REAL life around here

I thought I would do a picture update about life around here.  Around this crazy house we call home.  Around this home that is in a constant state of chaos.  

Around this home that I am so thankful for and wish I could remember, so that when I see things like this:

I will remember what this image is portraying isn't real life for most people.  Breakfast, with 3 small children, isn't calm and serene.  Real life is about sharing life with the people you love.  Real life is about laughing so hard with friends that tea comes out of your nose tears come streaming down your face.  Like today, as I was leaving a restaurant after having lunch with two good friends, (Jamie and Kathy).  They both also have 3 small children, so let me do the math for you, there were 12 of us.  Oh, and this eating establishment does not have a playground in it, so it was fairly quiet when got there.  All 3 of us have each come to grips with the fact that we are a spectacle, and we joke about having circus music play as we enter.  Because we look something like this:

Our children, for the most part, were well behaved, but the mess they left behind.... was close to catastrophic.  I used to feel bad, and sometimes still do when we leave a restaurant.  But mostly I am just thankful it's not going to be me this meal that has to sweep it all up.  Is that awful or is that normal?  You tell me.  

Anyways, as Jamie and I were each getting ready to back out, in our silver Honda minivans, I know we're a cliche', I looked in the window of the restaurant.  There were already two employees sweeping up the beans and rice that were all over the floor.  I quickly got Jamie's attention by rolling down my window and pointed them out.  And all we could do was laugh.  And laugh and laugh.  I don't know, there was something about seeing those innocent people, behind the glass, sweeping up our huge mess, that made me lose it.  It was like we just pulled off the robbery of the century and we were all escaping in our getaway cars (or minivans).  

it. was. awesome.

Sometimes moments like that are funny, but other times it can be overwhelming when all 3 need me at the same time.  Sometimes I wonder if life will ever slow down.  But then I am reminded to live in the present and that this is what Jesus says real life is all about.  Loving Him and loving people.  I won't always have small children who still need me to tie their shoes and zip up their jackets.  And when I remember that, I get a little teary-eyed.  Because I want to embrace this season whole-heartedly, and I let go of what I "think" is best.  We are called to serve and Jesus clearly states, "Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it" (Matt. 10:39).  That is life.  Forsaking my needs for the needs of others.  And I am thankful that I have 3 little reminders of that truth every day.

Pictures of life around here.  Enjoy.

 

Sisters hugging in front of the crib that they both slept in.  Right before we sold it.  Tear.

 Meadow working on the letter E

 Saige not wanting to take her eyes of her schoolwork to look at the camera for me.

 

Reed looking cute right before he gets into my cabinets.

This is how most people often see this 16 month old - RUNNING!

But Mommy sees him most often like this.  :) 

 Always adorable and wanting to be a princess

 Always funny and wanting to be a princess

 Dressed up before a day with Noni and Papa

This post has been linked up with Raising Homemakers