Thankful Thursday

Hi there. I cannot believe a week has already gone by. Everyday kind of seems like a blur when you're chasing a toddler around constantly. My sweet 3 year old niece went back to NC yesterday. I teared up saying goodbye to her...i am not a fan of goodbyes...especially when it comes to family. It was great having just her up here for a week. James was her little tag along buddy. He loves his cousin Abbi! The past couple of weeks have been filled with family visiting. This week Ryan's dad and stepmom are here visiting from Vermont. Tonight we are having them over for dinner. It's been great seeing family...but i have to say, i miss spending time with just my little family. Ryan has been working so hard with school and work lately. This week he will be wrapping up his summer semester in school - this past week he's been busy. Finding time for one another has been difficult. He goes to school on Mondays and Wednesday nights...he usually doesn't get home till around 10pm. On Tuesdays i have my bible study group. I only get to see him for a few minutes when he gets off before i leave. The time in between and around have been filled with studying, homework, family visiting, grocery trips, church, etc. It's been a full load this month. Often times when couples don't spend a lot of time together, they tend to well....drift apart. Though that may be the case, there are ways to stay connected. Even though i am constantly ready to entertain, bathe, play, disipline, instruct, watch, and feed a toddler at all times...i get to stay at home while doing this. Don't get me wrong, being a stay at home mom is like a never ending job. You don't really have the luxury of clocking in and out. After you put your kids to bed, you can breathe a little sigh of relief and prop those aching feet up, but all the while crossing your fingers hoping that nothing wakes them up! Like i said before in a previous blog, that by being a stay at home mom you not only watch the kids, but you cook, clean, do laundry, pay bills, get groceries, etc. But there are some great perks to being the stay at home mom that i am. I get to see James at his best and worst. It's a blessing that i am able to stay at home with him. I owe it all to the Lord and my husband's HARD work! I think as wives we tend to neglect all of the labor that our men put into for providing for our families. They are out there battling in the work place for us! We are able to have the title "stay at home" moms because of them and their dedication....well, at least i am. Ryan and i have been able to move passed all the useless arguments of "who works harder" or the questions "well what do you think i've been doing all day?" or "you're tired? please." We put in as much heart and devotion in our "jobs." But a big part of being a stay at home mom and wife is to make sure your house and family are safe, loved, and on track.
"A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings good not harm,
all the days of her life.
...she works with eager hands.
...She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family.
..She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
..Her lamp does not go out at night...
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed,
her husband also, and he praises her: many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
- portions from Proverbs 31

Husbands provide the home, wives provide the tone and atmosphere of the home. That is why it is so important for us as husbands, wives, and parents to have time alone with God. If you are working, going to school, or have children it is difficult to find time...but there is always an opening. For me, i try to read my bible before i get out of bed - if james wakes up before i do it then i plan to spend time with God when James naps. if he is cranky and cannot nap, then i push it back to after he goes to sleep for the night. Somedays, it just does not work out entirely. God knows our hearts and understands our lives as parents and spouses is hectic.
It is also very important to pray for your spouse as well as your kids. That is a good way to set the "tone" of the house. Ryan has been going through a very difficult time with his job lately...all i'll say it's just not looking good. on top of school, he has been dealing with so much! Every where he goes there is stress - stress at his work and stress at school. I want our home to be a place where he can unwind and feel safe from all of those stresses.
My dear husband has surprised and amazed me so much with his faith. Granted, we have been through many jobs and stressful situations since we have been married. His faith has grown and been refined over the years. We have absolutely no idea what is ahead for us as a family, but we are full of hope. Ryan has taken the role of being our spiritual leader in our house. Just by seeing him act out of faith instead of impulsive anxiousness...that simply amazes me and holds me accountable.
Anyway, i said all of this to say PRAY FOR YOUR HARD WORKING HUSBANDS! That is one of the best things we can do as their wives. Pray that they won't be "workaholics" or "lazy." Much of a man's identity is found in his work. Pray that they will always have doors opened for them to walk through without fear. Pray that he will always be paid well fro the work that he does. Pray that they can find time to rest and enjoy life. Pray also for yourselves as wives - to find ways to encourage them. You may be going through some lonely times with your husband working and going to school or whatever. Try not to become discouraged. It's only a season. Take this time to "work" on yourself and the atmosphere you want in your home. Remember, one of the reasons why he is working so hard is so you can be a stay at home mom.

Thankful for the day: My hard working husband
~sunny days so james and i can go outside
~family
~weekends!
~our house
~that James takes naps everyday!
~God's provision

Have a thankful day everyone!

*Here are two pictures of James typing on his keyboard while Ryan was typing a paper for school early this morning.*