Last night ended badly, to say the LEAST.

Biggest Brother exploded worse than ever before. And again this morning when he realized the consequences of last night.

Tension is high in my house right now.

I dread 3:00pm when I have to pick him up from school and face the weekend.

Lord, what do we do?

~audrey

The in-home counselor came to visit Biggest Brother and Four Year Old yesterday afternoon. She was so sweet and we really hit it off. When she was finished visiting with the boys, she and I talked for almost an hour. It was completely ‘off the clock’ and it was wonderful. I feel like I’ve been so deprived of uninterrupted adult conversation for the last month; it was very refreshing.

Another unexpected therapy session: an impromptu visit from the Baileys!!! Ashley called me right before I left to pick Biggest Brother up from school and asked if she and all five kiddos could stop by. Of course I said yes! I hadn’t had them over since before the twins were born.

It was an abnormally warm day for December. A nice breeze was blowing and it was about 75 degrees out! All THIRTEEN of us sat outside for almost two hours. It was GLORIOUS! Ashley and I each held a twin while the other nine kids ran and jumped and climbed and squealed. It was like letting them outside for the first time after a long cold winter…but it’s only December and it hasn’t even been that cold! Hahaha!! My kids and the Bailey kids haven’t had a playdate like that in SOOoo long; it was much overdue and we could see it through the joy on their faces.

Yesterday was one of the best days I’ve had in a very long time. What is usually the “hours from hell” (between the hours of 4pm and 6pm…homework, restless toddlers, hungry children, daddy is not home from work yet, etc, etc…), turned into the best afternoon EVER.

Ashley and I haven’t sat down and just talked and laughed in way too long. I can’t even remember the last time. It was incredibly therapeutic. I went to church completely invigorated. I felt as if I could conquer anything.

Isn’t it crazy how a little visit from a friend can lift your spirits like that?

So, why don’t we recognize that our time with the Lord, even when it’s short, is SO important? Ashley and I talked briefly about how much we’ve lacked in our quiet times lately. We know how much different our day to day lives are without our time in the Word and in prayer, so why don’t we make it a priority? Even if all we do is read ONE verse and pray for FIVE minutes. Don’t you think your heavenly Father will bless that time? We do not serve an ‘all or nothing’ God. It’s not a matter of quantity as much as obedience.

I am recommiting myself to spending time every morning with the Lord. I cannot survive without His all sustaining strength, wisdom, grace, and mercy.

…Jesse was home sick yesterday after he puked at school yesterday morning. Today he had a field trip scheduled, but he had climbed into bed with Josh and me last night, so when the alarm went off at 6:45 this morning, I rolled over and asked Jesse if he’d rather go on his field trip or stay home with Mommy again. The choice was simple; stay home with Mommy. :) As a result, I turned off the alarm clock, cuddled up with Jesse, and we ALL slept in until 8:15am. Oh glorious sleep! Biggest Brother was an hour late for school, but it was SO worth it.

Ashley stopped by this morning to pick up the boots Jonathan left in the backyard last night. She brought the kids inside so I could take Biggest Brother to school. I drove thru Starbucks (for the mommies) and Dunkin Donuts (for the kiddos) and headed back home to my house full of friends and kids. Right now I have baby Drew, Jonathan, and my youngest five while Ash runs to Kohls with her momma. Why didn’t we realize BEFORE now that this was all we needed?! Sure, it can get crazy with all these kids under one roof (or in one backyard), but isn’t CRAZY a little more bearable when your best friend is sitting next to you making you laugh?

We will definitely be doing this more often.

Happy Thursday!

~audrey

Can you believe Christmas is 16 days away?!

Christmas is my very favorite time of the year. I begin to get into the Christmas spirit sometime in September usually. But this year has been a little different. I’m STILL not in the Christmas spirit.

I’m trying, believe me. It’s just so hard when you’re as busy as we have been, with so many children, so many responsibilities, and so many commitments. It’s hard to relax. It’s hard to enjoy the little things, soak up the ambiance of Christmas in all the little places that you’ve always enjoyed in the past. I’m just going to have to make a better effort to consciously do it. Afterall, I only have 16 days left until it’s all over for another year.

On another note, Jesse only made it thirty minutes at school today before he threw up in his classroom. He hasn’t thrown up or complained of stomach issues since last Saturday, so I don’t know what’s going on. He’s been home all day now, still says he’s not feeling very well, but hasn’t been sick again. Ugh.

I had CPR and CPI (Crisis Prevention) training and certification yesterday and today. It was pretty good. I feel very good knowing I am now properly trained in CPR. I definitely feel like I learned a great deal today.

Well, I need to get my house cleaned up in the next two hours before I have to pick up Biggest Brother from school.

~audrey

Another hectic and stressful Saturday, followed by a busy Sunday, leaves me yearning for my sweet and faithful Monday.

I must give major props to my incredibly hot incredible husband. He has been unbelievable throughout the past month as we’ve all been adjusting to our new additions and all the challenges that have come with that. Daily, I find that the dishwasher has been emptied, there is a fresh trash bag in the trash can, the toddlers have new diapers/pull-ups on…all the things that he WOULD help me with in the past with lots and lots of nagging, but I’d have to ask or remind him a few times to get it done. He is my rock. He is strong when I am weak. He hears from the Lord when I’m too tired to even listen. He rubs my back at night without expecting anything in return…if you know what I mean! LOL!! :) He has just been an awesome husband, partner, and friend and I wanted to give him much credit where credit is due. I love you Babe!

Today (Sunday) has been just about perfect. Church was without drama, which is always a good thing, but never guaranteed! We went over to my in-laws’ church to have lunch which was delicious and also without drama (seriously!)! Then we went home, put the little ones down for a nap, and Jesse and I jetted off to a birthday party for a little boy in his class. When we got home from the party, which was a TON of fun, Josh took Joshua out for a little while, just the two of them. I made dinner while the children played, we ate, and now everyone is in the living room watching America’s Funniest Videos before teeth brushing, jammies, and bed! I cannot believe tomorrow will be December 7. The SEVENTH! Christmas is 18 days away!!! YIKES!

I will end with this:

Someone gave me something anonymously this morning at church. It was a heavy paper bag containing a book and a jar. The jar was filled to the top with silver coins; nickles, dimes and quarters. The book was titled, “Christmas Jars.” I can’t wait to start the book tonight and tell you about it soon. Just another blessing in a very critical month for us. The jar contained almost $50 in change. Thank you Lord!

We were challenged this morning in church to DO THE WORK. Don’t just talk about God’s goodness and how much he loves to bless his people. BE A PART OF IT! Let your actions match your passions. SHOW them God, don’t just talk about Him. Yes, I’m preaching to myself. :)

Have a great week. Look for ways God can use you ‘in the marketplace’.

~audrey