Long overdue

Today we made a long overdue trip to Lewistown to visit two of my favorite people.  Sadly, we haven't seen Gram and Pap since Christmas.  

We spent time hanging out at their house where the biggest event was the tea party.

Tea parties at Mom-mom's house are extra special because she allows water in the teapot.  Kinley served all of us multiple times.  I, for one, never turn down a good cup of tea.

Tighe and Mimi joined us mid-morning before we all headed to lunch.  The only small disappointment of the day was our inability to land a table for 9 at the Bel-Vue.  I had my heart set on fish and chips and one of those amazing salads.  But, it was not meant to be.  I'm trying to look at the bright side and all of the calories I saved but it's hard.

Jon made a quick trip up after church but Nicole had to head straight to work.  We seem to always miss each other.
We arrived back in Lewisburg just after 3pm - early enough to enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures.   The boys played basketball and McKenna took Barkley on a walk.  We learned later this evening that he had THREE walks today thanks to our amazing friends and pet sitters who had him out and walked him while we were gone.  Suffice to say he is exhausted tonight.  We found him sound asleep in the laundry room and under Kinley's bed tonight.

Judging by the fact that we are all tucked in our beds and the clock only reads 8:54, I think it's fair to say we are all pretty beat.  Back to the grind tomorrow but feeling blessed to spend time with special people today.

It's 10:30pm and I would or should probably be sleeping right now.  Instead, I'm huddled up in Kinley's room as she sleeps beside me, her little face lit by the glow of my laptop.  I had a few modules to review tonight for my dreaded research class.  It's killing me.  I will never be a researcher.  It's just not my gift.  I've struggled a lot over the past few weeks as my courses get harder and life becomes a little more uncomfortable.  I have questioned this decision up one side and down the other.  It's hard to be in school when you don't have to be; when you already worked your tail off one time around; when you could go back to your comfortable little corner of being a mom or a bedside nurse or educator; when you want to go to the movies or shopping or just cook a big old meal for your family; when you want to just be with your kids instead of in class; when every spare minute is occupied with another paper or another test; when you worry that you are missing the best years of your children's lives.
It would be easy to quit, especially right now.  But then again, like my dad reminds me, anyone can quit. Still, I would be lying if I didn't say it's crossed my mind.  I could get out now before I invest too much money.  I could offer any number of excuses.  Then I see something on TV - a sick kid. Or hear a story of a baby's health struggle.  And I hear whisperings in my ear, sometimes too faint to make out.  But somehow I become more convicted in those moments - more committed to seeing this through. 
So I plug on and my family cheers me on. And even in the midst of this craziness, that I somehow feel like I've created, there is peace. For the past two months we've spent a lot of time at home on the weekends.  With the exception of a couple of Saturday night dinners out, we've stayed home.  We leave the house on weekends for basketball and church and that's about it. We take walks and watch shows, play games, and even do homework together. Even in the midst of the crazy we have us. I used to be the queen of running around on the weekends but not anymore.  Now I live for Friday night on the couch, snuggled up with the kids.  Even a trip to Target last night didn't seem to excite me, and that is saying something! I am happy just to "be" right now. 
And we have friends.  Old friends who know when we need a night out; friends who offer to share a meal.  And we have family.  Family who show up at every game and special event; family who surprise the kids with ice cream on a random Thursday night; family who step in whenever they are asked - and a lot of times when they aren't.  I can't forget new friends.  Wow, the new friends.  I never realized the depth of the new friendships I would make on this journey.  The way God has placed in my life someone who made this trek before me and another new friend to walk this road right along with me.  I am so thankful for all of these people in my life.  People who know my heart and who help to keep me going. 

You inspire me

Dear Cooper,
Every February for the past six years I've stood in the Kelly Elementary gym and watched kids run around in a big circle for fifteen minutes at a time.  The yearly fundraiser is a big deal at school.  So big that in order to view the event one must arrive thirty minutes early to find parking.  The standing room only event is well attended.  You can't imagine how many people want to watch their kiddos run around for fifteen minutes.

Today was no different, except it was.  Kinley and I arrived early and waited for your turn to show off your endurance skills.  You came out strong, passing lots of kids as you made your way around the gym for the first five minutes.  You barely slowed to wave as you passed us on each lap but we did get a little wave.  Pappy was there and we chatted while you ran.  Suddenly, I looked up and there you were, hand in hand, with your friend G.  You slowed to his pace and encouraged him lap after lap around the gym.

And with tears in my eyes I watched as you smiled from ear to ear, so happy to be sharing Dragon Dash with your buddy.   I don't know who has benefitted more from your friendship, you or G.  I don't know how long you've been eating a second breakfast at school just so G would have someone to sit with him.  I don't know what draws you to him.  But I do know this - I could not have been more proud of you today.  Your heart for others, especially G, is something so, so special.  And you showed other kids and even other parents just what it means to be a friend. You inspire me and set an example for many others.  When Daddy asked you about Dragon Dash tonight you told him about running with G.  He asked why you did that, why you ran with him.  You answered so simply, "Because I thought it was the right thing to do."  Cooper,  I pray that no matter what you do or what you become in this life that you always choose the right thing; that you will always be a good friend; and that you will always, always, remember how much I love you.