Saturday, June 27, 2009

Lest you be deceived...

I do not mean to create the image that either my mothering or my housekeeping is perfect. I just choose what to share (and what to push out of the picture.) My unpacking is not done, nor is it completely tucked away and forgotten. It is merely being ignored along with some dirty dishes and some clean clothes begging to be folded. They are all waiting with the toys and papers that seem to scatter when I'm not looking. They are waiting until I'm done with the children and my body doesn't hurt or beg to sleep and it's not dinner time. I'm getting to them--just slowly, very, very slowly. Thankfully, they are good at waiting.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Art fun



On Wednesday, we learned that we can make art lots of different ways. The children got to use the foam letters that have been hiding for months. (We had gotten tired of finding them stuck everywhere.) The children made pictures of people, a volcano, and chaos. I enjoyed happy, not fighting children.


Thursday, June 25, 2009

Crystals

In an effort to not go crazy this summer, we are learning. Tuesday's topic was crystals. We made pink and green salt crystals and are waiting for the rock candy.









Wednesday, June 24, 2009

For the Professor on Father's Day

Would you like blueberry or apple?

Friday, June 19, 2009

Through small and simple things...

I have been reminded this last week or two how very important little things are.

First, we must set the stage. A month ago I was exhausted, pregnant, and overwhelmed. I was facing a month during which the Professor had many work deadlines, a week long trip overseas, and work commitments that limited his available time and flexibility. His schedule would ease up just a few days before we had to move. I would be responsible for much of the preparation, packing, and details of the move. I just had to do them while taking care of the children, cleaning up messes, and, as my father-in-law says, making brains.

As we've moved, we've had more help than with any other move. Most people could only do a little bit, but all those little bits have added up to make something big and overwhelming become manageable. We've had help ranging from childcare to food to carrying heavy things to cleaning to emotional support to mowing lawns to lending ladders. Each time I knew it was too much, someone stepped in to lighten the load. Consequently, this move has been the smoothest yet. Of course, not having to travel across the country helps, as does being in the second trimester rather than either the first or postpartum. But the biggest difference has been sharing the load with so many friends, family, and neighbors. I'm extremely grateful to everyone who has blessed us. Thank you.

It has also been good to be reminded that sometimes, the little help that seems so tiny but is all I can give is enough. Even the people at church who took the time to introduce themselves and sincerely welcome us made a big difference in my week. I can do that much and, usually, a bit more.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Contained

We are here. We now only have one house to live in. The chaos is beginning to subside, although there are still many boxes in the living room. The rest of the house is beginning to look like we live here. Tomorrow seems like the first day of summer to me, for today was the last day of speech therapy and vision therapy. Nothing else is regularly scheduled until school begins. Both Young A and I are more than ready to be done.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Keys

Yesterday we got the keys to our new house.  I'm quite excited.  Since the Professor is busy being a professor, we won't do the big move for over a week.  In the meantime, we'll see how much I do.  I've got all sorts of things to say, but most of them will have to wait until we are established.  A good friend once described buying a house to me as riding an emotional rollercoaster.  She was right.  I can't wait to get off.