Stress Relievers

(Written in July) The start of a first deployment with children = stress. I try to get control of schedules and house as a way of coping. Here are some other things I have identified as stress relievers for us:
1. God's Word:  morning (a verse to reflect upon) and evening (The Jesus Storybook Bible)
2. Prayer with a hug:  I have been picking up a certain little boy and praying for both of us when we get tense and frustrated.
3. Laughter:  Lucy's spit up can be a stressor- and a little disgusting- as it goes everywhere, but we now chuckle with playful warnings of a volcano erupting or "Thar she blows!" It actually helps keep things in perspective.

4. Cleaning:  I thought it was just me until Wade not only wanted to play with water in the sink but also mop the house, "the whole house"! (It has been a while- both for the house and for Wade.) If only I enjoyed putting laundry away!

5. Friends:  We are encouraged by the military families and friends around us. There is no time to waste in building relationship!
6. Oh and then there is the Starbucks ice cream I have discovered makes waking up a delight. :) 
7. And exercise helps too!