We're A Pretty Good Fit

We've been sick with the flu here, as I already mentioned. And in our house, like yours I'm sure, it spreads like wildfire.

I have it. The kids have it. And it's ugly, sisters.

BUT, today is better than yesterday so that's a huge blessing. I've graduated to sprite and graham crackers. God is good.

You know those weeks when the hubby can't take off work cause of a big project and that whole "he has to work cause you need a roof over your head" thing takes precedence over the sickness. Well, that's this week for us. Of course.

But God always teaches in the ugly moments (as well as the good moments).

Its been amazing to see through these achy eyes how He has created our family to work together like a well oiled machine. That our "normal to us, big to everyone else" family was put together like a puzzle. Everyone has a place.

Everyone brings something unique to our table that we all need.

This group, this crew, this rowdy bunch...we need each other.

Ella. Oh my sweet Ella. How she is growing fast. I've said a million times that she's ahead of her time, an old soul, and was kind of thrown into a leader role because of how fast our family grew. There have been moments when I've even felt bad about that.

But that was Gods plan to put her first in line. I cant help but think of my miscarriage before I got pregnant with her that devastated my 22yr old heart - but ultimately led us to Ella. She is specifically wired to be my oldest. She's a gift.

In a really bad flu moment of mine, I turned around and saw Ella standing there. I swear she could feel my pain. And when I looked at her I guess she could see it in my eyes because she said, "I know, it's ok...".

Melts my heart that she said that.

When did she start comforting me? When did she pick up that motherly vibe that came out of her so naturally?

Kinda brought tears to my eyes when I thought of it later :). I guess even on our worst parenting days, something is going right.

Reese is a words of affirmation kid and also has the most tender heart I've ever known. Char is strong and a huge cheerleader. Kinley and Raya keep us laughing with their 3yr old humor and innocence. And Lincoln is a constant reminder of the fresh grace of God, and that a drooling grin can help cure a bad case of anything.

All of them are pieces of our puzzle.

All of those characteristics are things God knew this family needed to make it run as it should. I'm not sure there is anything more important than cultivating a strong family unit inside these walls, one that works together like a team. I hope by God's grace that we are somewhat on our way to that.

We sat around the table tonight eating chicken noodle soup and talking about our day and how we hope that we all feel better tomorrow. Sometimes I'll ask, "Ella, what is your favorite thing(s) about Reese?", and so on, and so on with each kid. It is such a great dinner convo, I love it. They eventually get silly with it and we have some good laughs.

This little tribe is a breath of fresh air even in the midst of a chaotic week. A sweet reminder of His love during a few ugly days.

We aren't a perfect puzzle, but I'd like to say we're a pretty good fit :). I'm just hoping we're all on the mend soon!