What's up??

So, the famous skylight in our bedroom is coming to life!!

 

Which means we are living in a state of disarray!!

 

And sleeping in the guestroom.

 

But we're pretty sure it's going to be worth the hassle!

 

We will truly have a "room with a view!"

A moment in time -

This is not a very "polished" set up - I was cleaning the glass in a photo montage we have - but I was thinking that this is truly a "snapshot" of a particular time in our lives.

A year after these photos were taken, we were at another "crazy spot" in our lives:  one in college, one in high school, one in middle school, one in elementary school, one in nursery school, and one at home in diapers!  Now that was a hectic, busy time!!

But all too soon it seemed that everyone had zoomed on to new horizons, and we were empty-nesters.  We still are in fact!

Sometimes I look at or listen to young moms, and I want to say, "It's not earth-shattering, what you are fretting over. It will end all too soon.  You will look back and see it as the easiest time of all!"

When we were at the U, and we only had Bonny, our bishop said, "You are not going to believe me, but these are the easiest times of your life.  It is only going to get harder, more complicated, more difficult - and you will look back in longing for these slow, easy days!!'

He was right - we didn't believe him.  I thought he was just waxing poetic for effect.  And he was right - they were the easiest times of all.  I look back on them fondly.

I mostly wish I could remember more details - wish I'd kept a journal, taken more photos, stayed in touch with everyone - but the memories that do linger are lovely ones.

As are the memories of having six beautiful children under one roof for a brief but happy time.

"I believe in magic . . "

and the power of a carpet cleaner!!"

Former residents of this domicile probably never thought they'd see the day that the family room carpet would be clean enough to dazzle!!

I'm not sure why it takes me so long to get around to things - I didn't do it myself - I just had to arrange for the guy to come!!  And it still took me forever.

I remember a little plaque I got for Eliza once - probably because it so aptly expressed my feelings on the matter:

"Begin - the rest is easy!"

Thankful for "home for the holidays!"

I love that everyone loves to gather for the holidays - and has for many years - as can be seen by this family photo from 1997.

I love predictions, and Golf games, and talent shows, and trading art, and drawing names, and tiny hats, and "crackers," and potato soup with all the toppings.

And I'm getting a little bit excited thinking about the upcoming holidays - starting with going East for Thanksgiving!!

"I've got plenty to be thankful for!!"

Thinking thankfully -

I absolutely recall the night this photo was taken.  Bonny was home from school for a weekend or something and everyone was kind of horsing around.  Then we decided to take a photo and someone suggested a pyramid shot - this was as close as we could get!!

Having children spread out over 17 years can be challenging - but it can also be a blessing.  I'm so grateful that our kids chose to see it as a blessing.  And grateful that they love one another!

Don't they look like an army ready to march??

Somehow the lovely red chairs our kids gave us for Christmas ended up in front of the garage. I think we lined them up under the eaves when it was raining. But as I drive into or out of the driveway each day, they are there, ready to go - and they make me smile!!

Someone come over and we can sit and have a nice visit - we can even move onto the lawn if you like - where we can admire the apricot tree that we are trying to keep away from the deer, who appear determined to attack it!!

Or we can look at the moon and the stars, or we can admire the Marugg's trees, or we can smell the night-blooming jasmine or the orange blossoms.

It is indeed May, the lusty month!