Things Ive Learned in a Summer full of 100+ degree Temps

According to this website we are on our 24th consecutive day of 100+ degree temps for the Dallas/Ft Worth area.
 I am currently 31 weeks pregnant in my 5th pregnancy and very hot.

And, that's probably an understatement.

But, trying to look at the bright side of this current situation, I've been mentally thinking of things I've learned through this heat. I thought- ya know so I can look back and remember this summer in all its hot glory- that I would write them all out here as a simple reminder that it's not that bad.
Right???

1. A $200 initial {ahh key word there} investment in an above ground pool is worth every.single.penny.
2. If I thought it was hard being pregnant any other summer {this is my 5th pregnancy and 5th time spending the Summer pregnant} I was wrong. This one is by far the hottest and hardest with a 3 year old and almost 2 year old.
3. Leaving the house to hang out with friends was much more appealing when I was 40 pounds lighter and it was 30 degrees cooler. {sorry guys}
4. I can get a lot more laundry done when I'm home instead of out hanging out with friends and having playdates. :) {shhh dont tell Derek}
5. The kids really do survive weeks on end without playing with friends.
6. Surprisingly, when we're home more the kids all get along better. Go figure.
7. A trampoline with a sprinkler spraying on it provides HOURS of uninterrupted fun for 4 kids ages 1-10.
8. I discovered Pinterest. Enough said.
9. We spend a lot less money eating out when the desire to stay home, in the cool air, over rides the desire {read: laziness} to not cook.

And the 10th thing I've learned this Summer full of 100+ degree temps is......

10.The Lord is changing my heart towards home again. Even if it took over 30 {non-consecutive} days so far this summer to give me the desire to stay home more.

Somewhere Along the Way

Somewhere along the way....I lost my way.
Actually, I lost His way.
I don't mean I lost my faith or anything similar. I just lost sight of what I am supposed to be doing in this life. What He has called be to do.
To be.
As a wife.
A mother.
A teacher.
A homemaker.

This past year I think I just felt the burnout of being a homeschooling mom. It was only our 4th year but it started off rough. With Audrey's eye issues and my dads sudden death our fall wasn't too great.
But the Lord did show His faithfulness through it all.

I know I have been just going through the motions of everything. I've been homeschooling this year because I know that's what I'm supposed to be doing. But, I had no passion or vision in doing it.

Then, all of sudden, some time in May this renewed energy and excitement about being home with my kids and homeschooling them and training them came back to me!
Maybe its the fact we have a new baby on the way. Maybe the Lord is using that to remind me of this important thing He has called me to. But, whatever the reason I am grateful.

I am so excited for our new school year. I'm so excited to get back into a routine of having purpose in our daily musings. To not just go through the motions of getting things done because that's what we're supposed to be doing. But, instead doing everything while being mindful of what I've been called to do and be. And aware and intentional about training these kids the Lord has entrusted to us.

I've really missed blogging. And, Im well aware very few will actually read this post after such a long absence but it just feels good to be writing out some of the thoughts going through me head. And to share with no one
maybe someone what the Lord is doing in me right now.


So, I hope as part of my renewed passion for this calling of mine that I start blogging regularly again!