WayfaringStrangers

Except for the whirring of a fan, I can't hear much right now. For the first time since early morning, the house is quiet. Behn is laying with Graham. He should be asleep soon. I smell like barn and boys and dirty house and sweat. I'm grateful, because really that's all LIFE. But I'm eager for a fresh clean-up. There's steak marinating and broccoli to be cooked. Behn and I are going to try to have a meal where we can hear each other talk, eat with forks, and laugh. It's a date night in, and these two tired parents need it. Behn mentioned how nice it would be to buy some peanut M&M's and see a movie together. We only go to the movies about once a year. Yes, it would be nice. We'll settle for an episode of The Office or, ironically, Parenthood. We're too tired to survive a night at the movies anyway, who are we kidding. The day passed slowly, with me working all morning (barn) and then Behn and I trying, trying to do some little projects. C

Ever since I was about 10, I loved horses and riding. I rode all throughout my childhood and teenager years and quite a bit in college. Then I got married and real life began and we were broke and we moved and had babies. Horses had to go on the back burner. I've missed it ever since, but other than the occasional riding lesson, I just didn't have time or money to ride. It felt like something was missing. Until now. I still don't have money to pay for riding, but I have been able to get my foot in the door at a great barn about 20 minutes away. I started by volunteering with the 4H club, then took a riding lesson one day and then got hired as a riding teacher. It's been so great to get back in the saddle and I have the opportunity to ride some really great horses and ponies. I also have a bunch of new riding students and have loved teaching again. I wish I could be over there more, but 2x a week is all I can do at present. The family who own the barn are really kind

Lately, life has gotten busy. Maybe too busy. Suddenly I'm working (ABA tutoring kids with Autism + new job at a riding barn!) a lot more. I like to stay busy and I like making a teensy bit of money. But life does feel a bit rushed. We will settle into a routine and see how it goes. In all of this rush I keep finding Christians where I didn't expect them. I love it. God just keeps on putting encouraging, loving people of His in my path. I'm finding myself having conversations with new people in my life and we're talking about church and (home)schooling and family. Pretty neat. That's all I have to say, really. Just surprised and thankful.

I still miss Lexington. I try not to write about it too much; I don't want to whine and beat a dead horse. I miss the small town feel and the mountains and my friends and the river. I miss it all. It felt right. I hope someday we move back. But you know what I LOVE about living here? Being near my family. You just can't put a price on that. I have my grandparents, parents, and 2 of my brothers here. We have had the most special summer. I really bonded with my Mom with season. She works in a school and has 2 months off in the summer and she spent so much time with myself and the boys. We worked on house projects, enjoyed meals together, and she helped out a lot with the kids while I worked. Not to mention the awesome girls' trip she took us on! Pretty great lady :) This is me working on one of the projects Mom and I did together. Couldn't have done anything without her! Mom made the kids a pirate ship! I mean, come on- pretty cool, right!? We also