Being Purposeful

Our day started out "early" at 7am. We got up and got the boys ready (Cecily had a sleepover with grammie and took your side of the bed) and headed to Payson to pick up Dorothy from camp. She had a nice time and enjoyed her counselors and cabin buddies. She had lots of funny stories to tell and I know you would have gotten a kick out of them! They involved starchy foods and gas...need I say more? After dropping her off Bryan went and took the burb to the gas station for mommy to fill up the tires with air because her light was on saying the pressure was bad. Wouldn't want her driving in an unsafe vehicle! So that is all taken care of...you're welcome! Megan and I had plans to go out for my birthday so we went to this place called the Herb Box in Scottsdale. It was a neat place and the food was fantastic! We only get to hang out without the kiddos for our birthdays so we decided to celebrate half birthdays so we can have 4x a year instead of 2! hehe
  While at dinner we talked about being purposeful with our kids during the day. Something I struggle with! I find myself getting so caught up in my to-do list (which does need to get done) that I don't take time to at least let the kids come along side me to help and to teach them. So I am purposing to let them come along side me and "help" even though I know at first that means it will take 10x longer to get anything done! I just like to get things done as quickly as possible and not have to redo it...hmmm I sound like someone else who is currently residing in heaven. hehe I am so much like you I scare myself sometimes!
   We have had some fun/crazy storms and clouds the last week or so! Tonight was an awesome haboob that brought lots of rain and dust!! It was chasing us as we got home from your house but we got home about 10 minutes before it hit luckily! I love monsoon storms like that! Arizona has such boring weather...HOT all the time...that when we get storms they are that much more exciting!
   Well this week has lots going on...reorganizing the garage, cleaning out the kids clothes and getting rid of excess, lots of dusting things like ceiling fans and light fixtures, dr appointment for Owen, swim lessons, etc. I used to like busy...and honestly busy is nice in that it keeps me from thinking about you too much and the fact that you aren't here...but I am finding that now I just want peace and quiet. I need time to just sit, think, and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. I get overwhelmed so easily by all the "what if's" in your life-What if they had found it sooner, what if they had been able to do the hippac (sp?) procedure? All the what if's, but all that does is cause doubt in the perfect plan that Jesus has for this so I am trying to cast those thoughts at His feet and trust that His plan is still good.
   Ok my brain is starting to lose it! 4 nights in a row of 4-5 hours of sleep is starting to get to me! I love you so very much and miss you more than words can do justice!
  Your Favorite Second Born,
  Carley
A few pics for you! A late night Owen screaming picture, Owen in the Robin Hood hat that Colin had put on him (but was way too big), the haboob rolling in, and the appetizer at the restaurant!