Butler Weekly News

My little race car is 4 months old this week and I'm trying to act like a mother of three who isn't several months behind on her life.  He's doing well and we are so thankful for his sweet smiles and his strength.  

A couple of weekends ago, my brother put on a mini Singing School for our congregation and J had a great time.  I am certainly biased, but those piano lessons sure do help song leaders!

Pocket Poetry

Defeated.

Not actually, but the feeling.

Brick walls in place of the exits.

Exhausted.

Outnumbered.  Over-touched.  Crowded  and out of space.

And it is Wednesday.

8 years ago this week, Mr. Butler and I were in the middle of our honeymoon in Flagstaff, AZ.  There's a lot I wish I'd known back then, but there's probably even more I did know and didn't pay attention to.  Growing is hard and life can become sticky before you realize it.  But that week we started something really beautiful and I'm so happy we did!

This picture is a really great representation of what it was like for me 'searching' for my future husband.  Whether intentionally or not, I had this outlined picture of him - his characteristics, his way - and so I had the idea, but never could exactly make out his face for sure.  When I finally did, it was such a surprise - a fantastic, perfect surprise.

8 years isn't a big milestone and (though I can't speak for Randy) we're not exactly swooning every other heartbeat for one another, the quietness of this year speaks volumes enough though.  Neither of us are finished growing and unless the Lord comes back quickly we'll have plenty more transitions to go through.  We can fight like little kids (and we do sometimes), but we're also still here dreaming about the days ahead.  Something in my fb newsfeed today said 20% of marriages end within 5 years and 32% within 10 years.  Marriage is a delicate animal that is easily swayed in one direction or another.  But when both are swaying it in the same general direction over time, it grows stronger than ever thought possible.

This guy is the goofiest, most intelligent person I know.  I desperately need him, but I think most days he'd agree  I can fill in all those gaps in his nature too, just like peanut butter! 

God knew that I would put up such a fight with anything that I didn't agree with right away.  I'm so thankful that He also knew the strength Randy possessed that would set me right a gazillion times over and protect our family from my foolishness so many times.  One thing we certainly got right was finding someone who could provide what we needed rather than just what we liked.  

With busy schedules, frantic hearts and a mile long prayer list, tender moments can get drowned out.  I'm so thankful God designed marriage for us to refocus on the tenderness of life, especially when the world gets loud.  

Playing Catch-Up

Unless you are a super-duper type A personality who thrives off of dotting all the i's, doing several things at a time is just hard.  Some days, near impossible.  Having kids does complicate matters, but even when I was single, I struggled.  I know that part of the problem is my desire to do EVERYTHING when all I have time to do is barely half.  So, instead of being reasonable, I try to do everything, only slower.  So, I say all of that to say this: Sorry I have neglected this blog lately, but I've been busy unsuccessfully trying to do everything! :)

Jude is now 17 months old and running around like a rocket, with a mouth that moves almost as fast.  Alas, we only understand about 5% of it! Lots of traveling this month which means leaving him for the first time (for multiple nights and with someone other than Randy).  That's a little scary for me, but all in all it will be really good for all of us.

We recently started a new marriage/bible study and it began with the concept that reading the Bible and praying are both part of having a conversation with God.  It's simple, but something I tend to overlook.  While stomping through my day, slinging emotions and wills from one rooftop to the next, looking for what God thinks is unfortunately the last thing on my mind.  It's like I expect him to be the hall monitor who lets me know when I've done something wrong, but there's no contact otherwise.  So, both in my marriage and in my relationship with God I am working on better communication, especially listening and seeking their feedback.  Any words of encouragement in that area would be greatly appreciated!

Balance is the name of the game around here so why don't we do a balance check?
Have you given deep abiding love while being truthful with discipline and consistency?
Are you working your hardest while putting complete faith in God and others?
Have you accomplished anything today but also danced in the rain (or with a child)?
It's really all about finding the right balance. :)

Household Update

"Just the facts m'am."

Sometimes I use too many words to get simple points across. And other times, I get lost in those words and fail to express critical points. So, as an exercise in conciseness and to keep you in the loop with our goings on, here is the Butler household update:

Randy is acclimating to his job very well, satisfied with the variation, hopeful for the future and loving the perks of a government post.

I am busy with piano lessons, housewife duties, and various extra curricular activities. Most importantly in my personal life, I have gained much ground in eliminating fear from my heart.

Lizzie & Grace got out a few weeks ago and evidently took a stroll around the neighborhood, but came back. Our neighbor reported them racing around but not bothering anyone. Overall, they are embracing adulthood with ease and exuberance.

A few goals we have for the next few months:

I'm working on losing some more weight before facing parenthood. 7 1/2 pounds so far!

We are looking to buy a car, probably in February. I believe we've decided on an older CR-V so we can cart dogs as well as future children around.

Fix the dishwasher - I've been a successful dishwasher for the past few months and its really not that bad but I wouldn't mind a little extra time.

Growth is the worth the effort. Never let society, laziness or discomfort to convince you to give up on it. We are capable of so much more than we usually think!