We are back home after being gone for a whole month! Phew! We had a great time out east visiting family, celebrating Christmas, New Years, and Seth's birthday, and spending oodles of quality time with the grandparents...but, boy oh boy, is it ever good to be home!
Caring for the boys, around the clock, without Scott (as he flew back home for 2+ weeks) was challenging and exhausting. Yes, I did have help from family and the boys were troopers with going back and forth between my parents' houses, but it still required a huge amount of daily energy to make all the decisions alone and being the only disciplinarian day in and day out was mentally draining. It made me very appreciative and grateful for the great dad that Scott is to the boys and the unified team that we are when we're together. There were a lot of heavy things amongst some family members that happened while we were home as well and I felt a little lonely processing it alone. It made me keenly aware of the emotional support I am used to receiving from Scott's attentive ear and quiet affirmation. It made me thankful.
I returned home to an awesome surprise. Not only had Scott repaired and painted the two leaky (and moldy) ceilings and painted the kitchen, office, playroom, and our bedroom...BUT...he also stained and finished the floors in the office and playroom...AND....put in a new shower as well as BUILT a closet in our bedroom. I was in tears!! Our house is finally coming together and I can finally think about purchasing items to start decorating! Hooray (it's only been 4 years)!
All in all, the trip out east was worth it. There were hard and trying moments that made me want to come home early like when Caleb got severe croup and ended up in the ER struggling to breathe. But there were also moments that brought great joy and satisfaction like seeing my kids growing closer to my parents and watching them connect with their cousins and aunts and uncles. That's the whole point of these extended visits...I want my family to know my kids and I want my kids to have lots of memories with my family. When I keep these goals at the forefront of my mind than I cannot help but feel blessed that I have a husband that goes above and beyond to make those things happen and a family that excitedly welcomes us into their homes and graciously accommodates us.
