We've done some great things this year (and it's not over yet!) and had some exciting changes in our lives like settling into our new house and making upgrades to it. Visiting Sesame Place and Philly. Playing outside in our big front and backyard. Levi's start of preschool. Celebrating his 3rd birthday. The Fall Jubilee. And all things in between.
We love to do things together. We're like the three musketeers.
This year has also had it's fair share of hardships and trials, indescribable pain, suffering, and loss. The Lord continues to test us, me, and ask for trust in Him. Difficult times are ... difficult. And sometimes there are just no words to say in dark moments other than "Praise You Father," even though we really don't want to. And for the first time I think ever in my life, I felt an anger at Him that I never have. Yet, what I'm continually called to do is praise Him for His grace that sees me through that anger and comforts me like a Lamb.
Back to those ups!
No matter what, I'm grateful for our family, our time together, and the wonderful...and I DO mean wonderful...love we share. There is no greater earthly feeling in me right now than coming home to Levi every day and being greeted with a big hug and kiss each day. Can he stay this age forever?
In addition, Isaac just worked his last nightshift yesterday before moving to days next week. The past four years have been trying, messy, and to say the least a juggling frenzy. But we made it. And if he had not worked night shift, Levi would probably have had to do some daycare. But because of that and having precious Mimi, he didn't. I'm so grateful. Grateful for his continuing service, sacrifice, devotion, care, and support. And grateful that his butt will be home every night now. Woo-hoo!
With Isaac moving to day shift, it afforded him plenty of special moments with just he and Levi together (the mall, the pool, their favorite parks), which will not all be lost with this change, there just won't be as many. For me, my "special" time with Levi was spent at night. And while we did have several nights with all three of us home together, if often seemed few and far between. Therefore, Levi and I had lots of dates together of our own as well. Shopping at Marshall's, the bookstore, the train station, Mimi's park, visiting Keek's, getting pizzas, grocery shopping, and watching Caillou. You name it, we probably did it.
I'm really sad for this change, sometimes because it's been three years with what seemed like just me and him every night, bonding and growing and nurturing our relationship and our routine. We would play, and sing, and dance, and act goofy. Then we'd eat dinner, I'd give him a bath, brush his teeth, and read bedtime stories. And the evenings were always filled with hugs and kisses in between. Those things won't change, we'll just have another addition to our party. And we'll be figuring out a somewhat new routine together.
It seems like it's all changing. But it's a great change and one I've been longing for. It kind of also means more work though. For me. Isaac will be gone in the mornings now on days he works well before I even get up, which means I'll have to get Levi up and dressed and breakfast before Mimi comes over. Or at least have everything prepared in advance. Not only that, but I will be back to cooking more frequently now that he'll be home every night. No more toquito dinners from Sheetz Isaac, sorry!
Though my heart is heavy for thinking back on these times, it's also very full.
Here are a few pics of a fun water night we had this summer, his birthday, and the Fall Jubilee today. I wanted to write a blog on each, but I've been a bit behind.
Hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful Fall weather! XOXO.
