in our nest

It's been a year and a few days since we've moved, now.  Nearly everything has changed and yet, so little.

We're still the same 5 people trying to love each other as hard as we can, while trying to like each other as much as possible!

I knew from the beginning, when Paul and I started seeking God for our next step together that this would be the case.  I kept thinking, as long as I have these four other people in my life, I don't care what we do or where we are!  And it is so true.  When you really boil all the other stuff down, you just want to be in this life with these people. 

It won't always be that way, I know.  Paul and I likely won't be the parents that follow our kids off to college and career (I'm 85% sure about this, by the way).  But as long as my little chicks are in their nests, I'm as content as can be.  I'll enjoy it for the short lived season that it is, and thank God for these blessings while I may.

Slow Morning :: Late Start

I've been surprised since we moved how a house can really dictate how you run your day.

The biggest example I can give to this is that in our former place, we always, always, always went UPSTAIRS to release the kids from bed in the morning.  Which means, they got dressed before coming down and had a jump on chores.  Otherwise, it always seemed like working backwards to shoo them all back upstairs to get dressed without direct supervision.

In our new place, the space is tighter and there is more amoeba like movement across zones.  Kids get up and make their way to read on the couches sometimes before I even climb out of bed.  PJ makes his way to my room for a snuggle before the clock strikes 7 am.  I love this and am hesitant to give it up as he's our "last baby". 

It could be the kids are getting older (NO!) or even that we don't really live in an area (like on camp, or in a neighborhood) where "drop by's" happen.  But there is a more relaxed feel to our morning these winter days.

It is nice in many ways, but then I have to continue to adjust the mindset as we move along.  For instance, I look at the clock and it's noon and we've just finished our core work!!!  Then I say, it's okay, you have all day for this, and my heart rate slows!

But for now, I sit here by the window with my coffee.  The kids and I are still in jammies (yeah, it's 9) and we're having some time with our annual American History review watching:

I can see sunshine and grass through the snow, so it's hard to tell myself winter IS NOT over yet!  We'll enjoy the relaxed feeling of this season while it lasts!

on the way

Dear 2011,

 

Something funny happened on the way to here. 

We grew closer, and better, and challenged ourselves.  We have cried here and loved here and made it home.

What a year! 

When I think back to the same time last year when we were just wondering, wondering, where we would be in a year.

And then we had a plan, and we prayed our ways through it.  We were sure it would turn out like we thought.  We had the Lord preparing the way and spurring us on. 

All the time, we see now, that we were preparing ourselves for this time. 

So here we are.  And we are happy.  All five, plus Scout, together.  And all thanks be to His great glory!

Love, Jenny

Arriving

the cavalry is here

work, work, work

set up in three hours flat

The Big Move

Well, I do realize we're not the first family to move. 

And though, there were many "last times" I felt tremendous peace about the whole process.  Who really says "goodbye" in the kingdom of God!!!

It should be noted, too, we haven't moved a real move in 14 years.

 

We've had two mini moves in that time, but not anything that warranted dozens of rolls of tape.

 

Man, I hope those peonies transfer!!

Moving from green pastures, to green hills.