Why Did We Think This Was A Good Idea?

Our first instinct when life gets tough is to do something that makes the pain stop.  By living together we're trying to change our "default setting" to when life gets tough, stay where you are and think about how you can change so that change comes to your situation.
I'm really proud of the people I live with because that's exactly what they are doing.  The temptation to blame everyone else and take no responsibility is very real.
I said to Cameron last night, "what we are experiencing now is exactly what we wanted to happen when we all moved in.  We wanted to be challenged and to change."  We just have to keep reminding ourselves of that!

It's all happening here

Life in the house is never boring.  It was my birthday yesterday which was highly exciting for me.  Here are some photos of the decorations which greeted me at dinner time:

I'm aiming to be honest on the blog, so something else has happened this week, too.  Cameron is taking some time out of the house with the aim of spending time with God without the distractions of living with a family.  He moved out last Sunday night and decided not  to make contact with us for a week.  He and Jane reassessed the situation today and decided to continue for another week.  He came for my birthday dinner on Saturday and now we'll see him again at Lifegroup on Wednesday night. 

We have been surprised at how much we miss him.  It was strange on Saturday to have him here as a visitor rather than a housemate.  It's been especially tough for Jane, but she's really done well and has spent alot of quality time with God herself.  That's got to be a good thing for anyone, but especially good when you're missing your partner.

Male Models

As you all know, we are a family with 3 girls. This means that Richard is a star at dealing with tears and tantrums and diva behaviour.   My sister has just had a baby boy, but overall my side of the family is light on when it comes to the male gender.

That's one reason why we're so blessed to have Cameron in the house.  He's modelling a Christian relationship to my girls.  He's giving them a day to day living example of how men are.  And conversely, the girls are demonstrating what kids are like.  And Richard and I are a marriage on show. 

Don't get me wrong, we're not all walking around shining our halo and speaking in tongues!  Part of living together means we get to see the good the bad and the ugly.  There's not much chance to pretend when you're together 24/7.  We get lots of opportunities to practice forgiveness and grace.  Afterall, that's why we all moved in together in the first place.

Happy Birthday

This week it's been Jane's birthday.  Cameron outdid himself by being the best boyfriend in the world (to quote Jane).  He decorated Jane's doorway, organised a pinata, left decorations on the bench and bought beautiful gifts.
Tomorrow night is a family feast which we are cooking to bless Jane.  She is a true delight and we are so glad she lives with us!

It's my birthday next.  And then Christmas.  Celebration is what we do best, so it should be great.

Chandler the Cat - yes, Chandler's a girl

photos by Ruth

In The Garden - Bronte the chicken and our vegies