Mothering Days

Okay, so it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a child's adventure, but when you get outside with chickens in your lap, all alone with nobody around, the tears begin to come.  Not much, but a bit.  Maybe a tiny let down after Jury Duty, which launched directly into Jacob's move.

It's alright, though.  Just another thing to adjust to.  I find my life to be a bit of a trial, but it's mine and I'll manage.

Jacob's making good traveling time.  Last we heard, they were finally in Texas after driving across Arkansas and Oklahoma.  I think Amarillo is the goal for tonight, unless he channels his dad and goes as far as his mind will take him, regardless of the hours spent in the car.  Madness.

  * * *

As soon as I wrote the previous paragraph, Jacob texted that they'd reached New Mexico.  Said they'd stop in a bit.  Yeah, I know you want a travelogue. :)

Having to change our evening routine. We're used to this son stopping by the house on his way to his apartment after work.  He's cooked/grilled at a local restaurant for five years, three of them with him not at home, but at an apartment.  He'd eat dinner here, usually at about 11:30pm.  We've stayed up late for years, waiting for him and in previous months for him and his now-married-brother who also worked at the restaurant.  Late nights.  Can honestly say I won't miss that, but will miss his sweet face.  He'd come by because he's a people person, and has said that we ground him.  I cherish that comment.  With misbehaving boys, to hear from one who wants to behave, those words are a gift.

Back and forth.  The emotions will drive a mom nuts.  But it's all good.  Even Gary has a gobsmacked look on his face.  Said tonight something about how we've sent one more on his way.  Yes, but this one is paying attention.

'Reservations for Two' by Hillary Manton Lodge

Hillary Manton Lodge's newest book called Reservations for Two is the follow up of A Table by the Window in her Blue Door series.  She quickly picks up with Juliette's story of opening a restaurant with her brother, her mother's illness, but mostly about her on-going, long-distance romance with Neil (who lives in Memphis, which was most interesting to me, since I live here).  She continues her search for her deceased biological grandfather after finding (in the previous book) information which leads her to France and Italy for proof of his identity.

The book is light-hearted, and filled with wonderful recipes.  Easy-to-read, restful and enjoyable.  Can't argue with that.  I especially enjoyed the surprise ending.  Don't cheat and peek.  It's worth the wait.

(i received this book free to review from waterbrook/multnomah)

'Savor' by Shauna Niequist

Shauna Niequist's book of devotions called Savor is a very sweet collection.  Not too light, deep at times in spiritual truths, and full of personal stories that tell of her own struggles.  It's the perfect devotional for a mom who's strapped for time, or for anyone who wants a less-restrictive bit of reading in the morning.

I've not read her other books, but women who've read Bread and Wine, or Cold Tangerines have praised her writing.  This is apparently more of the same---easy-to-read and refreshing.

Generally speaking, I'm not a big fan of devotional type books, feeling that they're often dry and boring.  Shauna proves that this isn't always the case.  I do like Savor very, very much.

My only regret is that I now own the e-book.  Hard to wander through a devotional on the Kindle when I'd rather dog-ear it in person.

(i received this e-book free to review from booklookbloggers)

'God's Beloved Daughters' by Merrilyn Grodecki

The devotional called God's Beloved Daughters by Merrilyn Grodecki is unusual in that she tells a personal story in her Introduction about an event that happened when she was only 3 years old.  It was a frightening event that affected several decades of her life until the Lord came into her heart at a later date.  She was indwelt by a demon.  I found this astounding, mostly because of her young age, but she tells of hearing about God's salvation power in her thirties, and as the Lord came to her, the evil spirit left.  Not quite sure what I make of that, not that I doubt the capabilities of the evil one.  But at three years old?  But who am I to say?  Unfortunately, that information colored my impression of the rest of the book.  Also, her website includes a recommended book list with such authors as Charles Capps, Gloria Copeland, and Kenneth Hagin---who I believe to be 'name it and claim' it adherents.  

If you can get around that:

Her devotional appears to be very sound.  Her knowledge is thorough, and she willingly shares her life stories and faith.  For devotional-lovers, her book is a good choice.  It's not trite, and is full of wisdom.  I just felt tripped up a bit with the childhood story and the reading list.

(i received this e-book free to review from booklookbloggers)

Wednesday evening

House bulging with things from moving-to-California son's apartment.  Odd to look at a laundry basket full of his flour, sugar, pot holders, coffee, rice (so much rice we have now---I have no idea why), and other things. Oh, and a small container of bread starter---homemade.  Love that.  An extra small air conditioner, lamps, coffee maker, dishes, books, a futon, and personal stuff.  Chin up, Buttercup.  Hard to not think of missing him, but part of me is so excited at what he's leaving to do.  He's incredibly excited, and I know he's longing to be on the road and on his way. 

He'll leave at about 7:30am tomorrow morning, then will pick up his traveling buddy.  His return date is possibly in late October or early November.  Maybe.  What he's really thinking of is being offered the job of replacing the main chef who's stepping down next year.  Oh my.  In my heart, I hope he doesn't settle in California, but he's the Lord's, not mine.  Must remember that.

In other news, put seven books up for sale online, sold two within an hour and another this morning.  I'd sold books before, but it'd been awhile.  Nice to have some extra change, with little effort.

Tomorrow I'm going to work in the front yard, digging in the small area youngest son got ready for me.  I have some seeds, and need to keep busy.  I'll likely get lots accomplished until second son arrives at his destination on Saturday or Sunday.

Mothering will keep a person on her toes like nothing else.  My children seem to be all over the map in terms of their behavior, and I'm thankful for every last one of them.  The children who lean on the Lord, however, are a special joy.  The burden of praying for them makes my heart light since I know their desire is for His will.  In that my yoke is easy.

Prayers for safe travel for Jacob and his friend, Steve, appreciated. :)

Tuesday afternoon

Confession:  I have too many books.  

About ten years ago, or more, I was involved in an online Classical homeschooling set of women, and we all counted our books.  Our count was over a thousand, and since then, I'm afraid the number has increased more than is sane.  I do need an intervention.

The question is whether it's worth my time and the aggravation to put some on Amazon to sell.  The details of listing things, plus having supplies to mail them off sort of puts me off.  The money would be nice, but since several of these have been free to me (review copies) I really don't need to recoup any cash.  

Our main bookcase in the living room (see side photo) is two-deep with books.  Can't even see half of what we have just right there.  Fortunately my husband is understanding, or maybe he thinks it's useless to control me.  Least I don't drink.

With our new next-door neighbors renovating, and also with second son bringing over his stuff to go into our attic before he leaves tomorrow----well, I'm into the clean-out mentality.  I'm trying to do a bit in each public room of the house (also our bedroom) to fix up.  I've been in a depressed mode for about two years and finally I'm snapping out of it.  Blame Jury Duty.  That was a big snap.  Brain re-do.  Really.

Speaking of our new neighbors----she's South of the Border in some sense.  Not sure if she's Mexican or South American.  Her accent isn't too awfully thick, and her English is very good.  The Lord spoke to me as she was first working on the house, telling me she'd be a really special friend.  Love that.  I just met her yesterday and we clicked.  You know how that is.  Instant.  Met her husband too, who seems a bit of the masculine-take charge type.  Works for me.  

Tomorrow night we'll have a dinner for soon-to-be-moving son.  Gosh, I'll miss him.  He's trying so hard to listen to what the Lord would have him do.  And the girl he's going to see in California.  He told her the other day he wasn't taking the job (which she initially told him about) solely to be near her, and that seemed to take off some pressure.  Otherwise, she'd feel responsible in a way.  In my mother's mind, I hope he doesn't settle in CA.  She's from Maryland, which is still too far from us, but her family is there.  What can I say to that?  See, I have them married already.  Don't have a clue as to how this will play.  God has it.

Today is good.  Blessedly good.

Monday morning

I'm tired.

Extended adrenaline high last week, in addition to a busy weekend.  Son who's moving to California (at least for six months, if not longer) was treated to a dinner at his inner-city pastor's house yesterday, and we were invited.  More time out of my comfort zone.  Different lifestyles are challenging to me, but that's not a bad thing.  Just tiring.  

Today I'm giving the kids a day off from school.  And with me being gone so long last week, I figured a day of recovery would be a good thing.  I'm dizzy, though, but that will pass.  You know how it is when you mentally hold your breath for an extended period of time.  When you exhale, your physical self often goes a bit wacky.  Least mine does.  I'll try to pace myself.

I feel like a dog that shakes itself after coming in from the rain.  Stuff in my head I need to process. Not easy to deal with sending someone back to prison, though the young man we voted the verdicts on deserves it.  He'd only been out of lock-up for five months before he was at it again, at least so far as the law sees it.  I see a pattern.

Will likely be on pins and needles for a bit.  But that will pass as well.

I've become Facebook friends with several of the women who I served with last week.  Look over their posts, and remember conversations we had, and you're talking about Christian women.  And even thinking on the others I served with---the Lord was present.  Wondered if the prosecutor or his assistant had prayed about this trial, asking for His people to serve.  Makes you wonder.  One woman (a spicy talker), who I really enjoyed, took all of our names/emails down so we could have a reunion.  Isn't that something?  Strangers. But we really did become close in those four days.  

Now will focus on home.  Husband needs work in the shop, Mom needs groceries, son leaves on his journey on Thursday (and a friend will drive with him, for that I'm grateful), house needs lovin', and I have to get back into my routines.  But slowly at first.  Nothing pressing, and if I don't hand it all to the Lord, I'll get frazzled.  No need.  

Oh, get this.  Two of the women on the jury have pugs.  Two a piece.  I call that almost providential. 

Y'all take care.