Evidence of Life

We were home in Beloit over Thanksgiving and my mother was discussing with me the gigantic task of keeping up her home especially without my father. The roof, the gutters, the siding, the lawn, the windows, etc., etc., all need attended to. I can understand why it is so overwhelming at times for her.  Although, while we were talking I couldn't help but think of how the maintenance of her home is giving her purpose and meaning to life.  It is so good for humans to take care of things.  You cannot help but love or learn to love something you take care of.

Probably one of the more frustrating obstacles that arises in life is uncompleted tasks.  Children certainly don't allow for much to be completed or stay completed.  I know I will never be caught up.  I don't think about that much ever anymore.  I have moments, but the vision of the what we are doing usually is in the forefront.  Raising a family is something that will always require maintenance and upkeep.  You don't just mow your lawn once and you are done.  It usually is a weekly task.  Those daily and weekly task give us purpose and meaning. 

I can look around at all of their beautiful signs of life around are home and can be brought to tears.   When I look at them I think, "I believe in something greater than myself."

Food.  One of the biggest daily necessities.  Their lives revolve around food.  I have many that ask first thing in the morning what we are having for dinner that night.  I have some that want to bake everyday.  Lunch is usually something that makes me pause.  We have been doing school and chores all morning and then we pause to look at each other.  I set out 9 lunch plates everyday.  At one time, I only set out 1 plate.  Funny.  These really are the times to remember.

I might be in the top weird percent of America, but I LOVE laundry.  I love washing their clothes, but more importantly I love folding their clothes.  When John and I were first engaged, I read an article in a magazine about a new book that was being released titled Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House.  I went right over to Barnes and Noble and bought it.  I poured over the laundry section.  I always have laundry to do.  I hope I have laundry to do for many years.  Their clothes remind me of the day.  They remind me of how chubby and tiny their little bodies are.  I smile at their favorite shirts.  I cringe at the certain pieces that I don't prefer, but THEY LOVE.  Even that though, makes me smile. 

His little shoes.  He walks with one foot a little turned in so we bought him special shoes to help a bit.  These clunkers will definitely go in his baby box.  I can hear him coming from a mile away. 

We have a good snow system down now.  The older five can get themselves ready and warm.  They also know where to hang everything after they have finished freezing outside.  Hours and Hours.  I treasure this view especially as the fun that was had in all those clothes is imprinted on my heart as I watched it all unfold from my kitchen sink window.

I dream of a home magically decorated for Christmas at every turn of the eye.  Every year without exception, they are so excited to be decorating the house for Christmas.  As we bring up the tubs of decor, their hands and mouths are going a mile a minute remembering each piece.  They have visions of where things should go.  Rose wanted to set up the village this year.  Dominic had his heart set on arranging our Nutcracker collection. Lillie looked through our tree ornaments over and over.  I let them all do it.  We have very few of these moments together in the perspective of life, so I just let them be.  Their versions are much better anyway. 

A full calendar.  My calendar use to be off-limits.  I wanted it neat and organized until I saw the beauty in all the important dates they took the time to note on the calendar.  It really is comical to look back and note what certain children were looking forward to indicated usually by their phonetic version of the event. 

Sign of a good meal.  Feet crossed under the high chair. 

I have written many times about their play.  Yesterday, they played Shark Tank for 4 hours straight.  They made offers, rejected offers, pretended to be Mr. Wonderful.  I never wanted it to end.  My only regret was John was at work.  He would have loved it. 

Inappropriate Advent Calendars in Aisle 5. 

I am not quite sure where she belongs in the whole Nativity scene.  Their special touches. 

I double dare you to find something more adorable than a one-year-old learning to use a fork.  The concentration, the aiming, the misfiring and more. 

VICTORY.

A child learning to draw people. Once they learn, they can't stop.  I spot Clairvaux's handiwork all over the house.  I remember Dominic drawing on our lamp shade when he was two.  He drew a happy face because Elmo's lamp shade had a happy face.  I wish I still had that lamp shade.

Scribbled notes.  They have been baking up a storm and selling cookies around the neighborhood trying to raise money for their Kris Kringle.  It was freezing out one day, but they trudged on.  It was darling to see the row of ducklings following each other around celebrating each sale.  Sorry neighbors.  

Once again, the lunch plates and cups of water.  Evidence that life is beautiful.

Our good Bishop Conley encourages us always that beauty will save the Culture.  Beauty is everywhere each day.  As my mother always says, "Where would we be without children?"  They see it everywhere.