rain.

Hi all.  

First things first:  Our lanyards are here.  You can buy them directly from me or you can use the paypal button below.  Please include your address at checkout if you'd like them shipped directly to you.  We will also have bracelets coming soon!

Thank you for your support!

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I dont know if you have heard but here in Illinois we are in a drought.  A literal drought.  

 It was obvious last week when the rain finally fell (for all of 3 seconds) that my kids were also aware of what this means.

 It's hot.  

And our crops and flowers are desperate.

 Summer is usually a favorite time of mine.  But somewhere in the middle of July I lose my spunk for all things humid.  I get tired of the hot days and the long nights.  It's sticky and the kids are dirty and I just long for a cool evening.  

I'm hoping to find my initial excitement again soon.  I'm thinking a beach trip is in order.

 For now, I'm dreaming of Apples and Pumpkins.  Spices and candles.  

I can't help it.  It's in my bones.

 But I'm also trying really hard to enjoy these final days of summer with my little ones.  Nora will start school and I will have only the memories of what it was like to have her home with me all day.  I so enjoy it but I can also tell we are both ready for the change.

 I can't believe she's almost 6.  

He's almost 5.

And life is passing by so quickly.  

 They make me laugh and they make me cry.  Usually many times a day.  

I scream and yell and argue and fight with them constantly and at the end of the day I can't help but know how incredibly blessed we are to have each other.

Our life is so full.  And so rich.

 Favorite things from this week so far?

Braden singing a made-up birthday song to Mabel.

Hosting a $500 Tastefully Simple party!

Dozens of emails regarding the race (that is going to be a huge success!)

 Daniel playing worship at our new church.

Getting back to my normal weight on the scale.

 Mabel rolling over from her back to her belly.  [first time in almost 20 months!]

 Rain drops && Flip flops.

 Camp outs with kittens. 

Coral-colored outfits on 2 year old girls.

 Late night dance parties between toddler friends (and adult ones)

 Quite mornings.

Flirty texts with my husband.

And knowing that in this summer heat there is a beautiful breeze blowing in my spirit.  

The drought outside, for the first time in a very long time, is not a refection of whats happening inside of this heart.  This heart is full and refreshed.

I am finally able to confidently look around and see that there are much fewer sad moments then there are happy ones.  The place where I am is one of rich contentment and acceptance and although the acceptance is difficult and daunting-it is peaceful.

Praying for rain.

Praying for rain.

Praying for rain.

♥

What can I pray with you about?