weekend

Challenge

This past weekend I stepped outside of my comfort zone and I’m happy to report that everything went well!

In August, a co-worker of mine asked if I could watch her three children (ages 9-14) for a weekend in October. I said yes, but in the months leading up to “the big weekend” I was really nervous.

It might not seem like a big deal to watch three kids for three days, but it was to me because I had never done something like that before. I have always been the babysitter that lets kids walk all over me. That can be bearable if I’m watching kids for a few hours, not a few days!

I headed over to their house on Friday after the kids got off their buses and left on Sunday morning after I got them ready for church and their grandma picked them up.

On Friday night we baked homemade chocolate chip cookies and played board games. On Saturday we made chocolate chip pancakes, walked their dog, and the younger siblings went to a Halloween party, and then we had Hannah over in the evening and made a music video (oh my… I’ll post it below). Sunday morning went smoothly; I made their beds, got them quick breakfasts, and made sure everyone was showered. Then, suddenly, the “big weekend” was over. It went by so fast!

I was so happy to find out that they had a coffee maker. I was also thankful for pre-made pancake mix.

The photo on the left was before we took a walk. The photo on the right is the younger kiddos in their Halloween costumes. They were a washer and laundry basket. How creative is that?!

After their grandma came to pick them up I even had time to rush home, shower, and make it to church by 10:30. I was feeling pretty triumphant lolz.

Thoughts:

  • I don’t give myself enough credit. Why did I think that I wouldn’t be responsible enough? Everything went so well. 
  • I’m really glad that I stepped outside of my comfort zone because I was definitely challenged a few times (some sibling fighting) but handled things calmly. I really feel like I grew up a little bit this weekend. Only a little bit though ;).
  • Hannah is amazing and I’m so glad she could help me. Don’t worry, I paid her!
  • I’d do it again in a heart beat. I actually had a lot of fun. Kids say the funniest things ever.

Speaking of fun, here is the music video we made:

I’m pretty sure the bloopers are the best part!

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Alright, It’s back to the grind for me. I have a lot of school work to catch up on tonight!! How was your weekend?

Bible verse of the day: You, Lord, keep my lamp burning;
    my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28

Thank You

Hi everyone! I just wanted to say thank you for all of the comments, text messages, and tweets about my sickness and the missed marathon in my last post. You all made me feel a lot better with your kind words and care.

I’d also like to thank whoever invented crackers and DayQuil.It has taken me a few days to regain my strength, appetite, and zest for life in general. I’m honestly still not feeling 100%, but I’m doing much, much better!

I have even managed to dress in real people clothes instead of sweats and large t-shirts. Score.I spent the weekend just hanging out, taking it fairly easy, and enjoying the fall weather. Lola was walked.

A run was.. run. (It was pretty awful because I did it too soon after being sick. Oops. You live and learn.)

Candles were lit.

Work boots were purchased. 

Smiles were shared. 

It was just the kind of weekend I needed.

It wasn’t the weekend I had planned, but it was better than I could have planned because it was a part of God’s plan. I took it as a sign from Him to slow down and enjoy life and not get caught up in always doing instead of enjoying.

Of course I’m still bummed about the missed race, but it’s no biggie. I’m not sure if I’ll try to find another or if I’m just going to run for the sheer enjoyment of it for now. Any thoughts/input?! I’d love to hear from you 🙂

I hope everyone has a great week. I have an interesting/challenging weekend coming up!

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Bible verse of the day: May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14