Sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows

       We have been living at my inlaw's house in Newberg for two weeks as of today. The kids have had two weeks of adjustment, sleeping in different beds (or in some cases, a "floor bed"), and Luke and I have had two weeks of practice now of dual-building living. We sleep, dress, and occasionally make coffee in the trailer, and everything else is at the house. It's been a big learning curve, but it's been successful so far. My poor inlaws have had to make some pretty big adjustments as well, but it feels as though we have cohesion and communication, which is really the only way to survive a situation as different as ours.
      This has also been the first week of commuting the boys to school, which has also been interesting, but doable. They've managed so well with the rides out there and back, and we've been blessed with some beautiful weather which I'm sure has been a big boost in moods all around! Julian has had some good days and bad, but we've already had some good conversation and I feel as though he and I are connecting in a way that we haven't in a very long time. I feels as though my patience has been strengthened and my willingness to listen has grown.
          I recently began taking a certain brand of supplements that both Luke and I are enjoying, so I definitely feel that prayer, paired with these supplements, have helped with our energy and my temper, so I'm really grateful for that. At least I know it's been helpful with my lack of sleep due to Lillea's incessant need to nurse all night long as she adjusts to these huge changes, so if that's all that I benefit from taking them, it's worth it.
        Another huge benefit from living with the grandparents is these kids are really loving this saturation of time with grandparents that they haven't been able to spend much time with. It's a beautiful thing to see Sissy's face light up when her Grandpa comes home or the laughter on their Grandma's face when they inevitably say or do something that is just a part of who they are and who they are is hilarious!
        For me, personally, this has and will hopefully be a continuation of a wonderful relationship I have with my inlaws, especially my mother-in-law. This is the second time we've had to live with them for a while, but by far this is the best time I've had! I love my mother-in-law and I love the relationship we have. Her honesty and humor is a blessing to be around and our friendship is something I cherish!

       My prayer for the next few months here is to be a blessing to my family and not a burden, a time to build character, faith, relationships, and joy, and hopefully a time to rest and trust that God will lead us exactly where we are supposed to be.

YAY for the newness of Spring, the newness of life, and the newness of hope!!