A Real Merry Christmas

I started to put up a lovely photo of our four children, when I realized there were actually way more of the not so lovely shots of my kids. And then I decided I was just going to be real about this Christmas greeting. 

We have a lot of kids. And sometimes...or a lot of time... I feel like we're barely keeping up with them.

 They move fast, talk fast, react fast, play fast, mess a house up fast, and make life go by quickly

 So, I try, really hard actually...to chase them slowly. To move slow and make schedules slow and speak slow and react slow-this one is so hard to stay on top of- and be slow within our home and what we commit to outside of our home. 

 Some moments my cup flows. Over and over. Some times, I want to pull my hair out, crawl into a corner and cry. And then take a huge nap.

 Having so many kids has made me appreciate the little things more and worry less about the big ones. You know, sometimes it's just enough the way things are. We're enough.

 The hustle and bustle of the daily happenings can easily defeat a person's spirit here if you don't keep a pocket full of humor and big serving of grace. And a lot of love. Lots. And do-overs.

 We've got big kids here and little kids here and I'm not sure who I am failing more at times, but we're together and we have a Savior and He is the one who reminds me that they are His... and He is faithful to them... sometimes through me and sometimes through the kind help of others.

 But you know what? For as tough as some days get here... I've yet to lay my head down at night and not feel so ever thankful for... this.crazy.good.life.

 I am learning so much through these hard, wonderful, tiring, joy filled years.

 We actually have gotten a few things right...and when we don't, we try again. Sometimes more then once. "I'm sorry's" are a big deal here.

 We've got healthy kids...a little mouthy and whiney at times... but they are healthy and fill my days with much purpose for this season.

 We are all growing together, we are learning and stories are being written as we raise this abundance of gifts. I am amazed at how our children are shaping up to be and love each of their unique knitting.

And as we leave another Christmas season, I am thankful for the not so perfect people God has planted in our lives to help raise our not so perfect kids, and a God who gives me second chances we've I've lived a not so perfect day.

And that list of not-so-perfect people that we live life with is an example of His perfect love. To end one year and start another knowing we've got faith filled friends and family and a house full of blessings to call ours, makes for a real merry christmas from our house to yours... it's not perfect, but its wrapped in His love and grace. In all the mess that life brings with us, we celebrate and adore the One who was born in a stable for every single one of us. 

Have a Real Merry Christmas!