Our Normal Is Crazy

I was recently asked by someone if our life is ever normal.  I had to answer "this IS normal for our family!"

We have five children, two adults, and one fat cat living in this house.  One of our children has autism and a physical disability.  One of our children has a skeletal defect that required surgery, follow up appointments, and in the future another surgery. One of our children had a heart defect taken care of several years ago, and has doctored for heart problems several times since then.  We just found out that our youngest daughter has significant hearing loss and needs hearing aids.  We are in the process of updating and fixing up our home.  Add to these things the routines of dental and eye exams, homeschooling, church activities, co~op, laundry, grocery shopping and housekeeping.  Life is always moving and things are rarely the same from one day to the next.  And some times it is just plain crazy!!

I do sometimes wish for days when I can stay home and not worry about who's got the next appointment or what the next project involves.  I do wish I could spend a day doing exactly what I had planned.  I wish my house was always clean and tidy.  I wish I didn't have to think about finances, specialists, or special equipment.

But I DON'T wish these days away.  I know they are fleeting.  I see that when I look at my 16 year old's face and wonder how we got here (and why I have to look up to even look into her face!).  I see it as I watch my 14 year old slowly turning into a young man.  As I watch my 10 year old solve math problems he thought he'd never be able to do.  As my 7 year old wants to help with supper.  As I hear my 4 year old ask if he can "do school". 

There will come a day when the only appointments I need to think about are either hubby's or my own.  There will be a time when my house is always neat and tidy, and I can finish something I start. 

But Oh, how lonely {and quiet!} that sounds.

I am thankful that God has placed these things in my life at this time.  I sometimes need to be reminded that they are indeed blessings, and are all part of His plan.  In the midst of the craziness comes peace.  A peace that is in knowing this is all GOOD.

I love our "crazy normal"!

Blessings,