This picture is of our home the day we brought our 2nd daughter home. Our oldest made a sign that was so precious, welcoming the baby home. My mom hung the pink tulle bows. (It was February and for some reason, I had empty flower pots on the porch already.) But I remember being so happy, so peaceful that day. Everything was right in my world. The sun was shining, our house was full of visitors and love.

I've been having trouble lately with being content. I'm thankful, don't get me wrong. I appreciate all my husband does to provide for our family. He is a willing, wonderful provider who never complains about working for his family. I mean never. He enjoys his job most of the time and wants to stay home with us all day, but still willingly goes to work. Sometimes he has to go away and stay in a hotel for what seems like days upon end. He misses us, and it shows. I am very grateful for him.

What I'm having trouble with is vanity regarding my house. I want it to look neat all the time, to be beautiful for everyone who stops over. It's not. Keeping our home clean is primarily my job. I've always said my children are the biggest reflection of me, instead of my home being the biggest reflection. Somehow, though I say that and think that, my actions don't really show it. I tend to be jealous of people who are able to be tidy all the time and have their home looking like a magazine. There are so many unfinished projects and tasks around my home it's almost overwhelming. The thing I need to realize is that I have so many things to be happy about and thankful for that the way my house LOOKS isn't the priority in any way.

These babies are the priority. (And the 3rd one who wasn't around at the time this picture was taken...) They need clean floors, they need a nurturing home. They need food and fun. They need a mommy who isn't worried about being in Better Homes & Gardens. How do you stay on top of a home and still have time to play? Will that come as my kids get older? Where is the balance? How to you maintain a home & all the projects without being extreme? I want our home to be welcoming and clean. I want my husband to feel like he can come home to a peaceful sanctuary and know his kids and wife are happy. I know we're blessed and I want my home to be at it's best. But I want my kids to remember me playing with them, not cleaning constantly!

This morning as I try to get finished with projects, I want to take time out to thank God that he has blessed me with a happy family, a comfortable home, beautiful cool weather in June, a husband who more than takes care of us... I could go on & on. What blessings are you counting today?