Widow For the 2nd Time

So Ross has left me for the second time. He is now at Youth Conference for 4 days. I have not quite recovered from the last time he left. I don't know what he is thinking!
We are going to have fun this week. We always do but when he is gone it has to be just a little bit more. Something has to cover up the fact that he is not here. The cruel irony though? He will get back and even though I will have worked my behind off trying to show the kids how cool I am and how much fun I can be, he will still be their favorite. Life just isn't fair sometimes.

The Deathly Hallows

Saturday, July 21st marked the end of an era. The 7th and final book in the Harry Potter series was released to the world to see how their hero faired against Lord Voldemort. There was much speculation about what would happen. It took me a couple of days to finish the book but I finally finished it last night. I have to say I was so sad to have it end! I laughed, I cried, I got mad, pretty much every emotion you could have, I had. I think that J.K. Rowling is brilliant. These books have captivated an entire world for so long. The Deathly Hallows was so well written. I can't imagine it being any different than it was. Long live Harry Potter! If only in our hearts.

Adversity

I have been thinking a lot this week about the trials that different people have to face in their lives. One of my favorite quotes is, "Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it." I truly believe that. I think that people really start to shine when their inner light is put to the test. We are all children of God. We are all born with the light of Christ. That being said, I don't think it is in our inner nature to roll over and die. There is something there that pushes us to be more, to be better.

Unfortunately, that does not make our life any easier sometimes. It just makes us push to find the end of the tunnel and hope with everything we have that there is something better at the other end. I believe there is. We find ourselves, who we are, what we can accomplish and just exactly who was standing by our side the whole time. Even though the journey can be long and painful and tiring, it is well worth it to find out who God intends us to be. Which just so happens to be the crowning glory of His creations.

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

Let The Games Begin

Last summer was the first ever Clinton 26th Ward Water Wars. Which is like a week long, gigantic water fight. After a very grueling week of hiding/stalking/running for my life, I was the winner. Yes folks you read that right. I was nicked named (by a guy in my ward) the "Kellyanton Robber". I was flattered.

This year I am in charge of water wars. I get to help others find their inner Gadianton Robber. I relish in this task. (picture me rubbing my hands together while laughing wickedly) I think it will be one heck of a fun time.

The only way I can do this task is knowing that I was the first ever queen of water wars. I know that everyone else has probably forgotten but you can be sure that I will be quick to remind them.

Feel The Burn

Ok so after I ran the half marathon, my plan was to take about a week off and then resume my running. After all, I do love it. Well, 1 week turned into 2 months! I have felt like such a lazy bum. So I jumped on the treadmill last night and ran a 30 minute interval run. That feels so good and so bad. Good to be moving again. Bad because I can feel the jiggle as well as the burn! Oh well. I'm back.

HOORAY! Dad's Home

So we made it through the week and Ross arrived home safe and sound to find us all relatively unscathed. We had a pretty good week. We had a lot of fun at the carnival, swimming, movies and seeing the progress made on our house. We also did a lot of yard work and cleaning out the house in preparation to move. We got a whole lot done.

I was so happy to have Ross home though and I think the boys were too. It just isn't the same without him around.

Hell Week

So Ross is at scout camp this week. I am all alone with 3 boys. You would think that with me being their mother that this would not be a problem, however this is truly scary. And what's worse is they can smell fear. And they usually use it against me.

I have been pleasantly surprised. They have been so good so far (knock on wood). We have had a great week of having fun and getting things done. They have been really good to each other too. It's made me realize just how good I have it. I could not imagine how my life could get any better. I have a wonderful husband and 3 amazing kids.

Now if I could just get that darn husband home.