Oh Yeah, They're Back...

Back together again.  And they missed me, so all is right with the world.

And we went from the joy we felt in seeing each other into a rough re-entry into sibling life, into "that time of the month," into the holiday season.  Fun times.

I'm really hoping for a good quiet week this week.  Isaiah has a mysterious, itchy rash on his face.  Huston lost his first tooth, Avery is already getting the dry skin thing goin' and Lillie is refusing to cooperate with this potty training thing, and I have a head cold.

We have to remember what it's like to do this school thing, what it's like to plan and fix meals, what it's like to play with each other without ending in a shouting match and decorate for Christmas.

Should be an interesting week.  And I'll try to remember to get a picture of Huston's tooth"less" grin. 

It's Been Years...

since I've seen my two older boys... ok, so in reality it's only been 8 days... but I still have two days to wait before I see them again... so it might as well be considered an eternity.

Do I miss them?  Why would you think that??  OF COURSE I do... heh...  sorry didn't mean to start yelling there.

I wonder what this vacation with my folks has changed, if anything.  My younger two have been so mellow and laid back.  But they've also been a little unsure as to what their role is.  They are the followers and they really haven't had anyone to follow for awhile.  Since his big brothers' departure, Avery tends to gravitate toward whatever I'm doing.  Which is fine, I've enjoyed it to a degree, but it's kinda hard to get things done with a 5 year old and then a 2 year old grasping your leg.

I wonder if Huston has matured a bit.  I wonder if he will be bigger in thought and action.  I wonder if the boys will be willing to catch up on the near two weeks of school that we've missed out on.  I wonder if they will be full of unsatisfaction for the life they knew pre-Florida.  I can worry about the most random things.  Did they miss me?  Do they want to be home?  Or would they be content to not see me ever again and move in with their grandparents or other extended family.  And should I be bothered if that's the case?

See what I mean.  I'm a mess.

I just want my family back together.  A couple of nights ago the boys talked with their siblings on the phone.  Lillie talked to Huston first and said, "I miss you.... I love you.... I want you to come home."  My sediments exactly.

Anyway.  Life goes on.  I've enjoyed the quieter times I've had with the younger two.  We've had non-fit involving successful  trips to the library (who knew it was possible!), we've had book reading times and tent building times and restful afternoons and doing errands with two rather than four has been life-changing.

They got hair cuts too.  Here's Lillie's new do: (sorry, I uploaded them in backwards order and was too lazy to redo... still can't figure out how to cut and paste with the new blogger layout)

By Sunday I should feel whole again with all my family together.... and we'll start on getting back into a routine.... right before Thanksgiving.... yeah, right.

5 Days After Halloween

is pretty special too because it's the day I first became a mommy.  Nine years ago today I had a beautiful baby boy named Isaiah Clifton.

He's nine.  No it hasn't sunk in yet.  This one is hitting me a little harder.  He's halfway to legalized adulthood.  His last year of single digits.  He's practically shaving.

Another thing that hit me is that I have been changing diapers now for 9 straight years.  That's kinda depressing.  Lillie had better start this potty training buisness.

Isaiah is a wonderful boy and I mess up with him a lot.  That's what the oldest kids are for - to take the brunt of all the parental mistakes and come out smelling like roses (after some therapy).  He is a level headed little guy (although he's very close to being as tall as me!).  He is loving and kind to his siblings (those dasterdly siblings that try to ruin his very existence).  He is tender-hearted and can be hurt by the words that others take for granted (which means that often times I just need to shup up).

He's a great kid and will prayerfully, hopefully continue into a wonderful young man that will follow the Lord and consider the needs of others.  He's a great guy, that Isaiah.

The Day After Halloween

is pretty special in this house too.  Today is Avery's 5th birthday - his age has finally caught up with his personality - he's a whole "handful."

Here is a pic of my boy this morning on his actual day - and ironically he is wearing the shirt he stole from Target - totally encapsulates his personality. :)