So Long

I feel like it's been so long since I sat in front of this blog to write about what's been going on in the Loughman life. Well, things have been busy to say the least. I was warned that report card time would be nuts, but I had no idea. That plus preparing for parent-teacher conferences has me swamped. And it's not like the rest of my life goes on hiatus. Nope, I had a dentist appointment, dinner to cook and host, errands to run, a family to care for, you know, that other stuff.

I'd like to say that life will slow down after this, but it won't. One quarter ends and the new one begins with just as many demands as the first. And there are so many people who are still holding up my arms for me. Thank God. I'm really enjoying the small group we have joined. After the disaster that was finding a church (remember how excited I was? Yeah, epic fail. Violet was just not ready for the big-time nursery) I knew we needed something else. And this time, things are working out. (Crossing fingers, holding breath.) I like that it's small. I like that these are people I can actually get to know, share my heart with, pray with. I've put myself squarely on the prayer list each week, in fact!

Lately I've really been struggling with a lack of confidence and assurance when it comes to work. But on two separate occasions in the same day (thanks for making it so obvious, God!) I  had someone point out that those thoughts aren't from God, they aren't even from myself, they are straight from the devil. So I've been asking God to protect my heart and mind from those kinds of thoughts that are trying to pull me down. This verse has become a bit of a touchstone for me - I sit in the car and read it before I walk into the building:  

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Isn't that awesome? The peace of God will guard your heart and mind. I imagine this forcefield of peace settling around me, warding off all the negative thoughts Satan tries to worm into my head. As insanely difficult as this year has been already, I know God is using it for a mighty purpose. I've never done something so out of my comfort zone that I've had to totally rely on God to get me through. But that's exactly where I find myself now, and it's an amazing learning experience to go through - having to totally depend on Him.

Anyway, I don't want to be preachy. Sorry if you're turned off by any of this. I'm just trying to be honest about where I am and how I'm getting through. Maybe some of you have felt this way. Maybe it helps to know that other people go through the same thing. Maybe not. Maybe you just want to scroll to the bottom of this and get to the Violet pictures. Well, fine. Here you go! (Thanks for hanging in there with me!)

Love my daddy!

Girls' night out at McD's - how cute are the little baby french fry boxes now?!

Still Here

So I know it's been quiet on ye olde blog lately. I'm still here. It's just that I haven't taken many pictures lately (and I hate to post without visual aids) and things have been a bit stressful. Grades are due, conferences are coming up, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed...

Plus I'm struggling with the fact that there is a lot I want to say on here, but I also know this is a public space and my job doesn't give me the same right to privacy as others might enjoy. So... there you have it.

But I'm still here. After I survive these next two weeks (and survive I shall, dammit) I'm hoping things will get back to normal. On the not too distant radar - finding a Halloween costume for Violet, making Thanksgiving plans (to host or not to host), working up the courage to ditch paci once and for all...

Thanks for sticking around.

Book Club for Babies

Violet and I have been enjoying our own book club every evening. Matt gets in on the action too. It's amazing how much Little Girl loves to read (or turn pages, at least). I hope we're setting a good example for her and paving the road for a lifetime love of books!

Germs

Well, it took two months, but I'm finally feeling the effects of all the germs that have been floating around. I woke up yesterday with a sore throat and rapidly disintegrating voice. I'm soliciting all prayers for health and healing as I head into the week. And it's going to be a busy one. Report cards are coming up, meaning grades have to be taken and recorded and sorted through. Parent conferences are just a couple weeks away, and all these "firsts" have me just a little intimidated.

Maybe it's just because I wasn't feeling good, but Sunday had me feeling pretty low. It was such a beautiful weekend, crisp and chilly with the first hint of fall (welcome October!) that it really bummed me out to think about work. I was willing to do just about anything, including ironing, to keep me on the procrastination train!

Violet loves the new hoodie Mimi got her... she often refuses to take it off, regardless of the dubious fashion statements she sometimes makes as a result.

Fortunately, my mom was able to make a spontaneous trip to see Violet. I wanted to preserve as much of my voice as possible for school, which meant that someone else was going to have to talk and play with Little Girl. They had the best time together. Once Matt spilled the beans that Mimi was coming, Violet ran to the windows and kept calling for her "Moo Moo". They took long walks, went to the neighborhood playground twice, and in general had a wonderful time while I tried to rest and get things done (ahem, ironing).

Saturday was another great day. I headed to Atlanta to see my book club girls. We lunched on a patio beforehand and then watched Shutter Island. I liked the book better, big surprise. In fact, knowing the story almost made the movie lackluster. The book, however, was such a page turner, and I'm really glad I read it first before seeing the film. Anyway, after my ladies' day out, I came home to a spontaneous cook-out with our friends Travis and Wendi. We even rolled out the fire pit and burned off some yard clippings Matt had collected. The wind made things a bit too smokey (hmm, perhaps that's the culprit behind my sore throat) but it was still fun watching the flames and staying toasty.

So all in all, I can't complain about my weekend. Well, I wish it had lasted longer! But I'm so excited about the change in the weather, and glad my sweet girl got to spend such happy days with her favorite people. I got to see some good friends. And now I'm trusting God for a full healing of my body and strength and confidence for the days ahead.

Real Simple

Slide

Up...

and...

ready... set...

...go!

Yay!

The Eyes Have It

A girl this cool demands to be carried!

Today we had Violet's follow-up eye doctor appointment. Remember at her 18-month well-check how she failed her vision screening? Well, today we headed to the expert to see if she would needed glasses or (gasp!) a patch.

I was sweating it big time. We're talking full on sick to my stomach dread as we sat in the waiting area. This sweet girl is just too young for glasses. How would we ever keep them on her head? Would she ever look cute again? (Yes, these are the horrible, shallow thoughts going through my mind.)

Fortunately... the doctor didn't see any problems! Yay! She thought it was probably just a faulty test result the first time around, the machine picking up on Violet's slight astigmatism. She did say that Violet will definitely be near-sighted and need glasses in the future (thanks to her excellent genes), but for the time being (at least the next two years) we are good to go! Thank God! (Seriously, I'm thanking Him big time!) I am so relieved.