Seven Years!

feels like FOREVER

Yes that was a complete joke. It actually feels more like I've known my husband my entire life, or at least should have. But this marriage has felt like a day. I fell into LIFE with an amazing man who is humble and humbles me, loves me and our kids, keeps my mood swings in check, and makes me crack up even in the worst of moments. I am so thankful I fell in love with someone who complements me and completes me in so many ways! Happy Anniversary to my hubs, you rock my world. And yes I do like rock music... and country, and grunge, and easy listening, and classical, and oldies. I didn't lie to you about the rock. :P

God's Voice.

Most of the time, I hear God's voice in quiet whispers. I think that's a pretty good description of how I have felt in life. In most situations where I need guidance or a clear answer, I feel a gentle nudging, a quiet voice... and I know God is there guiding me.

To preface the rest of this blog, I posted on Facebook this morning that I thought something good was going to happen today.

Today was not that kind of day. At least, it didn't feel like it. My hair was uncooperative, kids woke up earlier than expected, I was forced to take an Allegra as my allergy symptoms progressed through the morning, the kids fought and bickered right up through lunchtime, and I failed miserably at any attempt at calm and collected parental discipline. On top of other stressors in my life, these silly, trivial issues completely crumbled me. By the time I made it to the office to get some work done, I was emotionally spent. I shouldn't have been drained, especially as you read back through this paragraph and consider what I "endured" today (LOL)... life simply happens, and typically I deal with it alright. But today, I just didn't. Thank God for great friends who can listen and empathize. Thank you Jasmine for being there for me. :)

The four of us managed to have a nice evening... ate some leftovers, watched a movie while we cut Aaron and Ian's hair, and gave the kids baths. As we settled down after the kids bath, I sent Aaron to pick up our dry laundry (we do laundry at my in-law's house).

As Aaron came back upstairs, he explained what he saw on his walk. Looking West, the sun set bright and clear as it peered over gorgeous grey and white clouds. Looking East over our cafe building, a full double rainbow.

I threw a coat on Ana and ran downstairs, grabbing my camera.

As I turned the corner and the full panorama of this amazing rainbow came into view, I held back tears as I realized God was speaking to me. Sure, the rainbow formed due to some scientific effect of the rain and sunlight, blah blah blah.

Unfortunately for science, I don't believe in coincidences when it comes to God's timing.

Everything could go wrong in my day, I can be exhausted and depressed, stressed over work and cleaning with kids screaming and fighting around me... but no matter what, God is good. And He shows it to us over. and over. and over.

Things.

Unlike most of my posts on this blog, this one isn't deeply thought out, connected in any way, or pre-meditated.

- There are two sides to me, and I can't ever quite figure out what triggers either side of my personality. I guess I'd compare myself with a two-sided Cassette tape. Side A: silly, random, light-hearted. Side B: intuitive, philosophical, emotional. Those who know me well see both sides. However, at times I feel most people don't really know me, and just don't get me.

- Tonight's sermon was called "Plan Be." I liked it. This weekend's "Be-Attitude" was having the realization that I am spiritually broke. You know, I guess you could call it one of my quirks but I have always been able to publicly and fully admit I am sinful, flawed, and completely inadequate. I have always been able to admit the only reason I am ANYTHING is because God created me and loves me. I was just thinking today about how easily we forget how much He sustains us. Every breath I take is because of God. But I do think where I don't fully grasp this concept is my inability to completely let go and let Him take over. I repeatedly take the stress, carry it in my upper back, melt down, then let God piece me back together (and ask my husband for a backrub). It would make much more sense if I allowed God to lead me in my entirety from the start.

- My husband summited Mount Baker today, I think for the fourth time. He is a muscle-packed 6-foot tall mountain man who happens to bake and cook extremely well, and loves our kids. We'll be married seven years on August 1st. He is my bestest friend, my comforting touch, and the servant heart who leads our family.

- I have had an interesting journey of ups & downs, and ins & outs with friends. Wow, I could write a book of the excitement, betrayal, gullibility, pain, confusion, despair, joy, giddiness, guilt, frustration, loneliness, peace... and each of those words brought up a different memory. Isn't it interesting how life works, and what we go through and still come out moderately healthy individuals? I have been thinking about that a lot lately. I do thank Christ for being my constant.

- Flavors I like that I didn't before: lemon, coconut, hazelnut, V8. And no, I don't think all of those would go together. But its seriously freaking me out that within this past year, I suddenly like these flavors I once despised. There go my taste buds!

- I still dream of playing pro soccer. Sure, I quit my college team and gave up my scholarship after my sophomore season, but someone would take me, right? Can't I at least just practice with them?!! You have to have massive credentials to make it that far, but I'm thinking if I just hop the fence and start running around like I'm on the team, no one will notice.

That's all folks.

Ah, National Holidays.

Fourth of July. I am not incredibly patriotic, prefer to not wear red AND blue together, and can't afford to buy most of the stuff at the street fairs. But you know what, its my favorite holiday.

Every year, we spend the Fourth with an amazing group of people... we eat amazing food, enjoy the parade as our kids scavenge the cement for thrown candy, eat more, drink a little (this year, Boundary Bay Scotch Ale), and lay around in the grass as giddily happy kids run around us.

I had a moment Monday when the sense of peace completely overwhelmed me. Sometimes I get those short glimpses of what heaven must be like... enjoying and loving my community of people who love God and care about each other. The soft breeze picking up scents of grilled meat, flowers and trees as I soak in the heat of the midday sun. Although I bet I won't need allergy medication in heaven.

I love LOVE spending time with my family. Two nights of fun with my parents, and Jer& Deen and their amazing kids. Finally winning at Cities&Knights, an extraordinarily nerdy game, but hey... we like it. And, at times, we're willing to stay up till insane hours of the night to finish it. :)

And I love my parent-in-laws' backyard how despite being in the middle of "downtown" Blaine, I feel like I'm in a secret garden.

The downtown stage always has awesome music. I love watching the musicians and singers, and dreaming of someday being put-together-enough to be up there. It'll happen. :)

To top it off, the best fireworks EVER (except the day Aaron told me he loved me and wanted to marry me). But in all seriousness, Blaine has the best fireworks show. I enjoy it too much to take pictures.

And that's pretty much it. Ahh...