Relaxing Rainy Days

It's been raining here the past few days. From what I hear, it's been raining back home as well. "Where is home?", you ask. Mississippi! As the holidays approach, I miss home. Right now, I'm trying to concentrate on all the positive things God has to offer me here in Ohio. I am making a conscious effort to be "content" in my present state and circumstances. The fall is really beautiful here. With the changing of the season, the leaves turn from green to golden, burnt orange ,and fiery red. It's been so wonderful to be at home with my children. On the days my husband, Hugh, has off, we've been able to take Trey and Anna Grace to the Canfield and Trumbull county Fairs, the apple festival, the giant pumpkin festival, wagon trails, and White House Fruit Farm. We enjoy getting out and about together, and the kids love being outside. Trey would live outside, if we'd let him. It can be pitch dark out and Trey is still asking to go "ow side!" However, the last few days have been wet and cold, so we've had to improvise. Our first day in, it was so dark and rainy that we spent most of the day in our pj's. We made a pallet on the floor and we sang, played and read books, all morning. I made blueberry muffins for Trey for the first time, (he loved them!) and we watched Baby Einstein's Baby MacDonald. Trey loves anything to do with "the farm;" barns, tractors, animals, ect. The whole bit! I love how he calls chickens, hens and roosters, "bock-bocks!" He also calls donkeys, "hee-haws!" And all ducks, swans, and geese are just ducks, but we'll learn to distinguish between those later. He is too cute! Anna Grace thinks so too. She smiles and laughs at everything he does. She loves it when we sing and he dances for her. They talk to each other and giggle like they understand one another. The other day, I was busy in the ladies room, when Anna Grace started to cry. When I came out, Trey was holding her hand through her crib and gently trying to soothe her. The last two days, Hugh and I have been taking them to an indoor playground at our local mall. Just for a change of pace, and to let Trey get some of his energy out. When we got home the other night, Hugh got in some special one on one time with Anna Grace while I bathed Trey. He splashed and played in the tub, until he was a little prune. I think I got a bath, as well. But, it was fun. I mean, I had no where to be, no lesson plans to prepare, no lunches or bags to pack. I could just be in the moment. And treasure it! It's in the simple day to day activities that I find such unexpected joy and wonder lately. Maybe, it's because I know it may not last. Financially, I may have to go back to work, come the new year. But as Scarlett would say, "I won't think about that now, I'll think about that tomorrow." Right now, I'm going to live in the moment, and love it!

The Core of My Identity Lies in This, That I Am a Christian.

Ok, the important stuff first! As I debut my thoughts into the "Blog World," I feel compelled to share with anyone who might happen upon my blog spot, that I am a christian, and proud of it!

Yes, I am a sassy, southern girl by nature, but my heart belongs to Jesus. And I try to listen more to the whispers of my heart than my inherent nature. When I think about how I want the world to see me, I think about my favorite poem. I posted it at work several months ago, and it gave me a chance to plant a seed with some of my co-workers.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'." I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven." When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak And need His strength to carry on. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed And need God to clean my mess. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible But, God believes I am worth it. When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!