Independence

Does anyone know what this is? I do not. I know where it came from though. On Monday I mowed the lawn. Yes, yes I did. I raked the back yard and I picked prickly gum balls out of the lawn. Then I mowed the front. It was sorely in need of it. I was nearly done when this item fell off. Yep, just fell off into the lovely, fresh-mowed grass. I thought "Huh!" and I continued to mow, because I was not going to have a half done lawn if I could help it! Aparently it is not a vitally important part, because I finished mowing the lawn. I'm thinking it may have been a muffler, because that mower was darn loud! I did not press my luck however and I did not mow the back yard. I'll save that bit of fun for Dan!

My point was that I feel quite impressed with myself. I hate it when Dan is gone. Sure, I like watching chick-flicks unmocked, and eating all the ice cream before Dan can, but I prefer to have him around. I hate taking out the trash. I absolutely detest it. I do not mind mowing the lawn, its the child-care that's an issue. I hate being the only one to drag kids back to their own beds in the middle of the night and I hate cooking for 4 unappreciative children. Plus, it is nice to relax and have grown up conversation in the evenings when the little tykes are in bed.

It is gratifing to know I can do it alone though. Lanie's husband was impressed that I beat them to church on Sunday, and they only have 2 children. Yes, there is much satisfaction in that! I am happy that my children are all content and well behaved, most of the time. Dan gone last week and this week has not been as bad as I feared. Sure, Joshua is still complaining about Spanish class, but I notice that his work is getting better. Marian is happy at school and is eager to go. Callie is enjoying preschool and is making friends. Delaney is just her cute self.

And I look at this and think, yes, I am happy; this is the life I would have picked if I could have. I love that I do not have to work. I am delighted that I get to stay home with my children and see them learn and grow. I have 4 fantastic children who I adore, and a wonderful husband who is totally underappreciated. I am incredibly blessed and grateful for the way my life is turning out.

And that's so not what I planned to write when I sat down. But now I have to go get dinner out of the oven. We made tin foil dinners! Its the first time and I'm hoping they will eat it because they made it!