How are the REST of us??

Honestly, sometimes I have glimmers of having it together.  The rest of the time, I feel like I'm holding on for dear life.  It's the glimmers that give me hope!

At some point we've all been dealing with ringworm, which was at it's peak last weekend.  I thought I would scream.  You know it's a hot date when you and your man are examining each other's faces/necks and saying, "Hey, yeah, I think you may be clearing up!"   At least now, our awful spots are fading and I'm praying no more rear their ugly head.  The older two have cleared their respective spots and kept it at one spot a piece, so again, praying no more.  Joshua is having a much harder time clearing up his scalp.  Two weeks into the Griseofulvin and still has red sores and nasty flakes.  I called the pedi. today and I think they may be calling in something else.  I pray it works.  I had to chop off his hair today so we could get a decent look at things. I was heart-broken. It will grow back.  It just makes me sad.  Maybe it will all grow back even, since he had a few huge bald spots. 

Our schedules got all jacked up again this week, with Steve having to leave even earlier during the day.  So, it's been a bit chaotic to say the least.  He's had errands and pressing things to take care of.  Our insurance denied the first claim on Joshua so we had to look into that today.  I'm sure he's tired, but Steve just holds it all in. 

The kids have gone from a bit wild and crazy to more obedient and helpful.  I know the adjustments have been difficult.  We're not perfect.  Sometimes jealousy will crop up in it's own unique facet for each child.  We pray for grace.  I haven't been the world's best example, either.  At those times, I have to confess to my children, yeah, mom's been a pill.  Yesterday, I literally found myself counting to 10 and then backwards, and breathing deep.  Going from two to three has been challenging.  So funny, I wouldn't think it would have been.  But, I guess having just these two for so long and being set in our ways and such.  The laundry here is insane, the mess is constant, even after we just cleaned it up, and the noise level is at a new high.

A wise sister asked me what standard I was comparing myself to.  I simply replied, "Myself.  BEFORE." And it's true.  I was reading C.S. LEWIS pre-earthquake.  I looked at the chapter I was on the other day and stared at the page blankly.  "What does that say???" I thought to myself. 

So, now, we're at a new place.  Maybe a more sedated, messier, louder, dumbed-down version for now.  But, it's a season.  A season that I longed for with all of my heart.  We'll get settled eventually.  And the good news is God never changes.  He's the same yesterday, today, and forever.  He's powerful enough to see me through the most chaotic day.  He's kind enough to give me glimpses of 'normal' now and again.  Like this morning....I made Cinnamon Bun pancakes (thanks, PW), coffee, and sausage, we all ate together, and I read  the last chapter of The Silver Chair around the breakfast table.  It made me a bit weepy.  What a good story and beautiful picture of God.  And each night, I hold my baby as he repeats "I wub you, Mama" over and over and over. 

It's all good.  He even uses the chaos for His glory.