Yesterday was interesting! A little more "normal?". Definitely more opportunities for chaos, but we sailed right through.
I had to run to Frankfort, so I took the 5 oldest with me. I told them I would take them to the library after we went to aldi and walmart. Well, I was assuming that they would behave appropriately in those stores. My children usually do very well in town and get lots of compliments. However, having an extra along, whom they were all trying to impress, made things interesting. Someone was always touching something, someone, or complaining that someone else wasn't in their proper order in the "train." At one point (at least they were being well behaved then!) this couple walks past us. She stares at my "train" of people behind me, and snarls a vicious "O.My.God.!" To which I sweetly replied, "yes, he is your God, and he loves you very much! " Then I looked behind me to make sure no alligators or space aliens were aboard the "train". After all, I wasn't sure what would provoke such a reaction ! ! ! You would think there were twenty of them or something!
After we left and headed home, I heard lots of whispering and mumbling in the backseat. Then one son pipes up, "Mama, you know that you told a lie? " Really ? ! Then he continued, "You said we were going to the library. " I explained that when I made plans to go to the library, I assumed that they would behave in a way that was appropriate for a library. How could I take them, loud, complaining, and touching everything into such a quiet place with so many books to grab? Needless to say, they were a little disappointed.
Then last night, Arlyn asked me to run to Lafayette and get some bedding for the new bunk bed. He told me I could go by myself, but I thought it would be a good opportunity for "practice." So I rallied the troops, gave my little pep talk, (sermon) and off we went. On the way there, I noticed something. This addition did not make our home quieter! I have never heard so much laughter in all my life. ( Except maybe when the Ausban family comes over !!! ) I told Arlyn in bed this morning about my observation, to which he replied, "maybe not quieter, but definitely more beautiful! "
So, upon arriving at Target, I do another run down of my expectations. This time I throw in the clencher. If you obey ALL of the rules, you will receive a reward when we leave. The poor dears really did try, in fact, they got lots of compliments from passersby. (Most of whom stood with their mouths hanging open waiting for us to pass.) However, unfortunately only two out of the five obeyed the rules. I wanted to recant, because they really tried, but I knew I must keep my word. I waited until the tears were over, and tried to point out all of the good things they did do, and all of the rules they remembered! Of course they begged to go to another store and try again, but I was very tired, so we just went home.
On the way home, there was a little pouting and sniffling coming from one of the short people. And then it grew to mumbling "I am not happy." To which I sickeningly, sweetly commented. " That is too bad, because the rest of us are having a happy party, and I think it would be really terrible to be all alone while we are having a party! Then I belted in my loud, obnoxiou voice. . . . "There is a fountain filled with blood. . . ., and every other song we could think of. Thankfully the other children joined in, and let me just say. . . I would not have liked to be missing out on that party! Apparently said short person did not like missing it either. As soon as they could find a break in the singing, they said, "hey, I know one. . . " and then started singing "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" They continued to stay at the happy party all they way home! I realized I do not enjoy sulking and pouting, and hopefully they realized it also!!
I am looking forward to growing more as a family. I know we will have challenges ahead, but I am enjoying the time we are having now! It still catches me off guard when Cenya calls me "Mama!"
Our ICPC was approved yesterday, and now we will just have to finalize in court! Then he will be our son forever!
Please keep praying for us. My prayer is that I would constantly keep my eyes on Jesus and not on the waves! HE IS ABLE!
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