Five Thoughts

I have the time and I have the motive to blog, but nothing is coming. My mind is moving slowly and I seem incapable of any sort of thought formation. I have started three different posts and have deleted all three of them. The first post was about our fun trip to Rutledge Corn Maze, the second was about how well the kids worked together to make tonight's dinner a success, and the third post was about my new way of doing our monthly grocery budget. But for some reason or other, I cannot, at this present moment, compose any sort of harmonious thoughts. So here I sit....mumble and jumble exploding in my brain. Because of this, I have decided that I will post many mini thoughts instead of a big one.

Thought #1: Our family has recently been enjoying episodes of Little House on the Prairie. Not only are they entertaining, but I have found that every episode teaches a valuable life lesson....lessons such as purity, honesty, putting others first, righteousness, togetherness, dependability, hard work...the list goes on and on. I am so thankful that our local library has all of the seasons available for check out. Although, I do continuously dream of the day when we own the entire set. **Hint, hint....Christmas is coming.

Thought #2: As Christ continues to form in me, I have made a commitment to practice hospitality. Way, way, way out of my comfort zone. But in doing so, our family has already been blessed by many different families. I tend to worry about the little, insignificant things...dirty windows, spots on the carpet, quality and quantity of food. But as I grow and as I invite people into our home, I find that these things don't much matter. What really matters is that we are creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests feel at home and the love of Jesus is felt by everyone who sits at our table.

Thought #3: My days are long and busy and chaotic. They start early and they finish late. They are full of disruptions and dilemmas, mayhem and madness. The phone rings, the dog barks, and the milk gets spilt. But you know what? I love my life. I love my husband, I love my kids and I love homeschooling. I love cuddling with my little girls in the early mornings. I love creating meals with Cayla, envisioning the day when she will be cooking for her own family. I love reading 10 Little Ladybugs 10 times in one day. I love listening to Matthew share his heart, his passions, his desires. I love that recess consists of horseback rides and walks to the creek. I love that breakfast means nourishment for the body and the soul as we eat together and listen to a reading of the Word (and a chapter or two of G.A. Henty). I love that Justin helps Lucas with his math when I can't. I love being able to hold Baby Sam while listening to Larah sing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang while brushing Katie's hair while telling my boys to turn down their music while wondering what I am going to make for dinner while answering the phone. I say it once again...I love my life!

Thought #4: (taken from Thought #3)...I love my husband. He is just so cool, cute, and capable of catching big fish!!!

Fish caught and photo taken on October 28, 2009

Thought #5: It is 11:21 and I should probably get to bed.