Moving

After two and a half years, and nearly 500 posts, I am moving! This little space in the internet has been a wonderful home, and I've grown and changed so much in the time I've spent here. But, it is time for something new.

I hope you will stop over and visit me at Seeking the Way. I was able to import the content from homescribbles over there, so it will seem familiar. And, as with me, it is a work in progress... more to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Thank you for walking this stretch of the journey with me. Hope to see you at Seeking the Way.

Peace,
Jen

The Many Faces of Jen

Me, marking our spot in the parking garage at Universal Studios on our 10th anniversary

This fall, I am wearing so many different faces that DH thought it necessary to provide a visual. (With deep apologies to Andy Warhol!)

As usual, I am mother/wife/housekeeper/etc. That role I know how to do (mostly).

And, I am teacher. This role, I am really getting into my groove (finally).

I am also volunteer. I can't figure out exactly how that role ballooned so big this fall, but it did... and I'm pretty sure I've been practicing saying "no," too.

Finally, I am student. I am taking two classes online this semester, working toward certification in ministry. I took one 2-week class this summer. It was intense, and then it was over. I had signed up for one online class and one in-person class for this fall. While we were away, I learned that my in-person class was canceled. I replaced it with the second online class. Both classes started last week, and I am a bit overwhelmed by the whole experience right now. I don't know how to manage my time well. There are reading assignments and posting requirements. When and how often should I be posting/checking discussion boards? Traditional classes are so much easier... do the readings/assignments and show up for class. DH (who teaches online as well as in the classroom) keeps telling me that I will learn more. I suppose. For now, I don't have any "groove" at all ... or even a plan for how/when to fit my classwork and online time into my life.

Anyone out there with online class experience, please jump in with suggestions!

So, dear friends, if my blogging is sporadic this fall, know that it's because one of these many faces is running the show.

The Blessing of a Break

I am going to be taking a break from blogging, and I wanted to post this last blessing before my break: the blessing of clarity through prayer and spiritual direction.

In the past three years, spiritual direction has brought me to, and through, places I'd never even imagined existed inside me. It's a journey, and I am so deeply grateful for the process, for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and for the patience, compassion and insight of my director. If you've ever considered spiritual direction, or think you might be interested in it, I highly encourage you to try it out.

As for the break: Yesterday, my director and I took a wonderful, long walk in the morning sunshine. Our conversation went in many directions, much more than usual. And there were many bullets that came from those conversations... hitting me squarely between the eyes and in the center of my chest.

This morning, I woke early and spent a long time in prayer. And I've come to the realization that I need to set aside the next month for quiet and contemplation... as much as is possible for a busy mother of 3. This means getting rid of the excess "noise" in my life, including blogging (mine and others).

So, dear friends, I thank you for walking alongside me on this journey. I may be back in August, depending on what, where and how God leads me through this break. I am still reachable by email, but even that will be less frequent, as I am going to be turning the computer off during the day, through this period of "quiet."

May God continue to shower you with blessings, and may you feel His Presence in your darker moments.

Peace.

Returning to Normal

Our last houseguests left yesterday afternoon. Today, I am washing sheets, finally tackling the boys' closet/dressers, and vacuuming. I am reclaiming my space.

I love having houseguests. I love the "vacation" mentality of the past few days (particularly, the post-First Communion days). We've gone to the Botanical Garden, for a train ride, out for ice cream. It's been relaxed, fun, and family-centered.

And still... I am happy to be returning to normal, to our usual chaos and mess and busyness. Even, for a few more weeks, to school work.

So, dear friends out there in blogville, I will be back. I want to write about BigBro's First Holy Communion, and my birthday, and a bunch of other things. But, first, I need to get my physical space in order once more. Then, I'll work on my digital space.

Peace.

Hiatus

I've been light on the blogging lately for several reasons. First, we're just busy. I keep waiting for the "slow" time of year to come around, but it never seems to make an appearance.

Second, and this is probably more to blame for my blog-quiet, is that I am re-thinking this blog. What is the purpose of it? Is it an electronic scrapbook of sorts... pictures and funny things the kids say? I mean, that's fine if that's what it is... but does that really interest anyone out there? (besides DH, that is).

Is this a place for me to explore my faith?

Is this a discipline, to keep me writing regularly, keep those muscles exercised?

Something else entirely?

Or some combination of them all?

Most importantly, does it even matter?

*****

Bear with me, dear friends. I'll sort this out soon, I'm sure.

Until then, peace.

So, I've noticed

that on the weeks when DH is out of town, I hardly post at all on the blog. And when he is here, I am overflowing with posts.

Hmmm... I would have thought the opposite: that without him to talk to, I have so much more to write.

But, perhaps, I write less because I am more tired. Because there is no break at the end of the day. No gentle hug and welcoming smile. No moment when my hazel eyes lock with his baby blues. Our voices connect over air, but we lack all physical connection.

We are only two trips into this marathon of business trips scheduled this fall. Then a breather for the holidays, and the marathon picks up again in January. So, barring any major surprises, this ebb and flow of travel is here to stay.

I miss him terribly when he is gone. It's easier now, with the kids older, less dependent, and with the safety nets I set in place (prayer, exercise, friends). But it's still so very hard.

Tonight, he returns. As I sit and write this, he is flying 30,000 feet above us, 500+ mph, rushing home to our welcoming embraces.

For this, I cannot wait.