Small Blessings

I remember back to those many years of living in Toledo. Mom was always so happy to have everyone home. Of course, I understood that she enjoyed everyone's company and liked seeing us all together, but I think I can finally really relate to what she was feeling!

Jenna came home on Friday for Spring Break for the first time since Christmas. Even though at this very moment, the boys are playing in the basement, Natalie is in her room working on homework, Dan is doing garbage and I am on the computer, it is such a comforting, peaceful feeling knowing we are all under one roof....together! For so many years, this simple act was terribly taken for granted. Jenna and Lauren are working on something together...peacefully... and we even had all 7 of us around the kitchen table this evening! To make it better, we have 6 more days left!

She is hoping to stay in Toledo over the summer and work, so even though there should be more weekends home than during the school year, I know it will never really be the same again!

I will savor this week. I will make all her favorite meals and spend time together just talking while the other kids are at school. I just need to remember that in just 5 months, Lauren will be gone to college too. I feel this need to squeeze in memories while we can...I've realized the importance of family in a new sense. Thank you Mother for this small inspiration, and Thank you God for your blessings on our family.