How Do You Do Life?

Life for us is always interesting to say the least. I think we are about the furthest from normal as you can get. I would say that each of us walk to the beat of our own drum, thankful that at the foot of the cross we all have a level playing field. With that comfort, we kind of all take flight with the wings the Lord has given us and we all find refuge and acceptance in the place we call home. Crazy as it is, we are a family that probably does way too many things together-- but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I probably lead up the family as the craziest--- but I just tell my kids that they are stuck with me no matter what.

For example---- I decided it would be fun and interesting to buy a big plantain and cook it the other day. Just out of the blue-- and a few of my kids were not interested in doing any science experiments. Caleb jumped right in and helped me smash them with the bottom of a glass. Big fun, I'm telling you-- or at least I teased that it was.

Once they were done frying, we patted off the excess oil, sprinkled salt and dipped them in ketchup. Not bad--- pretty much like eating a bland french fry. I wonder if they would be better cooked up as part of a whole African or Caribbean meal? And maybe we could dress the part too. Maybe learn a few new words. Hmmm, that gives me an idea.
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I mentioned us going on a spur of the moment vacation--- more like dinner out with some good friends. Beth and I go back thirteen years-- I set her and her husband up. :) Anyway, she has six beautiful children and all of us had dinner at Hometown Buffet in her neck of the woods. After getting lost, we finally made it to dinner an hour late. But it was well worth it getting to catch up with her. When she moved away ten years ago, I was so sad at the thought of us drifting apart. And yet over the years we have kept in touch-- even more so this past year. It is nice to know that true, good friends never really leave you--- you just might have to find new ways to keep your friendship going-- like a last minute trip to go out to dinner.

Julia and Sarah were born eight months apart-- and they are still good friends.

John took this picture of Beth and I. We just think you are the best Beth!

This is the motel we stayed at. Cramped and determined to find a sleeping arrangement we were all content with, we still managed to rise and shine the next morning by 8 am.

Aren't Andrew and Jonny the worst role models for Dennis? :) Now I know where he gets his rough and tough attitude.

Adam and Caleb

Miss Anna trying to make tea in the motel kitchenette.

After we checked out, we were about to drive out of the parking lot when John realized that he did not have his cell phone. I had to get a key from the front desk and run back to our rooms and get it. It was under the pillow where I last gave it to him. At least we didn't forget it.

Our drive home was shorter since I was not navigating-- I still blame it on Google maps. We had cold cereal for dinner since I had no desire to cook. Everyone was so tired when we went to bed that we didn't even have any early morning visitors to our bed. That was nice since the night before we were a little cramped.

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This morning was busy and wet, but I got through everything in a reasonable amount of time, praise the Lord. On our walk out to the van, Alex noticed that his voice echoes throughout our cul-de-sac and decided he wanted to be a big dog. And on our walk in from the van, since it had stopped raining and the bees were back at our bee magnet bush by our front door--- Dennis decided that he was afraid of them. What?? This must have started overnight. I wonder if one of his siblings had anything to do with this? With Dennis refusing to walk past the bees, I had to show him how harmless they were by walking past them a few times. Lucky me.

What us Moms do for our kids.

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So what does a day or two look in your life?