Growing

So, last weekend Andy and I agreed that we really needed to look for Nora some new shoes. We had some nice ones that were pretty much new, bigger size, etc. that we were given for her and she was wearing them. But it was taking me forever to get her foot in the shoe every time I tried.
When we went to the shoe store, Silas had fallen asleep - like his real nap sleep - so, I ran inside to see if they even had shoes that would work. They did. I grabbed Nora *leaving Andy and Silas in the car* and ran to try on the shoes. They didn't work very well either. So, I finally asked the lady to measure Nora's foot. A 7-71/2. What?!? I'd been trying to cram her foot into a 6 -and that was the bigger size. No wonder she'd been saying her feet hurt.
Well, thankfully we found some shoes that fit, and she is a lot happier about putting her shoes on now. I guess it really helps if they are the right size, huh?
*note, the smaller one in the picture is one that I'd been trying to stuff her foot in, but it's not the great, beautiful, nearly new shoe I was sad to learn she'd grown out of... that one was beautiful and blue

Are We A Real Family Now?

Monday was Labor Day. We considered for a LONG time whether or not to meet the family at Uncle Paul's house. I had a class to attend that night at 6:30PM and it's at least a 3 hr drive there...and then 3 hours back. We decided that it wasn't worth it. But, what to do? We decided to go to the zoo. And, while standing in the line, the math indicated that for the price we could purchase the family membership and save some money if we go back. So, now we're members of the Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Garden. Nora loved it, and I think Silas enjoyed it, too. Monday was a great day to go - the temp was in the 60's (after several days around 100 degrees). It was cloudy but not raining. The animals were out and the peacock seemed to like my kids :)

Hopefully this was a good investment. I think it will give us something to do (now, without cost) when we're not sure what else to do. The zoo is very close to our house and a good way to keep the kids happy and un-bored. Plus, they claim they are opened 365 days a year...I think Santa is visiting the zoo in a couple of months.

Bearing My Heart

A bit overwhelmed - that's what I'm truly feeling. I can't remember exactly what happened, but I know that I wanted to have a melt down - just a little cry - but, I didn't mostly because I didn't have time. Here are the things that are currently consuming my mind:

-preparing the house for sale status
-completing a correspondence course (Methods of Bible Study) to meet the mission board requirements
-reading and preparing for the test for my childbirth education certification
-preparing for Kingdom Come Training - which is another class
-being an involved and active mom
-keeping up with exercise at the YMCA
-full-time job
-creating lists of churches to contact
-finalizing our graphics to print for presentations
-organizing my left-over time
-trying to keep up with personal devotions
-maintain the house (dishes, laundry, etc)
-pump enough for Silas
-sleep about 5-6 hrs/night

I feel so disappointed when I head to bed realizing that I survived another day - accomplishing only what was required but not feeling like I really got anything done. In the end, I guess I can take heart in the fact that I loved my kids and husband and did my best to follow God's heart today. One day at a time.