Doing Ok

"And thank you for a house full of people I love. Amen."

Yesterday our littlest girl, Sarah, turned 2. We had a little party for her on Sunday. It was fun to have family and friends over to celebrate. We kept it small since Jacob is so young. Little Sarah stayed awake through lunch, gifts, and singing happy birthday to her. After her siblings helped her blow out her 2 candles, she fell asleep at the table. She couldn't even wait for a piece of cake. So cute. I made sure she got some of her cake and ice cream when she woke up.
Jacob will be 2 weeks old tomorrow. He is such a good baby. He fits very nicely into our family. Everyone loves him and he is such a laid back little boy. Even in the middle of the night, he doesn't cry. He'll stir a little and I'll pick him up and feed him. (Jakey sleeps in a cradle next to me.) Last night we were up for awhile. Jacob didn't cry, he just laid there looking around, staring at me, cuddling with me. It was nice to just focus on each other. We hung out and cuddled and I fed him a few times until he fell back to sleep.
Today Leah, Sarah, Jacob, and I sat outside and had a picnic for lunch. We're not going to have many more warm, beautiful days before Winter gets here. We played with our neighbors and now I have 1 little boy napping and 2 little girls playing Barbies. I'm hoping they decide to take a little nap soon.
Rachel starts her new Tumbling Class today after school. She is very excited. Noah has Baseball practice. Last Saturday he had his first game - and his first experience wearing a baseball uniform and cup. Poor kid kept picking at his pants. His coach came up to me and told me that he was practicing with Noah before the game, and Noah said "What is up with these costumes?!" We're going to try something new at today's practice. Looks a little more comfy.
Day 2 of being on my own. I'm doing ok. I think it helps that everyone in our home is in bed by 9:00 at night. I make their lunches before I go to bed. (Even Tom's now.) Makes the mornings a little less hectic. Just have to focus on breakfast and getting everyone dressed. The afternoons are a little crazy. Everyone wants my attention at the same time. Either they want to tell me about something that happened at school and/or they need me to help them with their homework or sign something. Jacob is kind and patient for mommy. If he isn't happy, there are siblings that love to hold him. Ethan held him for me last night and was teaching him all the parts of his body. Brandon is at the age where he can be a huge help. He loves to cook so he helps me with dinner and also loves to hold his baby brother.
I belong to a Bible Study group. Best group of ladies. Many of them are bringing my family dinner 3 nights a week. Last night we had a very yummy dinner brought over. It was so nice to not have to make dinner. I am very touched that my Bible Girls are bringing us dinners. Very kind of them. I have a little difficulty asking for and accepting help, but I really do appreciate it. I'm getting better. I realize that it is God who has surrounded me with wonderful friends, family, and support.
I really miss having Tommy home, but we're thankful. Thankful for what we have. Thankful that Tom has a job and that I am able to stay home with our children. Thankful we have clothes to keep us covered and warm as I do huge piles of laundry. Thankful we have a home, cars, all the necessities as I pay our bills. Thankful for our home as I vacuum and clean each room. Thankful for our family as I take care of each child - even when they're whining or giving me a hard time. We are truly blessed and I am truly thankful.