Odds 'n Ends

Alas, I have turned into nothing more than a poor excuse for a has-been blogger. It's official. I've been doing a truly awful job. It's not for lack of trying, but since the start of the school year it's been busy around the Craddock household. It just so happens that I'm feeling a little under-the-weather tonight which has forced me to slow down a bit. Here's what's been going on as of late: We've moved into and are thoroughly enjoying our new house. We have loved setting it up and making it ours. We're amazed at how quickly we've seemed to fill it...did all of this stuff seriously fit into our tiny one-bedroom apartment? We are having our first official house guests this weekend and we can't wait! Kyle's parents, sisters, and husbands are all coming to spend the weekend with us. What a treat! You don't have to know me well to know how I feel about my in-laws: I love them. Dearly. I often feel so undeserving of such a wonderful second family. But here's the thing: no matter how you feel about your in-laws, they are special. Why? Because they molded and formed the person that YOU love! Before there was you, these are the people that your spouse learned to live in community with. And I think that is reason enough to enjoy them thoroughly! :-) Now, all that's left to complete my happiness is for you, (yes YOU!) to come for the weekend too! We have had the pleasure of continuing on in the Student Ministry at the Heights as 10th grade teachers. We knew as summer drew to a close that we just weren't quite ready to say good-bye to the students. We dearly miss the friends and fellowship of our Honeymooners class, but feel assured that we are where God has us for this season. Faithfully, He continues to provide and fill the desires of our hearts, even if it looks differently than how we originally thought it might. I am so grateful for that. We've relished the opportunities we've had to spend with our dear sister, Julie, these past few weeks, though not necessarily the circumstances. She is currently experiencing some of the "symptoms" that result from the weight of living in the world that we do. Our sweet girl is heavy-hearted, and is battling the weight of well, living. It seems unbearable sometimes, as if we are left all alone to bear our burdens. Hardly! But how easy it is to believe the lie. We are clinging to the victory that we know Christ has already won for her! On a much lighter note, I am currently (well, it's not like this is a new thing) loving all things Pottery Barn. True, their stuff is a little pricey, but you can get wonderful inspiration just from looking at the website and creating your own decor. I love getting great ideas and learning to construct my own versions for much less. Some might say I have an unhealthy addiction, but I would never say that. No, definitely not. Never. Here's a current favorite:Mmmmmm, Hmmmmmmmm. And on that note, I'm off to indulge my wearied bod with a bubble bath.