Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Balance!

We made it through the first week of school.  Earlier bedtimes, earlier rising,  breakfast, packed lunches, school papers, home work and baseball practice.  I think I should have automatically lost 10 pounds, but instead I think I gained weight.  I am realizing I am more of an emotional eater, which isn't good for the waist line.



In the midst of the new "norm" of this time of year, and the calendar still filling up, I want balance.  This comes in different forms for different people.   A well organized home, charts on the walls and scheduled routines, for some energizes them, for others, it is a rope around their neck.  We have both styles in our home.  As the home manager, I seem to have to fall between the two or we all go nuts.


Throw in some spontaneous fun, a trip to the lake and I am go to go.  So my balance this first week meant baking "Back to school cookies" for Ben and the grands.  Joshua is being home schooled this year.  Saturday morning I went, "by my self" to the lake to be still and balance my soul and spirit.



 Balance comes back into focus.  I usually find documenting all of these events through my phone camera is a must.  I share on Instagram/FB, it reminds me that nothing is as bad as it seems, when I flip through the treasured photos I snapped. Yes, my phone is used more as camera than it ever is as a phone.

I also had to "grab these moments" in this first week of school.   Three grandsons came for the evening and had dinner with us.  The oldest "Joshua" loves to have candle light and for me to dress the table.  Dress the table we did, with Veggie Tale place mats, napkins and candles.  My heart settled down into the treasure of a day that was booked from beginning to end.

First day of school finished with Dr Seuss movies and brotherly love.

My other balance to missing Benjamin, working on a new job, while trying to learn a CAD program at age 55, came when I was called to help my daughter.

It was truly a throw back to the Andy Griffith Show.  My daughter now lives in a small, rural community. One with only a couple of traffic lights.  Cow pastures surround this little city where you hear the train pass through the downtown blowing its horn.

As I came to help I turned the corner to her street.  To my wonder, coming toward me, was my three grandsons in their battery operated police car!  As they realized it was me, they started to bail out of the car.  This was a block or more from their home.  We piled them into my car when my daughter realized the battery on kid's car was dead...it now needed rescued.  After returning everyone home, the boys and I enjoyed the simple things in life.  TRUCKS. CONSTRUCTION TRUCKS.  As if a movie was playing before their eyes, we spent the morning watching dirt trucks do their job.  One driver hooked his horn for the boys,


Balance...........that place where responsibility doesn't suck all the life out of you.
That place that reminds you what is important and what will be remembered.
That place where you feel  yourself breath and enjoy!

11 Joining in with more words:

Lisa said...

Janette
It's so tough to get back into a routine after summer, isn't it? You seem to have things well in hand. I love seeing your grandsons! They've grown so much!

Vee said...

Yes, breathing is always good. ☺ I am always struck by how busy your life is...the joys of having a large family! It is wonderful that you take time to be alone with The Lord and seek Him for the balance only He provides. God bless this school year for all the kiddos and their parents and grandparents.

podso said...

Loved your last paragraph especially. Life can get so busy. The kids on our street have a cadillac but I've never seen a police car before. How fun!

Summer said...

I can relate with being and emotional eater... Yikes! Love your photos ♥

summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

Farm Girl said...

I think it is so nice to read what is going on in your life. Filled to the brim with such nice things.
You are surrounded by such nice things.
Balance is such a nice word too. I hope you find it every day. :)

Debbie said...

Oh such a good word....balance....I find myself searching for that and I no longer have kids at home to get to school, or a job I must get to as well. Seeking God for that balance no matter what season of life we are in is the definite key. I LOVE those pencil cookies. They are adorable and I am quite sure yummy as well. I have never seen an electric police car...bet the boys just love that. Praying Benjamin and all the kids have a GOOD school year! Blessings to them all!

Christine said...

Hahahahahaha... the picture with the Police car in your trunk is hilarious!
But that's what Grandmas do! They come to the rescue, in more ways then one.

Look at how big everyone is getting! Yes, balance is needed.

Sharon said...

Great thoughts about balance, Janette. And I love the photos, too. I cannot believe how much Benjamin has grown. The little boy is definitely yielding to the young man. Isn't it wonderful when we have the chance to be a *hero* in the life of someone else?! I always love the chance to help out family, it just makes me feel so good.

Balance. Tough to achieve, but without it, it's all too easy to get exhausted and discouraged. Jesus is a good example for us - balancing His life between service and time alone. Restoration is so important as we *middle-aged-somethings* attempt to balance the many hats we wear!!

GOD BLESS!

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

How wonderful and what a blessing to be a grandma! The boys are darling!

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Balance is an elusive word for those of us who tend to over plan and over do. Being spontaneous is good for heart and soul. Good for you Janette for working toward both with the right balance. You are also blessed to have your family so close!

Bevie Sams said...

Haven't been here for a time, but am so happy to be here today to read how you are filling your life with all the wonderful things that make you so happy!!! Blessings hon...

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