We went “home” to Monroe Street yesterday morning to spend a few days, working, living, packing, and otherwise existing. But when the children found out that we were not going to sleep at the Bobwhite house, they were dismayed. So when Michael got home from work, we had a family meeting. Each child, going from youngest to oldest, was given a chance to express his desires and thoughts. Every one of them said that they really wanted to sleep at the Bobwhite house. Michael said that if he agreed to it, he realized that he’d be agreeing to just move over early. Finally, with a sigh and a lecture about saving energy and electricity conservation, he agreed that we could go back to Bobwhite Way to spend the night. But that meant we needed to put in some hours of work transferring more of our belongings.  Everyone pitched in, and with great delight we headed “home” to Bobwhite Way for the night.  Michael seemed a bit weary, though he did perk up a bit when I handed him a large cup of Dr. Pepper I’d picked up at the gas station while I was out.

This morning we worked some more on arranging things in our new digs before heading over to Monroe Street to work there.  My sister, Joyce, came over for coffee and I was able to show her around.  After she left, we assembled bunk beds, moved dressers, unpacked clothes, and in general made ourselves at home.  Then we headed to Monroe Street, worked again for a little while, and then brought a full van back to Bobwhite Way.  Seems like there’s work to do no matter where we go.  Fortunately the children are able to help and make themselves quite useful.  Laura has kitchen duty this week, so she’s been cleaning the kitchens at both houses.  Isaac and Luke carry things in and out and up and down.  Amelia and Miguel are designated door holders as well as being able to carry smaller things.  Judah is even pressed into service sometimes, though he mostly just plays and gives us more work to do.

Tomorrow, Sunday, we’ll rest and enjoy the local Sweet Corn Festival.  Monday we will start working hard again to get the Monroe house clean and ready to put on the market.  The children and I will work hard while Michael is at work, and no doubt Michael will work hard in the evenings when he gets home from work.

Sometimes I am overwhelmed at the thought of all that needs to be done, but I remind myself that we just need to take one step at a time.  One day at a time we’ll press on.