Posting my past journals...
These boys of mine desperately need constant activity to keep them occupied and relaxed. Funny because I on the other hand need time of rest and quiet to keep me calm. So how can this work? Well, Jordan has 3 different camps he is attending this summer. One is an overnight camp that he is at until tomorrow. He sent me a sweet postcard today. I think it’s the first. It makes me feel good to know that he can adapt to an environment like camp and not get too homesick.
Since we live on the main strip of town, I hosted a 4th of July breakfast for friends and family before the town parade began. It rained. But the parade was still out in full force. The only time during the year that the kids are encouraged to play in the street. They throw out candy for the kids and squirt them with water guns. The rain did stop a few minutes before the last float came by our house.
We then went to my parents neighbors party where they have a kid friendly 4th celebration. This family spends thousands of dollars each year on fireworks. They put on an impressive show. Each child received a bag full of popits, and other similar items. The driveway became covered with colored strings and paper. It was a crazy mess. The kids were having a ball.
I had my nieces and nephew with me since their parents had to go to a rehearsal dinner. It's fun to see my nephew Jackson interact with other boys since I know he doesn't get a lot of that.
Work has been really stressful. I have even contemplated quiting since our new male manager doesn't have good people skills and is SOooooo chauvinistic and condescending. He is having the whole business moved to a new warehouse. Which will mean a long commute for me. So far every change this manger has made has created problems and stress. I liked it better when my brother Jeremy and his wife were running things. I have been in prayer about what to do.
I also have the child support renewal trial coming up in October. It is discouraging that the system allows a parent who has never parented take the other parent to court every year. Last year I spent $12,000.00 in court fees when Clayton's father filed for a parenting plan renewal to increase visitation. He hasn't visited Clayton once. Now he wants to change child support after being a years worth behind in childcare expenses. I'm praying that this trial will not cost me as much as last year and that Clayton's father will be held accountable for his actions.
It has been easy for me to feel discouraged about the financial hardship I am dealing with. But I also know that there are those far worse off then I am. So I choose to remain thankful for the ways God has preserved my life and the life of my children. To not let the craziness of life keep me from getting perspective of all I do have. I strive to become more spiritually disciplined, to remain in the Spirit.