A Peek at my Week 18 June 2007
Oh my! It has been such a busy couple of weeks! It was exciting to get my new website up and running a fortnight ago, and I have been spending a lot of time playing with it 
Last week we were busy with other things, though. Here is a little peek:
~* ~ This is kids’ birthday time of the year! I didn’t plan it this way, but all three children have their birthdays within three weeks of each other In one way it is good – we can budget for two big expenses (birthdays and Christmas) every six months! In another way it is pretty hectic and by the time
Last week Matthew turned 9! My parents came to stay for a few days to visit and be there for his birthday. I managed to get the guest room clear and we had a lovely time together. DH was able to help Dad with a lot of his computer problems – updating virus checks and such. I drove my mother around town a little. She wanted to look at retirement villages The conclusion was that although they are both 65, they are still fit enough to live in their own home!
I usually make birthday cakes myself. This year I didn’t. Things were pretty hectic, so I decided to go the easy way and bought two simple mud cakes from the supermarket for Matt’s birthday. Daniel and Elizabeth had fun decorating them to be like a treasure island. Matthew was so pleased!
~*~ Late on Wednesday afternoon, Matt’s birthday, we heard that our stuff from overseas was coming! So we whizzed around the house getting things out of the way to accommodate all the incoming boxes! It was a big day and by the end of it our bones were aching! It was so fun to see all our things again, though. I was happy to see cutlery, dishes, baking pans and all those simple things we take for granted. I was also happy to see my “nicer” things, like mixers, special casserole dishes, etc.
Before we left I had decluttered a lot. As I was unpacking each box I had two reactions – one, “I’m so glad I didn’t give this away, I am looking forward to using it again!” and two, “Why on earth did I keep this?!” The latter items I will put in a box and give away. The former I will use and enjoy
We had a few tears….. the packers had packed certain things very badly. Books were thrown in with toys and as a result were bent and warped. Some toys broke. As the children came to me with tears in their eyes to see some of their possessions damaged, I told them how I was dealing with my things that had been broken or that had been left behind because there was no space to take them. I told them that I wanted to be annoyed with the packers because they hadn’t taken enough care. I told them I wanted to be upset about the things that I “had to leave behind”. But then I told them also that I felt God speaking to me about being thankful for what did arrive and what did come through in good condition! It is the story of the glass that is half full or half empty. I wanted to be thankful for the many, many, many things that we have, and not dwell on what didn’t work out.
The children took it well and went off to play with their many, many, many toys that arrived safely! My lesson on contentment from the week before prepared me for having the right attitude when our shipment came.
~*~ After a busy two days of unpacking, we had weekend visitors It was my best friend’s birthday and her birthday wish was to be able to quilt with me all day! So I ignored the boxes (yes, there are still lots around!!) and we had a lovely weekend together. The guys took the kids out for a while, and they had some fun together too. We worked on some unfinished projects and also tried a few new techniques I am so thankful for good friends and God’s blessings.
Now it is Monday and I woke up this morning with a cold, temperature and sore throat! I am not getting a lot unpacked today! We did school this morning, and I had a sleep this afternoon. At times like these I have learned to pace myself and not stress. There are still many days ahead of me to get the house organized. I thank the Lord that I am able to ignore the mess and rest
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures forever.
Psalm 106:1