7 Quick Takes Friday - Volume 5

I am participating in Inspired to Action's "Hello Mornings" Challenge! I had a goal of wanting to get back into getting up earlier, fitting in time for getting in the Word and exercising, but was struggling with motivation. The Hello Mornings Challenge has been great, because everyone participating is a part of a small, sub-divided facebook groups (based on our location and desired wake-up time) which we check in with every morning. At first I was hesitant, I figured I could just do it on my own, but I've been surprised by discovering I really appreciate the accountability and encouragement my group offers! So far, I've been getting up between 6-6:30 every morning (well... most every morning) and spending time in the Word. Exercise will be added to the list... hopefully, next week?

I'm currently working my way through the "Ministry of Motherhood Book Club" from Good Morning Girls. I'm not on track with the actual group, but I am working my way through the scriptures, following the "SOAP" plan, and reading through The Ministry of Motherhood. Sally Clarkson's books and blog are incredible! I haven't read one yet that hasn't encouraged me in this beautiful calling the Lord has given me as mother. I'm enjoying the focused time I spend each day on a specific passage - journaling about it has really helped me get deeper into it. I've found that I am so often thirsting for the Lord's perspective without realizing it - and then when I am in His Word, I find such refreshment, and think "Why don't I do this more?". So I am thankful to have a small plan to help me incorporate His Word into my day (and my heart!) even more.

I'm also starting the book, 31 Days to Clean. I have a desire to get my house in better shape, and I am undisciplined about it! This book not only breaks cleaning down into managable steps (just one challenge a day), but also addresses the spiritual issues that are behind things like laziness, the desire to keep clutter, and gets to the heart of the matter. Can I admit that I'm a little scared to start? Change is hard, and just from reading over some pages, I know this book is going to really challenge me! But I know it is needed, and will be good, so I'm excited, too.

It's official - he is smitten! Rachel officially has Michael wrapped around her finger. He's never been a "baby" man - yes, the father of 6 children is actually a bit afraid of infants! In all of the children before Rachel, he's been really hands-off during the infant stage. Of course, if I were needing him to, he would hold a baby, but it had to be a pretty dire need ;-) But Rachel has stolen his heart, and he has to get some snuggle time in with her everyday. He actually asks for it! I think it's the cutest thing!

It is HOT! Hot, hot hot! Spring was beautiful, as always in the South, but short-lived. It's been in the 90s for the past two weeks and there is no break in sight! Michael and I have had our 12th annual Air Conditioning war (he likes to see how long we can go without turning it on. Then, I try to see how long I can go without killing someone. I don't handle too much heat very gracefully!) and have settled on a moderate 80 degrees setting for the thermostat. However, because our house is old and poorly insulated, it can still creep up to 85 or 86. But the cool air circulating makes all the difference!

I thought this video was funny! Maybe it's because the more I homeschool the more I believe in the "better late than early" principle - so I get the sarcasm. Michael, on the other hand, thought it was boring and silly. Either way, the baby is really cute!

You didn't really think I'd do a whole post without an update on Miss Rachel did you? She is now 4 months old! She's a chunky monkey - she weighed 14 pounds, 8 ounces, a week before her 4-month mark, so she's close to 15 pounds by now! She's rolling from her tummy to her back, but only in her sleep - anytime I try to see her do it, she doesn't. Yet!

The 4-month mark always amazes me. I consider it the "magic number" - 4 months is when they really start coming out of their shell. Their sleep gets a little more organized, any colic and fussiness tends to fade away (we can ride in the car without screaming now!), they start hitting milestones and really taking off in physical development. It also tends to be when I start feeling "back to normal" somewhat - more rested, more organized, less hormonal... (I guess that's why half this post has been about my recent goals - I've got the 4-month "superwoman" high! Reality will set in quickly, though, probably once I start exercising!)

Anyway, here's some pictures, of course:

(Have you ever seen such arm rolls? Her legs are just the same!)

She is always smiley! What a joy!