Adjusting and readjusting continued…

(If this ends up appearing in tiny font - sorry! I can't figure out what is wrong with the copy and paste feature.)

Things are still crazy busy around here and a lot of adjusting is still taking place, but we have also established some new routines and that has helped out TONS!  In fact, as I reflect on the day, Boston did not throw a single temper tantrum all day (and no he did not get his way all day!).  I would love to type about what all has been going on and share pictures of Mother’s Day, piano and dance recitals, soccer game, Blake registering for kindergarten, Boston’s doctor visits, but honestly I can’t find the time.  So instead of stress about what I can’t type about I am going to enjoy the little bit that I do get to get off my chest.  I think after this I will do a post full of photos to update you on how we are doing and then I will probably just blog on our family blog (more about that later though).

So what was the big turning point?  Two weeks ago this Wednesday I was racing home to try to beat the people that would be coming to our house for our small group (book study).  I was at my wits end with all of the running around, things not in order, and adjusting to life with a two year old.  All of the sudden about two miles from home I felt like God just knocked my upside the head.  Kinda like, ‘would you get over yourself already geeze?!?!’ First of all look at the things I was complaining about, my schedule was not established, my calendar was not in order, our house wasn’t all picked up, two-year old tantrums from a little boy that just has his whole world turned upside down.  If that is all I have to complain about then my life is pretty darn good.  I decided to stop basking in my self pity and began to look at all that was right with my world.  We made it through another successful Russian adoption (no easy feat); Justin’s father is doing well; Boston is attaching to our family in very healthy ways; he loves to cuddle with me and shows affection; Brady, Madison, and Blake love having their little brother around – most of the time.  So really I was sweating the small stuff.  And even more importantly I thought about how I needed to open my eyes to what God is trying to do in our lives as our journey continued.  Justin and I both felt called down this path and if we can just stop trying to control every step of the way we know, from experience, some real amazing things can happen.

So my new approach to each day (some days more successful than others) is to extend a little grace to myself.  Not everything has to be in order every single day.  I don’t have to have the entire week planned out and know exactly what is happening every minute of every day.  It is ok to stop in the middle of the day and cuddle with Boston and help him fall asleep for his nap.  It is ok to not get as many of the closets and shelves cleaned because we played patty cake and went outside to play with the dog.  However the two areas of my life where I cannot be so forgiving are in my personal and spiritual health.  I hate that these are the first two areas to suffer when chaos settles in.  I am trying to force myself back to healthy eating and exercise both of which take time and time is what I am short of.  But I know that other things will fall into place if I can get that area back under control.  And of course I must make time for my spiritual journey.  I know when I take time out for bible reading, small group, and such all of the other areas of my life seems to go much smoother.  So this is all still a work in progress, but I am realizing this is the recipe for success for my day to day living.  Sometimes the recipe flops but other times it turns out perfect.

Thank you to those that have left comments and emailed words of support and encouragement.  I love how most of you put ‘don’t feel obligated to reply’ like you didn’t want to add any more stress to my plate.  I really wish I could keep in touch with the people that have been so supportive in the blogging world.  It is an amazing network of support!

As I mentioned, the next post should come much sooner and have some pictures of what Boston is up to! I am a little biased, but he is so darn cute!!