Peaceful Chaos

Clutter makes me feel frustrated. When the house is out of order, I feel out of order.

But it used to be much, much worse. I used to clean every day (several times a day) just in case someone might stop by unexpectedly. If there were dirty dishes or if toys were scattered everywhere, I felt like a bad mom/wife.

But somehow that has all changed since moving to Florida. Maybe it's because people don't really just stop by here, or maybe it's the fact that I have more kids now who keep me too busy to worry about it? It could be all of those reasons, but I'd like to think that I've just let go a little bit and have decided to ease the pressure off myself. I'd also like to think that I have become more laid back and would rather spend time playing with the kids rather than cleaning up after the kids.

Whatever the reasons, if you would have just "popped in" today, this is what you would have seen.

unmade movie watching bed

kitchen table artfully littered with hologram stickers, baby doll, snacks, and crayons

cones from a creative game of bowling

and

dominoes used to build a tower

early morning cartoons

fire house pulled out from boys' room to be used as a doll house

games played over and over again on top of t.v.

books that made me laugh so hard tears were coming down

books that made boys laugh because Mom was laughing

socks used to warm feet and then removed because the feet were too warm

another table full of crafts

artwork hung in a very artful way

(This does make me cringe...but I'll deal with it.)

Josiah's perspective:

stockings that have already been filled, much to the delight of the junior photographer

What was once Jay's piano has suddenly become Josiah's. And the lid never closes anymore because those little 5 year old fingers stop and play about once every hour.

Josiah has been looking out this window all day, waiting for me to let him play with the neighbor boys.

But during this Christmas break, I want my kids with me making messes and lots of memories!

Now, if you call ahead, I'll most likely spiffy up the place a bit. But if you decide to not give any notice, come in and we'll make a craft together. :)