A blogging friend of mine mentioned a few weeks ago that we must have stuff going on since I've been so negligent in my blogging. She has no idea. Sometimes God does amazing things, and it's hard to process it, at least publicly, for a while. So, my friends, be patient. I keep the sweet secrets He is revealing to me, but not forever. I'm just trying to put all the pieces together.
God continues to remind me, and it's no secret, that He loves me more than I can imagine, even when I feel completely alone. He continues to remind me that it is all for a purpose and all under His control, even if I can't see it right now. And He will always provide for all of my needs. Even when I think what I need or want is actually an impossible desire. He is more than capable. Have a little faith, Amanda.
Sometimes one answer takes care of many questions. Thank you God, for so succintly answering so many of my questions. Granted, the answer brings more questions (mostly about my sanity), but I trust you will provide answers to those questions in due time.
Well, it's preschool pick-up time. Stay tuned, friends. It's only a matter of time. :)
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday, December 11, 2009
More of My Girls, More Music, More Green in 2009 (Amanda)
So, in our journey toward a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle, we are not printing Christmas letters this year. This post (and the ones that follow) are how each of us sums up the past year. Thanks for reading!
Here's our first "formal" family picture since Ashtyn joined us. Three out of four smiles isn't bad. :)
It's hard to describe the past year for me. As I read over last year's letter, I noticed we referred to it as a roller coaster. As I look back on 2009, I can tell you that 2008 was a kiddie coaster! At least for me! I think I was caught up in the excitement of all the newness of the adventure in 2008. Now reality has hit, and I've discovered reality is going to take far more adjusting than I had initially thought.
The high's of 2009 have been my precious girls. I am often overwhelmed, sometimes by the girls and their antics, but more often by my sheer love for them. I didn't know I could love two little people so much! They bring such joy to my life, and even though they drive me crazy some days, I could not possibly love them more! I'm sure you other parents can relate. I am amazed that two children with the same parents can be so different. Their personalities were summed up one evening as we sat in the family room after dinner. Ryleigh looked at Ryan and said, "I want to wrestle," and proceded to jump on top of him. Ashtyn walked over to me and said, "I want to snuggle." I just laughed. Ryleigh is more of the daddy's girl and much more into active play. Ashtyn is my little snuggle-bug and would rather rock her babies and read to Monkey than run around after her sister (although she does that too).
Sometimes Ryleigh is annoyed with Ashtyn always following her around and trying to do everything she does, but mostly, she relishes it. She loves being the "teacher" and tells Ashtyn, "Oh Ashy, I'm so proud of you!" and gives her big hugs when she does something. They do occasionally fight over toys, but more often than not, they just love being together and being sisters. The other morning we were getting breakfast ready, and Ashtyn looked up at Ryleigh and said, "I love you, Ryleigh!" So sweet!
And as I reflect on my love for my girls, I am then humbled by the love my Father has for me. A love that we prepare to celebrate in the gift of His one and only Son. Because I know that my Heavenly Father alone knows all of me, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and that He still loves me even more than I love my little girls. Wow. I pray that you are celebrating the real reason for the season this year, that you know the person of Jesus and understand the gift that He is, and that no matter what circumstances life has dealt you at the moment, you know that because of His gift, you will enjoy all eternity in the presence of a Holy God. That is the Hope I cling to, even as I ride this roller coaster.
A year ago, we thought we had finally found a church home, but after spending several months there, we felt the need to move on. So we spent the summer and fall once again church shopping. We ask you to continue to pray for this issue in our lives, as it has presented a challenge in our quest to call this home. We believe in God's plan and His purpose, but this has been a struggle.
Speaking of home... In July, we moved from our little carriage house in East Greenville to a home just across the fields from the farm. Moving twice in 12 months is not my idea of a good time and made me realize just how much "stuff" we have. Ugh! On the positive side, we all now have bedroom doors, a bigger and nicer kitchen, and a brand new washer, dryer, and gas grill (thank you, Mom and Dad!). The closeness to the farm allows Ryan to come home for lunch sometimes and for quick trips to the preschool or to Grandma and Poppa's house.
I joined the Montgomery County Concert Band last fall and continue to perform with them. It's been a crazy year there, as our conductor was diagnosed with cancer after our spring concert. The good news is that, after missing the summer season, he was able to return to conduct about half of our November concert. Several of us were given the opportunity, in his absence, to rehearse and conduct pieces of our choosing over the summer, so that was a lot of fun. It felt good to get back on the podium, although I had never been in front of a group of adults before, especially a group mostly older than myself.
To help fill that musical void I've experienced since leaving Virginia, I was also able to take on a part-time job this fall working with the Upper Perkiomen High School Marching Band. Working a few days a week, I assisted with the young, fairly inexperienced program (half the students were rookie marchers). While there was lots of frustration and hurdles to overcome, especially during the first half of the season (one of those was rain nearly every weekend!), we ended up having a great Fall, and I am excited to start again next summer. I am grateful for the opportunity, and I know I was able to grow a lot and realize more of what I am capable of as a teacher. Sometimes you need a fresh start, a new situation, something away from the ordinary routine, to realize how much you've learned.
Another subject I've continued to learn a lot about is the journey toward a "greener" life. While we have always recycled, when Ashtyn was born and we started using gDiapers, a whole new world opened up to us. Then when we moved to PA and started Butter Valley Harvest, our knowledge expanded, as we pursued greener ways of building and running the greenhouse. Growing hydroponically has introduced us to other people who are interested in healthy living, buying local food, etc. Some of my friends laugh at me and my reusable grocery bags and ask me when I became a hippie. But really, it's all about my family. I've realized the advantages to my children when I buy local food (healthier, fresher), eliminate chemicals from our cleaners and detergents and diapers (I don't miss those smells at all!), and do what I can to preserve the earth for their grandchildren. Our motivation isn't so much "save the earth" as it is to do the best we can for our girls and their future and to care for the earth as God told Adam in the Garden of Eden. It just so happens that things that are better for my girls are better for the planet. It's amazing how little steps open doors into a whole new world. I have learned so much!
In Butter Valley Harvest news, we opened a market on the farm back in April. We are open two days a week, and do a steady business. Ryan's mom generally runs the market on Wednesday afternoons, and we spend most Saturdays on the farm. While we have hired one person part-time, I look forward to the day when we can count on non-family members to run the market.
One of the biggest obstacles to feeling settled has been a lack of sleep. Ashtyn has always been a pretty good sleeper (though naps are becoming an issue), but as many of you know, Ryleigh has really struggled since she was about 18 months old with a variety of issues, from confusional arousal to more severe night terrors. We were repeatedly told not to worry, that she would grow out of it. This summer, we noticed that she would hold her breath in the middle of these episodes. We finally saw a pediatric sleep specialist, a blood test revealed an iron deficiency which is at least part of the problem (contributes to Restless Leg Syndrome), and we are awaiting a sleep study in March (or sooner if there's a cancellation). We are excited to finally be getting some answers and appreciate your continued prayers for Ryleigh and her tired parents. (BTW, one of the things I read was that at least 25% of children diagnosed with ADHD are actually suffering from iron deficiency or other sleep disorders that cause them to act out because they are overtired. I totally get that!)
So it's been another crazy year in the Ehst household. But I love my girls more every day, I'm still learning and growing (although not necessarily in ways I would have predicted), and despite my frustrations and emotional fluctuations, God is still in control and on the throne. May you know the peace that passes all understanding this Christmas. And may you be showered with blessings in 2010.
Reflections (Ryan)
Coming soon... so he says. We'll be snowed in this weekend, so come back soon for Ryan's thoughts on 2009.
Update (1/3/2010): OK, clearly Ryan's intentions to blog are not to be realized, so here's a bit from Amanda on his behalf... Butter Valley Harvest is much more than the dream and the promise it was a year ago. Last Christmas, we harvested our first greens for our family's Christmas dinner salads. In January, we began harvesting "for real," and within months we were working with a couple of wholesalers, several Wegman's stores, several Redner's stores, several independent local grocery stores, and opened our own market on the farm. It's been a busy year!
We do not currenty have grow lights (a goal for next year), so our growth times are affected greatly by shorter daylight hours. We are currently selling everything we are growing with the demand being greater than our supply. As the days get longer, our greens will grow faster, and we will be able to increase production.
The tomatoes and cucumbers grew into December and new babies are currently waiting to be transplanted and moved from the lettuce house to the tomato house. We will have new fruits ready in March.
The response from the community to our business has been wonderful, and we are very grateful for that. For more about what we do, please check out our website.... http://www.buttervalleyharvest.com/.
Update (1/3/2010): OK, clearly Ryan's intentions to blog are not to be realized, so here's a bit from Amanda on his behalf... Butter Valley Harvest is much more than the dream and the promise it was a year ago. Last Christmas, we harvested our first greens for our family's Christmas dinner salads. In January, we began harvesting "for real," and within months we were working with a couple of wholesalers, several Wegman's stores, several Redner's stores, several independent local grocery stores, and opened our own market on the farm. It's been a busy year!
We do not currenty have grow lights (a goal for next year), so our growth times are affected greatly by shorter daylight hours. We are currently selling everything we are growing with the demand being greater than our supply. As the days get longer, our greens will grow faster, and we will be able to increase production.
The tomatoes and cucumbers grew into December and new babies are currently waiting to be transplanted and moved from the lettuce house to the tomato house. We will have new fruits ready in March.
The response from the community to our business has been wonderful, and we are very grateful for that. For more about what we do, please check out our website.... http://www.buttervalleyharvest.com/.
Random Musings on 2009 (Ryleigh)
*Note from Mommy: Ryleigh dictated most of this herself with a little bit of editing from me.*
In March, my best friend from Virginia came to visit for her birthday. Our mommies took me and Maddie to Sweet and Sassy where we got manicures and pedicures and fancy hairdo's. Plus we got glitter stars on our cheeks and lollipops! Mommy can only find this picture of my toes. Where are the ones of our fancy hair???
I celebrated my 4th birthday at the beach in August with my parents and sister, Grandma and Grandpa Bechtel, Uncle Ben, Jaime, and Aunt Sarah and Uncle Andrew. Daddy forgot the decorator for my cupcakes, so we fingerpainted with the icing on the cupcakes instead. I was glad he forgot Mommy's decorator! I was a little afraid of the waves at the beach, but not as afraid as Ashtyn.
I like to be at school and play with my friend Lauren. I'm in the Pre-K class at Bally Community Preschool now, three days a week. I like to play with the farm, puppies, and blocks. I also like when Poppa or Grandma or Daddy picks me up from school sometimes, because that usually mean something special, like a date with Daddy or lunch at the farm. I like to be the Helper of the Day at school, but I also get excited for my friends when it's their turn.
In March, my best friend from Virginia came to visit for her birthday. Our mommies took me and Maddie to Sweet and Sassy where we got manicures and pedicures and fancy hairdo's. Plus we got glitter stars on our cheeks and lollipops! Mommy can only find this picture of my toes. Where are the ones of our fancy hair???
I celebrated my 4th birthday at the beach in August with my parents and sister, Grandma and Grandpa Bechtel, Uncle Ben, Jaime, and Aunt Sarah and Uncle Andrew. Daddy forgot the decorator for my cupcakes, so we fingerpainted with the icing on the cupcakes instead. I was glad he forgot Mommy's decorator! I was a little afraid of the waves at the beach, but not as afraid as Ashtyn. I like to be at school and play with my friend Lauren. I'm in the Pre-K class at Bally Community Preschool now, three days a week. I like to play with the farm, puppies, and blocks. I also like when Poppa or Grandma or Daddy picks me up from school sometimes, because that usually mean something special, like a date with Daddy or lunch at the farm. I like to be the Helper of the Day at school, but I also get excited for my friends when it's their turn.I have trouble sleeping sometimes; it comes and goes. Mommy and Daddy took me to a special doctor who talked to us for a long time. They gave me markers and coloring books and a regular book and stickers, and I got to keep them. I had to have a blood test, which was awful and I cried a lot, and now I have to take yucky iron drops twice a day. But I seem to be sleeping better. I also have to go back to the doctor and sleep over with Mommy or Daddy in a few months. They are going to stick these icky things all over my face and legs, put straps around my chest and tummy, and put tubes in my nose. Mommy says it's to see what happens in my body while I'm asleep, but I don't know how I'm supposed to sleep like that! I think I'll watch a movie.
I love to run and wrestle with Daddy and sing and dance. I also like to take the cushions off the couch and build forts or tents or sliding boards with them. Ashtyn tries to do everything I do. I love Tinkerbell and Princesses, and I love to do craft, especially when glue and/or glitter is involved. I love when Daddy makes up Jack stories for me before bed. I like to retell them and change them a little bit. Mommy and Daddy say I'm very creative. I think it's because my brain never stops!
Thoughts from Toddler-dom (Ashtyn)
I don't remember too much about January except my birthday. I turned 1 on January 28th and celebrated with my family at home. I got some fun toys to play with and new shoes that it took forever my little feet forever to grow into.
I started walking and running, trying desperately to keep up with Ryleigh. She's fast! And I stopped taking two naps a day at some point, which was more traumatic for Mommy than it was for me.
I've nearly filled my mouth with teeth, which I have not enjoyed at all! (It's nice to have teeth, because Mommy and Daddy let me eat a lot more interesting foods now, but the process has not been pleasant!). I seem to stay in the teething phase (drooling and all) for long periods of time before anything happens, and then suddenly in one week, I'll have 3 new teeth. Mommy or Daddy will give me these little teething tablets that melt in my mouth and make me feel much better. I just wish the drooling would stop... my pretty dress was soaked today just from sitting during Ryleigh's school Christmas program. 
My big sister goes to school three days a week, and I really miss her while she's away. Mommy and I usually go grocery shopping one of those days, and that pretty well fills up the morning. Sometimes it's nice to have Mommy and all the toys all to myself, but I'm always excited to go pick Ryleigh up from school. I also love to help Mommy take the clothes out of the washer and put them into the dryer. I can identify most of our family's laundry and who it belongs to.
Monkey is still my best friend in the whole world, and I don't go too many places without him. My big sister made him for me at Build-a-Bear Workshop and brought him to the hospital when I was born, so we've always been together.
My favorite things to do are read, color, read, play with babies, read, play with Little People, and read. I even read books without any pictures sometimes. I love to play with my big sister, but she doesn't always let me play with all her toys. She and Mommy think I'll eat her princesses' shoes or something crazy like that!
I'm starting to get an idea about this whole potty thing. Sometimes I tell Mommy or Daddy right away when my diaper is dirty, and other days I'd rather not stop playing to get my diaper changed and wrestling matches occur on the changing table. But I like to sit on the big girl potty like my sister does. I haven't done much yet, but I like to wipe my bottom.
I can talk almost as much as my sister does, and I'm learning to count. Ryleigh is also teaching me songs and motions to go with them. We have lots of fun together. I love Ryleigh!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Desert Writer's Block (Amanda)
I really think I should stop putting the author's name after my blog titles.... Ryan has only chimed in once. :) Maybe I'll just let you know if he decides he has something to say. Believe it or not, it could happen. He's been more talkative lately. But more on that in a minute.
I have wanted to blog for a while now, but have felt the task more than I was up for. Yes, I should update some of my followers on the cuteness of my little girls, because I know you like to hear what they are up to. Ryleigh is finished with swimming lessons until she decides to put her face in the water and loves having preschool three days a week. Ashtyn is into baby dolls and "reading." She sits with a book and says a bunch of words, with about every other one being "Mommy." I love my girls, even when they drive me crazy fighting over one of the 800 crayons we seems to have all over the family room. :)
But back to the writer's block... I have just been overwhelmed by my feelings about everything. Sometimes you just feel like there's so much going on that you aren't sure it can be put into words. I think I'll feel better after a good cleansing cry.... where can I schedule that in?
I am in a season where I am aware of God's presence, but not really sure of what He's up to these days. But then He sends a few signals and it all starts to come into focus.
I am aware that I am in a desert season, but that sometimes that's where we need to be for a time. A desert does not mean God is not there... I think it means He's preparing me for the next big thing. Uh oh. Am I up for another big thing? The last big thing has been a bit more than I bargained for... and it landed me here in the desert. Either way, I have no say. I am in the desert, and I wait, seeking only more of God and His presence, not worrying about where we're going or when we'll get there. At least, that's what I'm telling myself.
I have become aware that there is too much of me and not enough of God. I am getting in the way. I need less of me, myself, and I and more of Him. It's just not about me.
While I don't see God's immediate work in my life, I realize I am blessed to witness His work in my husband in so many ways. He is speaking to Ryan and speaking to me through Ryan. That hasn't happened in a long time. It's refreshing in so many ways. God expresses His love for me in new ways when He speaks through Ryan.
I have learned to stop looking for God's direction and just to seek His heart. I just need to spend more time in His presence. When it's time to move, He will provide the direction. But sometimes, we just need to rest in the desert. We don't think of the desert as a resting place, more of a place to get through as quickly as possible. And while I am not particularly enjoying my time here, there are blessings to take note of. And maybe I will realize this is a time of rest. There are always things to be grateful for, even in the desert.
I have wanted to blog for a while now, but have felt the task more than I was up for. Yes, I should update some of my followers on the cuteness of my little girls, because I know you like to hear what they are up to. Ryleigh is finished with swimming lessons until she decides to put her face in the water and loves having preschool three days a week. Ashtyn is into baby dolls and "reading." She sits with a book and says a bunch of words, with about every other one being "Mommy." I love my girls, even when they drive me crazy fighting over one of the 800 crayons we seems to have all over the family room. :)
But back to the writer's block... I have just been overwhelmed by my feelings about everything. Sometimes you just feel like there's so much going on that you aren't sure it can be put into words. I think I'll feel better after a good cleansing cry.... where can I schedule that in?
I am in a season where I am aware of God's presence, but not really sure of what He's up to these days. But then He sends a few signals and it all starts to come into focus.
I am aware that I am in a desert season, but that sometimes that's where we need to be for a time. A desert does not mean God is not there... I think it means He's preparing me for the next big thing. Uh oh. Am I up for another big thing? The last big thing has been a bit more than I bargained for... and it landed me here in the desert. Either way, I have no say. I am in the desert, and I wait, seeking only more of God and His presence, not worrying about where we're going or when we'll get there. At least, that's what I'm telling myself.
I have become aware that there is too much of me and not enough of God. I am getting in the way. I need less of me, myself, and I and more of Him. It's just not about me.
While I don't see God's immediate work in my life, I realize I am blessed to witness His work in my husband in so many ways. He is speaking to Ryan and speaking to me through Ryan. That hasn't happened in a long time. It's refreshing in so many ways. God expresses His love for me in new ways when He speaks through Ryan.
I have learned to stop looking for God's direction and just to seek His heart. I just need to spend more time in His presence. When it's time to move, He will provide the direction. But sometimes, we just need to rest in the desert. We don't think of the desert as a resting place, more of a place to get through as quickly as possible. And while I am not particularly enjoying my time here, there are blessings to take note of. And maybe I will realize this is a time of rest. There are always things to be grateful for, even in the desert.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Family Update (Amanda)
I've been very negligent in my blogging, so it's time for some updates...
Ashtyn is 18 months old and such a joy! Each day is a new chance to marvel at how much she is changing and growing and how different she is from Ryleigh. She is learning a new word every day, it seems. She has the sweetest voice (except when she's angry). I love the way she says, "Ry-bee" and repeats "please" ever so sweetly until she gets what she wants. "All done" is a convenient phrase of late.
Ryleigh will be four next week. She has every bit of the strong will to go with it, and, according to my parents, is every bit me at that age. Her mind amazes me with the depth of its thoughts and ideas. She is so creative and full of energy. She will be attending preschool three days a week this year, about which she and Mommy are both excited. She loves to help me in the kitchen and with cleaning (makes me glad to be using natural cleaners, etc.). We had fun baking cookies yesterday for Daddy. She passed the first level of swim class at the YMCA this summer. We are so proud of her and how brave she has become in the water. She paddles all over the pool now with her floaties on her back. She is still a little tentative about jumping in, but that's OK.
Ryan is busy, busy, busy with Butter Valley Harvest. The grocery store and local market aspect of our business has been going really well this summer, especially once our tomatoes started coming on strong. We continue to add new venues and new customers, which is always exciting. We are wholesaling to Philly and Lancaster. Our own stand has been a bit slower in the summer with people tending their own gardens and being away from home, but we see a significant amount of new customers each week. The Fall has the potential to be VERY busy when everyone else's gardens are finished, and we still have fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. We passed our GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification this week on the first try, which is a relief. We weren't that worried, but it was a lot of work getting ready, having to put all our procedures in writing, providing checklists and verifications. We have a few things to improve or add to the documentation, but nothing of major concern. It's just nice to have the first evaluation behind us and understand better what they will be looking for in future evaluations, which will occur regularly.
I am continuing to try to adjust to this new life in PA. Moving again was hard, but I have realized I never thought of the place we lived for the past year as home. It is good to have a place that feels like home. It will feel more like home when all the boxes are gone, or at least banished to the basement! I allowed Ryleigh to watch as much TV as she wanted (pretty much) as we were packing to move, but you can't let that go on forever. We spent the first month in the new house without cable, because they had to bury a line, etc. Between Ashtyn transitioning to one afternoon nap and the lack of TV, other than movies, I wasn't able to get a whole lot of unpacking done. Ashtyn loved to help pull things out of boxes, of course, but that wasn't always very helpful. And Ryleigh just craves my attention. Now that Ashtyn sleeps less and runs around all over the place, now that she is much more of a little girls than a baby, Ryleigh finds my attention much more on her and is a bit jealous. I had hoped to have some special times with just her and me this summer, but it's just been too crazy. She had one "Daddy date" that was very special to her, and I look forward to my turn. Anyway, we are starting to see the floors in the rooms we designated as "box rooms." We finally have curtains on the windows, mostly, and are starting to be able to "live" here. We had hoped to be 100% unpacked before our week at the beach, but I'm not sure that will happen.
I've taken a job as the assistant band director of the Upper Perkiomen HS marching band. I'm very excited about starting camp next week, although a bit nervous at the same time. There just isn't near the amount of rehearsal time I'm used to built into the schedule, and I wonder how we'll get it all done. But I am really excited to be back at it and feel affirmed that this is what God wants me to be doing, on a part-time basis.
I also had the opportunity to conduct a piece with the Montgomery County Concert Band where I play my clarinet. It felt good to be back on the podium, although I've never been in front of adults before, and that made me a bit nervous. I think I'm finally getting more comfortable. I have appreciated the affirmations God has sent my way as I have spent the last year wondering what I am supposed to be doing.
Well, there's plenty more I could write, but I have a little quiet right now as Ashtyn is napping and Ryleigh went with Ryan to deliver lettuce to Wegman's. I need to get back to productivity! Blessings to you, dear reader.
Ashtyn is 18 months old and such a joy! Each day is a new chance to marvel at how much she is changing and growing and how different she is from Ryleigh. She is learning a new word every day, it seems. She has the sweetest voice (except when she's angry). I love the way she says, "Ry-bee" and repeats "please" ever so sweetly until she gets what she wants. "All done" is a convenient phrase of late.
Ryleigh will be four next week. She has every bit of the strong will to go with it, and, according to my parents, is every bit me at that age. Her mind amazes me with the depth of its thoughts and ideas. She is so creative and full of energy. She will be attending preschool three days a week this year, about which she and Mommy are both excited. She loves to help me in the kitchen and with cleaning (makes me glad to be using natural cleaners, etc.). We had fun baking cookies yesterday for Daddy. She passed the first level of swim class at the YMCA this summer. We are so proud of her and how brave she has become in the water. She paddles all over the pool now with her floaties on her back. She is still a little tentative about jumping in, but that's OK.
Ryan is busy, busy, busy with Butter Valley Harvest. The grocery store and local market aspect of our business has been going really well this summer, especially once our tomatoes started coming on strong. We continue to add new venues and new customers, which is always exciting. We are wholesaling to Philly and Lancaster. Our own stand has been a bit slower in the summer with people tending their own gardens and being away from home, but we see a significant amount of new customers each week. The Fall has the potential to be VERY busy when everyone else's gardens are finished, and we still have fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. We passed our GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification this week on the first try, which is a relief. We weren't that worried, but it was a lot of work getting ready, having to put all our procedures in writing, providing checklists and verifications. We have a few things to improve or add to the documentation, but nothing of major concern. It's just nice to have the first evaluation behind us and understand better what they will be looking for in future evaluations, which will occur regularly.
I am continuing to try to adjust to this new life in PA. Moving again was hard, but I have realized I never thought of the place we lived for the past year as home. It is good to have a place that feels like home. It will feel more like home when all the boxes are gone, or at least banished to the basement! I allowed Ryleigh to watch as much TV as she wanted (pretty much) as we were packing to move, but you can't let that go on forever. We spent the first month in the new house without cable, because they had to bury a line, etc. Between Ashtyn transitioning to one afternoon nap and the lack of TV, other than movies, I wasn't able to get a whole lot of unpacking done. Ashtyn loved to help pull things out of boxes, of course, but that wasn't always very helpful. And Ryleigh just craves my attention. Now that Ashtyn sleeps less and runs around all over the place, now that she is much more of a little girls than a baby, Ryleigh finds my attention much more on her and is a bit jealous. I had hoped to have some special times with just her and me this summer, but it's just been too crazy. She had one "Daddy date" that was very special to her, and I look forward to my turn. Anyway, we are starting to see the floors in the rooms we designated as "box rooms." We finally have curtains on the windows, mostly, and are starting to be able to "live" here. We had hoped to be 100% unpacked before our week at the beach, but I'm not sure that will happen.
I've taken a job as the assistant band director of the Upper Perkiomen HS marching band. I'm very excited about starting camp next week, although a bit nervous at the same time. There just isn't near the amount of rehearsal time I'm used to built into the schedule, and I wonder how we'll get it all done. But I am really excited to be back at it and feel affirmed that this is what God wants me to be doing, on a part-time basis.
I also had the opportunity to conduct a piece with the Montgomery County Concert Band where I play my clarinet. It felt good to be back on the podium, although I've never been in front of adults before, and that made me a bit nervous. I think I'm finally getting more comfortable. I have appreciated the affirmations God has sent my way as I have spent the last year wondering what I am supposed to be doing.
Well, there's plenty more I could write, but I have a little quiet right now as Ashtyn is napping and Ryleigh went with Ryan to deliver lettuce to Wegman's. I need to get back to productivity! Blessings to you, dear reader.
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