Having Patience

Yesterday while James and I were unpacking and organizing some things, I mentioned to him that I had found my keys. They had gone missing the day before. My five year old was listening(as always) and jumped into the room. She put her hands on her hips and with a child's scowl look on her face said, "Mama! I hid your keys so you wouldn't have to go to work!". Ah, the anguish in my heart. I wonder what she made out of my facial expression, because I had no words at the moment. She was hurt that I found the keys and that is why I left for work the other day(I had used daddy's). So I quickly repremanded her for stealing and hiding things from us and she went back to playing. James was in the room the whole time, but was silent. After 12 years of marriage, he knows me, and I was a water keg about to burst..but I didn't. So when he left the room, I called Big girl in and gave her and baby girl a big hug and kiss, and told them I loved them, and hopefully I will be home soon.

I always make sure my children are not around when I talk to husband about coming home from the workplace, but maybe she has eavesdropped on some of our talks. Either way, she is as desperate for me to stop working outside the home as I am.
I know some would suggest getting her more outside activities to do during the day to distract her and take her mind off of the fact that she misses me, but that is just creepy to me.

So I was feeling sorry for myself and my decision to not put her in government school, when as always, the Lord gives me some encouragement. Here's a portion of an email I received from my aunt. She was replying back to me. I had forgot I have written her.

When it comes to home schooling you really would have to have worked in the public system and the private system to see its value. I have worked public and I have worked private. The only reason I am in the public system is the money. Van still works in the private/public system. #1 priority is to join a home schooling group and a home schooling university. You can find them online. You can find the closest ones in your community.
I don't personally think that is the #1 priority, but it does seem important to do

The best way to set the family at ease is test scores. I am sure you are smart enougn to get the job done. Get as much knowledge as possible before you really start...Remember, while you set-up your system and finalize it, some things you will have to keep to yourself and share only with James.

It might not seem like much, but it was just the thing I needed to remind me of why I am doing what I am doing. So, I am trying to be patient with my situation at work just in case my Big girl is still eavesdropping...

Were settling in...

...little ones enjoying breakfast on the deck(yes baby girl has on the blue cinderella dress)


...my big girl giving an encore to her stunning rendition of the "veggie tales" intro.

Home that a dear brother and sister in the Lord provided. We are so grateful.
God is Good . He is Faihful. Praise and Glory to Him forever!
On July 27th we had a fire in the home we rented. We were homeless by 9am. God took such good care of my children. No one was hurt. James and I were both at work when the sitter became distracted and forgot she was frying on the stove. Pray for her. She has been dealing with so much guilt. But we love her and value her service. How many times have I been distracted by one of my children- it happens!
So, The Lord provided and I mean overflowing. It's August 18 and I was still saying thankyou to gifts and clothing a couple of days ago. We can't even hold all the provision that He has provided.
But more than material things, He has given us His Peace in this ordeal. Praise Him. People ask me have I broke down or cried over the loss, and I haven't. I can't explain it. I am not much of a crier anymore, but this has been overwhelming at times-but no tears. Just Joy.
We have had our frustrations and tense moments, but never were we without His Peace of mind. Thank You Jesus.
So we are in a new city. With new things. Some things were given to us, some bought new by others. It's all new to us!
I am not doing justice to my feelings because they are inexpressible still- even weeks after. I'm sure I will write more later.