We're home.
Though we are more than grateful to be back (from vacation/from our stay at the hotel) these last two days have been difficult.
Both Josiah and Lilly have done an amazing job at being flexible throughout this "fire" experience, but for some reason (maybe it was our 1 am arrival time from vacation or the new environment-yet again) they have been increasingly out of sorts. Crying, crying, crying all day long AND all night. This makes it near impossible to get anything sorted or put away. While I made significant progress on the living room/dining room and kitchen areas today (trying to get things out of their way and make room for food as our fridge and cupboards are bare) our bedroom, hallway, kids' room, and bathrooms look like disaster zones.
Anyone that knows me understands that I HATE when things are disorganized....more than that, it's hard for me to function productively when they're not. When everything is clean and in order I feel I can conquer anything- almost anything. Emotionally, mentally, and physically this is actually one of the toughest parts for me. Between the kids and the STUFF in the house, my brain feels like it's on the fritz. I can't shake this headache from Josiah screaming and I keep walking from room to room trying to figure out what I should start doing first. I can't tell you how many times I've slammed my feet or my knees into things shoved where the kids can't get them. It's so ANNOYING.
Even so, I am relieved to be back....relieved to be heading towards some normalcy.
While most everyone has been helpful (insurance company, cleaning company, etc.) we still keep running into snags that set us back for days or weeks at a time. I feel bad for Steve who spends the majority of his time on the phone or computer trying to argue his way through the mess and make progress in these areas. I can see that the fatigue of this alone is wearing him thin.
We have so much to be grateful for. It's more than easy...an automatic reaction really, to stumble through the irritating and exhausting times but never take a second to breath; to enjoy the fact that your kids need and want you, that everyone's healthy and unharmed, that you're not alone, or that you can reach towards God for direction and comfort. I wish I realized these things more often.
Today has been a better day. We were able to sleep most of the night uninterrupted and the living room is clear of clutter...vacuumed and clean. And, we actually have food in the house.
We wish you the best this Easter season, whether you celebrate it or not.
Peace and love to all.
Pictures from my NEW IPHONE!!! These first several are from our Massanutten trip.
Lilly checking out her new bathing suit!
Getting ready to go to the Waterpark!!!
So cute :)
Passed out!
Umm. He's not doing what it looks like he's doing.
Hi mom!
The many faces of Lilly...
AHH! A big slide!
Our view from the backdoor balcony
Handsome little man
Mac and cheese and chicken with a side of Josiah and Lilly
At home! Sporting their first EVER new Massanutten shirts.
Uh oh. What did you do Lilly?
The cute part of this picture is that he was going for a kiss on my face :)
Serious dude.
Mom, here's my foot.
Cried forever then slept as soon as we got in the car. Nice.
Lilly's new thing. We're taking her on the road for a show.
Big helpers at Sam's Club
