Mad Craziness

Has it really been a week since I last visited you, my little 'ole blog? What can I say? I'm not sorry. I've been too busy living life to write much about it.

Joseph is home and he didn't arrive a moment too soon. We missed him ridiculously. Ridiculously. But my poor man hasn't had much time with us since being back in town. In all honesty, we haven't seen much more of him now than we did when he was out of town. He's on a bad rotation and it is hard on all of us. Really hard.

Okay, enough of that.

The kids and I did pretty well while he was gone. I have a new mantra that I have adopted during my man's absence - "Jesus take the wheel" - and I use it often. Very often. Usually during the moments where I feel like I'm about to lose my mind. And though we did pretty well, there were definitely Jesus take the wheel moments! The kids haven't asked, but I am sure that they are wondering what wheel mama wants Jesus to take.

Keeping busy isn't a problem around here and while Love was gone we were busier than ever. Bible studies, the gym, school field trips, playdates, socials, parties... Yep, we have been busy.

Here is a hodge podge of the Mad life:

Soccer started back up and while soccer is a pain for me, I'm more than willing to sacrifice because the boys love it so much. Caleb has a new team and a friend from school is on his team. He wants to work on 'not being afraid of the ball hitting him in the face' this season. I think that's a fabulous goal! Luke is on the same team as he was last fall and scored a goal at his first game last Saturday. That child is quite the little athlete, but I love that he doesn't take it too serious and really is having fun out there.

Caleb really stepped up to the plate while Joseph was gone and was my little helper. That kid is growing up too fast for me. It's nice to have some help and with Joseph being gone a lot of the time, Caleb's help is such a blessing. We were at the store by ourselves the other day and he says to me, "You sure do have your hands full!" I busted out laughing and said, "What made you say that?" He smiled and said, "You just have lots of kids and people tell you that all the time." Sweet boy. I told him that God gave me the perfect number of kids and that I would be so lost if any one of them were away from me. And boy, isn't that the truth!

Luke, who is usually the easiest child, has been the most difficult lately. He is sooo cute and adorable and charming, but also daydreams, has a hard time with follow through and is very absent-minded. I'm trying to figure out the best way to parent a child who has the best of intentions and (more often than not) responds to my requests with excitement and a smile, but never seems to make it to the task that I have asked him to do. I can't tell you how many times we have arrived at our destination, only to realize that Luke forgot to put his shoes on!! Jesus take the wheel!

The sisters are talking so much and getting so big! They grab attention everywhere we go and are so adorable! But, they are also at that hard, independent, "mine!", "NO!" and easily frustrated age. They are so physically exhausting for me, but man am I smitten with them! Even though they do make me chase them down to change their diaper, wipe their face, buckle them in the car, get them dressed, and the list goes on! Jesus take the wheel!

I lost a couple of pounds, learned quite a bit about myself and God, and started running again while my man was gone. It was a hard month, but God is so gracious. And so are my husband and kids. I'm thankful that they overlook my faults and love me even when I am being SO unlovable! Jesus take the wheel!

FYI - In case you don't know...Jesus Take the Wheel is a Carrie Underwood song and I love in the chorus it says, "Jesus take the wheel, take it from my hands, 'cause I can't do this on my own.." I so connect with those words!