Family
• Parents: I am VERY thankful for my parents and all of the help they give to us, especially with childcare.
• Friends: I am so very, very blessed with friends who love me for who I am. I love that I have friends I can be real with.
• Our House
• Preschool: Although sending Lily and Wyatt to school this year was difficult for me, they are loving it. They are learning how to be social and interact well with other kids their age. I am learning to enjoy the few hours a week it gives me to get things done without little helpers.
• Our Car
• My Freedom: Thankful for a country where I am free to vote and try to influence our leaders.
• My Faith: How do people handle life without faith in God?
• God's Strength: I am so thankful that God gives me the strength to get through each day...especially the days I am so tired and don't know how we are going to make it to bedtime.
• Coffee: :)
• My Bible: So thankful that I have God's promises written down for me to read anytime I want!!!
• Answers to Prayer: I am thankful that God is faithful and answers my prayers...even if the answer is not always the answer I am hoping for.
• Exercise: I do not enjoy exercising, but I am thankful that I have the ability to exercise and take care of the body that God has given to me.
• Baking: I LOVE to bake. It is relaxing to me. I am thankful that there are people who are willing to eat all the things I bake too (otherwise I would have to exercise even more)!
• My Church Family: Where would I be without these people who live out James 1:27 in our lives?

I am sure that I could sit here all day typing and not even come close to having a complete list of all the blessings God has placed in my life. It is so good to take the time to count my many blessings and name them one by one!

October in Pictures

Life has been extremely busy! The kids are loving preschool and AWANA! I am babysitting 2-3 days a week for a 15 month old and her 8 week old brother as well as working one day a week at church. We made a trip to Illinois at the beginning of October, went on a field trip to the critter barn, had a visit from Grammy, and enjoyed "Trunk or Treat" at church!