Ups And Downs

Lately we've had our shares of ups and downs. Life is a perpetual rollercoaster I think. So many things going on and so little time to just sit down and take them all in.

We made it through summer but haven't started our school year back up yet. We will start after Labor day. I don't like that the schools start back so early here. I firmly believe kids need a break. I know they say that kids lose a lot over the summer but there are studies to show they lose a lot also when they have so many breaks through the year (which our school system does). They also say it's harder to get kids back on schedule when you take many breaks through the school year. Kids start anticipating the break about a week or two beforehand, then you have the week or longer break (sometimes up to 3 weeks!) and then you have at least a week or maybe two to get them settled down again. You do this several times through the year and you have lost every bit as much time, or more, than if you just took a long break in the summer. For us it's a matter of both the kids and me needing a break!

We have started back to Sunday school which means I am teaching. Of course it's only one day a week but to be an effective teacher you really need to plan even for that one day. It definitely takes time and energy! We also have started back Youth Group. My older kids are super happy about that! Youth group is amazing and they not only learn so much about our faith, they have a lot of fun too! I am an adult leader for youth group so that is another night of the week to be gone. This year we are teaching Theology of the Body and I will lead the first class! I'm nervous but I know it will go great. TOB is a great class to be teaching these kids. I'm excited for them.

I have been asked to lead a "new" program in our church. It is a Right to Life group. We have always had one at our parish but we have never done anything with it. I was asked to be the chair of the group and have mapped out an amazing year for us. We will be kicking it off this weekend with a Spiritual Adoption. This program allows our members to spiritually "adopt" a baby that is in danger of being aborted. We will give monthly updates on their baby's development, throw a baby shower where all gifts will go to our local pregnancy resource center and then have a birthday party in May where we ask everyone to bring diapers for the pregnancy resource center. I'm excited for it! I'm nervous because it means I have to get up in front of our entire congregation to present the program to them. It would be one thing if I only had to do this once but we have 5 Masses at our church so I will be presenting 3 times in English and then standing there while our priest presents it in Spanish. I'm hoping to get through the weekend!

In addition to the Spiritual Adoption we will be doing things through the year to focus on all the life issues, not just abortion. I'm anxious and excited and ready to do this! I'm praying for God to give me the strength to do this program justice. I have a lot riding on my shoulders and so many people I don't want to let down.

I got to finally meet Angi, whom I've know for 12 years now via the internet through a large family moms group. The original group dispersed but a few of us stayed together learning, praying and growing (figuratively and literally!). Angi was in Atlanta a few weeks back and I made the trip out there to see her and her son. I took Garrett with me and we had a great time at The Varsity. I have met others from the group before but Angi and I had never met face to face. It's funny how when seeing her it felt so natural and easy. Of cours that is because we have shared so much over the years. I was so happy to put my arms around her and give her a hug!

While all this has been going on I am in constant prayer for a few of the people who mean the most to me. My heart hurts for several people including my sister who is going through a very messy and drawn out divorce. For one of my oldest and dearest friends who is also going through a messy divorce and for one of my best and sweetest friends here that could possibly be losing her baby. It pains me to know that those I care about so much are hurting so much too. I wish I could take those pains from them. Of course I can't but I can try to be there for them. I'm trying!

I am struggling some with some health problems but nothing that is life-threatening so that's a positive! My children have been wild for the last few days and some of the days it's all I can do to get to bedtime (where I am not sleeping but at least they are!). Today was one of those days.

We have had our ups and downs and we are trying to get through them the best we can. My heart is still heavy but there are less days of sorrow now and I am thankful for that. Those days that sneak up on me are still so painful and I know they will always be there. I've had some rough weeks lately but we are trusting God to get us through and He hasn't failed us yet!

I've got other things to write about but I'll save them for now since I've gotten a little long. What have you been up to?