Several months ago I noticed that the post theme for February was “Love Story”. I immediately started making plans to write a happy little post about my life in rural Arkansas and how much I love it.  Then I was standing in my kitchen trying my best to perform the most routine of chores, and it hit me what I really love so much.

I grew up in a very structured household.  You ate your food in the kitchen.  You played with your toys in your bedroom.  Holidays and other events were planned months in advanced.  And you never ran through the house or spoke above a normal inside voice.  I had great parents and a great childhood.  I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I married nearly seven years ago.  The two of us lived in our little house with our Jack Russell Terrier, Chloe.  It wasn’t structured, but it was quite and simple.  The most excitement was cheering for our Texas Longhorns (sorry Razorback fans) during big games.

Our perfect angel, Arlington (Ting), was born in June of 2009 and our life was turned upside down.  Suddenly there was crying at all times of the day.  Bottles and toys littered every room of our house.  Cheering for our favorite team was no longer possible because either we were being quite so she could sleep or watching Nick Jr so she would be happy.

Here we are, 2012.  Ting is two and a half years old and we are expecting a little boy in April.  Our calm Chloe has gone blind and is constantly bumping into everything and barking at every single sound around us.  We both work full-time outside the home so toys, clothes, and who knows what else lies scattered around our small house (which seems to get smaller each day).

As I stood in my kitchen Sunday afternoon, the Super Bowl was on the TV.  I was trying to watch the game, cook chicken, prepare brownies, and wash a few dishes and a load of laundry – all at the same time.  Ting was running around wide open singing, dancing, throwing dolls everywhere.  I was doing my best to not trip over Ting and her toys.  Chloe was barking her head off at every little bump we made.  Hubby came home from work and was trying to talk on the phone.  It was TOTAL CHAOS.

That’s when I realized, it’s the chaos that I love so much!  I cannot begin to imagine my life as a quiet and organized life, and honestly wouldn’t want it that way.  I love my loud crazy house.  I love my chaotic life.  I can’t wait to add another child to the mix… it’s going to be so much fun!!

Karen lives in South Arkansas with her husband and daughter.  She loves reading and cooking and anything that involves spending time with her family.  Her blog, Ting’s Mom, chronicles her daily life as a mom and wife, as well as an occasional review of products her family can’t live without.