It's all in the family

Lately, I have really been evaluating who we are as a family. What are our priorities? What are our goals?

Too many people we know are caught up in just being busy. They must
be involved in everything - every group, every social outing. For a
while, I'll be honest and admit, we (mostly me) were trying to
keep up. If "so and so" is going, we should too. If "such and such" is
happening this weekend, we should be there.

Well, it became painfully obvious - very soon - that our family was
totally neglected. We were shipping our kids off to their grandparents
far more than we were spending time with them. Some people kept saying,
"Oh it's good for your marriage. You need an identity other than just
being Mommy & Daddy." Yes, but only to an extent.

You see...we made the choice to become parents. God allowed
us to be blessed with two amazing children. Why, then, were we spending
so much time AWAY from them? Away from the choice we so willingly and
excitedly made?

Not any more.

We have decided that we are ultimately dedicated to God, first;
dedicated to our family, second. Everything else comes in at a far
third.

That's not to say that Scott and I won't be going on dates (because
we thoroughly enjoy those!). And, it's not to say that we won't be
hanging out with our friends. It's just to say that our priority is our family
- and that will come before any other commitment. You see, when our
kiddos grow up and turn into middle schoolers and high schoolers...we
want their greatest influence to come from home.

Judge us if you must, but we are so delighted by our decision. The
air in our house is lighter. The smiles on our faces are more
permanent. We absolutely L-O-V-E being with each other - as a family.
To us, it's the best decision we've made.

Of course, you're welcome to come visit. We'll be easy to find!

Something we've been up to as a family:

Here's our garden! Scott has put so much effort into it; we're going to
eat "good" this summer! (Squash, carrots, onions, peppers, potatoes,
green beans, zucchini, corn, butter beans, and more!)

 
 

Our strawberry patch!

 

Ella Beth got to pick the first strawberry of the season!

 

 

Yum-o!