My Brother's Departure

As we prepare for my brother  and his family to return to the mission-field, I am feeling very glum and reflecting on their time here in our town.  It has been 11 years since we have been in the same town for a whole year and we have missed them.  

Our kids never really knew each other, but they have bonded.  The "cousins" are a great addition to our lives.  Previously, the times #3 and M.'s #1 have been together have been for short trips and quick family gatherings.  For this year, "the girls" were so totally in each others' lives, that they had their own ongoing games, their own "language", their own way of pretending, infinite sharing of books, and no - absolutely NO arguments.  Whatever their differences, the girls somehow find their own world where they agree on almost everything and enjoy each other's company so completely that no one else matters unless that someone is trying to separate them. 

For the boys on the other hand (speaking of my #4 and M.'s #2) they are hardly together on anything.  They can't agree on how to spend their time, what game to play or how to play it.  They irritate each other to the nth degree, but they have added to each others' lives.  They have taught each other the value of difference, but they never really figured out how to overcome them or give in enough to get along.  They have, despite their differences, enjoyed each other in some weird way and longed for each other.  It was just usually always a trial for the adult(s) caring for them.  

So for me, the change will be in two ways.  First, knowing that my brother (when he wasn't traveling), was only a couple of miles away.  There was comfort in that.  Second, for the change it will mean for my girl.  I weep for myself, but mostly for her.  She so bonded with her cousin that it will mean a sad change for her.  So, when the church had M. up for blessing and prayer this morning,  I was the only one weeping.  "M n M" feel very relieved to be going to where they "belong", to the place where God has called them.  The kids are oblivious, at least for the moment.  But I am sad.  So I weep.  I am sure that there are those who understand, but they are not immediately around me.  

This week, as they stay with us to prepare to leave, I determine to enjoy their company.  I promise to not think of the future and what it holds.  I will simply take deep breaths and stay calm, savoring the moments with them and the kids (even those of the two little boys arguing).

Adding a little to the last post

Just one more little thought - As I have said, we do what we can to recycle and reduce, but Ted's Montana Grill (IMO) takes it a little far.....paper straws?!!!!  I mean, come on!!!! 

Wall-E

Cute movie.....but why, oh why does every little kid movie have to have SO much social commentary.  We know, we are FAT, LAZY, and put out a lot of TRASH!!!  We are dumb, but haven't forgotten how to read YET.  Can't movies just be fun, funny and even poignant, but not feel like a slap in the face.....

Ok, my "take home" is to do what you can....we recycle, try to not buy things we don't need or won't use, and we do turn off electronics for a good portion of the day (at least during the school year).  My kids read, two of them LOVE to read.  They are smart, verbal and think for themselves.  I can do better, maybe......

My review is two stars....cute, but could have been better.

Tent Camping with the Experts

This is us with our friends from TN.  We had fun camping for one night at a state park about midway between the two.  We LOVE the W's!!!  I actually can't wait to do this again.  J. was nervous the whole time that it would rain and I wouldn't have fun (I have some horrible memories of camping all the way to Maine - "a la" raining so much that everything floated, leaving the tent flap open and our bedding getting wet, vomiting in the tent, etc.)  The W's have all the equipment and are experts backpackers, campers and LOVE hiking.  We were kind of "along for the ride".......

Scavenger Hunt

This picture was for a scavenger hunt for our church.  We tie-dyed the shirts (the kids wanted the letters added but that was a little "Laverne and Shirley-ish").  We got extra points for having our Bibles.  No one really had fun but me!!!

The Three "I's"

This is a picture I have been trying to get for about a year since the baby "I" was born.  I found it very cool to have them all in this picture.  We went with "big I" on a mission trip in 2006 to Honduras.  They all go to our church and the "big I" and "baby I"'s parents are friends, but getting "my I" in was a challenge.....

Uninspired

So, as summer drags on and the kids are home and we are doing puzzles, reading, (#2) clarinet, (#1) zoo volunteer, (#3) elimination diet, and (#1,2, and 4) pool, I am feeling busy, but not so busy, bored, but not bored, never in a routine (which I like routine), and uninspired.  I feel that I wish my kids wanted to get out more as all the errands I run are "quickly to the store" and back or "to the zoo" (to drop off #1) and back.  They never want to go anywhere other than the places I have already mentioned.  And, what is missing?  My friends.  I was able to crop at least once a month and see friends at least twice a week. I am trying to get inspired to clean up, but everything just gets messed up so quickly.  Ho hum.....

We started a new read-aloud last night.  We haven't read aloud regularly for several months.  I kept trying to start one and they found it boring.  I hope we can complete this one.  And complete the huge, hard elephant puzzle that is scattered all over my coffee table.  I hope I can get re-inspired to clean out my closet and maybe hubby's too.  I hope I can get the gumption to give away some stuff.  These are my goals for myself.  I am convinced that is better than setting goals for kids that they don't want to accomplish.  Anyone reading this post?  Say a prayer for me.....

Oh, and what I really need is a "mom's night out" and maybe someone to scrapbook with.  Anyone up for that?