I left my heart in San Francisco

I just got back from San Francisco yesterday evening. I spent the weekend with my mom, sister in law and mother in law. It was a whirlwind trip but we had a ton of fun! We arrived in Oakland Friday morning and met my mom at the airport, she flew in from Washington. We took the bart over to the city and walked to our hotel. We met up with one of Brooke's friends from high school and we went out to lunch and did a little shopping. It was so nice to have a local's opinion of what to do and where to eat. Thanks Alexis! Saturday we got up and headed to the farmers market at the ferry building. Oh My Gosh! it was sooo awesome, the best farmers market I have ever been too. A lot like pike's place in Seattle or Fanuel Hall in Boston, but doesn't compare to any around here. We ate lunch at the Fog City Diner, and then went down to fishermans warf to rent bicycles for the rest of the day. We biked over the Golden Gate and into Sausalito. We found a cool wine bar called Wellingtons, we enjoyed good wine and played cards. It was nice to just hang out and relax, there were comfy chairs and couches to lounge. We took the ferry back to the city, returned our bikes, took a bus near to our hotel, and then found dinner at 10:00 at night. VERY long day! It would have been nice to sit in the jacuzzi but it closed at 11pm. The next morning we got packed up, checked out and walked to Union square. We hit up a couple shops and around noon headed back to Oakland on the bart. It was well worth it to fly into Oakland rather than SF. It was cheaper and a direct flight. It wasn't too bad figuring out how to get to the city. But next time, we will definately have to add a couple days to our trip. Friday to Sunday is WAY too short a trip to fit everything in. Until next time San Francisco, I will miss you!

O Happy Day

I think that I get too wrapped up in what other people are doing, or what they might think of me and I tend to lose sight of who I am. I am so busy doing kid stuff and taking care of the house and making sure there are clean clothes and food to eat, that I rarely have a moment of time for myself. That is why I stay up late, too late. Anyway, I have realized that it is so important to take care of myself first, or I won't have the energy to take care of the rest. I have to remember who I am in Christ, that I am His girl and I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I have to take the time to fill my spirit, so I am able to give to the kids and my husband AND accomplish all the other tasks I have on my :to do" list. Through out my day I try to take a moment and thank God for what He has given me. I know that He will only put on my plate what He knows I can handle, all I have to do is put my Faith in the Lord and rely on Him to get me through.

Perspective

Today is Sunday. Lately I have been feeling like I have this heavy burden to carry around. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I feel physically and emotionally tired. I feel like I don't do enough fun things for my kids or am very involved in making thier lives fun. I feel like I am telling them what not to do more than having a good time with them. Maybe my burden is that I don't feel like I am being a good mother. I know that I can't be perfect and do everything right, I just feel like I'm not doing enough. I know that it's probably all in my head and my kids are just fine, but still it bothers me and I worry about it. Our pastor at church has been talking about stress in our lives and today the message was about living a simple life. We have to be childlike to get to the kingdom of heaven. I thought to myself, I wish I was still a child sometimes, and to rely on my parents for all my needs. Well, duh, that is exactly how Christ wants me to think about Him. He wants me to rely on Him for all my needs. He wants to take care of me and provide for me. He loves me unconditionally and all I have to do is go to Him. I need to give all my worries to God and He will take care of my every need. My children are happy, they are healthy and are fed and clothed and hear that I love them all the time. I guess I just needed to look to Christ to center my perspective.
The one thing that is a constant struggle is comparing myself, my life, my situation to others, and that is totally where I start thinking that my life is just not as good. I need to remember that God made me not like other people, myself and my circumstances are unique and I need to treat myself that way. I am special in the Lords sight, and He loves me no matter what.