reprioritizing life

I haven't written on here in awhile, but I am not going to apologize.  I have been incredibly busy spending time with my children and husband (while he was home), working, doing homework, and just living.  A lot has happened in the last few weeks, and it really makes me take a step back and look at what is going on.  My children are happy and my house is a mess, and that is okay.  Everyday I am learning to let things go and to just enjoy the time that I have with my family.  In the end, nothing really matters but them (and God!).  My house does not need to be perfectly clean, the laundry does not need to by put away, homework can wait a bit, but time with my children can never wait.

In the last week, a little boy in our town passed away.  It was a random accident, and his parents were home at the time.  It was a tragic accident that has left me shaken and reaccessing all that I know.  This little boy was exactly Prince's age.  They were into the small things, and competed against each other on their schools' track teams.

In addition, a girl I went to high school with passed away yesterday, as well.  For her, it was not an accident, and she knew eventually this time would come.  Even though she realized that she would pass at a very young age, it is still hard to know that a girl who used to be one of my best friends is gone.

This events really make you take a hard look at your loved ones.  It helps you re-prioritize what is important.  To me, the things that are the most important is my faith and my family.

So, what have we been up to you say?  Well, at the beginning of September, my brother and his beautiful family flew out and stayed with us for about a week or so.  While he was here, my mom drive in, and stayed with us as well so we could all celebrate her 50th birthday.  Then, in the middle of September, Brian and I with our children drove out to Washington state to celebrate his Grandma's 90th birthday.  We had a wonderful time with his family, but our time was cut short.  We had to leave very fast, as his unit was activated and he needed to report the next morning. 

Once Brian left, the kids and I just went back into normal mode.  Luckily, Brian was able to come home after being gone 5 days.  He was only home 4 days, but they were full days!  We were able to do our annual tradition of going to the pumpkin patch and we also celebrated the kids' birthdays early since he will not be home for them this year.  Prince will be turning 11 on Thursday, and Princess will be 9 on the 21st. 

The kids were very excited to be able to celebrate their birthdays with Dad.  Even though he is career military, we have been very fortunate that he has been home for all birthdays until this year. 

Overall, I have been hugging and kissing my kids more than ever.  It has been a rough little bit, but we will persevere and get through anything.  We need to lean on God for our strength, and that is what I have been doing and will continue to do.  In all things, I thank God for my blessings and for my struggles.  I thank God for His grace.