"Here is an encouragement for you (just in case you want to throw your hands up sometimes, the way I do): the questions, the put-downs, the sympathy ( yes even by well meaning Christian's)... it's all simply evidence that the eyes of the world are upon you. You have chosen to live counter-culturally -in a culture where going with the flow and keeping your head down under the guise of shaking of the shackles of the past is quite laudable, you're an oddity. Walk in the Lord's ways as people look on. Be ready to give an answer with gentleness and kindness. And walk in such humility that -when the eyes of the world are upon you, all they will see reflected in you is the love of Christ.

You're different. And that's okay. As God's children, we have been called to be set apart. Chin up, shoulders back, gracious answer at the ready, hands applied to good works... and walk in wisdom and dignity, sisters -because the eyes of the world are upon you."

This was such an encouragment to me that I printed it out, to read when well meaning people make comments that may sting. I hope it encourages you the same. :)

Last night I had one of the best sleeps in a very long time. My little two have been down with fevers now for a week. So last night it all caught up with me and I snuggled in with Jude and Rachael curled up on either side of me. I had shut off the air conditioner cause the rain pounded down and it was really soothing to drift away too, windows open wide.

Chris took the older kids to church in the morning while I stayed home and did some much needing baking. The house smelled amazing come the afternoon with banana muffins and honey bran raisin muffins cooling on racks.

I threw together my Grandma's old bone broth soup recipe from Italy together for dinner. With hopes my Little's would eat some. While it was delicious they were feeling too badly to try. Since long naps took place in the afternoon we pack everyone up and went for a long drive. Babies were all fast asleep when we pulled into the driveway.

Not too much else to report over here. The weather forcast for the next week is going to be hot hot hot!! We plan to pack up in the mornings and spend the days near water.