At the end of August

Back again to check in again and apologize again for disappearing again. I've fallen off the blogging wagon. During the day I think about how little energy I have to organize my thoughts and articulate my life into coherent posts. But during the sacred early morning hours I find myself drawn back to this space that holds many pieces of my story. I feel a yearning to put words to my emotions and experiences, to reflect upon what I've seen, thought, done. Late at night (usually as I read a book) I miss the art of writing; what it does for my head and heart and how it captures, uniquely, the changing seasons of my life.

I wish I could be the sort of person who could promise to write more often and with greater consistency and then stick to it. Right now the list of disciplines implemented and kept is slim. I try to keep it simple so I can make it through the days with relative success. It's redundant to say, "We've been busy", because that always seems to be true. This summer I've felt behind, like I'm constantly trying to keep up with myself. I feel my body is present more places than my mind and soul. As we transition into fall I realize it is time to transition to living within my limits. I can't keep going at this pace and hope to have a healthy soul.

August has been so much fun with Mercy's first birthday, a Mann family vacation to Wisconsin and welcoming home our very best friends from Ethiopia, their two newest babies in tow. Our house is for sale, our ministry roles have kept us on our toes, Mercy is an absolute delight and the three of us have made a tradition out of long walks on early Saturday mornings to Starbucks and the Farmer's Market. It's good to be a family of three. It's been an incredible six months as Mercy's mom; seeing her come alive and bursting with personality is one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable parts to parenthood.

Hope to be back soon! Hope you've all be well!

Most genius invention ever, discovered in a Fred Meyer restroom.

At her one year appointment