Home Sweet Home...

This morning really isn't any different than any other morning. I woke up to find a little boy that had magically appeared in my bed overnight and was all snuggly and warm... The baby had woken up all smiles; the other boy still in his own bed, sprawled out like a spider web. And *A* already out the door on her way to school. If I were to have taken the time to survey my life in that moment, I probaly would have become so overwhelmed with thanksgiving that I would have been a puddle on the floor.

I never would have thought that I could or would be a stay at home mom. That I would have a strong husband who loves Jesus. A husband that would be able to provide for a family... let alone a family of SIX; that we would not have *real* want for anything. That we would be like minded Spiritually, committed to each other and our children...that we would dare to continue to dream together, even after having our hearts broken. To say that I am *blessed beyond measure* pretty much sums it up.

Close to nine years ago *B* and I had decided that we wanted more children. We also decided that we wanted to buy a house and have me stay at home to raise the kids. It seemed, at that time, to be so out of reach. It wasn't favored by many people that we knew.. hearing "What did you go to school for if your not going to *do anything* with your education??" became a sad reminder of what our culture has become. Ours seemed like an impossible goal.

But we really wanted to glorify God by raising our children in a *traditional* home, even though neither of us came from that background. *B* and I grew up in homes where the women did it ALL.. including earning the paycheck to support the family. We essentially knew nothing of how to make this work, with the man as head of the home and the woman as a dutiful helpmeet. But here we are. Four children later. In a home that God provided for us, that suits us perfectly. It's not a stately mansion (we will have one of those in Eternity). But for now, in our earthly diggs, we are satisfied. content. and BLESSED.

"Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received ((from Epaphroditus)) the things [sent] from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus..." Philipians 4:18-19

So at some point this morning, before the chaos set in, I made my way into the bathroom and was greeted by the faint scent of *B's* cologne. I tidied up the countertops and picked up the laundry off the floor. I then resumed my tasks of getting the boys showered and ready for school. (They are headed back after a week off for Spring Break. whew! I'm unabashedly looking forward to a quiet, lazy afternoon, just me and the baby with my chore list narrowed down and prioritized).

When I got back from taking the kids to school, I laid the baby down for a nap and returned to the bathroom to turn on my flat iron. I hardly noticed when I first woke up, but now when I re-entered the bathroom I was met again with the pungent scent of *B's* cologne still hanging in the air. I was surprised at how strong the scent was since he had been gone for ar least 3 hours. It was still as strong as it was when he first sprayed it. It was nice, a little something he'd left behind. But even more, a reminder that he isn't here. He's at work. Sacrificing himself day in and day out for our family. All for the glory of God.