I’ve moved!

I’ve been out of commission on this blog – setting up a new site here – Check it out 🙂

http://sweetlydunn.blogspot.com/

MIA

There has been lots of action around the Dunn household as of late.  And the results is a very neglected blog.

I’ve gotten very involved in Greenville Mommies, and wound up the Site Administrator.  I’m super excited, but trying to maintain calmness and avoid feeling like I need to make everyone happy.  That emotion really gets me in trouble sometimes.  Wish me luck!

We just found out that we are moving into the home we are trying to purchase, on Friday.  We’re actually renting it and just set our closing date for our IL house for Aug 19, for the NC house Aug 20.  Please pray that everything moves forward in a timely manner for these two events.  I am so tired of playing this real estate game.  It’s causing more grey hairs than it’s worth….seriously.  But, I’m very excited to finally be in what I hope will become our home!  I am immeasurably greatful to the St. James people for allowing us to live out of one of their parsonages for the past 5 months.  They have provided support in so many ways, and we are so thankful to have such a wonderful church family. 

Braden is all boy.  It happened overnight.  All he cares about are trucks, tractors, trains and eating dirt.  I seriously did not know a toddler could put a handful of dirt in his mouth that fast.  He’s now under constant supervision.  It’s crazy how much he grows every single day.  I love watching him learn something, especially when it involves him learning how to communicate with me.  I swear he understands everything I say, he just hasn’t formed the muscles to carry on an intelligent conversation with his mouth.  But he will do anything you ask him to – it’s crazy! 

Ryan’s been in and out on mission trips.  He just got back from a gleaning trip to Virginia with the middle schoolers, and he’s taking a group to Florida next week for “camp”.  That’s what they call it.  But they’re staying in a hotel room, and have the opportunity to listen to Louie Giglio and David Crowder.  I don’t think I’d call that “camp”  – try vacation.  I wish I could go, but alas, it is not so. 

So, we’re moving this weekend and that means I’ll probably be MIA for another week.  or so.  I’m hoping to get a girls weekend at the end of the month, and go away with two AWESOME ladies – and not be called “Mommy” for at least 48 hours.  The bliss.  I can taste it now. 

TTFN – and God Bless!

On This Day…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eight years ago today you married me and changed my world forever.  I love you.

Mud Puddles

The past couple of days have been muddy.  My normally clear view of blessings that have been given to my family feels as though it has been splashed upon by a mud puddle.  Some clear spots are left, but there are a lot more obstructions than just two days ago.  I have my family.  We are healthy.  We are fed, clothed and have a roof over our heads.  Period.  That should be enough. 

But on days when it’s not, I turn to this…

Psalm 86:3-7

3  Be gracious to me, O Lord,
          for to you do I cry all the day.
4  Gladden the soul of your servant,
          for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5  For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
          abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
6  Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
           listen to my plea for grace.
7  In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
           for you answer me.

 

I am praying for guidance and acceptance and a little bit of grace. 

I hope you are having a grace filled day and can see through your own mud puddle!

Be still

Everything around me seems crazy these days.  Too much to do.  Not enough time, or energy.  Or desire.  We’re moving again and we’re trying to close on our house in IL at the same time, and there are a gazillion things that need to get done, but I have no control over it and that drives me absolutely insane.  It actually gives me heartburn.  I have finally let my worries give me a physical ailment.  You know you worry too much when your insides feel like they’re on fire. 

I just finished reading the most awesome book I’ve read to date.  Yes, ladies and gents, it is now #1 on the very short list of “Books I’ve Read (and Actually Liked)”  The book is titled “Cold Tangerines”  by Shauna Niequist.   She writes with delicious depth and great soul.  I could almost eat her words, and I’m sure it’d be the most delectable feast I’ve had the pleasure of consuming.  If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend you sit your patooty down for however long it takes, and read this book. 

The depth of the book is astounding.  I felt like my life was so much richer each time I read her words.  It has helped me realize the beauty in my every day life and I’ve realized how much depth my world has, and how much I can contribute to the world around me.  But in order to do that, I have to slow down.  I can’t worry about things that I can’t control.  I can choose to put it in God’s hands instead of wasting my energy and time worrying (which doesn’t do anything but give me more wrinkles.) 

There are so many wonderful things I could say about this awesome book, but it would take entirely too long, and I simply haven’t acquired the patience for writing more than a few paragraphs 🙂

Right now what I have to do is look into these eyes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And take it one glorious day at a time.

The one thing I could live without…

Laundry.

Seriously.  I cycle enough laundry to clothe a third world country.  At least a portion of one. 

I like to think I can keep a clean house.  Not ‘eat off the floors’ clean, but clean enough for the 5 second rule.  Or is it 3 seconds?  But each time laundry day rolls around, it turns into laundry week(s).  The Dunn Laundry Fest, if you will.  I end up with piles like this….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now these are CLEAN clothes.  The pile(s) may or may not eventually get folded, but at least they’re clean.  It got so bad last week, that I finally had to admit to a dear friend of mine – *ahem*ahem*you know who you are and you do the same thing* – that I have a serious problem.  A laundry problem.  Now I know that there are other people in this world who have the same problem, who may be ashamed, or feel like you’re the only one.  To you I say this – “YOU ARE NOT ALONE and THE LAUNDRY MONSTER CAN BE SLAIN”

My mother-in-law has always insisted on folding clothes directly from the dryer, and honestly, I’ve thought that entailed too much work and dedication of my time.  I have since learned that she was right (mark this day in history folks!) I know this is the easiest way to conquer mylaundrydemon, but I am still having trouble fully commiting to the process.  Mainly because a 17 month old boy believes that he is more important than folding laundry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have to agree with him. 

I will try to slay the dragon another day!

Senses

I have been frequenting a numerous amounts of blogs and sites as of late in a chance to soak in some much needed internet intellect.  One such blog is authored by Kyrie and she also hosts an offshoot site containing wonderfully beautiful, articulate photography.  Kyrie\’s photograph of cherry blossoms and her recent posts on the five senses has led me to pay close attention to my senses.  And in the past few days I\’ve become addicted to my sense of site.  I feel as though my eyes are soaking in so many things in an attempt to save them to a tiny corner of my mind that is reserved for only the most beautiful of things.  The precise colors of green in the trees Braden and I see on our daily walks.  The dark, long shade provided by those trees.  The form of a flower, it\’s depth and character shown in it\’s shape and rich color.  Blue skies like I have never seen before.  Wide open and just waiting for the wind to make it\’s course.  The twinkle in my son\’s eye when he discovers something new, something I see every day –  like how water can flow from one cup to another.  I watch him in amazement.  In awe of another human being.  Sight is such a huge gift. 

Without it, I would miss seeing this

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                  

 

 

And this

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soak in all the beauty.  Be still my heart. …………………………………

Another good day….

I was reading an article titled “Parenting Through Depression”  and this excerpt tugged at me:

Depression affects approximately nineteen million Americans, or 9.5% of the population in any given one-year period. It’s twice as common in women as it is in men. While awareness and understanding of postpartum depression has increased in recent years, there’s little public discussion about ongoing clinical depression in mothers, and the repercussions it can have on their families.

This is probably due to the fact that depression still carries a significant stigma. Lots of people still believe it’s not a “real” illness but a weakness or a personality flaw — something that sufferers should be able to talk, exercise or vitamin-supplement their way out of (right, Mr. Cruise?). Even women like me, who know that their depression is a very real, biological condition, can internalize that stigma and feel guilty as a result.

I can’t begin to tell you how relieved I was to come across this article.  I believe God put that article in front of me to say “See – you are not alone!”

I’ve had to battle depression since the age of 18 and medication has lent it’s blessed hand to me for 15 years.  Of those 15 I was on the same medication and was instructed by my OB to take myself off of the medication when I was in my second trimester with my son.  Since I had been taking that particular medication, I hadn’t experienced too many depressive episodes, so I assumed I would be ok until my son was born and then I would go back on the same medication and all would be well with the world.  Boy was I wrong. 

A week after giving birth to my son via a very unplanned c-section, I experienced what would be the darkest hours of my life.  And it would last for a long, long time.   I was back on the medication, but it wasn’t helping.  Depression held it’s dark grip on me and it wasn’t letting go.  I didn’t want to move.  I didn’t want to breath.  I didn’t feel like what I thought a mother should feel like.  I never thought about intentionally hurting my child.  I loved my son.  However, I couldn’t connect with him.  He was a foreign object to me.  I was jealous of him and the love he was getting from my husband.  I was upset because he had turned my life upside down.  Sound ridiculous?  I thought I was ridiculous too.  I wanted to know why I couldn’t snap out of it.  Why I couldn’t wake up from the fog.  I kept thinking, ” this isn’t fair.  I know I shouldn’t feel this way.  I know I should be happy.  What is wrong with me?!!”

In March 2008, after enduring 3 months of this, I finally contacted my doctor and was referred to a psychiatrist and therapist.  We tried different medications, finally settling on a good combination in the fall of 2008.  Since then, I haven’t had a major episode, but it’s been a slow uphill battle for my husband and I.  Luckily I am blessed with a saint of a husband, who has been nothing but supportive through hell and high water. 

I now feel somewhat “normal” and I have many, many more good days than bad.  I attribute this to being proactive with my depression.  I have to take my medication, or I fear what the next few days would bring.  I have to remind myself that my depression does not control me, and that because I experience it doesn’t make me a bad person or a bad mother. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, please talk to someone about it.  And know that you are not alone.  Everyone deserves to have good days.

Sponsor Me at March for Babies!

I will be participating in the Greenville, NC area March of Dimes on Saturday, May 16th.    I have a personal fundraising goal of $200 and I am asking my friends and family to help reach that goal so that we may help the little ones who cannot fight, win some of the biggest battles of their lives.  I am blessed to have had a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.  There are so many others who have had to struggle so much more than I have.  Together we can help them win their battles and provide them with hope that otherwise they may not have.  You can read one example of awesome life, Maddie Spohr, in the post below “Holding him tighter” 

Help fight the battle for those who are too small to fight!!

Holding him tighter

I read about sweet Maddie Spohr today and was crushed. 

To have a child taken from you in death is a horrible experience that no parent should have to experience.  Please pray for Maddie and her family as they walk through this difficult time in their lives. 

Reading about Maddie’s beautiful life has helped remind me how truly blessed I am to have a healthy baby of my own.  Life can come to a crashing hault in a matter of moments.  We must cherish the ones we have, for there is only now and only today. 

Please also keep in your thoughts Angie and Todd Smith and their family as they celebrate what would have been Audrey Caroline’s first birthday. 

I will be holding my son a bit longer and much tighter today and counting my blessings.