Balance in the Blessings

Hello family and friends!!

Hmm. It seems I've become a twice a month blogger. Maybe I can get back into a more regular rhythm.  Possibly. Okay, please forgive my broken record self. Perhaps you might forgive me because you feel the same way. Is it a huge life struggle for you to balance everything? Balance it all but still strive for peace and contentedness. Gratitude. Yes, gratitude. Thankfulness. More of that! Joy. It's my struggle. All the time. Right now. Fighting for peace. Balance. Gratitude.

Yesterday morning was a grouchy one around here. The kiddlings were not getting along for a spell. I was grouchy and overwhelmed with the ever-lengthening "to-do" list. I was grouchy at them for not getting along. Finally, in the same not-so-gentle voice that I had been using I said . . . "You know what my problem is??  I have so many blessings I don't know where to start. I am overwhelmed with my blessings and not enough virtue to handle it all correctly. That's my problem!"  It was a good fix. It definitely lightened the mood around here. It was the truth. It put the spotlight on me. I need to count my blessings, give thanks where it is due, love those around me, and roll up my sleeves. Anyhow, honesty and vulnerability really help in our family. It helps us stop for a minute, look at our sins, and resolve as a family to ask forgiveness and move on. It gives us a sense of teamwork. I'm so glad we went there yesterday.

Anyhow, so I need to work on gratitude and joy. One month of summer left and so much to do to get ready for our educational year. I'm so overwhelmed by the tasks ahead. I could use your prayers.  But I also want to enjoy as much of the summer as possible. It's such a beautiful time of year. I love it! We are very much enjoying summer this year. Our garden is hugely improved since last year. The weather has been good. Life is good. Just working on that balance thing. Balance, Peace. Joy. Gratitude.  And ahem, creativity in organization and time management. :)

Here's some pics from the last couple weeks:

Yummmmm. Raspberries from the yard and chocolate granola. 

Enjoying the Lodi pool. Free pool and we take a ferry to get there. Good times!

The kids and I found a new hiking spot last week. Perfect for the kids!

 We had a nice visit with Grandpa and Dianne for a couple days. It's always so good to see family and friends from far away!

We got a prime spot at the Circus Parade this year. Oh yeah!

I tried out a batch of refrigerator pickles this week. We'll see how they turn out. 

Mace joining the big boys. So precious!

Love it when the kids find a creative outlet for their summer hours. 

Basil is grating some zucchini for me for our zucchini muffins. 

Basil did a nice job sketching this katydid in his nature journal this morning. Yay Basil!!