Quiting work to work on what matters most

After thinking more about the question, "Why do we do the things we do?" I came to the realization that I had been lying to myself and to everyone else about why I was working at the YMCA.
I told everyone that it was just to get out of the house and for some fun money. The truth is that I was trying to take control without looking like it. I was trying to please people by not being "just" a stay at home mom. I was looking for a way to "provide" even though God has supplied all our needs. I just couldn't let it go.
So I am quitting the Y after this month as an act of faith, trust and hope in God. I am going to let him lead for once. To honor Mitch and trust him to provide as God has called him to do. And because I see my son and daughter and realize that I have been saying that they are not enough when in fact they are the most important thing and deserve all of my attention.
(I wrote this in July 2010)
It has been three months since I quit working at the YMCA and I am loving life. I have more time with the kids, and keeping my home clean and providing meals is so much less of a burden. I still don't have all the time I would like to do everything that I want to get accomplished, but what person, let alone mother, does? I rejoice that I am doing what God has called me to at this time in my life. I am continuing to embrace being a mother and a wife and being proud that that is all I do all day. Pretty important stuff...or so I'm told.
I'll keep you posted on more blessings that come from my slowing down and embracing God's calling on my life. Grace and Peace to you all in Christ Jesus!

Swim lessons

Kennedi turned into a fish today! It was her first swim lesson with Mrs. Zsiga and she had a blast. I was so impressed as she fearlessly stepped into the pool with out me. Then she sat beaming a smile as she learned to put her face in the water, first a cheek, then her chin and finally her lips to blow bubbles. After learning swim arms and kick legs she turned into superman, blowing bubbles and gliding through the water with the greatest of ease. Next, it was bouncing time and following in my short footsteps, the water was over her head, so she got to hop on the steps instead. Didn't seem to faze her though. Happy heart intact she jumped on till it was time to go. First lesson over, excited for next week, we drove home to practice swimming in the bathtub.

Piano

We just got a piano!!! I am so excited! I had been praying about it and then heard of a friend's mom was wanting to sell theirs. And it came today!!!
I am so excited for music to fill our home. I am so thankful to God for the blessing of this piano.
I started writing that months ago but couldn't put into words how grateful I was and I was also worried that if I wrote about it but didn't follow through in playing every day that I would be failing. I worried that if I didn't use it enough it would make my desire for it and my purchase of it. I know that it was inexpensive and that I had been praying about it and felt that it was an answer to prayer, but my fear of rejection and not living up to supposed expectations has a hold on me that I am just now starting to battle.
So today as part of the battle I will let those of you who read my blog know that I have a piano. I have played it on and off over the last few months and the kids love it. I love it when I get the chance to play but still wish I played more often. It is a beautiful addition to our home in decor as well as fun to be had and music to hear. I am hopeful that it will be a source of joy and music for years to come for my family and generations to come.
One of my favorite things right now is that Kennedi calls it a "pianio" and that she and William love to bang away on it whenever I let them.
God is good and I will not let his blessing turn to a source of condemnation anymore. Thanks for being part of my journey. :-)