Connecting

The last few weeks have been rough. Really...the last month and a half or a bit more has been rough. We are holding on tight to the Lord through some really hard times with some really trying health issues and praying hard from the depths of our hearts for some comfort and for him to see us through. We have SO much faith. We have SO much love. We have SO much trust. And we are SO very thankful and blessed for our family, for our friends, for our church community and the support and love and prayers they have all given to us.

I've been having a really difficult time establishing a safe, secure, steady home life for our children lately with so much upheaval and trials. That's hard to say. But I'm making it a priority to re-establish it- because we all need it, because they need it - because I need it. So we've been adjusting and changing some things. Even though we all can't be out together at one time, this week we started a new routine of me taking one child out and having one on one time with them and the next day taking the other one out for one on one time.
Our son and I have gotten back into a good learning homeschooling groove last week. We have all gotten some chores and projects done or started around the house. And things are starting this week to feel a bit more steady and I believe in my heart that things will just keep getting better, feeling better and being better.

Tuesday our daughter and I went out for a short 1 mile hike/walk at a trail we hadn't ventured to for a while. We got pizza for lunch and spent some quiet time together as well as conversing and exploring new idea's for projects this year that we can work on together.
Wednesday our son and I went out for a 3 mile hike/walk at a lake that is his favorite then lunch and to the mall. We talked a long time about his interests and learning/schooling goals. We sat on a bench for a long time quietly. He mentioned loving hearing the breeze through the trees and I listened and breathed in deep.

I felt so very thankful for the time with each of my children this week. They are true blessings and I love spending time with each one of them- connecting and deepening our relationship.

Around the farm...a new baby was born.

 We never have fog! But here it was a rare foggy morning when big pig had her breakfast.

 Sweet sleepy pup.

 Momma daughter day

Then momma son day

 The bench with the best view...and best spot for quietly listening

Blessed. Through trials and hard times comes the greatest blessings...we are finding a deeper love for our family, a deeper trust in the Lord and feeling the support of our community (church, family and friends).