January 24, 2006

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!

I haven't made the official announcement here yet, so here it is: John is back home and I am homeschooling both of the boys. Dare I say it? Yay!!

I am really happy! I mean really, really happy! I'm a happy girl! Did I mention I was feeling happiness??

Yesterday was our first official day back to school and it was awesome! We played 7 games of Uno before starting school and we had plain 'ole fun! Barrel of monkeys kind of fun, with loud, raucous laughter and silly antics. Just in case you are wondering, we did not groom each other and then eat the bugs that we found in each other's fur.

I learned how to play Uno as a child but I was a little rusty on the rules. Plus, they changed the way that the cards look and so that took some getting used to. But, in true John and Jeremy fashion, they took to it like fish in water and had no trouble with the rules or the freaky looking cards.

I do have this to say though, never play these kids for money, they slaughtered me! They thought it was hysterical to make me draw four and skip me. Jeremy, at one point, held up his cards to cover his mouth and said, in a boisterous voice, "John, I have a draw two card but I'm saving it for mommy." I told him that he should whisper his strategies in the future because I heard every word that he said. They just laughed.

It was sweet to see them not wanting to force each other to draw cards or skip each other. My heart melted when Jeremy said he didn't want to use his draw four card on John because I had just used my skip card on him. *sniff, sniff*

We put the cards aside and pulled the books out. We did some math and spelling and then we broke for lunch. We worked together in the kitchen preparing the food and as I was listening to them chatter on about quads and North Carolina and going to see grandma in February, I thought my heart was going to explode with joy. Being that no one wants exploded heart on their peanut butter and jelly, I attempted to pull myself together.

I felt the kind of joy that one feels when all is right with the world. Yes, there was mud on the floor, dirty dishes in the sink, laundry waiting to be folded and it was 12:15 and I had not even thought about making my bed. But all was right with the world. John and Jeremy were with me and Joe was tucked safely away in his crib, sleeping peacefully. Kevin was somewhere, doing Kevin-ish things. But his presence was felt, too.

I stopped in that moment to revel in the fact that this is what I want, the only thing that I want. I want to be with my children and I want there to be laughter within our walls. I want joy and peace to reign supreme in our little house. I want those things and I felt incredibly blessed and overwhelmed to have them.

Today was just as good, if not better.

I am really happy!, I mean really, really happy!

Look to the finish!

11 comments:

Mise en Place said...

Hey, let me ask you....are ya HAPPY? LOL!! I'm so glad that things are going the way you would like. That exploding heart thing is a killer, huh? I swear one day I'm going to make a real mess of things.

Uno is GREAT. We got it for the kids too and we sit and play for hours....it's been a long time for me and the new cards didn't help, lol!

I'm looking!

Randi said...

I love the days when all is perfect in the world! You sound wonderfully happy--I love it!

The exploding heart sandwich thing is too funny and a bit yucky to think about! Thanks for the chuckle!

Also, thanks for reminding me to quit obsessing over everything that needs to be cleaned and focus on having a bit of fun with my kids!

Dy said...

By Jove, I think she's got it! ;-)

I cannot tell you how happy I am for you - but I think you know. What a happy day.

Kiss those babies (no matter how big they are!)
Dy

Oklahoma Girl said...

There must have been something in the air yesterday. Another blogger buddy had a "perfect" day also. She spoke of it in the same glowing terms.
I'm so happy for you & the boys. They grow up so fast.
Take care, dear girl!! I'm glad all is right in your world.
Blessed be...

Jules said...

Oh Laney! I am so happy for you- if there is room for any more happiness in your life! ;)

It sounds like you had a great day. What an uplifting post! I really enjoyed reading it this morning.

My kids just discovered Uno and it is so much fun to play with them. One of the only "kid" games I enjoy! They like to conspire against me too- saving the draw fours and skips just for mom. But I enjoy seeing them work together to get me rather than out to get each other.

I hope you have many more perfect days in the future!! ;)

Thom said...

Wow, that was just an awesome post!

It's so nice to read about happy families where everyone is together working towards the same goals and just generally enjoying the ride. Just awesome. :0)

Jersey Girl said...

I am rejoicing because of your happiness and in the faithfulness of our GREAT GOD. My prayer for you for months and months has been just what you have succintly written about today. That you would enjoy your children and that there would be laughter in your home. "That joy and peace would reign supreme in our little house." I, too, am incredibly blessed. Keep looking!
I love you.

Jersey Girl said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Mindy Buller said...

Laney, how wonderful. Congrats on a great day. I treasure this time as well. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

J-Lynn said...

Oh Laney, I'm overjoyed you have all your boys home and together again - especially if you felt led to do that.

Enjoy that peace and happiness. Who'd have thunk peace could be so noisy? ;-)

HUGS

Staci Eastin said...

I'm so glad that everyone's home and having fun. Good for you guys!

I also answered your Rich Mullins question in the comments on my blog. It's my only brush with fame, and it's not really terribly exciting.