Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Jam packed!





























































We have  squeezed a relatively large family into a tiny house.  756 square feet to be exact. Although it is doable, in some ways we are beginning to feel the effects of our small space. It is funny how it just crept up on us. One day we were doing fine, toddlers playing and enjoying their little room and little back yard. Next day, giant children and a little baby, with minds of their own and an opinion about having their own space. It was inevitable, I just didn't know it would happen so soon. When I think about space and how our family has grown over the last six years I am immediately reminded of Gods promises about provision. 
Matthew 6:26,28-34
26"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor do they reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worthy of much more than they?"
28-30"And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ' What will we eat?' or ' What will we drink?' or ' What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow;  for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
He has always provided for our family the things we truly need.  And although this scripture is not speaking specifically about housing it sticks in my mind about everything we have needed. Right now we have a home. Even though our home is small, it is a wonderful haven and resting place for my family and all who enter it (most of the time, :) ) Soon,  we will outgrow it and need something larger. The same way we have five previous times!  The key to this little dilemma is faith. The scripture says so, "You of little faith!"  Faith in our Father who is so powerful and awesome and yet overwhelmingly full of love and blessings for all who believe in Him. BIG faith is my goal. Sometimes I reach it. Sometimes I don't. For now I am choosing to trust God for our future home, not the housing market or interest rates or any other factor some one may present for us to consider. Our God is good and His will is what I desire. We will see what tomorrow holds. Now in the present, I am trying to come up with anything to make better use out of what we have to work with. So far we have rearranged the kids room a dozen times, made a second linen closet out of a coat closet and used as much garage space for pantry/shelving space as we can. Literally everyday Steven comes home to some new way of organizing or a piece of furniture moved. Today I am asking for ideas. Any tricks of the trade for families in small spaces? Hopefully I will get some feed back. For now, I am off to figure out how to rearrange my dining room now that I have a high chair back in there. Enjoy the day today!

I  added some random pictures of the kids at the request of their papa Mark. Enjoy!













2 comments:

Annie said...

Wow. It really does sound like you guys are crunched for space. I love you outlook on the whole situation. I agree with you. Your faith will lead you in the right direction. I do not have very many tips, as I am not a super organized person. Our garage keeps being the resting spot for things I move out of the house. My scrapbook stuff has no home either. Sorry. I'll be checking your blog for others' ideas.
Annie

The Luisi Famiy said...

My only advice is one that I just took with Johnny (only one child and 1200 sq feet) anyway, I jsut boxed up all of his toys that no longer are of use for him. take all of the toys that the kids don't play with or are too young for them and donate them. There are also websites that you can "trade/borrow" toys. I haven't used them but I know they exist. google it. Let me know how it goes. We should get together soon. p.s. this may be obvious but what about moving to a slightly bigger place? Any in your complex?