JR had a birthday, AND we had an anniversary date. For JR’s birthday the kids and I got him a few presents. We didn’t have any wrapping paper, so we wrapped each gift up in a blanket. I made a chocolate cake, but we didn’t get to eat it until the next day since I had a Church leadership meeting that night. So for JR’s birthday he had the wonderful opportunity to put the kids and baby to bed, solo.

We took an impromptu trip to nearby Texas! JR had to go for work training, and our friends (S & K) invited all of us (dog included!) to come down and visit. We made the entire 5 hour trip down to their house without stopping for a bathroom even once! THAT was amazing, and something I don’t think we’ve ever done on a journey before. S & K have a large (aggressive?) dog, and fought outside with my dog until S ran out & stopped ‘em. K and I had a wonderful time chatting and hanging out. Her darling baby is allergic to wheat, dairy, and soy. So she’s not eating any of those things while nursing. (These allergies were all found out after months of hardship…). One morning while she slept in, I made waffles for everyone, and I surprised her with almond flour, no dairy waffle batter. She was pleased!

Later we had a great time at a science museum, and an even better time eating our picnic lunch out front while the kids played in the water feature. Before the museum we stopped at a chiro cause I had slept strange and could tell my rib was out. It was way painful, and after getting adjusted the relief was immediate.

JR, S&K, & I stayed up late playing Skull King with the new expansion cards. It’s been months since we’ve gotten to play games with other adults. We enjoyed it so much. It felt so familiar and comfortable and exciting. K schooled us all – even with us all attempting to even the score. JR couldn’t catch a break. He would win with a crazy low card unexpectedly, or be denied a trick he ought to have won. It was intense.

S&K had a lot of stuffed animals & S had a stuffed animal war with the kids. They LOVED it. The trip ended all too soon…

On the drive home, we did have to stop, but only once. We ended up getting home pretty late, and I learned I REALLY dislike arriving home after dark. Ever since we came home to a flea infestation, I feel a bit panicky at what might occur while we’re away. With our neighborhood, and no dog to protect our house, I half expected we may have gotten robbed. Not that we’re wealthy by any means, but compared to some of our neighbors we’re rather well off. Gratefully we came home to a house undisturbed by bugs or robbers.

I’ve had a TON of SRA memories come up this month – something I really thought I was done with in my life. That has made some hours (and days) exceedingly difficult. Even while it sucks, I have been able to look back and appreciate how much better I’m dealing with them now compared to how hard they hit 10 years ago. The fact that I can still function and accomplish things and mother my children, has seemed rather miraculous. Though, I have gotten several complaints from the kids about how often I journal. Oh well. This too shall pass.

Even while I feel hopeful about the future, and grateful for my many blessings, I feel rather pessimistic too. I dislike “falling short” and August feels like it was one big fat failure. I hope September is better but my hope is slim. No, I refuse to be pessimistic. It’s GOT to get better. It will. We’re not in this alone, and walking with Jesus – well, He will make our wilderness like Eden, and our desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and Gladness shall be found therein.