Distractions

I find myself easily distracted by TV when I get home from work. I usually walk in the door go to the coffee table to grab the remote to turn it on then walk to the counter to the computer. I have this need to have constant noise and distraction. Sometimes I think it's to drown out things God may be saying to me. Why? I have no real good answer other than that maybe I won't like what God is telling me. Sometimes I think I have become so conditioned to having constant noise in the background and I can't stand to be alone with my own thoughts or just with the quiet. I forget that it's in the times of quiet I can hear my heart and longings and God's voice. Along with trying to save money, I have decided and called to cancel my TV cable services. I am looking forward to the new ways I will spend my time, hopefully more productively. Maybe I will spend more time reading, listening to sermons, keeping in touch with people...I think this is a change that has needed to happen for a while. I know for some people TV is not a big temptation or they have maybe never had cable but I can see the negative impact it's had on how I spend my time. When I called to cancel my services the person I spoke to (I felt) tried to make me feel guilty: "Do you not watch that much TV?" "Why do you want to cancel your services?"  I'm trying to save money..."Well you're saving by bundling your internet and cable." Yes, but $53 is still less than $112, right? That's the point...less money. Anyway, I am looking forward to being cable-free next week!

Cincinnati Visit from New Haven and Nashville Confers

Denver, Audrey, the boys and my parents came to visit this past weekend. Dad, Dan and I went to Harry Potter Thursday night and Friday consisted of the Zoo and a Reds game. Saturday included EnterTRAINment junction (the largest indoor train model display) which the boys loved! We had a great time. Hudson is talking and they are both into exploring. This is such a fun age!

Lakeside

This weekend Dan and I went to Lakeside which is on Lake Erie (appropriately named) to spend the 4th of July festivities with Dan's family. We had a great time with all the kids and siblings. Lakeside is very cute and charming. The best part of the weekend was Dan's baptism right before we left to come back to Cincinnati.

Ohio Blast from the Past Weekend

This weekend I went to central Ohio to visit my life-long friends. My best friend Lindsey is transitioning right now with her husband Logan and precious twin girls Kaylee and Grace. I hadn't seen her in 2 years and had yet to meet her little girls. So this weekend was the weekend. I got to Centerburg, to Lindsey's childhood home and stayed with her whole family. I also go to go to the Martin/Willison homestead that has been under construction for a little over a year. This is where Brielle and I both spent a lot of time too. It was coming home for me. The houses I grew up in when I lived in Westerville I can't stay in so going to the Bumpus/Thrasher house is another home. We had a cookout with the Frames, Willisons, Thrashers, a Bumpus and a Confer :) It was so sweet to see Kaylee, Grace, Claire and Colton play together. Colton was especially fond of the Thrasher girls and even invited them to his home. So sweet!

Last night I was thinking of the places I've lived and the homes I've stayed in and the families I have been so graciously adopted into. While where my parents are is ultimately home, I am also so blessed to have family in Christ wherever I have lived. I was able to see a good group of people I grew up with and am always overwhelmed by the warm reception I get whenever I see them. I am always so excited to see them and I think the feeling is mutual. And I know that I don't deserve to have all these wonderful people in my life who are truly extensions of Christ and his love. I am so full of love and encouragement from this weekend. To have grown up with Lindsey and Christy as long as I have and to continue to call them best friends is truly a gift given by God. These relationships have nourished and strengthened me through the years despite having moved away 10 years ago. These are 2 of the most special and precious women in my life. Thank you Lord for life-long friendship through the years and miles.

Nashville Visit

I hadn't been to Nashville since January for the boys' birthday party. I needed to see my sister and spend time with her. I wasn't sure I'd get to see Denver, Audrey and the boys as they've been under the weather but thankfully they were feeling well enough for a visit from Brielle and me. We had a great play day!! Who doesn't love these sweet little faces??

 Hudson just sat down like this right in front of Dean

Frankfort Visit

Yesterday I went to Frankfort to visit Granny and Pappy. Mom came down Thursday night and spent the night with me and went to Louisville Friday to meet up with Denver, Audrey and the boys. Then they went to Frankfort where I met up with all of them. It was great to see Granny and Pappy with Hudson and Dean. The last time they saw them the boys were wee little. It was a good Saturday :)

Long Weekend at Mom and Dad's

I had taken Friday the 18th off and also Monday the 21st as my best friend from CT was going to come to Cincy for a visit. However she was unable to make it :(  So I decided to go ahead and keep my PTO days and go somewhere instead. My best friend in Cincy decided to come along with me to New Haven for a long weekend. We have had a ton of fun! We went to Frankenmuth, MI which is called Michigan's Little Bavaria with neat German-style buildings, food, and shopping. We had a lazy Saturday and ate some super delicious treats: giant cupcakes which were as I said, delicious! Tomorrow will entail worship service and the birthday/anniversary celebration at church. Monday, per Elina's request will include a visit to Sonic. Yes, we have them in Cincy however they're not close at all to where Daniel and Elina live. This weekend has been a much needed weekend of fun, rest, and relaxation and some quality time with some of my favorite people :) Thank you, Lord for these cherished moments.