In My Home This Week: New Beginnings

In my home this week:

The little bird that nested on the back porch last year is back.  John mentioned we had a bird nest on the cupboard shelf next to an extension cord.  I noted the nest but didn't think too much of it until this week when I was working outdoors potting plants and I realized I was keeping Mama bird from her business.  I hurriedly cleared up my mess and came indoors.  She flew in and out while I worked about the porch Friday morning and even this morning as I rocked on the porch before the family woke, she went about her business feeding her family.  It made me mindful that I needed a breakfast plan.

The family came in last night in the wee hours of the morning.  This morning we attempted to talk but there's so much going on at once there's little time to get a full sentence out of our mouths.  Nevertheless, I did gather that we're probably looking at about 6-8 weeks.  It will be roughly a month before either of the house sells will close.  There will be some minor work done on the new home.

Today I realized that this 'visit' will be a stretching of myself in many ways:  managing our budget, our time, our energy...most especially my own time and energy.  Score one on my side.  I realize during the last weekend the family was here together that my morning time prayer and study would be a pleasant memory only unless I moved from the kitchen area into a more private space.  When I discovered yesterday evening that the family was coming in two days early, I quickly set things to rights before sundown.  My last act was to move my Bible, prayer journal and devotional into our bedroom.  I didn't leave my room this morning until I'd had that quiet time and it set my day off on the right foot. 

A restful Shabat...no, not really.  I didn't have a meal planned ahead and I didn't anticipate how much destruction even a very well behaved almost 2 year old boy can create.  I had a dishwasher full of dirty dishes I really ought to have done yesterday afternoon.  There's a huge basket of laundry already and this day only just barely done.  I've been spoiled with it mostly being the two of us, so yes, I'll be making adjustments all along. 

As will the family.  Daddy must go away to work in Savannah and Mama is sleeping on a blow up mattress on the floor.  Boy is in a pack and play and in a strange room.  Most of their belongings are packed away and in storage.  This will not be easy for them.  Little comforts will be lacking and days will be demanding all of us to buck up and do our best. And we will.

...I plan meals:

Mayonnaise Roasted Turkey Breast, Italian Roasted Vegetables, Peach Cobbler

Fried Chicken (takeout), Salad, Rolls, Peach Cobbler
This was John's desire...and I'm smart enough to realize that right now I need to take whatever help is offered.  We'll watch the budget but the budget  will bear the strain of a few conveniences here and there.

Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken with Rice
I'll make this dish while Sam is gone since he dislikes pineapple.  It's full of vegetables so we can skip a side dish. 

Left over Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, Mac and Cheese

Easy Italian Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Wedge Salads

Beef Enchiladas, Yellow Rice, Green Salad with Pico de Gallo

Grilled Steak, Grilled Corn, Tossed Salad, Rolls

...I plan my work:

As we attempt to settle in and find our way about one another, I'm settling for keeping up this week.  No big projects planned. 

It is a Harvest week, so groceries and bills and errands.

Blog posts as able.

...I plan my leisure

Quiet time in my room each morning is what I aim for and perhaps reading in my room each evening.