It's finally spring! :)

Ok, I think it's safe to say that spring has arrived in Colorado's mountains.  :)   Snow has turned to rain, everything is green, and the sprinkler systems are popping out... and it's time for flowers and gardens!

I could have started the peas and lettuce sooner, but didn't have the time to focus on gardening until my spring semester was finished! Lettuce and peas are cool weather plants, and grow well in the cool mountain air. Or at least that's what I researched for my English paper last semester. We'll see how they grow on our deck. Tomatoes don't perform well in this cooler climate, but cherry tomatoes can grow fairly well. Due to my liking tomatoes, I decided to give them a try. Yes, I know there's a good chance of their not thriving .... if all fails, there's always good farmer's markets.  :)

Did I mention how the spring wind can be strong and gusty here? I had placed freshly planted starter seeds on a lawn chair. A gust of wind came and knocked the lawn chair over, throwing the tiny pots completely upside down onto the deck. ugh!!  I'm planting more just in case ... and this time, the little pots remain on the deck floor (the wind doesn't move them when sitting on the floor).

And ... I planted flowers this year, too!  I was so excited to try this high elevation flower/ gardening thing since I didn't plant anything last year. Wish me luck in this experiment!  My hope is that at least the flowers survive.  :)

Oh- and when the sun shines in Colorado, it is intense. Being from the Midwest, I so easily forget and go without sunscreen. Yesterday, after planting flowers and seeds, I sat on the deck to enjoy the beautiful breezy weather and a chat on the phone with my mom. I quickly lost track of time, until I realized my legs were tingling. Lo and behold, I am now sunburned on the front of my legs, and my feet are tan!

This has never happened in all the years I sat on a Florida beach, hoping for tan legs and feet. It just doesn't happens at lower elevations. Ouch! I have discovered the dangers of high elevation suntans!

 I've been applying Aloe Vera gel to my legs, and since there's a green tinge to the gel my legs appear to have a green tint.   LOL!!   

We filed for divorce on St Patrick's Day, I plan to change my last name back to "Shelley" (Irish/Scottish origins), and now I have green legs.  Hahahah! 

One must look for humor in life... and be proud of being Irish?!

And ... always use sunscreen, especially at high elevations!!!   

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A couple of highlights from the last couple of weeks ....

Mother's Day was chilly, but nice (no snow). I took the kids to Mueller State Park, proving to be a pleasant time of exploration and simple togetherness.  :)  I am so grateful I get to be their mom!!

 Once my spring semester classes came to an end, I explored Denver with a friend from my former work place. Mabel has always made me laugh, and this "day out" was no exception. What a fun time inspite of the cloudy, overcast day!!  [the sun hid for nearly a week; quite unusual for Colorado]

 And ... last, but not least, I've desired staying put in Colorado Springs in spite of the divorce, partly because it's the best thing for children to have both parents involved in their lives, and partly because I honestly like it here. As you can see, there really are Purple Mountain Majesties!!

Tomorrow, my two online summer classes begin, and I'll grow busy again. My hope is to remain intentional within relationships- especially with my sweet kids'!! 

Aren't you thankful we don't ever do life alone- even in the crazy moments?? 

 Like I've said before, God multiplies my time many, many times over.

I'm looking forward to seeing what He does next week ...

Peace in the storm :)

Life is crazy!!! 

I'm sure most everyone would agree, and have their own stories to share.

First of all, the weather patterns in Colorado Springs are extremely changeable, with being in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains (6,000 feet above sea level). 

Spring time brings both nice weather, and not so nice weather. This is my second spring in Colorado, and I've learned to expect the unexpected. The weather forecast sometimes changes within hours, or in-between forecasts. One minute it's chilly and overcast, and then it's sunny and hot ten minutes later. One learns to always have a jacket within reach during the spring. Oh- and a water bottle.

{Beautiful sunsets make up for any inconveniences during the day.   :) }

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Ashlyn was thrilled over her little bird house project, and hung it in a tree with newly sprouted leaves. We were so excited that SPRING was HERE!!!!

 Or so we THOUGHT spring was here. An unexpected spring snow storm moved through Colorado, bringing high gusts of wind that caused blizzard conditions. Ashlyn's bird house shattered  .... and I was pleased with how maturely she handled the situation. I was more upset than she was, as I almost melted at the sight of the broken house. She informed me that next time she'd make a bird house with a hammer and nails (this one had been a kit, glued/pieced together).

 I was growing weary of winter, but like most spring snows in Colorado, it all melted away in two days flat. The sun is amazingly intense here!  

Besides the crazy weather, unpredictable events were taking place in my life, too!

I am the type of person who avoids drama at all costs, but somehow ... drama seems finds me anyway. I think it's simply called "Life".  Yes, reactions to our pending divorce, as well as work-place drama. No, I'm not talking about it on this blog.  lol!

Besides finishing up spring semester classes, I'm changing jobs so my hours will fit better around schedules. 

With attempting 12 credit hours this coming fall, I don't want to work more than 20 hrs/wk- for my sanity. This past semester, I've worked 28-30 hours, along with 9  college credit hours and balancing "life".  I'm trying very hard not to be an absent mom. I'd actually prefer being a stay-at-home mom like I was for 16 years ... but this is a new season of life.

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By the way, Colorado sun rises also make up for any inconveniences.   :)

Though when I saw this out my window, it was difficult concentrating on a paper due later that day. 

Honestly- I believe God  often stops time so that I can get more accomplished in a day.  :)

Even though life has been a tad difficult lately, He's been so good to provide exactly what I need.  He certainly has been a good, good Father!!

I just HAVE to share my favorite song, by Chris Tomlin:

Good, good, Father

~Beginning again~

Tonight, I began a "Starting Over Workshop".

Participating is adding more to my schedule, but I feel I need this, going forward in life as a single mom.

Though I was initially excited about this workshop when first signing up, my feelings turned to trepidation when driving to the location this evening. Why did I sign up, and why didn't I ask someone to come with me?!
 It's very scary walking into a strange place alone (my life flashed before my eyes) ....
I mustered courage to walk into the building and find the room ...to discover there were other people just like me. I breathed a sign of relief and took a seat.
I wasn't alone.
We all have scars and experiences we desire to process before moving forward with our lives. We don't want to be the person who constantly feels the need share a sob story to everyone we meet. We want to "get on with it" and enjoy our lives, be a blessing to others, be involved in community (like we used to) ....which means embracing our present lives for what it is. And, yes, it's certainly a process.

Tonight, we talked about "Myths on growing and healing".
During the next five weeks we'll cover topics like, "Understanding your identity", "The depths of forgiveness", "Letting go of the past", "How do I relate now?", and "Assuming new responsibilities".

There was an article recently in the Gazette, and thought I'd share it through the following link:

Starting Over!

I've already had eight months to process most things, and have sensed a transition within myself. I'm looking forward to continuing to learn and grow within this new life .... and then some day, hope to see what God's Sovereign plan was in all of this. If I believe God is Sovereign, I have nothing to fear, and everything to hope for.  

Crazy living

The hardest part about going to school, working a job,  and having three children .... is that I often feel guilty for my time spent on homework and study. 

Or, sometimes I forget about appointments, until Ashlyn sweetly reminds me of her Parent/Teacher Conference the next day. Eek- I quickly cover the surprise on my face and pretend I've always known. Haha! Good thing my attorney's appointment was scheduled for a couple hours after the Conference. Or maybe I had planned it that way all along?  I honestly don't remember. 

Ashlyn decorated her own Conference folder to share with us, and did a great job presenting her school work and grades. I think she's much more comfortable speaking in public than I ever was at her age. We were impressed! :)

I am thankful for how much Ashlyn loves her school. With it being her first year in public school, I was worried about her at first. She has a great relationship with her teacher and classmates, and has blossomed in many ways within her academics. There's no doubt in my mind that her school was a God-send this year. :) 

It's difficult to believe, but Ashlyn will be entering Junior High this fall- 6th grade!

Within my disbelief, I'm making a note to check into the Middle School's beginning band and/or choir, in case we should already be signing up. She's expressed an interest in choir, though I'd also like her to choose an instrument to learn.... so ... obviously, lots to consider and questions to ask  (hopefully we haven't missed any announcements...). 

 Trumpet player Antonin will be entering high school this fall, so I need to verify that he's all set with high school band. Can you believe he missed the band try-outs (because I was at work and he forgot and walked home instead of staying after school like he was supposed to). Anonin will do a great job in the entry level band for 9th grade ... even though I know he is capable of harder music.  Ugh!!!  Yes, these are the most difficult things in life, with balancing a job, family, and taking 9 college credit hours. I can either choose to get stressed out, or laugh. So, I choose to laugh.  :)  And ... I will also email the high school band teacher to ask questions.

Nothing to write about Caleb right now, other than he will be in 11th grade this fall, and is still in need of much driving practice/time. With the amount of snow we've been getting, and conflicting schedules, it seems he doesn't drive very often .... we're trying!!  :) Another guilt moment ..

 I need to finish this blog post and ask Ashlyn what's up. She's baking cupcakes for Easter, and has been talking a mile a minute about our plans tomorrow. It HAS been hard getting into the "spirit" of Easter traditions this year, so I'm really glad Ashlyn has made a list.  :) 

Did I mention there's about 5 inches of snow on the ground outside? 

Our plans tomorrow include going to church, eating a late lunch (ham, potatoes, etc.), and enjoying an indoor egg hunt (because of the snow). 

{.... I'm SO thankful for the true meaning of Easter!!! Jesus was thinking of me when he hung on the cross, and then rose from the dead. He took away ALL my shame and guilt so that I can live guilt-free. Yes, even within this crazy life I now find myself in (He knew what was going to happen). Though it's been difficult getting into the spirit of traditions this year, Easter now has an even greater and deeper meaning to me.}

Being "real" and loving requires courage ....

It's been ages since writing on my blog, and I'm so glad to be back!!!  :)  :)

Returning is like seeing an old friend after years of absence!!

Besides being a busy non-traditional college student, and working Approx. 25 hours a week at a preschool (the hours fluctuate based on the need) ... my life has been slowly changing. Being comfortable enough to write about such changes, requires being "real", and I admit I haven't wanted to be so courageous.  :)

Like most other women, I am more concerned about being judged by others than saying what's really on my heart. Especially when potentially being judged why I'm no longer a stay-at-home-mom. For crying out loud, that in of itself can be the worst of "mommy selfishness" within certain segments of Christianity. Taking 9 credit hours of school, while working about 25 hours a week? Gasp! Why would any mother in her right mind DO such things?!?!

Well ... I certainly question my sanity at times, but the reason behind my "enthusiasm" for school and work is because I'm entering a new season of singleness and will be a divorced woman in the future. It's taken about eight months to accept this reality, and I figured that in order for my future blog posts to make any sense, I needed to be "real".   :)

Yes, I would prefer continuing to be a stay-at-home-mom, but sometimes God simply doesn't make sense (though I acknowledge His perfect Sovereignty). 

*sigh*... ok.... I feel better now that I've admitted the above, and can now breathe.  :) 

During a Community Bible Study Leaders' Retreat, November 2015 (before getting my present job at the preschool), the following poem reminded me that no matter what issues I may have with another person ... instead of "getting even" or being a "Bible Thumper" ... my first reactions need to be love-filled. Not naïve or being trampled-on, but courageous.

This says it all!!

And ... I really should return to my homework now. lol! :)

Writing is therapeutic, but requires time. And since I don't have extra time due to school, work & family, I will share my new life & thoughts within smaller posts. At least now you know what to expect. :)

Until next time .... please find someone to encourage, because we are surrounded by hurting people and often don't know it.