Peace, Love, and Shenanigans.

Swamped!  Homework has me swamped!  I am doing everything I can to get out of school and get a job quickly but with a toddler in tow at all times life can get very interesting!  That being said I am currently in a great place.  I am loved and supported which allows me to be a better mother for V.  V is loved and supported and spoiled beyond belief.  It is kinda crazy how much fun she has every day.  She thinks this is the world's greatest vacation.

Speaking of the World's Greatest Vacation...V has been here there and everywhere.  She has been making some new friends and has been taking advantage of every opportunity I have to get them in the same place.  Two of my favorite pictures were from our recent trip to the aquarium and a cold day trip to the mall for a ride on the carousel, lunch, a peek into every water feature, and some playtime on the indoor playground.  They cracked me up running through the mall holding hands and telling each other every single thing they saw!  The only downside is that they are very close in age and seem to just love each other.  That can be good and it can also be bad...they are definitely partners in crime...and crime could be trouble ;)

V, in addition to playing with new friends, had been reaping the benefits of having four adults in the house doting on her at all times. Violet has been cooking up a storm in her play kitchen (and note in the picture talking on her play phone!) and ropes in the nearest adult to have tea every chance she gets. She has also been working on some pretty serious art work in the little art area. Between the paints, markers, and crayons she has a pretty good time. We even put up a magnet board complete with magnetic letters so she could display her favorites.  Lastly, on V's horizon we are starting  toddler tumbling classes this month.  It should be a riot and I am positive V will love it!  When that class ends I have my eye on a Mommy & Me ballet class for toddlers that might carry us all the way into summer!

With regards to life in Missy's world...I mentioned homework above.  I am taking four classes and still mommying full time.  It is a lot but I wouldn't trade a moment of it.  I am slowly adjusting to life not in Athens but I will admit that I sometimes get a little sad when I visit.  The house is on the market, folks are looking at it and I have started packing my stuff up in a very real way.  I am so ready to have that portion of my life behind me...I just can't begin to tell you guys.  I am certain, now more than ever, that God has given me this opportunity to regain control of my life and take it in a direction that is both positive and full of love.  I know my marriage served a purpose in His plan and I wouldn't take it back because V was the greatest gift a person could ask for.  That being said...I don't think I will miss it.  Taking this opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and trust God's plan for my life has shown me more joy and peace than I was ever expecting to find when this whole thing started.  I am happier than I have been in a very long time.  Don't get me wrong...stress still exists and crappy stuff happens, but the bigger picture is brighter, clearer, and somehow simpler than it ever was.

With regards to my search for a new church home I think I may have found one.  In a few weeks I will share that link once I feel a little more settled.  We have only been twice but are really enjoying it.  It feels really good to be pursuing God corporately again.  I have missed that regular time and the direction it helped give me.  Sometimes it is easy to to get lost and caught up in day to day stuff.  I, often, need to be reminded where my focus should be.  It has also renewed my cravings to spend time in God's word...to see what He would have for me.  When I moved I was hesitant about finding a new church and to be honest I didn't think I would find one with the kind of love and support my old one showed.  I am definitely not saying that it is home yet...but I am optimistic in saying it possibly could be one day.

In addition to school and church I thought I should probably pursue something for me (besides the gym...which I love...but it can be a chore).  I am playing on a co-ed kickball team and our games start in March!  I will keep you guys informed of our going ons and I will be sure to take pictures.  Lastly, I am excited to say that Mom brought me home four old jars of buttons.  They were rusty and even smelled old...but they held the coolest treasures!  There were carved wooden ones, plastic ones, glass ones, celluloid ones, rhinestone ones, and so much more!  I can't wait to find something fun to do with them!  It feels like it has been forever since I have had the opportunity to do something creative...school rules right now but I am lucky to have my first really lazy week.  I don't have a ton due so I am planning on playing in my buttons, quilting a little, and sleeping a lot more than I have been.  

The only thing standing in my way of rest this weekend is the start of OM season.  The first tournament kicks off Saturday in Flowery Branch.  If you are around and want to see kids do some pretty amazing things, feel free to stop by and take a peek.  If you need me I will be trapped hanging out in the score room :)