FRIDAY FRANTIC FUN!

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.






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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.

Midnight Meditation………

3/15/10…………..I thought it would be “late” before I had a chance to post but Larry and “Tom and Jerry” on DVD are keeping the Texans occupied while the pork tenderloin cooks on the grill.
Larry and I are loving every minute of having 4 boys, age 8 and under, all to ourselves, but……it takes energy. It reminds me of all that young moms do each day---such a worthy work----but it is work! So….this Monday’s meditation is to encourage young moms and old grandmoms who are babysitting---not only in the moment but especially for all the times ahead. Who needs a clean house anyway---oxen (Texans) are more fun and much is gained from them and their energy---enough to strengthen our souls for years to come.

Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. (Proverbs 14:4)