Nearly 2 years between blog entries... Yikes.  Thus the 'busyness' reference in the title of this blog...  In fact, the 'busyness' is what prompts this entry...

I go through periods of time when I become overwhelmed by the demands and pace of this season in our lives.  The drowning feeling has become more frequent since Aaron became self-employed 2 years ago and I became a working-stay-at-home mom.  Adding 20-30 hours a week of work to the responsibilities of caring for a family of 6 definitely ratcheted up the pressure I felt.

During these times when I become overwhelmed and invariably unload emotionally on Aaron, he always reminds me of the ping pong ball theory.  If you have a jar that you have to fill with ping pong balls and pebbles, if you put the pebbles in first, you'll never fit the ping pong balls.  But if you put the balls in first, the pebbles fill in the empty spaces and it all fits.  In this analogy, our marriage and family relationships are the ping pong balls.  Work, laundry, dishes, bills, errands, activities, sports, lessons -- these are the pebbles.  It is a theory that I have understood intellectually but have had trouble embracing emotionally and in practice.



As the school year has resumed with its associated frenetic pace, I began again to feel that pressure building up inside.  As I prayed one night, one word came into my mind -- tithing.  Most of us that are familiar with tithing can easily explain the principle.  We return 10% of our increase (our money) to the Lord in appreciation for the 100% He gives us. We have been tithe payers for many years and have watched over and over again as the Lord has fulfilled His promise in Malachi 3:10 -- "... prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."  It is temporally counterintuitive - give away your money to God and you have more money.  But anyone who has faithfully paid tithing knows this is exactly what happens.

What had not occurred to me was that this principle of tithing could apply in other areas of life as well. During that prayer, I was impressed with the notion that it can apply equally as miraculously to our time and energy.  If I am 'tithing' a portion of my time to God (whether that be prayer, scripture study, church service, etc.), He can take my meager offering and expand what remains.  If He can multiply our remaining money after we tithe our 10%, He can certainly multiply our time and energy after we give Him a portion.

That insight has helped over the last week as I've continued to remind myself of it.  And then within a 3-day period, both of our high school girls needed that same insight as well...

Kylie - being a junior - has taken on advanced classes, early-morning seminary, a class at the local college, junior class president, cheer, piano, church responsibilities, chores, and assisting with our business.  After a week of days starting at 4:30 a.m. and ending at 10 p.m., she was exhausted and frustrated and emotional about all the things she would like to do that she simply does not have time for - like scripture study, journal writing, etc.

Kiara - being a freshman - has jumped into the high-school deep end with 2 math classes, early-morning seminary, cheer, church responsibilities, chores, and assisting with our business.  Both the math classes and the cheer push her to the limits of her comprehension and execution, requiring a lot of emotional and mental energy.  After a week of getting up at 4:30 every morning for seminary and doing her best to get to bed as early as possible while still finishing her required work, she fell asleep in math class 2 days in a row.  She didn't sleep deeply enough to draw attention to herself but enough to miss important instruction, which left her even more anxious.  She became emotional and overwhelmed.

I am grateful for a wise and loving God who gave me an insight at a time that it not only blessed me but could bless my daughters as well.  I explained to each of them in these two separate conversations what I had come to understand about tithing. In each conversation, we both ended up in tears as I shared the comfort and peace I had felt.  And I am grateful for a wise and loving husband who explains the same principle to me over and over and patiently waits for me to beat my head against the wall until I finally get it.

This entry is too long in coming, but better late than never.  Where to begin??  Early this spring, I received a private FB message from Erica - a woman who is friends with my BFF, Shannon, now that she lives in North Carolina:
















What an amazing idea!  But at that point, there was no foreseeable way we could afford my plane fare.  When I told Aaron about it, he said, "If you want it, and you feel good about it, then pray for it."  So I did.  Within 6 weeks, Heavenly Father worked his miracles and I had a plane ticket to Savannah.  The next task at hand was to keep the secret from Shannon for 2 months.  That was a tough one!  I knew I couldn't tell many of our mutual friends here in Washington, for fear that someone would slip on Facebook and let the cat out of the bag.  It was a challenge - and by the night before my departure, I had told several friends.  They were very supportive and excited and even posted a couple of cover-posts on Facebook so Shannon would never suspect a visit.

Finally, the day arrived.  I flew all night Thursday night so I could arrive in Savannah about the same time as Shannon and the girls.  I was so stinking excited!  The cover story the girls used to get Shannon to the airport was that Suzane's husband asked her to pick up a rental car receipt.  Not knowing the airport layout, I planned to meet her at the rental car counters.  Suzane came inside and found me and we went out to the car where a completely unsuspecting Shannon was waiting.

(I will insert the video here if I can ever get my computer's hands on it...)

There are no words for that moment.  It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to catch someone I love so off-guard in such a spectacularly fun way.  My cool, dark-and-twisty friend was so emotional.  It was wonderful to see her again after a year-and-a-half.  Getting to spend that time together in a city as beautiful as Savannah was a real treat.

After checking in at the hotel in the historical district, we spent some time walking through the fun shops down on River Street.  It's a very interesting and funky place.  There are also a lot of neat shops in the City Market area, and we spent some time browsing them as well.  That evening we ate outside at an italian restaurant in the marketplace.  As is usually the case when women get together, there were some serious conversations and lots of laughing until my sides ached.






On Saturday we ate breakfast at the hotel.  We knew we wanted to have dinner at Paula Deen's restaurant - The Lady and Sons - that evening.  We didn't know that the reservations process was a bit unusual.  As instructed, we showed up Saturday morning to stand in line to get a reservation for Saturday's dinner.  Suzane was a good sport and got us the reservation for 7:00 while we drove around. Then we headed out to the beach.

The first stop was the Tybee Lighthouse.  It is Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse, built in 1773.  Beautiful.

Even though it was cloudy, it was still hot, and it was a great day to be at the beach.  Unlike here where the beaches are rocks and dark sand and freezing water, the beach there had soft, light sand and the water temperature was 81 degrees.  It was wonderful just to lay on the beach and soak up some summer sun (something we haven't had yet here in the NW).






We ate lunch at a cute little beach restaurant/bar.  Their sweet potato fries with a balsamic reduction drizzle were fantastic.  Their plantains weren't as good as the ones my mother-in-law taught me to make, but they were sweet and tasty.  Erica went into the restroom and came out talking about the amazing sea salt scrub in there that left her skin so soft and moisturized.  Of course we all had to take turns trying it.  Shannon loved it so much she insisted that we stop at a store on the way back to the hotel and try to find some sea salts for her shower.  With the four of us having to shower and get to the restaurant to make our reservation, I didn't think we probably had time to find a place.  So I told her I had a ziploc in my purse which she could fill with some of the sea salts at the restaurant.  We are officially old ladies.

We made it to The Lady and Sons in time for our reservation.  It is a really cool old building and had at least 3 levels of dining rooms.  It was much bigger than I remembered.  The hoe cake and garlic cheese biscuit we got while waiting for our entrees were soooooo gooood.  Shannon ordered the chicken pot pie - which was definitely the best choice on the menu and very pretty to boot.  The rest of us were a little disappointed in our food, but I was still very glad we went.



On Sunday, we had to head out around noon but Erica really wanted to see the cathedral in town.  I'm so glad she did.  Along the way we saw some great historical sites and really got to see the beautiful history of the city.  In the historic district, the streets are arranged so that there is a little park square in the middle of the four-way intersections.  Most had a statue or two and lots of beautiful trees.  We happened upon a tour guide telling a group of people about that particular square.  In the early days, it was execution square where the hangings would happen.  She said there was an urban legend that the Spanish moss that covers all of the big trees in Savannah would not grow in any place where blood had been spilt.  Sure enough - we looked up to see that corner of the square had no Spanish moss.  True or not, it makes for a great story.

We finally made it to the cathedral.  There were signs posted that there was no touring allowed, as mass was in session.  The three of us were disappointed and ready to turn back when Shannon went up and opened one of the doors and motioned for us to come inside.  We went into one of the back pews and listened as the priest spoke.  The interior of the cathedral was breathtaking - the carvings, the stained glass, the mosaics - stunning.   And as the priest spoke about the body and blood of Christ, I was reminded how easy it is to feel the Holy Spirit's presence in any place where people are gathered with the intent to worship God.  My heart felt peaceful and hopeful.  It was such a neat experience.

We had a good time in the car on the way to Shannon's house in North Carolina - good conversation over the four-hour drive.

I couldn't believe how Shannon's kids have grown, and it was wonderful to be able to visit her home.  Just like old times - complete with a Mr. Sean special sandwich dinner.  Then the whole family went out for ice cream at Sunni Skies.  It is this little ice cream shop where they have dozens of flavors of homemade ice cream.  I was not brave enough to try Cold Sweat - the infamous hot pepper ice cream, but mine was fantastic.  As we sat outside eating our ice cream, in a clearing in the brush I got to see fireflies for the very first time.  Those are some cool bugs!

Shannon and I got up early Monday morning and she took me to the legendary Southern institution, the Waffle House.  Of course I had to try grits.  They were better than I expected but not something I'd probably order again.  The waffle was delicious!  Then we spent a little time shopping at the mall in Raleigh before I had to be at the airport at noon.

It was hard to leave my friend again.  I still miss her very much.  I am so thankful for a generous Heavenly Father who made it possible for us to spend time together, and to my husband who encouraged me to go and did a great job holding down the fort in my absence.

Every September, I feel a slight bit of guilt over the lazy pace of our summer vacations - a lot of sleeping late and hanging out at home.  But then when spring hits, I remember exactly why our summers are like that...  There are so many activities and commitments crammed into the months of April and May that we are all completely burned out by June.  This year is no exception.

 I was so well-intentioned to update the blog every Sunday.  But then on Sunday, Aaron got called as Elder's Quorum President and before I knew it, it was bedtime Sunday night.  Now nearly another week has gotten by me without a post.  That's one thing about life in a family of 6 - the best laid plans of mice and moms often go awry.  Learning how to be a more 'seat-of-your-pants' kind of person remains one of my biggest challenges.  

In the spirit of going with the flow, I thought a quick way to catch up would be to post the latest in our lives via my Facebook status.  Since it only takes about 10 seconds to update my status, it stays a lot more current than my blog... 

Monday 1/31

     Kiara cleaned my clock on Mario Kart - but what a fun time playing with my girl. My kids are really cool.

Tuesday 2/1

     Aiden: "When I get home from school and get all my homework done, can I play Mario Kart?" Me: "Probably, but remember you kids have eye doctor appointments today after school." Aiden: "AAAAHHHH!! I have so much to do in a week!"

Wednesday 2/2

     Despite the 29-degree temperature, they were putting out the gardening soil at Wal-Mart. That's hope - knowing warmth and sunshine are coming despite the current chill. I think I'm in a putting-out-the-gardening-soilplace in my life.

 

Thursday 2/3

     Making empanadas for a multi-cultural night for the youth at church. Between my favorite American food and all of the delicious things I've learned to make since I became an honorary Panamanian by marrying mi esposo, it's un milagro that both of us don't weigh 500 pounds.

     Looking forward to a leisurely mommies' lunch tomorrow with my sis-in-law.

Saturday 2/5

     Someday I will wax nostalgic for the day when a three-year-old bawled and banged on the door through my whole shower. Someday. Not today.

     Gave blood today. A girl could get used to the raving about my 'great veins' and 'rare' blood type. Flattery will get you everywhere.

     Sweet husband sent the kids to bed early so this cranky mami could have a little peace and quiet. That's a good man. ♥

Sunday 2/6

     Sunday school lesson done, Dr. Burdge called as EQ president, surrounded by a wonderful church family... What a great Sunday.

Monday 2/7

     I miss my friend.

     When I ask the baby if she's ready to let me rock her to sleep, every night she says, "I wanna rock right now." I'm living with Rob Base.

Tuesday 2/8

     ...rocking the blond. Thank you, Miss Meghan - Goddess of Hair. :o)

Thursday 2/10

     Library story-time with Thing 4... aka Preschool Prep.

     Got to talk to my Shann. Ahhhhhhhh. Good for the soul.

Friday 2/11

     Just put on leggings and Nikes to go work out. Welcome to 1987.

I'm looking forward to a Friday evening with no commitments, basketball for Aaron and Aiden tomorrow morning, and Maddie Beach's baptism tomorrow afternoon...  The beat goes on.

I always love it when The Nana is here.  Correction:  I always love The Nana being here.  But since she comes to help when things get crazy, she's always here during the craziest weeks.  This week was no exception.

It started the end of last week when poor, sweet Aiden started complaining of an intense headache and vomiting.  By Saturday afternoon, he couldn't stop crying over the pain in his head.  Long story short, after a call to the pediatrician and a check at the ER, it seems he had a virus that produces the same symptoms as the flu but doesn't test positive for flu.  He ran a fever on and off all week, going to school every other day, and running himself ragged - happily ragged - at basketball on Saturday.  He's still not all better, but he's smiling and happy and on the mend.

We fit in a lot of errands, cleaning, organizing, appointments, and meetings.  Somehow on Thursday, we managed to take Alysia to storytime at the library, pick up the big girls from their finals-week-early-release day, get lunch, get all the girls' hair cut, get Alysia to the doctor, get home to have dinner, take the big girls to their church activities, Aaron and I both had church meetings - one here, one out of town, he brought the girls home after, and I finally got home a little before 10 p.m.

On Friday the boys got their hair cut and Aaron and I left for the temple, with a stop at Costco along the way.  The only hiccup was that we had to take Aiden out of school early because I had erroneously thought he had a half-day because the big girls had a half-day.  I seriously need an extra brain just to keep track of where everyone is supposed to be and when.  That 'brain' has traditionally been housed in my iPhone.  However, it (the phone) has decided that it no longer enjoys its job and likes to take breaks during the day, shutting itself off at random intervals.  Actually that is also an accurate description of my brain as well...  Hmmmmm....

The temple was such a peaceful respite from the demands of the week.  Afterward we had such fun talking and laughing with friends over Mexican food that we didn't get back home until 1 a.m.   We are too old for this.  Saturday morning the boys had basketball, and that evening Aaron played auctioneer at the fundraising dinner for the cub scouts.

I am hopeful that this next week may be a little less demanding, but that usually isn't the case.  I am getting a little better at accepting this pace as a season of our lives, one that won't last forever.  And I have our little bag lady - Hurricane Leela - to remind me every day.  For that I am very thankful.

A while back, I posted about accepting the imperfections of life and finding joy in the moment.  I wish I were better at that.  I've thought several times about updating my blog in recent months but my compulsion to produce a perfectly-composed entry with accompanying images has led me to procrastinate even more.  Good grief.  Get over yourself already.  This blog is no more meant to be perfect than life is meant to be perfect.  Journaling is about documenting my experiences - unpolished, open-ended, and in-progress, just as they are.


We had a wonderful Christmas.  We spent several days with my family and were treated to great experiences.  Grandma Lori took us big girls on a Christmas tour of the historic Pittock Mansion in Portland.  








Then she took us to Papa Hayden's for their famous desserts.  For those of us who rarely eat out, and never get to the gourmet restaurants, it was a rare treat.  Their food is incredible and beautiful.


We got to spend some time with my grandma, my uncle, and my cousin.  We took our first annual Family Walking Tour of Neighborhood Christmas Lights.




Then at Nana's we did a different fun family activity every day.  Swimming, 3 different movies, and the thrill of the Littles' week - Chuck E. Cheese.

Nana started our Christmas time together with a family lesson about the true meaning of Christmas and its symbols.  She talked about how our gift to the Lord is serving others.  For each nice thing the kids did to help someone else during our visit, they got to put a bow on the present for the Savior.  They really got in the spirit of the season.






So already 2011 has brought a few surprises.  The plan for this year came from a very sweet encouraging email from a friend:  Stick to the basics, be diligent and wait to be amazed!!  Bring it on. 

Has it really been 5 months since my last entry?  Good grief.  I turned 38 this weekend, and this is as good a time as any to catch up and re-dedicate myself.


The summer both dragged and flew by, if that is possible.  We were all so incredibly exhausted and burned out by the last day of school.  We spent a good portion of the summer just enjoying being able to sleep in and stay up late.  Aaron was still spending his days studying, and his Saturdays teaching a class at the University, so we stayed on the island during June and July.  This summer's weather was the coldest and wettest we've ever had since moving here 8 years ago - rarely reaching 70 degrees, even while we did our fireworks on the 4th of July.


The last week in July was Kylie's first year of our church's Girls' Camp.  I have been dreading it for years, knowing I would be going along.  I've been on enough field trips to know that large groups of young people are rarely enjoyable for any length of time.  That's where I was wrong.  The week was wonderful.  I was surrounded by over 100 girls who had no need to engage in drama or histrionics because they were confident in their identities as daughters of God.  Everyone could relax, enjoy, cooperate, and learn in an environment of friendship and sisterhood.  I am so glad I get to go back again with these girls and these women.  Next year, I'll even smile in a picture or two.



In August, Aaron's schedule cleared out for a bit, so we took advantage of that time to travel to Oregon to visit with my folks.  I realize that my Grandma's ability and willingness to travel up from Medford to see us in Portland may not last much longer.  So any time she is willing to make the trip, we try to coordinate our efforts.  It takes an act of Congress to get this family of 6 + dog organized, packed, and loaded for a road trip, but we did it.  We knew we probably wouldn't make the best time, leaving at 1:00 on a Friday afternoon, but we didn't figure the normally-5-hour trip would take nearly 9 hours.  Dang.  It was so great to have some free time to enjoy our family, both immediate and extended.  We had all of Grandma's grandchildren in one room for the first time in years.  That was awesome.





There was a lot of informal fun too.  Thank the Lord for summer!