no better time…
there is no better time than the present to become fully aware of what the Lord wants from us
we are such a tight family 
the children are not in any extra curricular activities at present, and the places we go are the library and to church
it’s a funny thing….you’d think we’d all be wanting to tear each other’s hair out or other pain inflicting mannerism’s because of us cooped up together like a pack of sardines…but we don’t
sometimes, i have to admit, when it’s 5 pm and I’m not feeling well, and supper needs to be made and the little boys are fighting over a particular hat to wear because ‘he wants to be a cowboy’ , that i feel as though i am the old woman who lived in a shoe (etc etc)
that’s when the grace of God steps in, just like any other time, and gets me through (or Jason comes home and settles things down)
we work together through it all
the older kids help with the younger kids…Jason doesn’t desert us for his buddies or the television (a big quality time sucker if you ask me)…
certainly nothing could get done otherwise
this is not to brag or rub it into anyone’s face – if you are taking it that way, then that’s your problem…this is simply a true statement that even though we are all of a different nature here in the house, we have the same moral obligations to take care of each other…to love one another…to help all…to sacrifice for them…
never to leave any one alone to cry out for help…at least not intentionally…and not for long
sometimes it is a good idea to remind ourselves, especially in these last days of lent…to have passion on one another
just as centuries of good people and prophets and grandmothers and uncles have said
there is no better time than the present
even though all that hard work (and that is truly the biggest understatement) of working together as a family, you can see the results…they are solid and something everyone finds enjoyable
as time goes on, it will one day not be there anymore for others to see, but there is One who will forever see it
xo + blessings,
Anne Marie
beautiful as always. I have missed reading your words for our hearts and lovely family you have.
Oh how I wish these were the wishes, beliefs and morals of many more people. People will still continue to see it…it will be just as present in your children’s families. and that is a beautiful gift to pass on. You are blessed, that’s for sure. And even though my boys are older and not around as much, I take all your words to heart…it’s never too late.
Beautiful Anne Marie…and that snowman is awesome!! We are just homebodies right now, too. No extra curricular… and I think it does bring everyone together in a good way. I love it! Your family is beautiful
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~Julia
Great snowman! I come from a large family and I am the oldest of 8. My siblings and I fight but we also pray for each other. I am very blessed just like you.
What a great post! I love the picture of everyone standing together, which is how things should be.
Great post! Time with family is important!! When my girls were still at home, we were the same way! Now as a nana, I usually am at one of their homes on my days off. I tease them that I will quit my job, sell my house and just house hop!
I loved this post. My kids always and still do enjoy each other company. When they have been at school or hockey it is like they missed each other and get crazy, full of it when they get back together. We are so blessed with our children
You know that I have lived what you are living and if I can tell you one thing that I learned from being a mom of what most all people think is a large family, is that there is no joy that will ever compare to what you are doing at this precious stage of your life. You will never think when you are my age ‘oh think of what I could have been, or done, or had’ if I hadn’t had my children. The path you are on never, ever ends. It just becomes richer and deeper in meaning and love. It is exactly what the world needs right now. it IS exactly what WE need!
I love and respect you for seeing the importance of what you have created. It’s no wonder they all love each other so much.
sending hugs…
“that’s when the grace of God steps in, just like any other time, and gets me through (or Jason comes home and settles things down)”, I so understand this, this time of my life.
What a post anne Marie…I will never get tired of telling you how much I admire and love you all.
Fra