Day 17 Ohio: January 14, 2008

Monday, January 14, 2008
Temp: 30 degrees F
Snow: Light dusting

Well, we’re here and doing pretty well. I’m managing on my own. Building fires, gathering wood – hubby is away, obviously!

This past Friday night, my friend, Annette, came over with Chinese food in hand and a good chick flick. I’ve talked about Annette before, I think? I met her at Hubby’s class reunion and we’ve been friends ever since. Whenever I’m in Ohio, I always try to get together with her. She owns a wonderful Salon/Spa here in town. Anyway, as I was saying, she stopped by on Friday night and we had such a great time. She was kind enough to bring her scissors and she trimmed Maddy’s hair for me. In fact, I guess this was Maddy’s “first haircut”. I’ll have to post pictures as soon as I’m able to find a faster connection to the internet.

Saturday was wonderful weather. Maddy and I got outside and played for a while. We walked, picked up sticks and chased the dog. For those of you who know Maddy, she absolutely loves being outdoors. She’s so curious. We played a little game. She’d point out things and I would tell her what it was. We had a good time and were thankful for the opportunity to get out of the house.

Sunday we attended the local First Baptist Church. It’s a small church with a big heart. I’ve been enjoying the services there.

Hubby will be home on Wednesday. We are sooooo looking forward to his return.

This is what I wake up to . . .

In great need of encouragement

Well, I'm in a lull today -- actually the past couple of days. This big 'ole house is lonely. Hubby has been gone almost a week. I'm stuck in the routine/schedule of two little girls and I can't get out. Internet access is almost impossible. My cell phone is dead and I'm without a charger. I feel like I'm losing my connection to the outside world. It's 26 degrees (f) here today. And too windy to get the girls out. Maddy is breaking out -- I'm sure from something she has eaten -- what? is the mystery. Having food allergies to peanuts, eggs and milk, it's impossible to shield her from all of those. So, which one is the culprit this time? Who knows?

I'm feel unorganized. I need to get online and pay bills, but it takes so long for the pages to load. And then, when they do, the payment never processes. I feel so scattered. I don't have all I need here -- my files, my systems. Anyone who knows me knows that I work best in a routine. I work best in my own environment. Change really stresses me out. And I'm someone who needs support and lots of encouragement. And unfortunately, two little girls aren't able to give me support OR encouragement.

I also feel like I'm running in circles . . . changing diapers, vacuuming, mopping the kitchen floor, fixing a meal and then cleaning up a meal . . . it's never ending. I'm wondering when I'm going to get to stand back, look at my accomplishments and feel good --- feel like something has been done. Most days I feel like I'm just chasing my tail. Seriously! And I know I'm not alone. I've read the other blogs from other mothers -- And I'm a smart girl -- I know I shouldn't be looking to you all for encouragement. Instead, I should be opening God's word because I know he has a lot to say to me.

So I'm asking you for prayer. I know the lull will be short lived and I know this is just an adjustment. But please, please pray that God will help me "get it together."

Oh, and I promise I'll be back with a post. I've started one and I just need to get it posted. Because of my internet connection, I have to type it in Word and then take about 10 to 15 minutes to get online and attempt to post. So, wish me luck -- hopefully it will be posted today!

Oh and if you feel led to, please feel free to leave me a comment. I may not be able to respond, but I'd love to hear from you.