Not The Norm

Things have been crazy lately. Like, really crazy.

I know, I have 5 kids.

But this is just not normal.

First there was this:

Thursday, September 25, The Cone of Shame. Fortunately, just for one week.

Then this:

Friday, September 26, Kitty cone of shame. He needs 4-6 weeks. No, they were not related incidents.

Then this:

Saturday, September 27, First ER visit

All while juggling this:

11 school and therapy related appointments, 6 church related activities/commitments, 3 home and business related appointments, 3 doctor related appointments. And this was all in the last 13 days!

Sprinkle in the normal fluky things that happen in a big family like the car battery dying, Amber spraining her foot in a soccer game, Jacob smacking his chin (no stitches, yay!), refinancing our home loan, the "check engine" light coming on in the car, and a couple home-projects we keep trying to start and finish, and it gets a little more wild.

Then sprinkle in the "real" busyness of a family of 7: soccer practices (5 nights a week), homework, dance and singing for the girls, carpool, Saturday soccer games (4 every week), planning a birthday party, cooking, laundry, you know, the day-to-day realities, and this is just not believable. This cannot be "normal."

Fortunately, I know this is not our new norm. It is not possible to continue with this many appointments, injuries, and items on the to-do list. It will settle. And when it does we will wonder what to do with ourselves. Cuz this is crazy.

Do I feel overwhelmed? Actually, no. I'm not sure why but I think it must just be some heavenly help. Just like when Jacob first came home, there is an unusual peace in our home. It is crazy, busy, and often loud. But not overwhelming, not chaotic, not burdensome. I can't explain why, but I just feel peace, joy, and appreciation.

When I look back over what we have done an accomplished in the last 13 days I can't even believe it. How did we do all that and still feel so good about it? And at the same I am basking in that peace, I also feel relief that this is just not our new norm. I am thankful for that gift of clarity and perspective in this moment.