Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Michigan Mishmash

It's been almost one week since coming home from our two-weeks in Michigan. We're back in the saddle. Into the swing of things. Returning to our routine. Finding some normalcy. Whatever you want to call it.
It's one of those things that seems like we were just there yesterday and at the same time seems like it's been weeks and weeks since we've seen extended family.

Strange how that happens.
Two weeks away from home - from personal space that I love and from routine that my eldest craves - could have seemed like an eternity. Instead, it whizzed by. Days were full of anything and everything and suddenly it had been 13 days and it was time to pack and head home.

Strange how that happens.
For two weeks, my kids received love and attention and gifts in incredible amounts. My dad was willing to wrestle and play soccer at the drop of a hat. My mom was ready to play games and read books even if she was in the middle of something. Interesting, but I sure don't remember my parents doing those things for me, even when I produced my best whine.

Strange how that happens.
I grew up living in the same house. Same neighbors. Same friends. I grew up living in the same house with the same neighbors that are still living there and are still great friends. And now, each of us has three kids all within months of each other.

Strange how that happens.
My kids enjoyed time with grandparents and great-grandparents on both sides of the family. They have no idea how fortunate they are! And, my kids have no idea just how young their Grandpa and Grandma are, hence they are still very un-grandparent-like in their energy and enthusiasm.

I remember rolling my eyes as a kid when my parents would put me on display for my grandparents and ask me to recite verses, list off states and capitols, or sing the newest ditty from school. The thing is, I found myself doing the same thing (several times) to my boys! 

Strange how that happens.
My mom has never been one to get uptight and riled about little things. She's pretty good and rolling with the flow and being the peacemaker for most situations. But (there's always a "but), she was particular on how we decorated Christmas cookies. "Don't pile up too much junk one cookie!" "You don't need a pound of sugar decorations added to an already sugary sugar cookie!" When my boys decorated cookies there was no such admonition.

Strange how that happens.
Long walks outside, wiggly and furry pets, loud construction sites, and hide and seek... the simple everyday-kind-of-things seemed so much more fun and exciting simply because we were with extended family.

Strange how that happens.
So, it's been almost one week since coming home from our two-weeks in Michigan.

I miss my parents and will never ever get used to saying goodbye. I wish my boys could play with their cousins every week rather than a couple of times a year. I think it would be a blessing beyond measure for my kids to grow up knowing their great-grandparents in a deep and personal way.

But even though these things aren't in my day-to-day reality, I can honestly say I am happy and content to be home. I really am.

Strange how that happens.

3 comments:

  1. What is that animal that Micah is holding? It looks like an opossum, ew, but I can't figure out why he would be holding one!!
    Okay, sorry to be sidetracked! But yes, to everything, I often find myself thinking many of these same exact things...so strange how things stay the same, but they change. So thankful that God doesn't change & that He is gracious in changing me!

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  2. Oh Sarah, I'm so glad you were able to spend two wonderful weeks at home with your family! I know how special that time was for you.

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  3. Beautiful post, Sarah. This has probably been one of the hardest things for me in moving away. Sad that some things stay the same without me there...and sad that some things change without me there. And yet, I agree with you...I am so happy here where God has placed us. And so very very thankful that God has placed you here too!!!

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