Long TIme NO Post

Our lives have changed drastically in the past month. And so in the midst of adjustment and stress, I just haven't had the energy to post. And this one may be as short as the last. But a quick update:

Chris was asked by his employer to jump start a mental health clinic in Hamburg, AR. For those of you who've never heard of this village, it is in the opposite corner of the state from Siloam Springs - less than 60 miles from Monroe, Louisiana. So, on Sunday afternoon, he gets in his car and makes the five hour drive. And on Thursday afternoon, he comes home again. In the meantime, I have taken his spot at the clinic in Ft. Smith (about 90 miles from home). So, every morning I get in my car at 6:30 and drive there, and then make it home usually by 6:00pm. Yes, this is stressful.

But our kids have been fantastic in the midst of this transition. Molly makes menus, does the shopping, puts away the groceries ("because, Mom, I want to be able to find everything"... i'm not the most organized individual, but she is...) AND she cooks a great dinner every night I work. She and Hannah split the driving that has to be done during the day for their sisters. Hanny helps with chores (she's even washed and dried the dog a few times these past few weeks!) and they both are managing to hold down their own jobs and go to college full time as well.

Paul is enjoying the freedom in the morning to sleep and not have to get up for family breakfast. He also appreciates me not "reminding" (aka, I hate to admit, Nagging) him to take out the trash and feed the pets. With spring football gearing up and working at the ranch rope's course along with the all important social scene, he's content. Sydney rides to school with him everyday. Between cheering for our basketball team at State these past few weeks and tryouts for next year's squad, she too keeps busy. Also, she cleans the bathroom most morning.

Sami is probably having the biggest adjustment. But she too, pitches in everyday. Her chore is unloading and setting the table. With club volleyball in Springdale 3x a week and tournaments about every other weekend, her schedule is full. Plus, she's still an active leader in FCA...

This is hard - I'm not gonna lie. But its okay. By God's grace we are learning and growing and staying strong as a family. Of course there are arguments about chores, and once in a while someone gets left somewhere without a ride. But frankly, that happened when I was in town all week long... I worry about the kids. I worry about Chris. And I worry about me. But then I think of all we have to be grateful about, and I begin to give thanks, instead. That is much easier on my heart.