Faith.

2 Corinthians 5:7. "For we live by faith, not by sight."

This scripture is one that I find myself constantly repeating. When dealing with "little" things, when dealing with "bigger" things, when worried about upcoming decisions that I have no control over, (Even typing that makes me think "WHY am I worried? I can't do anything about it." it's all just frustrating.) I have to hand it over to God. Hand it over to the person who knows what is best in the long run.

After all, it's His will that brought us into this situation, and I have to say He knew the best way. He knows what He's doing. He is the one who knows how it will all work out, and I need to have faith that it will work out. I know it will, because He is in charge.

But don't think for a second I'm not trying to figure it out on my own. Even if His way is not the "best" way "I" think it should happen, it IS the best way for the situation. I need to take a few steps back and hand it over.

It's hard.

I know it wouldn't be if I had complete faith.

So I will end with this. I DO have faith. He knows best. His best and my preference might not be what I think is best for the current situation, but ultimately, HE does know best.

I also know He understands that being a landlord is not easy. I am ready for this title I've had for the last 2 years to be removed from my resume. It will happen, when He is ready for me to walk that path. It will come in due time.

Swimming.

See those beauties in the pool? ONE week ago, I couldn't get B in the water without him holding on to something for dear life, or without floaties.... and I couldn't get E to let go of the side of the pool. Look at them! This is after 5 days of lessons, and I am MORE than impressed. I'm so proud of both of my babies! There were several moments where I was nearly crying because I was so proud. They did such an amazing job. They even went off the diving board for the 1st time today! AND NO FLOATIES!!!!!

We came home from lessons, and went to a neighbor's house for 2 more hours of swimming....where they continued the quest for their new found passion of jumping off the edge over and over and over and over. What a beautiful, relaxing, wonderful summer evening.

I am one proud momma, and not as much of a nervous wreck when they are playing in a pool. At least I know they have some skills! No worries, I won't let them go unsupervised (maybe ever...lol) but I'm a bit more relaxed knowing the KNOW how to get their faces in the water and get to the edge. Wow.

Water park, here we come!

Neighbors.

I've had good neighbors my entire adult life. Some have been quiet, some have been like grandparents, all have been helpful, and ALL have made an impact on my life. Especially my current neighbors. As I was walking home from a quick walk with a friend, it was getting dark. There is tall grass on either side of the road, (livin' in the couuuuuuuuuuuuuuuntry!) and a pond set back off the road, but not too far back. My lovely current neighbor was telling me the other day of a very large snake, that wouldn't die after being run over 4 times, and an alligator snapping turtle the size of a dinosaur (just kidding) that came out of that pond. At night. In the summer. Let's just say I didn't see either of those nasty types, but did go into convulsions when a large bug hit me in the lips. I walked (okay, almost ran) the remainder of the way home with my shirt over my mouth and nose so I wouldn't accidentally eat a bug. I kept thinking a snake was going to get me... then (another) neighbor's dog didn't recognize me in the dark... even when I talked to him... then I thought I was going to get attacked by the darn dog.... and the snake, and the turtle, and the giant flying bug.... then I did the most wonderful thing. I opened the front door, stepped in, closed it (you know, so those huge dinosaur bugs wouldn't come into my territory) and took a deep breath. HOME ALIVE! #I'mstillnotevenclosetoacountrygirl. #andyesIknowhashtagsdon'tworkhere.