Last week was long and difficult. I managed to get everyone in our house sick on top of other stresses which made things that much more exhausting. I am very cautious and stingy about medicine in general, but especially when pregnant. Not being able to dull even the smallest symptoms really drained me. I'm still getting back into the routine of being on my feet and talking all the time at school.
Thankfully, we're on the mend....
Today made up for every one of those days last week.
The school day went exceptionally well and I spent an incredible afternoon and evening with the kids. We were really able to enjoy each other's company.
It's very important to me to have a nice home. I don't mean that things need to be top end or large or state of the art. Rather, I enjoy things being clean, uncluttered, organized, and peaceful. It's very difficult for me to have piles of laundry everywhere or dishes, papers, and piles of things we need to keep from the kids lining our shelves, counters, etc. I hate that my toilets have rings in them and that there's still toothpaste in the sink. I believe in living in a home that reflects who you are and the kind of priorities you have. Just because you have children doesn't mean your house needs to look horendous. When I have to step over and around things constantly, I get very irritable. Seriously, I'm not that great to be around.
All this to say....
I didn't pick up one toy, wipe off one plate or put one thing in the trash until they were in bed. We were that absorbed with our fun. Finding balance is a hard thing to do. With Baby 3 on the way, I know I'll have even less time to change the things that bother me about the clutter of our daily living. It's nice, though to live in the moments of perspective and enjoy the fact that you know you know where your priorities lie.
We received several unexpected gifts in the last several days. An old family friend send me a prayer shaw that she crocheted. The idea behind it is that as someone makes it for the recipient, they are praying for them and sending loving thoughts their way. She explained that the yarn she picked out was called "blue jeans" and how as a young mother she had enjoyed the chance to kick back and wear a good pair of jeans. I was touched by her thoughtfulness, talent, and prayers.
My grandmother sent the kids these little stuffed animals, each with a story behind them. Lilly held onto the bear as we read one of our favorite books, Brown Bear, Brown Bear. So cute :)
A lady from my parent's church made the kids knot blankets. Anyone who knows me pretty well, realizes that I have an obsession with knot blankets. We were so excited to see that they fit perfectly in their new toddler beds and were beautiful flannel patterns.
Thank you everyone for thinking of us and touching us with your generosity & love!
Little Princess
Lilly loves wearing things around her neck, so we finally got some "pretties"! She was sooo excited!
Had a magnificent time at the park with the kids this afternoon. Absolutely perfect. Can you believe how big they are? I see them every day and it's astonishing.
One, two, three, GO!
I love this picture. He was waiting so patiently for her to slide down. Can you see how excited she is and how hard he's trying to be good?
"Say cheese, Josiah!"
