Decisions with Lasting Results

I chose to stay home with my children. I chose to be the one who influenced and cared for them. Yes, I was okay with sending them out to a pre-school when they were 3 or 4 but really I wanted to help them learn and laugh and love each other. Was it successful? The proof is in the pudding. I have diverse but intelligent and vibrant adult kids. They have each found a direction for their lives. We did day care instead of me going out to work when they were younger. I did work part-time for a long time when they were older and that worked out so I still got plenty of input. I even became the youth director at our church in order to make certain my youngest and his buddy got the right influence.

I encourage folks to do what will be best for their kids even if it seems a hardship for a time. I am still paying for the choice I made but it is a small price for turning out good, responsible adults who know who Jesus is and want to serve Him. If I had made more money my social security would be bigger now and my life would be a bit smoother but golly gee whiz I think I did the right thing over all.

So the decisions we make have lasting results. I encourage you to think carefully about what you are choosing. Every day we make decisions that have effects for a long time. After I am dead some of my choices may still be showing good results. That rocks!

Of course struggling financially is a real concern but I serve a big God and things will turn around soon. At the very least I know I chose the better part.

I have posted pictures of these results. Enjoy!

Ok, today I smell winter in the air

...and on the ground as it snowed this morning. We had a marvie day with a total of 10 kids here today. In and out of the various rooms with fort building, wrestling, bustin a move to Jessi Lynn's CD's and even a nap for one and early to bed for the 5 I now have remaining. Whew. After last night of little sleep I am ready for a toasty warm and pleasant night of more sleep. I pray the baby and the puppy sleep well and long. I want to go to church with some of the kids in the morning but Karah is coughing incessantly. Not a pleasant sound for the birthday girl. Today we got some cakes and I believe a trip to Cracker Barrel is in the offing for the family celebration.

I won't stay for that Monday night event as I have Girl's Night In to attend at my own house. Jenna is off to get special tests in the morning. I have a very overdue chiropractor appointment and snacks to prepare. A gentleman from the church is coming by to sit with Jack while we are indisposed or is it predisposed?? I am whipped so a day of rest is planned for tomorrow after church however with many kids that may fall by the wayside.

I may have to take my Sabbath rest on Tuesday this week. I love to take it slow but still I hate to really stop everything. My favorite days start at 8ish with coffee and my Bible and end with tea and my Bible late at night say 11ish. In between I enjoy cooking, writing letters, organizing, planning meals, making lists, cleaning various spots, reading and perusing magazines, walking outside sometimes with a dog and even taking a run to the local used store to spot a bargain. That is a day I would really enjoy once a week but the other days are good too filled to the brim with work and errands, big jobs and small piled high. What kind of day is your favorite around the house? Do you like cooking or blogging or puttering or being outside or curled up in a chair with your journal. I like it all!

Next week is to be 40 degrees in the daytime and I have much to plan in order to go to Nashville for Thanksgiving. The little gifts to wrap and some special birthday boxes to get ready. Oh how fun a trip is and then how wonderful is the coming home. I love home but adore leaving and coming back. That is just who I am. A lady on the move with home in her heart always.