My Achy, Breaky Heart

Before you get on to me for using the title of a one hit wonder Billy Ray Cyrus song, it really does sum up how I am feeling today.

Do you ever just have those days where you just don't know what to do as a parent? Well, today was one of them for me.

Poor J had a rough day at school. His class was supposed to work on a diorama of Ramona Quimby, Age 8. Now if you know J, you know that art is not his gift, but we always encourage him to do his best to use the creativity that God has given him. But somewhere along the line, this "attitude" comes out when it comes to doing art. Anyway, the diorama had to come home with him to work on this weekend. This was just the beginning.

After several near meltdowns, we hit the final straw...cleaning up the playroom. A simple task, but not so simple tonight. The "attitude" came back for a visit.

Somedays, it seems like no matter what you do or say as a mom, you just can't get through. By the end of our conversation, he hit the melting point.

After trying to get through to him, it was just time for bed. He was exhausted; we were exhausted. We prayed with him and tucked him in with lots of hugs and kisses.

But still I wonder how I am going to get through to him tomorrow. For him to know that he is smart, and fun, and a beautiful child of God.

Sometimes I miss those baby days...where you can just hug them and kiss them and they know they are loved and they are special.

I know I'll be doing lots of praying tonight...praying for J, praying for wisdom for us as parents, and praying that God would heal a few achy, breaky hearts.

Some more chocolate for your life...

Photo by Ree (The Pioneer Woman)
Ah, I love Virginia, but the weather here has been a bit bleak...sprinkling...cloudy...cool. So, everyone needs a little something to perk us up!

Check out this recipe from the Pioneer Woman. If you haven't checked out her cooking blog before, I am warning you...you will be hooked! Ah, I just love it!

Today, Ree posted this recipe for truffles with sea salt. They look yummy! Check it out!!

Finally Home

I had such a great time in Springfield. It was so refreshing to have girl time with my friends, to see dear former coworkers, and to eat at all of my favorite restaurants. :) I truly felt so loved.

I think I figured out that I slept a total of 22 hours over 5 days, but it was definitely worth it!

AND, my house survived!

Going "Home"

This weekend, I am going to be going back to Springfield to visit my dear friend Katie who will be getting married soon. I am looking forward to girl time...hanging out, laughing until we are sick, and then laughing some more (not to mention mass quantities of Cheddar's spinach dip).

I also get to spend time with my dear friend Paula. It has been way too long!

I am looking forward to going, but I am wondering how I am going to feel. I haven't been back to Springfield in over two years. I miss so many things there still...and I miss the people even more. I think this will be a bittersweet time.

Anyway, T and J are going to have guys night while I am gone. Pizza, movies, camping out in the living room. J likes guys night because he can burp all he wants. Ahh, the little things in life. :)

Hopefully my house is still intact when I return!

A whole lotta love...

My precious friend Jenny Erdman of Paper Napkin Photo rocks!

You need to hop on over to her site to read the story of Heath and Cassie. Heath started attending our military small group a couple of months ago, and he surprised us two weeks ago by telling us he was getting married...that coming Friday.

You see, Heath is in the Army and got warning orders that he would be deployed again within the next year. So, rather than waiting for the wedding they were planning next year, Heath and Cassie moved their wedding up.

Enter Jenny Erdman...a sweet friend from church who has a photography business on the side. I had asked Heath if they had a photographer, and he said no. So, I asked Jenny if she was willing to come to the small ceremony on the mountain and take some photos. She selflessly gave of her time and took some lovely photos.

Congrats to Heath and Cassie and thanks to Jenny.

Taste Selects

My friend Beth is having a grand opening today of her new location in downtown Lynchburg. Go visit her at Taste Selects Cupcakery!

Catching up with a few more pictures

Our summer has been really fun. While we really didn't take a vacation, we have made lots of weekend trips to visit family as you have seen by the previous posts.

Here are just a few more pictures from our last weekend adventure...King's Dominion. We decided to take J because this is the last year that he could ride the kid rides. Aside from Silver Dollar City, he really hasn't been to an amusement park. So we decided to make some memories. :)

We had a blast...hope you enjoy the pictures!