Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Summer.

It is summer.  And, we are trying to soak up these days full of freedom!  Actually, this summer has been so busy with sports camps and activities that I am kind of missing the calm quiet days of school!  :-)  So much is going on here, but I'm not quite ready to talk about all of it yet!  Our lives are changing so much this summer, and I can't wait to tell why, but that is not for today!

  


One quick thing before I dive into pictures.  I am praying about making my blog private.  Several things have bothered me about having a public blog for some time now.  I keep ignoring them, but they come back up.  So, I have decided to truly pray about it and ask the Lord to guide me. Occasionally, I write something and some of you comment, who I do not know, and say that what I wrote meant something to you, that you needed it that day.  This is the only reason that I have kept my blog public for as many years as I have.  If any of you have any advice or thoughts, I'd love to hear them.  Thanks!

Okay, summer so far....  



She is such a joy to us...


Baseball, it has been a baseball kind of summer 'round here....


Homemade Yankee uniforms...


Sweetnes....


Craziness...


Just shootin' the breeze....



Basketball camp...


Loved this VBS craft...


Sonic ice ~ starting 'em young...


Just a swingin'....

Happy Days!

35 comments:

Christi said...

Erin, I don't have any advice or words of wisdom... but I do have a sincere hope that you are able to leave yor blog public. Or that at least I can request to read it if it's private! I've loved reading your blog all these years now & can't wait to hear about the changes that are happening! xo

Deidre said...

Okay, the homemade Yankee uniforms are precious! What a great idea.

I don't have advice for you except for you to follow whatever God wants for you and your family. I wrestle with this all the time and for now, I feel like he's saying it's fine to stay public. There are times my fear makes me want to shut it all down, though. I am consistently praying about it and will certainly pray for you as well.

Your babies are GROWING! I love to see how much they're changing.

Have a great Summer, Erin!

Beth in the City said...

I don't have advice either. But I do want to say thank you. I have enjoyed your blog so much, but I am a very shy blog reader. I just don't comment often, so there is no way you could know me! So, I will tell you that I am a follower of Jesus, a mother of two, married 21 years, invested in making it a fabulous rest of our lives marriage....so your blog is safe with me. But there is no way you could know that, since I don't tell you. :) I like how real you are, how much you love your husband and children, how you rely on God.....

The Believing Wifey said...

Hi Erin,
I've never commented before but I thought I'd just share what an encouragement your blog has been to me! I completely understand your desire to go private and I would support any decision you made but oh what a blessing your words and pictures have been. I am a young wife who desires to have a big family and I just find myself taking in all your wisdom and experiences as a mother of so many blessings. I feel like I've learned so much from you (and you didn't even know it)!! Thanks for your blog, and I'll pray for wisdom. Many thanks, Debby

Sarah said...

Love you! I'm so excited about all your changes!! People love your blog because they can feel your sweet, transparent nature--you truly are a rare kind! I think you encourage other mamas with your love for your kids + your realness about how hard it all is. Whatever you decide, I'll support you :)

Dear Abbi said...

Aww, I loved seeing your recent photos! I struggled with making my blog private too. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you will prayerfully consider it and it will be the right decision. And I hope I get the opportunity to read it if you do go private. :) I feel like my family has grown right along with yours. You are such an inspiration to me...we're expecting our 5th and on a lot of days, my life reminds me of yours! :)

Christa said...

I don't have any advice about the public or private blog, but do know that your sweet words of encouragement mean so much to so many. As a fellow homeschool mom who is up to my own knees in kids its truly refreshing to listen to another Godly Mom reflect on the time shes living in. You share with such tenderness and grace I hope to be a part of the private blog if you are lead to go private. I'm such though, that God will direct you to what is best. ((hugs))

Carrie said...

I've never left a comment before but just had to tell you how much I love your blog. I just had my sixth little one and have thought about your blog posts often as we were getting ready to welcome this sweet one into our lives.

I love how to share real life moments, the craziness and the joy, your desire for moments of peace and your dependency on Him. It is always so encouraging to come here and visit.

I know He will fill you with wisdom in your decision. Just wanted to let you know what a blessing you have been.
Carrie

Lisa said...

Erin, I totally understand the vulnerable feeling you must have having a public blog. I have been reading your blog FOR YEARS (my memory says around 2005 to 2007 range !!) Again, if my memory is right, I think it was when you only had TWO CHILDREN !! I have never commented simply b/c you didn't allow anonymous comments and I didn't have a google acct until around 6 months ago and even had to reset my password today to comment b/c I couldn't remember the old one :). I know there are a lot of "crazies" out there and I totally support whatever decision you make but do know that there are tons of normal, regular moms out there who read your blog to receive a blessing and inspiration and who think you are AWESOME.

Tara Lee said...

Hi Erin! I've also read your blog since 2006 (I think) and it has been a MAJOR encouragement in my life, parenting and marriage. I may have commented once or twice before. I'm a mom of four in Ontario, Canada and truly feel like your heart and your words are meant to be shared because they are such an encouragement to us all. Thank you for sharing your life and your faith with us!

Jenny D said...

Hi Erin, I don't really have any advice because I am a blog reader but not a writer. I understand your concern though. Like another reader said, I hope that we could ask permission to read your blog if you do make it private. :) I enjoy your blog so much and think you are a wonderful wife/mother. I always find encouragement here. I am a fellow homeschooler and mama to 4 blessings. I live in small town Nebraska and have been reading your blog for many years.

Jenny D said...

Hi Erin, I don't really have any advice because I am a blog reader but not a writer. I understand your concern though. Like another reader said, I hope that we could ask permission to read your blog if you do make it private. :) I enjoy your blog so much and think you are a wonderful wife/mother. I always find encouragement here. I am a fellow homeschooler and mama to 4 blessings. I live in small town Nebraska and have been reading your blog for many years.

Unknown said...

I would miss your blog so very much! It is one of the three blogs I check every morning when I first wake up!

Sunshine said...

OH I so hope you don't make your blog private. I love your words and your posts, you have no idea how much they have meant to me over the past four or five years (longer?) that I have read them. Your blog is one of my very favorite ones. I don't know you personally, I think I found your blog through Sarah from In the Midst of It (another one of my absolute favorites). If you do make your blog private, may I please just say thank you so much. Thank you for all of the times that you have written, you have lifted my perspective here at home from the chaos to Him. YOu have challenged me to parent for Him and not for myself. May God richly bless you as you continue on your jouney. I hope you and your sweet famiy have an amazing summer. Sunshine

Sam said...

I think if you are going to feel more free in your writing, you should go private. That said, I hope you'll invite those of us (like me!) who have been reading and loving your blog for years.

I'll never forget how you responded to me when I sent you a comment shortly after my first baby had been born. I was a scared new mom and thought I'd never get a full night of sleep again. I asked you if you had any tips and you responded with a long, detailed post, full of support and wisdom. Your kindness and generosity of spirit meant so much to me in those insecure, early days. Now, almost 5 years later, when I reach out to new moms, I think of you. I'm paying it forward! :-)

Andrea said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Andrea said...

Hi Erin, I am another longtime reader and have commented a handful of times, maybe. I started reading before Elijah was born and had no children of my own, and now I am expecting my 3rd. In many respects, we are very different! I am a Jewish, working mother. But I love your posts, your heart for your family, and your encouragement. I consider you a model of biblical motherhood. That said, I completely understand the conflict between making your blog private vs. public. I think if you make your blog private, you can have up to 100 readers. Perhaps, if you felt comfortable, you could invite longtime readers to become readers. But no matter what decision you make, it will be the right one -- and you can always make a private blog public again. All the best to you.

Eddie F said...

Erin,

I so enjoy reading how you choose to live your faith, love your family and embrace all that comes your way. I found your wonderful blog through the caringbridge site set up for your amazing parents-in-law. I was sent an email asking for urgent prayers for them and followed their story. The love shown to them by their sons and their families was just so touching. To have your children, as adults, drop everything and run to your sides when you need them most is a testimony to the great love that was shared in their home. It also speaks volumes about the choice the sons made in their wives. I can understand why you would consider going private. I will miss reading your encouraging words but it has been a tremendous blessing. Trish

Eddie F said...

Erin,

I so enjoy reading how you choose to live your faith, love your family and embrace all that comes your way. I found your wonderful blog through the caringbridge site set up for your amazing parents-in-law. I was sent an email asking for urgent prayers for them and followed their story. The love shown to them by their sons and their families was just so touching. To have your children, as adults, drop everything and run to your sides when you need them most is a testimony to the great love that was shared in their home. It also speaks volumes about the choice the sons made in their wives. I can understand why you would consider going private. I will miss reading your encouraging words but it has been a tremendous blessing. Trish

Andrew and Naomi said...

Erin,
I am yet another gal who has been deeply encouraged by your blog tho have never introduced myself. I started reading your blog when I first got married a few years ago and i was struggling with my desire to be a mother while feeling like I wasn't supposed to want it so much. In a world where we are told that being a mother is not a worthy job, I desperately needed to hear from women who were falling God's call on their lives and embracing being a mom. You truly have encouraged me so much and I deeply appreciate your godly wisdom and love for our Lord. Even if I never read another one of your posts, I want you to know that you have impacted my life. Thank you. -Naomi

Shayne said...

I don't have any advice either, but I will miss reading and seeing pictures if you choose to make the blog private. I found your blog the year we started homeschooling and loved that you, too, were just beginning this endeavor. I also have 5 boys and am from the south. I have been able to relate to your days many times.

I'm thankful that we serve a God who can guide your steps perfectly. Blessings!!

Shayne

Chris said...

I would miss reading your blog very much. It has been an encouragement to me and so often an example of how to live a Grace filled life. I too am a reader and don't comment but just know that your blog means a lot to me.

Unknown said...

Gosh, I just echo all the comments written before me. I have commented occasionally on your blog. It has been an anchor of faith, family, and fun ideas :) If you are able to invite people to read it, I'd love to be included. God has certainly used you in the "public" domain!
God bless,
Cayce

Rachel said...

I will say this, I don't comment often or even read on a regular basis. A few years ago my sister sent me to your blog for encouragement. I had 4 little ones and was very overwhelmed. Off and on over the past 4 years or more I'd pop by every so often to catch up on your sweet family and soak up some well placed wisdom. Usually it was an older post of yours that I'd come across. We now are pregnant with our sixth. I love taking a peek and seeing how much your kids have grown. I hope you leave it public because it is an encouragement. From one momma to another.

powers family said...

erin,

i just wanted to say that your blog was one of the first i ever read and it continues to be a source of great wisdom and such a beautiful perspective on family, motherhood, and really living as a child of God. i have occasionally shared your words with chris and he, too, has been touched and encouraged. you truly are a gifted writer and i thank you for sharing your gift.

i know that whatever you decide, it will honor God and your precious family.

sending hugs to you all,
maya

3boymama said...

I have read your blog for many years. I have never commented, but find it a blessing each time I read. I am a teacher and a mother of 3 and I appreciate your perspective on being a Mom. I will miss reading if you go private.

dee said...

Erin,
I am a mama of three(25,20,19) and have read your blog for years. Your family is precious, and I totally understand your concern. If you go private, I will miss your sweet, sweet posts. I do comment occasionally and check in often. Our daughter was married in February this year, and she told me years ago that I should try a blog myself. So, I told her that I would start one when she got engaged. And, in February last year I did just that! All this to say, I am not very proficient at posting on a regular basis, but I have enjoyed the undertaking. I like having the memories documented. My blog is onethankfulmom.blogspot.com, but I can't imagine you ever have time to read others! Thank you for sharing!

Sharon said...

Erin, I am a mom of 4 children (ages 6, 8, 10 & 12), and I have been encouraged by your blog for many years. I second the other comment in that I hope I can request to continue reading even if you feels as though your blog should be private

Liz Ferguson said...

Erin, I just wanted to thank you for sharing your heart and your life with us all these years. I started reading your blog back in 2006 (yours being one of the first I ever read when I started blogging) and have found it to be such a source of encouragement over the years. I am a mama to 5 kiddos and have always enjoyed the perspective you bring.

I understand feeling the need to make things private (it is kind of a strange thing to have people you don't know following your life), that being said I will really miss your heart and the wisdom that you share if you do go private. God has used you to be a blessing to me.

A sister in Christ,
Elizabeth

Kelly said...

I enjoy you rblog so much, and would miss it if you went private, because you write from such a sincere and genuine heart. I love seeing the way you are raising your sweet family, and though my girls are actually teens, still find inspiration here.
I am certain you will seek God in your decision, and pray you will feel peace, whatever you decide. Blessings!

Unknown said...

Hello, Erin. I stumbled upon your blog a couple of years ago while looking for Christian blogs and I've been hooked ever since. I'm a new grad RN as well as a Mama of 12. Sometimes, when I'm having a bad day or life just seems to be too much, your blogging puts some things into perspective. Thanks for being an inspiration.

Tricia said...

It's a funny thing how we can not know someone, yet still be so encouraged by the glimpses that they share into their lives. Your words have been such an encouragement and often a rebuke to me as well. Thank you for taking the time to share these things.

Tijitha said...

Hi Erin!
You know I just read my three sons "The Giving Tree" and I was immediately reminded of you. I think you had posted about it long back. There are so many thoughts that you have posted that have encouraged me, helped me and kept me going. Through the ups and downs in life you keep Loving God, loving your husband and loving your 'arrows'. That reminds me, that' s how I stumbled on to your blog many years ago. You are an awesome Mom, wonderfully talented and God has just made you a great instrument to display His love and care. Thank you!

Tijitha said...

Just wanted to add... Whatever choice you make, God will give you the wisdom. You need to know that this is not just a blog, it's your MINISTRY!
God bless.

Bree said...

Hi Erin,
I too understand your conflict. I've debated the same about my blog. I've always been blessed by your words and can't thank you enough for sharing your heart. It has helped me as a mother and wife. May the Lord give you wisdom :) Thank you!
Bree


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Hi! I live in a sweet country home overflowing with love and laughter. I have been blessed to journey these days beside a man that I love, respect, and admire. He is my soul-mate and best friend. Together we are seeking to raise our seven children to be lovers of God, to be wise and discerning, and to be all that our sweet God created them to be.



 

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