Return To Normal

I know I've been kind of hit and miss lately. As I mentioned in a previous post, my sister in law and her daughter came to stay with us for a few days while she weaned her, due to a steroid medication she had to begin to help manage her MS. My mother in law also joined us for a few days. For 12 nights we averaged 9 people sleeping in our 3 bedroom, 1300 sq. ft. home.

In case you don't like math, that's roughly 108 sq. ft. per person.

That's not very much.

Of course we'd do it again in a heartbeat, but I can't deny the fact that it was a challenge at times. Add in a nasty stomach bug that took down 4 of the 9 and quite honestly, some moments really sucked. Oh how I was wishing for an extra bathroom or two! And a maid, and a cook, and...

I learned a few things during the past 12 days however, and I'd love to share them with you:

1. Family comes first, always. It doesn't matter how inconvenient it is, or how difficult it might be. When it comes down to it, sacrifices aren't so terrible when it's family. I think sometimes life gets so busy that people tend to isolate themselves and just keep on keepin' on. I've been reminded that we can't afford to overlook the support of family, both immediate and extended.

2. My kids are awesome. Seriously. The princesses managed these past 12 days without missing a beat. You wouldn't know that Princess #1 and #2 have shared a twin sized bed the last 12 nights. You wouldn't know that Princess #4 has been out of her routine. You wouldn't know that they all have had to share mommy with their cousin. They took it all in stride and I love them for that.

3. I crave structure and order, but I can let it go. This is a big one for me. I definitely feel more at ease and relaxed when the laundry is done and the dishes are put away. BUT, I can let it go. And it's ok to do that.

4. I may feel like I NEED a bigger house, but I really don't. I may WANT a bigger house, but we proved the last 12 days that if it's manageable with 9 people, certainly it's manageable with 6! And I've learned to be grateful for it. What a blessing to have a house at all!

I know it was the right thing to do. It was hard. SO hard. But it was right. And we'll wake up on Monday morning ready to return to normal. Which is still crazy, but you know, normal. Whatever that is.