Keep the Home Fires Burning

This time of year we keep the fireplace burning – I love a fire. Maybe I have some pyro *issues* deep down … I just like to watch it burn. We use real wood (you have to make a distinction living in the ’suburbs’). We haul it in from wherever we can get it for free and pile it out back. The older boys chop  it faithfully until there’s a good stash for winter. They carry it onto the covered porch to keep a batch of wood dry from the rain.

Yes, it makes a mess! And there’s work to be done to prepare and clean-up. But it’s time well spent for us. We all agree – the enjoyment outweighs the work.

For Christmas, 2 of our sons gave me a wood carry/storage thing that ’s ornamental. They know how much I enjoy a roaring fire. I read to the boys by the fire, blog late at night, read the Word, and sometimes … I just sit and think… The kids play games by the hearth, snuggle in the mornings (younger guys) and sometimes just gaze into it. The firelight inspires one to slow down and reflect, enjoy good company and be together. It’s a magnet for little ones and romantic for couples (young and old).

I’m glad to see fires making a comback. Outside fireplaces are the rage where we live. Built in firepits are even added to backyard swimming pool landscaping designs. We just bought a small one from the hardware store to have on the back porch – it does the job.

Our kids don’t remember life without a fireplace. With a few *rental* exceptions, each house we’ve lived in has had a real fireplace as the focal point! It’s part of who we are and how we live. Especially as we ’school’ at home. When it’s icy outside we’ve been known to drag the books out by the fire and study right there. We don’t get as much work done, but those are days we remember.

We only have a few more cold spells left, here in Texas. And we want to keep those home fires burnin‘.