Still Here

I go back and forth about blogging anymore. In the mountains the isolation seemed to lend itself to the time and purpose for posting pictures and such of our life. Normal has taken on a new definition since returning to Ohio. Although we are finally into somewhat of a routine of life, life is a much fuller and busier thing. That is good though. We wanted to be involved with people and involved in living beyond ourselves, which we are. But with that comes less time for other things. The pieces of the pie can only be cut so thin. Often I walk by my scrapbook boxes (many still unpacked) and think that one day again I'll dig in and scrap. I still have my fabric that is waiting for my creative energy. Books are still stacked to be read. Yes, it is a busy season. I'm not unhappy in my priorities but rather have finally come to understand that the time I'm in now is not forever. I know when the oldest kids were preschoolers I often felt overwhelmed with all the needyness that little children bring with them. I was certain life would always consist of that craziness. But as older, wiser woman assured me, this time did pass. Quin is on the verge of potty training and is too big for his crib. Before long we will once again be a "no diaper" family. He needs to be out of his crib but the search for a free mattress thus far has turned up nothing. (Why is it that there are a million free beds when we don't need one but none when we do?). So life does move on and change. There will be time for other pursuits (old ones even) ahead. We work now though.

My evenings are consumed with working Dragons' games and at Fraze. I enjoy the Fraze work and find being in the middle of the concerts quite a diversion to the other stresses in life. I was pleasantly surprised to run into Bev from Dingleberries who works concessions. Since losing Greg, she has found solstice in the old music and the people. I was glad to see her doing well after such a sudden loss.

Unbelievably, Jot broke his arm again. That is twice in less than a year now. This time the break is up near his shoulder and thankfully only requires a splint. He goes back for a checkup in a couple weeks.

Hannah completed her summer school Health class enabling her to use her school year schedule for other courses. She is signed up to take JROTC. We tried to let her choose all her own classes with minimal counsel from us. Both Tim and I had regrets for the classes we took in school and hoped to avoid that with her. There were things I wish I'd taken but just didn't think I was allowed to, so for Hannah, we want her to explore the interests she has. Personally I think the History and a leadership skills ROTC will offer her will be quite appealing to her. She doesn't mind the uniform requirement which I thought would be the excluding factor. We'll see how she likes it.

Emma and Jot both finished the school year well and are enjoying their more relaxed schedule this summer. Faith is as eager as ever to begin Kindergarten and I'm wondering what life will be like with just one at home. It's been 10 years since there's only been one here :)

Taking pictures is one area that I've also cut back on. Therefore, I don't have any to post at the moment. My computer required reimaging a couple of weeks ago and I've yet to reload any of my pictures. Eventually I'll get to it and appreciate your patience :)