Stay home day

The decision was made early this morning, though Nell's fever had broken in the night, she still needed a stay at home recovery day. Ian had stayed home and cuddled her yesterday, so it was my turn to stay home. Kellen pressured me that his cold needed a rest day to finally get better. So here we are, all together at home, after several texts and calls to make the necessary changes. I started making plans to sit on the couch and read books to the kids for most of the morning. The kids had other ideas and by 10:30 with my coffee rewarmed for the 10th time, I was beginning to think these hooligans are not so sick after all.

Only 1 book was read to neve, but play-doh extravaganza has occurred and been cleaned up, the mega blocks pay loader has finally been built, nerf gun wars loudly taken place...

Though I feel a little guilty as they have sprung to life on this stay at home sick day, I am thankful for the fun. And for the freshly gathered poached egg in my homemade tomato soup. And the worn out girls both napping now while kellen quietly plays with his army guys. And for finally having a coffee while browsing my newest cookbook. This is turning into a wonderful stay at home day that we were much in need of.

Counting

Forgetting to count blessings
I grumble with frustrations
Remembering to see with eyes wide open
I know it's all love gifted.

The cat sprawled sleeping
Karate lessons begun
Kids xcountry skiis purchased
Finding their own craft together
Peaceful sleep and dreams
More eggs gathered everyday
Tears for the broken egg dried when he cooks it
A season changing, snow coming
So small this list of recent moments remembered
I vow to count more, to snap and capture more
I don't want to miss the gifts

Sitting now in front of the fire
The mess I fought against won again
Toys, dishes, a stray jacket, a book, practice word flash cards,
I chose to see differently
A mess or the evidence of a blessed life?
A house full of crazy fun kids
A weekend lived.