Peaceful Summer

Its time to talk about this new season. And I'm not just talking about the weather.

Kate was born on the first day of summer. June 21st. And the culmination of her birth, our new home, and the summertime has taken me into a completely new season. And oh, how to describe this new season? Its just. Peaceful. {Searching my heart...} Yep. That's it. Peace.

If you were listening at my front door it might not sound peaceful. There are still 10 little feet stomping running through the house like a heard of elephants, Electric Company blaring from the livingroom, squealing kids flying down the slide in the playroom, doors slamming as the girls come in and out from riding their bikes, the constant running of either the washing machine or dishwasher, and a baby crying because its time to nurse for the umpteenth time today. Even at night, the deafening sound of "rain" is coming from the sound machine in the upstairs hall. But despite the decibels... there is peace.

We're home.

Is it hard juggling 6 kids? Two with special needs and tiny newborn? The answer is actually no. Comical? Usually. ;) Tiring? Yes. But hard? No. Its been pretty smooth. But over and over I keep thinking, there's no way we could have done this in our old house. In this house, we all have our own space. We fit here. And everyone can feel the difference. Its wonderful. :)

And it feels so good to build new routines. I knew that between moving and having a baby this summer, I could not over commit myself. So I didn't. Which means- I have no where I have to be. And it feels great. :) We wake up, have breakfast, the kids play while I clean up/do some laundry/nurse my baby. Then we have lunch, the little ones and I nap while the girls play in their room. When everyone is up, we have snacks, play some more, have dinner, go to bed, and do it all over again the next day. With so much routine, I find myself thriving and growing as much as the kids.

I'm anticipating a smooth transition into the school year as well. While we're enjoying a peaceful summer, I know the kids will be so ready for school when it starts. And I'll be ready too. How sweet it'll be to have time alone with Mabry and Kate. I'm looking forward to lunches and shopping with my Grandmother and my mom... diving back into couponing... soaking in the Word at morning Women's Study... taking my time decorating each room of my beautiful new house... its gonna be awesome. :)

Now, understand me. I fully believe that my home is in heaven. This is temporary. Never do I want to become so comfortable and complacent that I grow stagnant, not growing in my faith or being effective for the Kingdom. I hope that I can always say that I'd give up all that I have if that's what the Lord was calling me to do. But I also know that I know that He's blessed us with this house and I'm grateful. There are seasons of refreshing and we draw from those for our times in the fire. Sometimes we stand up and fight, sometimes we lay our heads on His chest and just soak Him in. And you never know whats around the corner.

And right now I'm thoroughly enjoying this peaceful summer. Sipping some sweet tea, watching my kids play, smelling my new baby. Aaaahhh, peace. :) Thank you Lord, You're so good to me.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you."