flex·i·ble (fl
k
s
-bl)adj.
1. Capable of being bent or flexed; pliable.
2. Responsive to change; adaptable
- While I spent a wonderful weekend in Nashville at the Blissdom Blogging Conference, my family defined flexibility without complaining.
- While I was treated to an open menu at a classy restaurant, my family ate Captain Crunch by candlelight.
- While I naively flew into our local Airport, anxious to scurry home, put my feet up and snuggle with the children, I was informed that the power had been out the whole weekend due to our ice storm and that we were camping out on Grandma and Grandpa’s floor.
- While I had to momentarily adjust my bad attitude, my husband shared how proud he was of the kids. I quickly took note.
- While I was sharing and learning about this phenom called “social media,” they toughed out “Little House on the Prairie” living for over two days until the indoor tempt dipped below 45 degrees with no hope of power.
- While I listen now to my daughter’s soft snore as we snuggle, I ponder just how thankful I am for a husband and children who define flexibility, even in the most inconvenient of circumstances. (‘Cuz honestly, I don’t feel like being too flexible right now…)
But I surely believe that Flexibility and the Family are almost never, ever over rated.
(Regular programming will return soon, along with the glorious power.)
Oh Jen, I can relate to no power oh too well! We lose power here way too often. The kids think it is fun for a little while, but it certainly is a lot of work for us adults. I go nuts without water! It certainly makes you appreciate the little things. Bless you guys and hope your power is back VERY soon!
Carla
That photo is hilarious! Sorry to hear about the power being out. My brother and sister-in-law have been in the same boat with their two little ones, and it’s no fun. They had to find a hotel to stay at for the time being.
It was great to see you again over the weekend, Jen! It’s always fun hanging out with you. 🙂
I tend to be the least flexible person in my house….
We rarely loose power- even when the people on the cross street do- and then only for a few hours at a go. There are people who live on the island very near us who lose power for weeks at a time. Glad we are not in the same municipality!
wow. my husband would love if I was flexible like that.
Oh Jen. This sounds so sweet. I love when family blesses you this way. I on the other hand was not flexible this morning and was not a blessing. Great reminder to me…. 🙂 Have a great Monday!!!
That picture makes me go, “OUCH!”
And you’re right. Being asked to be flexible when we really don’t want to be is a true test of character. Here’s hoping your power comes on soon. Character building is only good for so long. 😀
This post makes my heart smile. What a beautiful thing to see and be blessed by in your family.
I am so glad your family is making the best of an unexpected situation! I often say that if we don’t bend, we will break! My children are learning to be flexible as we all struggle with my chronic illness – and I count that as one of the best blessings of this disease – we are learning to go with the flow, and adjust. “Lord willing” is something you’ll hear at our house a lot ‘ Lord willing, if Mama is feeling upt o it we’ll do … such and such’. We find life goes more smoothly when we know it isn’t always going to go as planned! At least, not as WE had planned! We have learned to look for God’s hand in our ‘change of plan’ days, and see His provision even when energy for Mama isn’t one of the gifts we are given. Frequent disapointment makes the times when we can follow though with Plan A just that much sweeter!
Wow! Aren’t you proud of them? All we got in Durham was rain–can’t believe it was so bad just up the road from us!
I’m so glad you were able to go to BlissDom. I’ve seen several pics of you on various blogs–you looked smashing. No surprise there! I hope you had a wonderful time.
I was talking with one of my friends the other day who said, “You know, I read that Beauty and Bedlam blog all the time now!” I had told her about you last fall when she was asking for tips on saving money at the grocery store. It’s fun to introduce my friends to someone like you!
Wow, you poor thing! I knew you were flying back into the middle of it but I had no idea it would be that bad. Kids are troopers, that’s for sure. One good thing is that you were able to get home! I think Toni is just barely getting home! Talk soon.
Hope you get power back soon…what an awesome hubby you have to roll with all those punches while we at Blissdom got to soak up your awesomeness! Love ya and hope to see you again soon!!
I love adaptable people and to find so many in one family, what a blessing! It sounds like everyone made it through and maybe even had a few memorable and happy moments. I definitely need to be more flexible in my life, I know it can lead to happiness. I’m working on it!
Jen, that picture makes me wanna cry… the post is great tho 😉
Wow. Everyone in your family was flexible. Says a great deal about the parents when children are flexible in uncomfortable situations. It makes it so much easier if I choose to bend instead of standing rigid and ultimately breaking in the storm.
This totally gave me the warm fuzzies! What a great testament to your family (especially the hubs!)
We have had a lot of power outages in our area this winter, too. Luckily we have not had the power go out at our house. I am reading Little House on the Prairie to my middle daughter right now and I was just thinking, how did they live like that? Glad you made it home safely.
Oh that our spirits were always as flexible as that girl’s limbs!
Glad to hear you made it home to your family, and certain they are thrilled to have you back, flexible or not!
What a nice family you have!