Six Things I Learned in April

Ah, April, what an adventure you've been. You're the introduction to my favorite month, so I like you. You've come and gone so quickly, but we've had fun. Before May arrives, let's remember this month.

(AND if you haven't signed up for my newsletter, you should do that before May 2, when my next one goes out. There's a fun, free printable included with a quote I've been loving. Really, I welcome new email friends anytime, though! I've started updating my ebook and email subscribers will get peeks into that process.)

So, anyway, here are six things I've learned in April ...

1. The Nashville Flea Market is great. Maybe all flea markets are great, I don't know. My first flea market experience is in the books. And I hope I get to go back.

(The flea market was only one part of our recent Nashville road trip. We also saw Rend Collective in concert!)

2. Kayaks are good lake entertainment, even if getting them home from Walmart is an adventure.

Let me tell you about that adventure: I'd been thinking kayaks would be a good addition to our lake house. (It's available for vacation rentals. Did you know that?) And then there they were, on display and on sale at Walmart. So we bought two. And then we realized they wouldn't both fit in our mini van with two adults, two kids, and a baby ... and a stroller, and all the other randomness in my van. So I took on kayak and the girls home, cleaned out the van, and the girls and I went back to Walmart to pick up the husband, son, and second kayak.

(Here are some pictures, if you're interested.)

Both kayaks now happily reside at Shelter Point Retreat. And my daughter, niece, and nephew were happy to break them in.

3. I can be intrigued enough by a story to keep reading even when I don't really like the book that much. 

"Everything You Ever Wanted" by Jillian Lauren was that for me. It's an adoption story, and there were parts that were fascinating and interesting. But other parts I ended up skimming. Regardless, it's brave to tell your story, especially when it has many hard parts, so I'm glad I read it, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it. Does that make sense?

4. A new strawberry patch opened just down the road. 

I love picking berries and now it's even more convenient. If you live in Murray, be sure to check it out the next few weeks while the strawberries are in season. Maybe you'll have an impromptu adventure like I did.

5. Adventure would be my word for 2016, if I had chosen a word. It's all around me, as you can tell with my multiple references to it in this post alone!

6. I'm a communication nag. 

If I email you about an event or project, send you an invitation for a party, or ask for feedback ... and I don't hear back, then just wait, I will solicit a response in follow up emails, Facebook messages and texts. I'd say I'm sorry, but, really, there's usually a reason I asked or invited or emailed in the first place, and the reason usually involves a response.

Perhaps you can blame the journalism degree with an organizational communications minor.

So, how was your April? Did you have any adventures?
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I'm linking up with Emily Freeman, who inspired this way of documenting life. It's become one of my favorite practices. {Read previous Things I Learned posts here.}

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Shelter Point Retreat

“Brother, let me be your shelter.

I’ll never leave you all alone;

I can be the one you call

when you’re low.

Brother, let me be your fortress

when the night winds are driving on,

be the one to light the way,

bring you home.”

{Needtobreathe in “Brother”}

We want our lake house to be a refuge from the hustle of life. We want to make memories there with our friends. We want to step away from everyday routine and be refreshed. We want to appreciate a different pace.

And we want our lake house to be that for other people.

We had a hard time naming it. Wait, why does a lake house need a name, you ask? I guess it doesn’t have to have a name, but naming it seemed like the thing to do if we were going to invite people to rent it. With names, come identities, so I kept listing words that described what we wanted the lake house to be.

Greg was the one who threw out “shelter.” YES! I knew when he said that “shelter” was part of this house’s identity. I like the dual meaning and the fact I immediately started singing in my head Needtobreathe’s “Brother.” Of course a house is a shelter, literally, but I we want this house to be a figurative shelter – a refuge from the world where people can gather with their loved ones.

So, friends, let us be your shelter.

Shelter Point Retreat is now available to rent. On a point lot, the house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, lots of windows in the kitchen and living room, and a beautiful view of Kentucky Lake. You can find out more about the house, rental rates, and availability at www.vrbo.com/741043. We also have a Facebook page or you can email me. {See pictures of the house here.}

“And when you call and need me near,

Sayin’ where’d you go?

Brother, I'm right here.

And on those days when the sky begins to fall,

You’re the blood of my blood;

we can get through it all.

Brother, let me be your shelter …”

{Needtobreathe in “Brother”}

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Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Three Word Wednesday :: Life is Movement

Is it possible this summer was the fastest in history? I’m going to say yes, even though I realize time is a steady measurement of our days. But, still, this summer was full of movement for our family.

And by movement, I don’t mean we ran all over the place – although on some days we did.

This summer marked some transitions, most of which y’all have heard about here on the blog.

In April, we sold a lake house we loved. But in June we got to buy a new one that we may love more. In May, we met the birth mom of our daughter who is expected to arrive in late September. A room is in the process of being prepared for Rachel Elizabeth, who officially as a crib, bedding, and a changing table awaiting her arrival. The high chair, swing, stroller, car seat are in boxes in her room, but they’ll be ready sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, my best friend Jaclyn went back to full-time work, which obviously is a blessing for her, but an adjustment for our friendship. We befriended each other as single college girls, so our friendship is no stranger to transition. We were married the same summer, walked through seasons of infertility together, and then ending up having five kids who love each like siblings in five years.

Another dear friend has transitions of her own happening that will overflow into my life and God has orchestrated a newer friendship in my life I’m really excited about.

Oh, and Ben starts kindergarten today.

That means I’ll have about six weeks (probably) with Cate and Ben in school before Rachel arrives. I have big plans for those weeks – going to doctors’ appointments, getting my hair cut and colored, scrapbooking, finishing Rachel’s room, and lunching with some friends.

(Sure, I’ll let you know what those six weeks actually end up looking like!)

God knew I would need some wisdom in this season of transition because it’s no secret I’ve resisted change like the plague in the past. I want to embrace what God is doing here. The movement is evidence of the abundant life God promises. {Tweet that.} 

I can see how God is providing and answering prayers and offering opportunities to make himself known. Of course, all of this comes on the heels of our Guatemala mission trip, which is filtering everything in my life different than before.

Kristen Strong wrote a book that been exactly what I needed. Being able to be part of her launch team and read an early copy of “Girl Meets Change” was perfect timing. Stay tuned because there will be more to come on that when it releases next month, but for now, I wanted to share a quote:

“While we are called to rest when appropriate, the nature of life itself is movement. We can stand rigid against the movement and break, or we can lean into flexibility by bending and moving with it.”

{Kristen Strong in “Girl Meets Change,” page 76}

There has been some resting this summer. Hello, afternoons at the pool and waking up without an actual alarm clock. But there has been much movement too.

I’m learning the movement is evidence of life – literally, with new baby we’re expecting and in the ways God is making himself known. I want to bend and move with it. I want to remember moving boxes is hard work but it is part of letting God rearrange our lives. I want to rest in how God has prepared me for what he’s doing.

What kinds of changes are you experiencing in your life?
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Some housekeeping for #ThreeWordWednesday friends: Please link up just ONE post. When you link up more than one, it seems to distract from the goal to have other people visiting each other with encouragement. Thanks for understanding!

An InLinkz Link-up

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Six Things I Learned in June

As each month ends, I find myself saying I can't believe it's finished. BUT, REALLY, I CAN'T BELIEVE JUNE IS BASICALLY OVER. I recapped some of our summer earlier this month because I don't want to forget the goodness that's happening. Yes, life has been busy, but it's been sweet and joy-filled too. And I want to remember.

So before I forget, here are some things I learned in June ...

1. Naming a baby is apparently easier than naming a lake house. I wrote about names and thought about names often the past several weeks. But the short story is we're adopting a baby girl we're naming Rachel Elizabeth. {She's due Sept. 28!} And our lake house is called Shelter Point Retreat.

2. Zac Brown Band has new music! So what if I'm late to the party? It's been on repeat now that I caught up. {You should get it too.}

3. You can trap a mouse OR TWO with a Nutter Butter bar, colander, and a piece of wood. Our friend Bryan caught TWO MICE at our new lake house when we stayed out there earlier this month. He's my hero for catching them from his self-made mouse trap. Greg permanently disposed of them, if you know what I mean, and then soon after scheduled the exterminator. Two more were caught in a glue trap. So that's four, if you're counting. FOUR TOO MANY. There's evidence that indicates that may not be all. Yes, THAT kind of mouse evidence.

{You may remember from my camping trip in the spring: I don't like mice.}

4. I really enjoy reading fiction set in the South. Okay, so I didn't actually just learn this. But I remembered it as a zipped through Mary Alice Monroe's Lowcountry Summer Series. {The Summer Girls. The Summer Wind. The Summer's End.}

For what it's worth, I like musicians from the South too. Evidence: Zac Brown Band. Third Day. Needtobreathe. Darius Rucker.

But I don't drink sweet tea, just in case you're wondering.

5. Our adoption home study visit happened and went well. I don't care how many times a social worker has been in our house, interviewing us and evaluating our home, it's always a relief when it's finished and went well. Birth mom Stacy also met with the social worker this month, so our adoption process is moving along.

6. I earned my first money for speaking. Now I didn't say it was much money, but I wasn't expecting any money. I actually spoke twice this month. First, I spoke at a conference in southern Illinois. And then a few days later I spoke to a local Methodist women's group. Neither went as expected {and that's not a bad thing ...}, but both opportunities included evidence of God's presence and plan. Both groups gave me sweet gifts for coming and the local group tossed in a small check that was such a pleasant surprise.

How was your June? I'd love to hear what you learned.
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I'm linking up with Emily Freeman. Here are previous Things I Learned posts :: {From 2013} June. July. August. September. October. November. {From 2014} January. February. March. April. May. June. July. August. September. October. November. December. {From 2015} January. February. March. April. May. 

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Three Word Wednesday :: Children of God

In high school, a friend called me Grace because I was clumsy. I also didn’t make room in my life for grace – for myself or others – although I’m not sure he was referring to my judgmental ways. Either way, thankfully, this ironic name didn’t stick.

Really, I’ve never been much for nicknames, probably because sometimes names that describe our faults do stick and weigh us down.

For several weeks, I’ve been thinking about names because we’re adopting a baby girl due Sept. 28. We also are trying to come up with a name for our lake house. Turns out naming a baby is easier than a house.

(We’re naming her Rachel Elizabeth. Rachel has been at the top of my baby name list for a while now and Elizabeth is the middle name of both Greg’s great-grandmother Della and my sister Cassie.)

Names are about identity. They are how people know us and what we’re called. They’re part of our stories.

Of course, there are labels to which we’ve clung too tightly and the ones we’ve let define us.

Regret. Shame. Liar. Addict. Infertile. Failure. Klutz. Perfectionist. Class clown. Introvert. Extrovert. Abandoned.

Those nicknames aren’t the name by which God knows us and calls us. Those aren’t the labels that should tell the world who we are.

We are children of the one true king. {Tweet that.} We are chosen and adopted and called and blessed and redeemed.

And we can change our perspective of ourselves – not because of what we’ve done but because of who God is. So let’s strip off the name tags that hinder us and display the ones that matter.

While this has been in my mind, I’ve been hearing – on the radio and in my head – songs that proclaim this message of our true identity ::

“Hello, My Name Is ...” by Matthew West

“That Was Then, This Is Now” by Josh Wilson

“Wanted” by Dara Maclean

“Children of God” by Third Day

Oh, and the lake house still doesn’t have a name, so feel free to offer suggestions. And I love hearing stories about names, so share in the comments about your name or how you chose your kids’ names.
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An InLinkz Link-up

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Three Word Wednesday :: Life is real

Life has continued to feel full. Coming off Spring Break and specially camping this past weekend, real life has been, um, real. So real I couldn't even find time to get my Three Word Wednesday post written as early as usual. Like it’s screaming, “Welcome back from your relaxing weekend with friends!”

Let’s start with some mom confessions from the first part of this week. More to come on camping soon.

Monday afternoon I dropped off something at my friend's house and ended up chatting. Both kids ended up coming inside to use the bathroom. Yes, I think that was a unified excuse to get around my “Stay in the car, I’ll be right back.” So my friend and I chatted more.

We ended up staying an hour and a half. The kids even had a snack. And I left my van running with the windshield wipers on the entire time. Obviously Jenn and I need to get together more often.

That evening I was doing more laundry. Honestly, I was hoping when I washed Ben's filthy light-up tennis shoes they wouldn't light up anymore. Apparently those lights are durable; they still light up? At least his shoes are relatively clean again.

Surely I’m not the only mom who doesn’t understand the point of light-up shoes?

Meanwhile, I remembered Monday night at 6:48 p.m. that Cate left her tennis shoes – which do not light up, thankfully – in Louisville on Easter weekend. I knew this but had since forgotten because my mom was out of town and couldn't mail them to me yet. This is why I should have written down: “Get C new shoes.”

The timing of my remembering is important because Cate had gym class Tuesday morning so we made a quick evening trip to Walmart in the rain just as the kids were getting ready for bed and Greg was at one of his two meetings of the night. Less than five minutes in the store and $12.87 solved the problem. And we were back home at 7:07.

And then I was at Walmart again at 7:28 a.m. Tuesday to get a few things to aide in our moving furniture and stuff from our lake house that’s we’re supposed to be selling on Friday, officially. I don't even like Walmart.

Twelve hours after I arrived at our lake house we finally finished moving furniture and stuff around. We moved out my girl's too-small bunks and in a full-size bed; traded one recliner for another in our living room; stored a king bed, two sets of extra-long bunks, kitchen utensils and accessories in extra space at my husband's new office; donated stuff to sell in our Guatemalan mission team fundraiser and sheets and blankets to give Guatemala families; donated a few items to the local thrift store.

And, yes, we stopped to eat – twice.

I am grateful for our real-life friend Daniel who gave up his morning to help Greg take apart and load heavy furniture. He’s worth more than the lunch to which we treated him.

Y’all, it was exhausting and I was getting irritable, but all worth it when my daughter rejoiced about her new-to-her bed. It was bittersweet to move stuff from a lake house we loved but had to sell for circumstances related to our neighbors, over which I obviously have no control. {Ah, cue life lesson …}

All through the moving process I wore the same shirt I had started the day before wearing and then also slept in. Honestly, I had no idea moving and storing and organizing and purging and donating would take all day, literally. I had visions of taking a shower after lunch.

But, hey, that's one less shirt to add to the never-ending laundry.

Life is real.

Sometimes the car sits running in a friend’s driveway while conversation happens. Sometimes tasks take way longer than anticipated and shirts are well overdue for their turn in the washing machine. But whatever the season, it’s safe to say, it won’t be like this for long.
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An InLinkz Link-up

I'm also linking with Anna Rendell's Girl With Blog, where real life is embraced beautifully and mom confessions are encouraged. 

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

This New Season

Well, summer is here.

Don’t look at the calendar to confirm that fact. But look at the flip flops gathered by our back door. Notice the faint smell of charcoal ashes from the grilled hot dogs. There’s a pile of dirty, damp beach towels from our weekend at the lake awaiting their turn in the washer. No alarm sounded this morning. And we picked more strawberries this morning.

Relief and freedom fill the air around here.

We spent this past weekend celebrating summer’s beginning with my family at our lake house. We ate good, laughed much and soaked up the sun. The kids swam and jumped off the dock and chased each other through the grass and into the house. We grilled two dinners in a row there and another when we got home.

One of my favorite moments came after we all washed the lake off our skin: We gathered in the living room to play Game of Things. My 10-year-old niece Milla, 7-year-old daughter Cate, and 5-year-old nephew Jaxson played with us. And they got it. Their answers made sense and they got on to the jokes that started in previous rounds and carried on throughout the game.

I realized then and have continued to since: I’m in a different season of mothering. And this new summer season is showcasing that.

Hello, summer – both the literal season and the figurative one I seem to have waded in as a mother. Of course, my boy is the kind who jumps right in. Regardless, this is where we are.

Neither of my kids actually nap anymore. Some days Ben ends up falling asleep while looking at books in his bed, but we’re in a season of not planning that … or even really counting on that. Quiet times are still going to happen for my soul’s sanity. Cate will likely read, play with Legos, or watch a show on my old iPhone. Ben’s quiet usually involves looking at books or playing with Legos.

I don’t carry diapers or wipes in my purse {although I shouldn’t ditch wipes completely!} and I have two usually willing helpers in stores and restaurants. There are more questions, but there is more conversation that leads to understanding.

I encountered some frustrations yesterday with this growing independence – a battle of wills, if you will – but I like seeing my kids growing up. They make me laugh and they keep me coming back to God. I want to raise kids who love Jesus and are independent – not in a selfish way, but in a way that allows them to see needs and problem solve and help care for those around them. Many times I see that we’re getting there.

Like summer, I welcome this new season in motherhood. I want to soak it in now because I know it won’t be like this for long.

And, really, it’s a fun place to be. The water is nice. Come on in.
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I'm linking up this story with Lyli Dunbar's Thought-Provoking Thursday. 

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More of God

Jesus is still risen today. And next week. And next month. And in November.

That's what I've been thinking about today.

The mourning and waiting and celebrating really are what make Easter matter, but they also exist in our everyday life. That's what I want to remember on this Monday after the celebrating and proclaiming and praising.

I gave up worshiping Productivity for Lent. And, honestly, I feel like God changed me in those 46 days. I don't say that to be dramatic, but because not bowing down to my to-do list created with much-too-high expectations is a process God has had me on. For years. So, obviously, I'm not a totally different person in six and a half weeks, but I'm less stressed and less hurried because God taught me some things.

My days are less defined by my production. I've laid down my to-do list for relationships. I've set aside what I thought I needed to do for my friend who needed some help and encouragement.

I've gotten plenty done in what's a busy season, but I've enjoyed my life in the process. I'm embracing a one-thing-at-a-time approach. Yes, I write things down on my calendar that's usually in my purse, but I cross them off when I can.

Sure, some days I rushed around and spoke harsher in the hurry, but those moments have been less. And I've realized God's given me perspective to balance my natural tendencies.

I've demanded less of myself so I can have more of God. 

For someone who has crammed too much into her calendar for far too long, it's quite appropriate I ended the Lenten season on my the back porch of our lake house with a fiction book, good food, my family, and my best friend's family. The view there gives peace to my soul, regardless of whatever is happening in real life.

"Christ continually shouts through the universe, 'You have a love that is already yours. You have nothing to prove to anyone. You have nothing to prove to Me. You are significant and preapproved and utterly cherished. Not because you are good, but because are you are Mine.' ... This is what God does, this God of all glory and dominion who reaches down with a holy hand to lift our chins and turn our eyes toward the Son, so we may look full in His wonderful face and 'forget ourselves.'" 

{Jennifer Dukes Lee in "Love Idol"}

Isn't that what the Easter message is really about? As I let God deeper into my life, I remember Jesus is enough. Who I am because of what he endured on a cross and how he shocked the world by rising again is what should define my days.
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This Lenten journey was prompted by Jennifer Dukes Lee's book "Love Idol." You can read my previous "Love Idol"-inspired posts here. Obviously, I recommend the book, if you haven't read it. {I posted a review here.}

I'm linking this post with Jen Ferguson's Soli Deo Gloria party, Jennifer Dukes Lee's #TellHisStory and Beth Stiff's Three Word Wednesday.

Want more stories? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Eight Things I Learned in July

Cousins walking through the Louisville Zoo on Sunday.

I'm sad July is over. It's not my favorite month, but it means the end of summer is approaching. My kids go back to school two weeks from today. I'm feeling a mixture of denial and mourning. I've always considered summer my favorite, and this one seemed to go by especially quickly. Didn't I just write Nine Things I Learned in June?!

Summer is like no other season. And it's filled with so many of my favorite things. Days that don't begin with an alarm. Swimming. The lake. Lunching at the park with friends. Grilled kabobs. Berries. Road trips. Did I mention swimming?

Now that I have a school-aged child who is getting ready to begin her second year of "real" school, summer has a different meaning. It's like a break from the routine. And, y'all, I really took a break from all things school. I didn't even participate in the summer reading program Cate's school organizes. I seriously hope she's not the only one who didn't earn points. She read. Really. Every night out loud to herself. Greg and I read "Beezus and Ramona" with her. She's read to Ben. She's read to me. She's read to Greg. She's read in the car. And she's stood over my shoulder and read whatever I was working on.

But I didn't write down a single book from the suggested reading list. Y'all, I don't even know what was on the suggested reading list.

So, with that. Eight things I learned in July, in no particular order ...

1. It's OK to say no and not participate in everything. Like your school's summer reading program, apparently. Oh, and, the one at the local library too. We had a few camps/Bible school weeks we wanted to do. They made it on the calendar. No other regular commitments did.

2. Dinner doesn't always have to be served at 5:30 p.m. One of my favorite summer afternoons/evenings went like this: Kids and I left the house to swim at the city pool at 3:30 p.m. I emailed my husband as I was walking out the door: We're going to embrace summer and swim. I have no idea what we're having for dinner. 

He responded: How about I come up there when I leave work? No hesitation from me: Yes! I'll leave your clean swim trunks out. {Because, you see, I may have slacked meal planning and preparing and executing, but, hey, I did laundry so my husband's swim trunks no longer had lake water on them. It's the little things, people.}

So we swam. Until 6 p.m. For kids that go to bed around 7:30 p.m., that's creeping into late-night dinner territory. But we came home, put on dry clothes, and loaded back up for Cracker Barrel because that's like a home-cooked meal, right?! AND THEN I really kept on with the "Let's embrace summer!" mentality and suggested Dairy Queen on the way home. We brought cones home and sat on the front porch eating them. {Well, OK, so mine wasn't actually cone. Mini Reese's Cup Blizzard for the win.}

AND THEN, more embracing summer. The kids rode bikes and scooters in the front yard and then I engaged my son in a game of chase in the front yard. It was past bedtime, which is admittedly looser in the summer, and everyone was so happy and content. I really had no idea what time it was.

3. I taught my husband Scrabble strategy too well. Really. I used to beat him. Years ago, I was on quite a streak when we sat down at the table and played the actual board game. Now, he wins. Of course, now we also sit next to each other on our iPhones, verbally nudging each other to take their next Words with Friends turn. Since the beginning of June, he's on a 22-3 streak.

{Do you wonder how I know the win streak? Oh, at the beginning of June I started a list on the phone. So, yes, if you've played Words with Friends with me since June 1, I've got our games tallied too. Oh, and, hey, if you want to play, my user name is KHT. I'm never one to turn down a game.}

4. My favorite passage of scripture contains encouragement for one of my constant struggles. OK, so, maybe, I didn't technically learn this this month, but it was brought to my attention in a new way, thanks to God-sized dreamer friend Mandy. I quote pieces of Philippians 4 regularly to friends having a hard day or myself throughout any given day. Yet, I realize I skip one crucial line about gentleness, which Mandy mentioned in our Voxer conversation.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. {Phil. 4:4-7}

{More on this later. I typed a bunch, but it was weighing down this post.}

5. God knows I learn by repetition. "Pray about Everything" is one of the songs from the "Kingdom Rocks" VBS my kids went to this summer at a friend's church. And we often have the CD playing in the minivan. This song taken from the New Living Translation of Phil. 4:6-7 is my favorite track. Of course, God.

{Hey, Mandy, the gentleness part there is a reminder to be considerate in all you do.}

6. Adding freelance writing work just as the busy lake house season was beginning may not have been the most logical strategy, but it worked for me. I'm a doer. In school, I wanted to write a paper, not prepare for a test. Anticipation for a presentation or an upcoming change was always harder on me than the actual event. I like to see results and progress. Had I spent too much time thinking about the timing of beginning freelance writing right as I would be managing two busy vacation rentals, I probably would have gotten overwhelmed and stressed before I even got started. But when it all sort of just happened, I was able to dive right in. Finding a balance between work and play was the hardest, but even that was alright, thanks to my kids making sure I figured out when we would swim.

7. The creators of The Bachelorette knew what they were doing by scheduling when most shows are taking a break. I tell myself I'm done, but I always get pulled back in. Really, though, is there a better show to have on while folding mounds of laundry? Not really. Yet if "Parenthood" or "The Good Wife" were on with new episodes this time of the year, I may have an easier time saying goodbye to "The Bachelorette."

So, yes, I'm watching this season. I was a Zak fan. Now I'm a Chris fan. I wasn't surprised Brooks broke her heard. {Am I the only one who saw that coming? Clearly Des didn't!}

8. I can make low-sugar, delicious strawberry lemonade at home. Jaclyn shared this recipe with me and you'll be thanking me that I'm sharing it with you.

2 cups Sprite Zero
1 package lemonade mix for a 16-ounce water bottle {I used Crystal Light}
8 frozen strawberries
2 packages of sweetener {I used Splenda. Packages are likes the ones at restaurants.}
6-10 ice cubes or 1 1/3 cup crushed ice
2/3 cup water

Put in blender and blend. I've been making two blenders full at a time because that fits in my plastic pitcher. And, trust me, you'll want more. 

I could probably go on, but I think I'll stop there. Goodbye, July. You were fun, but couldn't you have stayed around longer? Friends, what have you learned this month?
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I'm linking my list up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky. Come join us! And, yes, you may have noticed the permalink is "seven things ..." I totally came back and added one. 

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A tale of four extroverts

In a family of extroverts, it's rare it's just the four of us at the lake. We're all party people, but we spent Sunday afternoon and evening at our lake house, squeezing a little time in between renters. While the sun was out, we all played in the lake. Well, OK, Greg and I mostly floated, but we had our two little ones climbing on us when they weren't jumping into the lake. Then it rained and later stormed. But we embraced the down time.

They were going to jump in together ...

... but then he got mad she went without him! They got back up on the dock and did it again and again and again. Ben even asked if she would push him in. I don't know many people who want to be pushed in! I loved watching them play together. Here in the latter half of summer, sibling rivalry and arguing may have gotten the best of all of us. I was so thankful for the opposite yesterday.

Yes, we're all extroverts. We're social. We all like to talk. We often have ideas and plans on how to execute them. We all are filled by the relationships around us. My kids ask every day who is coming over for dinner or who we are going to eat with. And then they are usually disappointed when I say "just us."

Yesterday I soaked up some sun, was splashed by my water-lovin' kids, prepared a delicious summer meal, played Skip-Bo, watched a couple episodes of "Mad Men" once the kids were fast asleep, and thought to myself more than once how grateful I was for just us. They seemed to be happy to do the same.
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Speaking of extroverts, I love personality tests. Here is a post I wrote earlier this year about being an extrovert, among other things. I'm also reading another book that has helped me further analyze my perfect melancholy/powerful choleric ways. More to come on that, I'm sure. What is your personality like? Do you family members share yours?

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A nearby but new view

For the third week in a row, we were sleeping somewhere other than our own house for part of the week. For a family who likes road trips and adventure, we weren't complaining. Funny thing about this last trip was it was only about 30 minutes from our house, yet it really felt like a getaway for me. We like to spend time at Kentucky Lake, and even have a vacation rental house there, but we spent three nights at a different house with some of Greg's family.

New views are good for my soul.

We ate lots of good food. And other than the broccoli salad I contributed for the Fourth of July party, I wasn't responsible for any of it. My mother-in-law had the cabinets and fridge stocked with meals and snacks.

The house has a theater room. And, as you can see, it was a hit. I lost count of how many times they watched "The Jungle Book" with some "Veggie Tales" thrown in.

We also celebrated my nephew Kieran's 2nd birthday about a week late. But, hey, he didn't seem to mind.

There was much laughing with cousins, who are also friends.

Smiles were common too. Greg caught 20 catfish and at least one large-mouth bass on July 4th and Ben was happy to help him out at the dock. Cate lost her seventh tooth, which I didn't even realize was that ready to come out. That's seven teeth out in 13 months and an especially large gap on top.

We didn't see the sun much while we were there, but we still went for a boat ride.

I like that my 6-year-old daughter takes pictures with me in them. {Another favorite moment she snapped is here from last week.}

The sun was still a stranger, but the temperatures warmed up enough Friday we decided to swim. And I'm glad we did. Look at that view. Seriously amazing. Contrary to the illusion, Greg isn't going to fall over. There is a ledge to the pool that over looks the lake.

Have you gotten away to enjoy a new view lately?
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We have a three-bedroom house on Kentucky Lake called The Gathering Place that is available for rent. I also manage this house mentioned in this post. It's a six-bedroom house called Kentucky Lake Lodge. Both are available for rent. Let me know if you're interested in reserving some dates for a getaway of your own at either house. 

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{God-sized Dreams} A Reflection

It's been a whirlwind first half of 2013 for me. Most of it has been ordinary days of striving for balance between mothering and writing, working and playing, going and staying. It's been in this process, God has done big things in my heart. I can't even seem it all, much less describe it all, but I know He's continuing a work he began long ago.

Sometimes this balancing is exhausting. And when I get there, it's usually because I've been holding on too tightly. Letting go really is good for my soul. And so is regrouping and stepping away from it all, which is what I did this weekend. I looked out at that lake. I enjoyed my parents and siblings and their families. I read a whole book. I stayed up too late and got up too early. But I didn't work or write or really even plan.

And now this morning, my body is tired but my mind and heart are rested. I'm looking out again, this time at the past six months and how God has moved. It's as vast at that lake.

Author Holley Gerth has led a group of us women these past six months as we pursue our God-sized dreams. I had no idea what would come out of this group, but it's been nothing like I expected and more than I thought possible through online friendships. This is the last official link-up post, but I get the feeling it's only the beginning to real-life dreaming.

As part of this God-sized Dream Team, I formulated a mission: I believe God has created and called me to communicate stories from my own life and others' lives for families to know God as the author and creator of every detail through writing, promoting and serving.

And then I listed out three dreams and now I'm including updates:

1. Pursue publishing a non-fiction motherhood book I've been writing. I've been working on the book sporadically. Some friends have read it. A stranger-now-friend read it. I've added to it and put it in the hands of a couple other friends I'm still hoping will read it. It's certainly a work in progress, but it's still there and will be for awhile because I'm convinced it's a project that will be best spanned over time. It's one of those then-and-now stories that deserves time.
2. Continue praying God would lead us to a birthmom for our third adoption. We're still praying and hoping and waiting. Our home study for an independent adoption has expired, but I have the paperwork to gather the information, again. 
3. Build an on-the-side freelance business. This is the one that hasn't progressed like I expected, but it's certainly progressed. Along with managing our own vacation rental lake house for the second summer, I now also manage the details for another property owner's house. It's a niche I didn't realize I'd like, but it's a good work-from-home job for me. I'm also officially a freelance writer, having taken several writing assignments for a local parenting/family magazine. 

Photo taken by my brother-in-law Zac, who happened to have my camera and noticed the view.

These dreams aren't the only ways God has moved. In thinking about publishing a book and building a freelance business, I've worked on improving and expanding this blog space. I've written posts that publish about six days a week. I've connected with readers. I've had guests write here and I've written other places. {You can read my posts at Circles of Faith, (in)courage, The Riches of His Love, and Gindi's.} In dreaming and writing here, God has meshed the dreams I laid out at the beginning and created new desires in my heart.

But the asterisk, which, really, is the foundation and not a footnote is that being a wife and mom come first. These are the most important roles in my life, just after seeking God, of course. Everything else comes after. In these six months I've gradually transitioned to a work-from-home mom, but it's the parenting questions and strategies that still weigh most heavily on my heart. My work-related appointments and commitments fit around my family on my calendar.

Yes, it's a balancing act, but the view is nice here. Yes, the horizon is vast, but it's a place I believe I'm meant to be.
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Tuesdays are for God-sized Dreams here as I link up with Holley Gerth and many other dreamers. You'll find encouragement and community at her blog. If this topic is new to you, Holley has wonderful resources available as you discover where God is leading you: "The Do What You Can Plan" is an ebook that is worth every bit of the $1.99. "You're Made for a God-sized Dream" {$8.99 for Kindle; $11.71 for paperback} is packed full of encouragement.

I'm also linking up with Jen at Finding Heaven Today, where she throws a weekly Soli Deo Gloria party and offers much transparency and truth. 

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{Out of the Blue} Jumping in

I didn't picture myself here. When I had a media badge hanging around my neck not long after we first moved here, people gave me directions by describing what used to be on such-and-such corner or where Mr. and Mrs. So-and-So lived. Parades go down Main Street at least for times a year and we can walk to our unofficial parade-watching place from our house that faces one of the two parks here.

Even when I settled into this small town, somewhere I said I'd never be, I still wasn't sure about the lake. Snakes and fish live in lakes. I wasn't going to swim with them. "I'm a beach girl," I'd tell my husband, who once majored in fisheries biology before opting for a radio-television degree on his way to law school.

Then I gradually fell in love with The Lake.


This week Kristen at Chasing Blue Skies prompts: Tell me about a place that surprised you by how much you liked it. Write about how you didn’t expect to love it and why you now do. 


{This week is almost like a continuous of last week's Out of the Blue post for me.}

The Lake. Kentucky Lake. It's the largest man-made lake in terms of surface area {160,308 acres} in the United States east of the Mississippi River.

It's big. And yes, there are many fish in it. I still am geographically challenged when I'm out on the water in a pontoon boat someone else is driving. But I've found a home there. It may be created by a man who decided to damn a river, but I still see the beauty of the Creator there. 

Reading and rest come easily from the back porch that overlooks the quiet bay that I've decided isn't so bad to swim in. The kabobs my husband grills over charcoal out there taste better sitting on that porch. Several years ago, I first went tubing, holding on tightly with my arms intertwined with my dear friend Holly's arms. This act of being pulled swiftly on top of the water, knowing I could fall off into The Lake has become my favorite activity out there.

We make memories there with friends. And we invite others in. {Seriously, you could fall in love too. The Gathering Place is available for rent.} We've lived here almost a decade. Yes, this small-town life has surprised me over and over again, but falling in love with The Lake is one of the best surprises of all.
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I'm linking up with Kristen at Chasing Blue Skies. Her Out of the Blue series on surprises has been so good for me. Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

Round here ...

And, yes, now I have that Counting Crows song in my head ... "Round here we always stand up straight/Round here something radiates/Maria came from Nashville with a suitcase in her hand/Said she'd like to meet a boy who looks like Elvis/She walks along the edge of where the ocean meets the land/Just like she's walking on a wire in the circus ..."

We're looking forward to celebrating Easter with resurrection eggs, resurrection rolls, The Promise, a breakfast potluck at our church Sunday morning, time with family and a couple egg hunts.

We have a boy in big boy underpants! Y'all I was dreading potty training Ben. I thought it was going to be frustrating and nearly impossible. But my boy has proven me wrong, and this is a time I'm so, so glad. He's had some accidents, but he's keeping his undies dry at home, while we're out and at preschool on a regular basis. Whew.

We've jumped on the Florida Gulf Coast University bandwagon. These guys are so fun to watch. Seriously, I've never seen so many lobs and dunks. With neither of my favorite teams playing in March Madness, I hope FGCU wins a few more.

We're starting to have renters at The Gathering Place, our lake house vacation rental. There's some openings on the calendar, though, if you're looking for a getaway and want this view.

We're trying to embrace real life right where we are. And now I have this lovely reminder to dream God-sized dreams. I also have some fun blog posts in the works in conjunction with some of my dreamer friends, so stay tuned! {Want that bracelet? You can save 25% during these last few days of March when you use HOLLEY25 at DaySpring.}

We watched our first-ever episode of Duck Dynasty last night. Admittedly, I laughed and then repeated part of the episode my friend Holly missed when she returned to the room. But, still, I don't anticipate becoming a fan. Right now I'd rather watch "The Good Wife" on Sunday nights or "Damages," courtesy Netflix other nights. I've also read "The Survivor" by Diann Mills and "Deadly Pursuit" by Irene Hannon and started "Lethal Legacy" by Irene Hannon this month.

What have you been doing and reading and watching and dreaming and celebrating?
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We spent the weekend at the lake

We spent the weekend at our lake house with our best friends. Together there are five kids in five years. The weather was perfect and the agenda was non-existent. We played four games of Settlers of Catan and two rounds of Ticket to Ride as we celebrated Jaclyn's 35th birthday.

We loved on each other.

We fished.

We ate. A lot.

We used our imaginations. {Yeah, I really have no idea. But an older kid was clearly involved.}

We lounged together.

While the kids were fishing or chasing each other or collecting sticks and rocks, Jaclyn and I were able to read for awhile. She started "Beyond Ordinary" by Justin & Trisha Davis and I dived into DiAnn Mills' "The Survivor," a fiction book that wasn't as personally challenging as the non-fiction books I've been reading.

We watched movies in creative seating arrangements.

We had sword fights with old mops and broken fishing rods.

We played beauty shop that somehow became doctor's office.

We wrestled.

We made shotguns out of broken fishing rods that had been swords earlier in the day.

We swept the grass.

We huddled together to discover.

We jumped in leaves. Yes, in March.

We laughed. We talked. We shared. We stayed in pajamas. We rested. We grilled. We spent the weekend at the lake.

What did you do this weekend?
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