Vacuum-sealed...

Who knew packing up stuff could be so much fun! These vacuum-sealed things are too neat! I was able to take 4 boxes of keepsake baby clothes/blankets and squeeze em into the equivalent of one!! Now I want to vacuum-seal everything!! Blankets, linens, hand-me-down clothes, heck – why stop there! Reckon I could get away with vacuum-sealing my children when they are acting up…just for a little while…LOL

The Clevers

I felt like June Clever last night. We all actually ate at the table – steak, spinach mashed potatoes, fresh sliced tomatoes, AND with real dishes! We LAUGHED A LOT! The neighborhood kids patiently waited for the children to finish so they could all play. The children cleared their dishes, gave me a kiss on the cheek, ran out the door as I yelled at them to be home by dark. Joshua and I finished cleaning the kitchen and went about our evening playing with the dogs on the back porch. There was a cool breeze in the air last night. It was great! AAAWWWW! All was right with the world... I cherish these moments.

To really appreciate this I guess you would need to know that most nights we are eating on paper plates with the children eating a the bar, and joshua and I standing at the kitchen counter. Usually it's because I've had an attack of OCD and must get something done or cleaned OR it because I'm totally worn out an all I want to do is sit and watch TV, read or play with the children and/or dogs. The children are usually busy until dark with projects or the neighborhood kids to the point that I have to "tie them down" to eat. And Joshua just falls in sink with the mood of the evening - one of the things I love about him. This is just our way of living - I don't think that it's a bad thing - just life! I did grow up where the evening meal was always around the table, with a meat, greens, starches and bread. And I used to compare myself to this constantly - feeling guilty. While I still feel it's important, I finally let it go. So, I really do appreciate, and I think so does Joshua and the kids, when we have a real deal sit down meal! I think I will try to have a least one a week.

Noise

I feel weird. There is A LOT of background noise. Not necessarily bad noise, not necessarily good noise. Just noise, lots of noise. While I do feel a little lonely, I know I’m not alone. Perhaps lonely isn’t the right word. But, it feels like I’m being observed to see what I’m gonna do next. Has anyone else felt this way? I’m reading a book about Job…maybe that’s it…

Mama's Blessing

Lauren totally stepped up to the plate. Yesterday, she was the woman of the house. Hannah went to work (she’s working at the Lodge some this summer), I went to work and Lauren stayed home and took care of Joseph, the dogs and her sick daddy (icky stomach virus). She was excellent! I’m so proud of her. Not only did she feed Jo and catered to her daddy, when I got home yesterday afternoon, she had cleaned up the house!!! Literally it looked better than when I left it! AND most of the mess wasn’t hers – talk about preferring others. What a blessing!!!

It’s always my first response to immediately assume that Hannah should be second mom in command. I guess everyone does this to the first born. This tends to get to Hannah, and I don’t blame her. Now I’m totally confident that the girls can tag team a lot more! Thanks girls!!

Won't you be my neighbor?

So we’re transitioning from the country to the city…well you can take a boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy! My boy(s) still insist on peeing in the back yard…note to self – get privacy fence ASAP! There was an old woman, she lived in a shoe, she had so many children, she didn’t know what to do! I counted 11 children in my den the other night – all neighborhood kids. It’s the first thing all the children do when they get home…ride to everyone’s house to see who is home to come out and play. I didn’t think I’d ever live in a neighborhood again, but never say never. The children, needless to say, LOVE it. Something is always going on and there is always someone to play with – no wonder they can’t wait to get home in the afternoon. And I must admit – I can’t wait to get home either, and I think Joshua would agree with me. It’s such a blessing to able to see your children crave home – and not just because of the neighborhood playmates, but because home is a safe, loving, peaceful place. When I say peaceful – it’s not what you think. IT IS MASS CHAOS at our home most of the time – lots of noise, lots of activity, YET it’s peaceful. I say it’s a blessing because I’ve experienced both a peaceful and a non-peaceful home. If you are fortunate to live in a peaceful home – say a prayer of thanksgiving! Quick! This is a blessing!!! If not, we have a heavenly father that wants to restore your home – ask Him!! It’s soooo worth it.

According to Answers.com the definition of peace is: 1. The absence of war or other hostilities. 2. An agreement or a treaty to end hostilities. 3. Freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmonious relations. 4. Public security and order. 5. Inner contentment; serenity. OK – so as much as I would love to for it to be true, nos. 1,2 & 3 do not apply to our home… hello, I have three children and a husband. On some level we experience hostilities from time to time because we are human. OK – as to no. 4…order…yeah right…did I mention that I had 11 children in my home the other night. OK and no 5., well if I’m honest, this is what I strive for, but this is definitely a daily battle starting with the decision to be content even if I don’t feel like it. So the only explanation of the peace of which I’m referring to is “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, the peace that guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Paul in Philippians. Thanks Abba Daddy for the peace that only You can give. SHALOM from my home to yours!