A month or so before Bryan and I got married, we purchased new furniture for our home, including a little oak table with 4 chairs and a bench that could be used in place of a chair. We loved this little table and thought it was just grand! We hosted our first Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations at this table.
In the spring of 2004, as we were 7 months pregnant and preparing to move into a new home, a new dining set was on our 'to buy' list. We have people over a lot and it would be much easier if we had a bigger table. I also had purchased some beautiful dishes and linens while working at Pier One that fall and was eager for a more sophisticated dining set to pair them with. Somehow with finishing the basement, the birth of a baby and more, it kept getting pushed off the list. And now it's permanently off the list, at least for another 3-5 years or so.
You see, our dining table is this basic little table, fairly affordable and nothing too fancy. Many things have been spilled on it, many hours of watercolor and finger painting have been done it, all of it's chairs have been peed on at one point or another in the midst of potty training. Easter eggs have been dyed at this table, pumpkins have been carved, play dough has been played with, and more.
And all without one worry of staining or wrecking the table. It is a table that has been 'lived and loved' at.
The same goes with the rest of our home. Our carpets are getting cleaned this fall - thank goodness! Look at our carpets and you will see that this is a home that has been lived in. It is a home where children are free to roam and live without worrying about touching this or that or feeling shameful if something spills. It is a home that has been filled with friends and fellowship on a regular basis. It is a home that has hosted more playdates than I can count. It is a home for celebration and memories!
On my kitchen floor you will find a spot where there is a permanent patch of glitter that has taken up residence. That's from our Tinker Bell party last fall. We had a bunch of friends over to watch the new Tinker Bell movie and had the kids decorated pumpkins for the Vossekuil Family in memory of their daughter, Taylor. We did put newspaper on the floor, but when you've got a dozen children under the age of 5, glitter, glue, paint, and stickers...well things are bound to happen. So every time I see that little spot of glitter, I smile, for I am reminded of a wonderful memory with my children.
I am determined that my children will 'live' in their home. This will not be a museum. I am determined that their little buddies will be comfortable here and not worry about breathing for fear they will mess something up. This will be a home for all!
I think it was a couple of months ago that Bryan and I were talking about the table and how silly we had been for wanting a new one. This little table story somehow characterizes to me the changes I have gone through in the last 5 years and I am so grateful. I'm much less concerned with my trendy dishes and a beautiful dining room table. I'm much more concerned with my brown eyed girls and my prince charming and making the most of every day we have together.
Thank you Isabella and Veronica - without you, none of these changes in Mommy would have been possible! Where would I be without you, focused on all the wrong things I imagine! Daddy and I love you both...you are our heroes!
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