My routine looks like this, too. Very little that we have planned in the last few weeks has actually happened. The advent calendar full of activities, the cleaning, the shopping... all have been pushed here and there and half completed.
This is because of Everett's constipation during the last week- days full of stomach cramps and naps, nights of sleeplessness. The week before, Kellan had a nasty cold that had him drowsy and unhappy during the day, and coughing or crying hoarsely if we weren't restlessly sleeping upright. Erik has been studying and writing papers every chance he gets, and we've been in and out of the house throughout the weeks.
My point is, this house- this disheveled mess of a house- is because of life. Looking at the house, I am thinking to myself, "So... is this how it's always going to be?" And I kind of chuckle because I already know the answer. I always have. It just takes a reminder every now and then to know it in my bones and appreciate it.
This is the messiness of life. This is what I asked for way back in 2003 when I got married. This is what I asked for when I first dreamed about having my own family. And it's perfect that I remember this as I witness the passing of another Autumn, the season of release. It reminds me to let any of the stress or worry about an unkempt house or cancelled plans fall away.
When you're in the midst of life- full of sick kids that you love so much you give them every moment you can and more- the best you can do is let the pieces fall where they will. You pick up the ones you can and let the other ones go.
This is a beautiful reminder that this IS what we asked for by wanting a family. It's the time spent together in the messiness that counts and will be remembered. Thank you!
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