A Week With Only Two Children Part One

June 21, 2015

The night before camp... excitement is as heavy in the air inside as the humidity is outside. Not liking the commotion, Kia darted under the desk as all five children gathered into the bedroom to laugh, talk, and goof off as they discussed camp plans. The two youngest were on our bed, one playing a tablet and listening to the banter, as the other one lay on the end wishing she could join their week at camp.  My oldest daughter sat on the night table near my head as she told stories about what others said about their camp experiences. My two oldest boys stood at the end taking turns giving each other piggy backs rides up and down the hall. My oldest, who I am quite surprised to see so excited about this week, must have kissed and hugged me over four times then left the room, yet each time he decided he needed to come back and join the crazy clan again. I tried to get a picture of the memory they were all making, but it is hard to get five squirming, bouncy children in one small camera frame. It is times like these when my heart swells with joy and love...the clamor around me makes me laugh and appreciate each one so dearly. They all have something to add to our family, perfectly fit together by God like a puzzle.
So as they settle down for the night, and my mind slowly settles down too, I thank my wonderful Lord for blessing me so abundantly because He is simply showing me only a part of how much He loves me.

June 22- I said goodbye to my three oldest today. They were all up early and ready to leave at 9:00 sharp. I did not even have to keep after my oldest to get out the door. Joe came down to the church to see them off and we waved one last time as they left the parking lot. There were no tears...just a feeling that part of me was missing. Susy, Ben, and I climbed in the car and did a couple of errands before going home. After lunch we headed to the beach, where I presently sit writting this. Ben is digging close by and Susy is joining the fish and crabs in the cold water. She loves it. The waves are pretty big for Hammonessett and they have spent the last hour jumping them as they break onto the shore. I think my favorite part of this week will be the fact that my two yougest will get to be just their age, with no expectations of having to live up to what their older siblings think they should be like. Ben can be 7 for once and Susy can be 11. I am going to enjoy every minute of peace.

June 23- A quiet day to start off. We set out to bring some cast offs to consignment and then picked up lunch before going to see Inside Out. Afterwards we came home and I felt led to clean JJ's room downstairs. During that time a thunder storm rolled in and it became very dark. Thunder grew louder and as I dusted I heard that familiar wind sound of tornado proportions. We looked outside and my little tree was bent over to the left. My berry bushes fell over and leaves and branches were everywhere! My flower garden looked like someone had stomped thru it too. I commented on how it reminded me of the tornado in Indiana many years ago. Joe called and gave me some harrowing stories of trees falling on wires and fire starting on the wet grass. I told him I had not checked the backyard yet for damage and went to take a look. At first it looked fine, but then after a second look my eyes began to see trees and branches down on our neighbor's house etc. We decided to go for a walk and we saw one tree after another down. It was bad. It looked like a war zone. Trees were on houses, roofs, cars, power lines...some looking like they may not get fixed.  We took a ride aroubd town and saw people putting suitcases in their cars so they could go somewhere with power. Now our power is out and we sit by candlelight enjoying some peace and quiet. I am in awe once again how much God loves and takes care of us. He protected us from harm just as it says in Psa 91. "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh thee." Just as my dad believed it is like our insurance policy.