Making Space

Our washer and dryer that were supposed to be delivered last Monday finally arrived late Tuesday evening. I had cleared the laundry room closet out early Monday morning in preparation for them. It had been a convenient spot to store things temporarily. The empty closet seemed quite large and I envisioned just where the 13 gallon trash can, laundry baskets and some other paraphernalia would go. When the men delivered the washer and dryer and set them up, I saw those dreams vanish. The closet grew so much smaller with the addition of the huge appliances. Later, I told John and Gabe that I was completely content with a small under the sink trash can and if they felt like we needed the large one, would they please find room in their area of the tiny apartment. They weren’t willing to give up their space for the gargantuan garbage container and it was set aside to be donated.

Yesterday we devoted a good portion of the day to hanging pictures. In 20 years of marriage, one can collect a huge amount of items to hang on a wall. It really didn’t seem like much in a larger house but I don’t think we will have much blank wall space here when we are finished. John also put some shelves up in the laundry room closet and they look great! There’s still no room for the trash can but now there is plenty of storage for large pots, Tupperware, a cooler, etc.

I am still not ready to take pictures but I will try to get there sometime this week for your viewing pleasure and most importantly for my sanity! Meanwhile, here is a silly question for you. How big of a kitchen trash can does your family need?

Good News and Bad News

Which do you want to hear first? I’ll start with the bad and get it over with. Yesterday was a full day with church, unpacking of a few boxes, swimming, meals and finally relaxing while watching a movie. Not long into the movie, I absent-mindedly reached for my engagement ring, which I always wear, and realized with horror that the diamond was missing. We searched as best as we could in the poorly lit, overly cluttered apartment. It is gone. I could have lost it anywhere. I am just sick about it. I haven’t totally given up hope. I have offered my kids a reward and I am hoping that my son’s and my husband’s dyslexic eyes will spot it. (They see things with amazing detail!) I realize that even though it is a precious stone, it’s just that; a stone. The Bible tells us not to lay up treasure here on earth and that nothing lasts forever except for the Word of God and souls of men. So although my heart is sad, I will not grieve over this.

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. 1 Peter 1:24-25

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Now for the good news! My niece had a sweet baby girl yesterday. I am so excited for her. I think that it’s kind of funny that she had her on July 1^st, the birthday of another niece of mine. That in itself might not be so amusing or coincidental but her first child was born on Hannah’s birthday. And for other good news – our washer and dryer is scheduled to be delivered this evening, most likely right in the middle of dinner. I need to go help clear out the laundry room.

The Darkness Before the Dawn

I have always heard that it is darkest just before the dawn. I hope that the saying applies to my apartment and unpacking. I don’t know what the square footage was on our house in Romania. It was the largest place we ever lived in. Add to that the things we had stored at my mom and dad’s home and you end up with way too much stuff in an apartment with only 1200 square feet. I felt like we accomplished a lot yesterday but when I looked around at the end of the day, there were still numerous items needing a place to call home. At least we have closets here and drawers in my kitchen; we didn’t in Romania. I’ll be giving you a tour when it’s all done – hopefully soon!