I discovered again how much I love "prepping" for visits...thinking through the best sleeping arrangements and which one will like what comforter or blanket, buying needed food ahead of time, making lasagna for arrival day, baking old time favorite Christmas cookies for my kids and gluten free treats for several of the grands, setting up "toy stations" so that the early bird boys have trucks and cars ready in the living room at 6 am, dropping off excess applesauce and blueberries to my brother's home so there is space in our freezer for the more important foods, and even spending time with Jesus, asking that He would calm my heart for the arrival of 16 extra bodies for 10 days together. I was ready and excited!
How does it happen then that my personality quirks for tidyness and calm kick in on Day 7? We planned in break times, solo walks, breakfasts away, a few naps thrown in...yet the chaos and continual activity eventually overwhelmed me. I want so much to not only outwardly exhibit calm, but that my interior would not churn about crazy incidentals (sticky food on the floors and sometimes on the carpet/ the myriad of coats & hats piled after a very fun snow adventure/ an overflowing refrigerator that made it impossible to locate items). My head knows that these are minor issues compared to the bigger reality of cousin bonding, of Sibling game nights, of good laughter, of playing in the snow, of seeing Mary Poppins Returns, of an indoor pool adventure, of a Chucky Cheese excursion...it is the classic problem of Romans chapter 7:20 Msg ("Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time").
So, on this sun filled day, I once again accept the forgiveness of a Father who loves me deeply and knows my character flaws; and I will move on in 2019, continuing to ask Him to transform this obsession with order and the inflexibility that blocks spontaneous joyful responses, in the midst of chaos. And I will revel in the moments I had with each of the 10 unique, beautiful "grandbabies":
A Christmas Eve midnight service with 13 year old Azi; being pulled in a sled behind the lawn tractor, driven with pride by 11 year old Jet; holding 9 year old Zeal while she explained the finer art of creating a Light Brite design; cuddling 6 year old Trux as he was fighting a fever; reading a new book to 5 year old Evelynn while she "gut laughed"; guiding 5 year old Maelie around the Lazy River as she demonstrated her swimming skills; some spontaneous hugs from almost 4 year old Walker, in between his very busy play schedule; reading "Paw Patrol" numerous times to 3 year old Abbott, as his special request; a non-verbal yearning in his eyes by 20 month Elliott to join us on the couch as we watched Greatest Showman (especially meaningful since he much prefers his Boppa!!)!; and rocking & singing to 14 month Aubrey, as she struggled to sleep in a new place.
I am once again reminded that this is Life... beautiful moments and laughter in the middle of noise, activity, meals, and conversation with imperfect people loving one another in the best way they know how. I'll take it.
***Outdoor pictures courtesy of Melody; but no shots of she & Keith 😞
I loved the room situations this year- having my sick family back where no one could hear us! My kids loved their cozy bed nooks! I especially loved laughing and playing cards at night. The snow activity, pool and chunky cheese were the kids favorite. Even if it was hard here or there, that’s not what we remember, it’s the fun times with family! 10 kids and 8 adults in one house.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this mom. It’s something I struggle with as well.
Next time, you need to take more breaks though. You planned to get away for breakfasts but did you go more than twice?? 😘😘😘