In our family...

In our family....we do second chances...we do grace...we do real...we do mistakes...we do I'm sorry (and I forgive you)...we do loud really well...we do hugs...we do family...we do love.















Thursday, October 16, 2008

It's good to be home





My daughters wedding was beautiful, although it went way to quickly. They got married on a ship at the Port of Miami, with a short reception following and then we all had to get off the ship so that the ship could set sail. She was gorgeous and they both glowed with happiness. I had people taking pictures for me since I was unable to, but many of them did not turn out. I am hoping that one of my other daughter's got some good pictures on their camera's. In the mean time, I share with you the only picture I have with all my children and grandchildren and one with my three daughters and one of my husband and myself. Hopefully, I will have better pictures to share with you all in the near future.


We arrived home last night, with two very tired little people and exhausted ourselves. After being gone for over two weeks it will take time to adjust to being home once again. There is a big temperature difference between here in Minnesota and Florida. Every day was hot and humid and add in my constant hot flashes and you have one hot woman! We spent much of our days in the pool or ocean which the little people loved. We left on Monday, when it was in the 80's and humid and came home last night to it being in the 30's here.

As much as I loved my time with all of my children and grandchildren, it was a lot of work being away from home. I came to realize a couple of days into our so called "vacation" that this was not really a vacation for me. Instead it was just changing locations of my daily work of caring for little ones, cooking, cleaning and laundry. In a big sense it was more work because the home we rented for the ten days was someone else's nice home and not our own home, which is child proof and set up for daily living with children in mind.

New rules and boundaries had to be learned and it's not always the funnest job being the "enforcer" of all these things. Also take into fact that we were already dealing with behavior issues due to evils visit the five days before leaving on our trip, and let me tell you, these things don't mix very well. We had some trying days, to say the least, and quite honestly it affected my time with my own children. I hate this fact and the reality of my life right now, is hard to swallow sometimes. They all tried to help but there is only so much other people can do and when it come right down to it, the responsibility falls on me.

Since little lady hurt her leg at the start of our "vacation", she had to be carried everywhere, which although she is only 27 lbs., got heavy after carrying her around after awhile. Little lady has formed a strong attachment to me and would cry, whine and scream for me constantly. This wore not only on me but everyone else as well. We will deal with this issue in the days and weeks ahead and look forward to getting back to "normal" life once again.

On the bright side, I did have a wonderful time being with all my children and grandchildren and husband. Every moment I had with each of them is pasted in my memory. The time went too quickly and there was not enough time to do all the things we wanted to do together. In spite of the chaos and the things mentioned above, we shared much laughter and made great memories together. Now, we have each gone back to our places in this world, and my heart aches as I wonder when I will see them each again. From the second I hugged them goodbye, I started missing them all over again.

I have many things to share with you in the days and weeks ahead...things I have been learning on this journey...things that have happened that are teaching me lessons and giving me growing pains. It's good to be back...I have missed each one of you...it will take me time to catch up on your blogs as I get settled back into daily life around here but I promise I will stop by and visit soon.

9 comments:

Jason, as himself said...

I'm so glad you're back, and I'm so glad your time with your family was positive.

But you said a mouthful about traveling with kids....it is HARD!

I can't wait to hear more about your trip.

Anonymous said...

Nice to hear from you again, looking forward to more pictures...and i must say, in the pics you did post...you look fabulous! Beautiful family...

Cheers

Claire Marie said...

The picture our you and your husband is so great! I hope you frame it and put it somewhere you can see it every day.

You are so beautiful! Look at you!

Pseudo said...

Gorgeous family. Really nice shots of all of you.

Unknown said...

It's so nice to hear that you had a great time and wonderful visit with your kids! Even if it was hectic at times, I'm sure you are very happy you got to go. And you guys were gone a LONG time! Two weeks is a lot for little people to be away from their normal surroundings, and I hope the transition back goes smoothly for them.

Can't wait to see more pictures. Your whole family is just beautiful!

Michelle W said...

Congratulations & Welcome back!

Smart Mouth Broad said...

Welcome back! I'm so glad you had a great time. I know from experience that traveling with little ones is not easy. It's been a long time but I still remember the stress. ugh. I'm sorry we didn't get to meet also but completely understand. Each time I go to my hometown to visit, I feel like an octopus with a friend or relative pulling on each arm, uh tentacle. No worries. Next time. You are soooo beautiful! As is your whole family.

Stay warm!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures of a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing with us.

Unknown said...

First of all, you look way too young to have those be your daughters. Second of all, wow. What a BEAUTIFUL family. That picture of you and your husband simply radiates light!

What a joyous occasion for your entire family!!!