From 6 to 4

This past weekend we spent some time helping my mom and Steve move into their new house. Our six weeks of being a household of 6 (plus 3 dogs) is over and now we are figuring out our new "normal."

Though it's rare in the U.S, extended family living together is pretty common in the rest of the world. After living with my mom and stepdad, I see why. I makes so. much. sense. Having 4 adults to take care of 1 household is a great thing. My mom and I shared the cooking/cleaning/shopping tasks which lightened my load considerably. My mom was still looking for a job (she has one now), so the kids and I were able to enjoy her company all day long. Having an extra set of hands during the day was so helpful.

Aside from the workload benefits, it was also SO SO good for my kids to live with a set of their grandparents for awhile. Two more people hugging them, reading to them, telling them to eat their dinner and mind their momma. Two more people telling them they are LOVED and special. So good for my kids.

So, the last couple of months have been a unique experience. It's not often a grown-up daughter gets to live under the same roof as her mom again. It was a sweet time, one I will always be thankful for.