Gratitude #2

I'm so incredibly thankful I have a house big enough (most of the time) for my family. Some days it feels as if we are stretching it's seams to the bursting point, but there's room for all of us.

A little while ago, Jayson and JordanLee came up for a little visit and I was so glad that they had a bed to sleep in and a room to use, thanks to Jordan relinquishing his room for them. It was just fun knowing that my family was here!

Along those same lines, I am so grateful to have 3 bathrooms to take care of the needs of all of us. Often times, each bathroom is occupied, and although we tend to run out of hot water really fast, it's great that there isn't a line waiting. Growing up, I had an aunt and uncle who only had one bathroom with a houseful of kids. I remember the horror stories of everyone getting the stomach flu and the fights that ensued in front of the bathroom door! I pitied them!!!!

I'm also really glad I finally have a table big enough to fit everyone! Grandma found a great table this summer that I lovingly, and then not so lovingly after the 3rd try, refinished. Now, with all the extra leaves in I can actually sit my entire family down at the same table to enjoy a meal, instead of putting a few kids at the counter and then squeezing everyone else at the little round table, elbows and knees touching. (Mom, he's touching me! Tough luck with that one dear!)

Although my house is often a chaotic mess with toys, clothes, bookbags, papers and everything else including 2 dogs strewn around, it is a comfortable place for my family to call home. It protects us from the elements of nature and man and gives us all a place of safety and security.