My Brain Hurts!

I have been completely engrossed in planning for Gage’s school year.  We’re starting back tomorrow, so I’m doing the unnatural (for me, at least) task of making a schedule.  Oh my gosh, this is so hard for me!  So, I’m taking a break to fill you in on our recent trip to NC.

Shea and I spent 3 nights with my friend in Greensboro (her husband abandoned her 6 months ago), while Gage went down to my parent’s house.  That worked out really well.  Shea entertained himself, for the most part, while I did my best to do some of the things a single mom of 4 can’t possibly find time to do.  I can’t even find words to describe how rich our visit was.  To be in the midst of such suffering and absolute chaos, but still see the hand of God moving in huge ways is astounding.  She is suffering and life is hard, but she is still finding joy in her children.  I was reminded of God’s grace to see us through minute by minute.  She said, “I can’t even think about how I’ll get through tomorrow, or I’ll start freaking out.  I just have to get through today.”  I can’t tell you how many times I looked at her, shaking my head, and said, “I don’t know how you do this.”  But, we both knew the answer immediately.  God is being glorified in this because the only explanation as to how she is making it is that He is sustaining her and even giving her joy along the way.

After spending 3 nights in G’boro, my friend, along with her 7 year old son, took us down to the coast to see my parents and sisters/nieces.  She and her son were able to stay there and have a mini-vacation for 3 nights with us.  We went out in the boat with my Dad and just enjoyed spending some stress-free time together.  And, we were reminded of why we are such close friends.  There are so many similarities between us, it’s scary!

After my friend left to go home, the boys and I continued to enjoy our time with family.  My little sister took me to get my hair done, I had breakfast with my mom at a local coffee shop, where we talked for 2 hours straight, we went to the beach, out in the boat, threw my Dad a surprise birthday party, went to church with my sister and then out to eat with both sisters after church, went to Lake Waccamaw (a place I had never been), sat at Starbucks with my big sister, made soap with my big sis after the kids decided they’d had enough, and the list goes on.

Around day 10, both boys were making it clear to me that it was time to come home.  My Dad started chuckling at me and said, “Gage, you better watch out, your mom’s about to blow her top.”  This was after I said, “I’m so done with this!  Put me on a plane and send me home!”  I know, such a great way to make my family feel loved.  They know I love them.  It was just TIME TO COME HOME!

So, that’s our trip in a nutshell.  Here are some pictures to enjoy.

Yes!  There are two of these cuties.  You’re not seeing double. They belong to my friend and I was so happy to spend some time with them.

This is another little cutie that belongs to my friend.  Shea enjoyed playing with him.  Don’t you just love that red hair?!

Gage and my friend’s 7 year old, congratulating Shea on his first catch ever.  His Papa had a lot to do with it!

Gage preferred the waves.

Shea preferred the sand.

My niece, Cayla.  Isn’t she beautiful?

An excited little 3 year old with his dinosaur cake.

Celebrating With Cousins

Shea being silly with his Mimi