12/16/11 If one 4 yr. old brings excitement to travel, stir in a 9 year old, 7 yr. old, 6 yr. old, 3 year old and a 1 yr. old and make them all male.
"Bright eyes gladden the heart..." (Proverbs 15:30) That's what Owen looked like when he saw his cousins at breakfast the next day. (Since this was also a HI Xpress, he quickly introduced them to the fine art of pan-a-cake" making! Once again, we ALL ate pan-a-cakes.)
Leaving the Hereford (think, chicken coop) smell of Amarillo behind us,
we caravaned through wide open Texas landscapes and volcanoes in New Mexico
to the windy mountain passes of Colorado.
.....
At the Carney's
"unbelievable" mountain home
we met up with the Brooklyn Liles---adding a sweet baby girl to the mix. (Molly's Corey flew in later)
....The unloading began. What a flurry of "stuff." Sleds, gloves, boots,
heavy coats, ski equipment---enough food and games for weeks, if needed.
And so the fun began---sometimes messy, loud, and frustrating, unnerving, unpredictable, … did I say frustrating?
I felt responsible for making sure everyone was fed and cared for. Patience was needed. Cooking became hot messy work. Just clearing the table after the feeding of the 15-17 took time. The counter was filled with chips, cracker, marshmallows, hot choc pack, etc. and was always a mess.Overseeing people always gets messy. It would be easier to leave the kitchen spotless, take off, and order in but NOT if I can help it.
A good sense of humor helps tons as does tons of grace. My patience wasn't always evident. Thank goodness I had help from a daughter & 2 daughter-in-laws and sons who tolerate me when I get overbearing!
Then an obscure verse that Sarah Butler showed me years ago came to mind.
Where no oxen are, the manger is clean,
But much increase comes by the strength of the ox. (Proverbs 14:4)
Serving is not always easy, neat, and tidy but....the rewards are there in the making---my grands (my oxen) can go on to serving others and a strong harvest!
I much prefered a messy “filled” barn than the need for a clean barn. So, I went up to the loft and read a Christmas story to John Parker before his nap.
