Some days are just plain hard . . .

but then I remind myself that others have it so much worse. I know that's not necessarily the bright side of things, but it helped me tonight after a hard day. I don't like to think about other people having hard lives - it's a bit depressing, but it helps me feel gratitude for what I have, that's for sure.

The last couple days we've had a hard time adjusting back to life in Mass. We'd been in Utah for the last couple weeks, and we came back to life in full swing. My kids have gone from days playing with cousins and grandparents, to being home without that constant and happy entertainment. They are letting me know (in their own special way :) ) that they are missing family. I am missing family too. We had a great trip, and a full one!

Samantha started Kindergarten yesterday, which has added to the chaos. Anna is feeling left out. I'm feeling pangs of jealousy for Samantha's kindergarten teacher. I wish I could somehow be in two places at once, but I also realize that this is an exciting new thing in Samantha's life. Luckily it's half-day, so she's only gone for a few hours in the morning. But we miss her. It's thrown off our family balance, but hopefully we can level out soon. I just try and remind myself how much I loved school, and it makes me feel a little more excited for Samantha to go.

All right. No more complaining. Life is good. I can try (and pray!) to be more patient and understanding with my kids. Perhaps, and I know, there will be days with less yelling from Anna, less defiance from Samantha, and less messes from Adam! I'm looking forward to it already! :)

In the meantime . . . .

here are some cute new pictures of Cate.


And some of Anna with her leftover hair from yesterday, perfected by a full night of tossing and turning in our much too warm house (am I still complaining? Sheesh).



And this is where Cate spent much of the day, while I tried to figure out how to help my other children be happy. It was too hot in her bedroom, so she slept in the swing today. I'm looking forward to the cold front coming soon.
But really, life is good, if not a little overwhelming. I know this time with my little children is short, so I need to stop worrying about the messes, and enjoy! So there's my thought to you - take it or leave it.