Catching up at the beach

Sweet Jac digging in the sand

D and Daddy

All the kiddos (except the baby...he can't sit up on the steps yet)

Jac trying to make the car "go"

Jac and Sammy

We have just returned from a very impromptu and relaxing trip to the beach. Steve was supposed to run a 5k in Beaufort this weekend where we would stay with our friends from So Happily Us. Over the past couple of weeks he has tried to get back into the running "grove" to prepare for the run. Instead, the weather has been freezing, work has been crazy and it has been tough for him to get in the mind-set. When S.H.U. mentioned that it would be WAY more fun to go to the beach for the weekend instead of running in the cold....we jumped on the idea. AND, since we all wanted to visit with Freeman Family Fun while we were in the lowcountry, we all took the kids to the beach to be bums (which you are supposed to do at the beach) and hung out. The weekend was filled with catching up (we hadn't seen F.F.F. since they have been expecting their 3rd little boy....only 14 weeks until he gets here if that tells you how long it's been) playing games and really not much of anything else. It was just what the doctor ordered (although to be honest the doctor would probably have really liked us both to be in shape enough to run the 5k) and we had a blast. The only thing wrong with the whole weekend was that we were only able to be together for 1 full day. Other than that, it was great!

Wouldn't you know that a weekend with friends would give me some more things to add to my gratitude journal, so here goes:

1. God was so kind to give us these other two families to spend time with. I am truly thankful for their friendships and I love them.

2. I don't think one can make it to the beach, look out at the ocean and waves and not be completely in awe of what God has given us in His beautiful world. This is completely incredible and reason to give thanks.

3. My kids are at the ages where we could let them play in the back room or on the screened porch and not worry (too much) about if they could hurt themselves or needed us to help them with small tasks. Ask any mother who has raised small babies and they will tell you this is a HUGE accomplishment, both for their children and for the mommies' relaxation.

4. For most of my life I have had an awful anxiety about social situations and the feeling that I'm supposed to be doing something other than resting or relaxing (no place like the internet to air your insecurities) Anyway, I am thankful that I am learning to be in the "now" and let go of the worries and stress.

5. Finally tonight I am thankful for the fact that after an awesome weekend my children are sound asleep and I can spend some more time with my Simple Abundances (sadly I admit I neglected my devotions over the weekend). I am going to sit down and mentally prepare myself for a day at home tomorrow with both girls since D has the day off (followed by some Brothers and Sisters just because I love it!!).