Sunday, September 23, 2012

I can't help myself.

This kid is to die for!  I finally coerced her to leave a bow/barret thing in her hair for a few minutes, and totally capitalized on the opportunity to do a little 15-month photo shoot.  Here are a few samples:










Thursday, September 20, 2012

September Impressions

It's been a full month.  Great, but busy.

I looked at my calendar this morning and literally, there has only been 1 night in the past 10 days when Rob and I were both at home together - at the same time.  And, yes.  We have plans almost every night for the next 2 weeks.
Literally, we tried to make dinner plans with some friends, and the tentative date I threw out was three
weeks away.

But, in the middle of this busy season - God has impressed a few things on my heart.


First of all, I have an unbelievably supportive husband.  Rob has had Keira over and over again - during the day while I've worked, night after night while I've been out or working...  He has even at times come straight from a 13 hour shift to pick her up from my office to take her for the evening.  He's been awesome.  Hasn't complained, but rather has been happy for the time together with his baby girl and opportunity to serve me by caring for her.

Second.  I am totally in awe of full-time working moms.  Though this season hasn't been overwhelming, it has been full.  I've at times felt swamped...just with the normal stuff.  Keira, work, laundry, dinner.  And I don't even work full time!!!  I put in ALMOST 40 hours a few weeks ago and felt like I was barely staying afloat.  NOT EVEN A WHOLE 40 hours!  Honestly, when I put in my timesheet that week, I was humbled by respect for full-time working parents.
My mom worked full time my whole childhood (and adulthood), as did my mother-in-law.  Bless them.  I don't know how they did it, but can't hardly express my respect as they balanced a family, job, maintaining their homes, and doing an awesome job raising their children.

Finally, I don't know how single parents do it.  Again, I am overwhelmed with respect for single parents, who maintain their families and jobs by themselves.
God talks about the widows and orphans, and I sincerely believe He has a special place in His heart for those single parents - and He MUST have special grace for them.


It's been a great month - and I have been so thankful to have been able to participate in the things going on around me.  But, it's also been a joy to gain new respect for others and thankfulness for what (and who) God has provided for me.