Thankful

As I sit here at my kitchen table, I watch Nathaniel and Gabriella be goofy with each other, giggle together, tell on one another ("Gabrie's putting noodles in her drink!"), and all three kids screaming playfully in unison. I can't help but just be happy, even with my ears ringing from their high-pitched squeals. I can't help but thank God that I'm still able to experience all the joys that come with these three energetic, exhausting kids.

I'm thankful for the days Justin gets home early(ish) and we get to have dinner together. Some of my favorite times with him is when we just sit at the table together after the kids have finished eating and moved on to make messes elsewhere; we catch up on the day, share funny or meaningful experiences, laugh, and dream about our future.

Only about three months ago (or so), Justin seriously considered requesting a transfer to Oklahoma City. He works many long hours and rarely even has a day off, so he wanted to get us closer to family. I don't think a 13 hour drive by myself would ever be possible, nor would he ever allow me to travel that far alone with three kids, but a 3 hour drive, I could handle.

I was excited about the possibility of being closer to "home" again. So excited, I started searching the internet for houses. I even contacted a friend there and asked her to keep her eyes open for any rental houses. Cara replied, and was happy to help us find one. The next time we spoke, she told me there was a house for rent in her neighborhood. We were excited at the prospect of being neighbors and our kids playing together.

Justin and I decided we should wait it out a little while longer. Maybe things at work would get easier, or a better position would come along. So, we waited patiently. (Although, I have to admit, I was disappointed!)

Monday, May 20, 2013, Cara's neighborhood was hit hard by the tornados. Her sweet family lost everything, except each other. Plaza Towers Elementary is where two of her three kids attended school. The most amazing part of their story (to me), is that only a couple months ago, Cara felt led to start home schooling. Thank God, she had been obedient!



Photo Courtesy of Chris Landsberger/The Oklahoman/AP

 Two days later, Justin was offered a promotion. He accepted. His new position will be less stressful and will allow him to spend much more time with us, and possibly even more time for me and the kids to spend with family in Arkansas, while he trains in Houston.

Most days we take life for granted. But today, and in the future, I will be thankful for even the littlest of blessings. And whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed by the days' messes, the constant need to play "referee" for brother and sister, and sleepless nights with baby, I will remind myself "it could always be worse".




P.S. Read Cara's blog...she's amazing. cyakel.blogspot.com