Sad

It comes and goes. When we first moved here it was an adventure. I'll admit the adventure is gone and in the process we have found many wonderful places in our area we love.

It was never my intention to settle here permanently. Yet, here we are rapidly approaching the 10 year anniversary of breaking ground on our house. Unbelievable. It was always in our long term plan to return closer to our family before the kids started school. But, it just isn't happening for us.

I'm still sad every time we leave Minnesota behind. When we get in the car and drive away from our family, I feel like a piece of my heart has been left behind.

I'm sad when I go to a school/church/community event and I see other families together. Grandparents and cousins cheering a 5 year old at a turtle paced tee ball game have reduced me to tears at least one time this year (will admit, baby hormones were potentially involved here).

I'm sad when I know I'm missing important family events. This weekend was a bridal shower for my sister in law to be. I wanted to attend. Badly. However the distance is too great for a weekend trip. Other times we have missed graduations, birthdays, confirmations, and other celebrations. Everyone is so understanding. Everyone knows we can't be there. When we can make it, people are so appreciative.

We've built ourselves a great little community. Our kids happily call several women at church "grandma" - Relationships that delight both my children and the "grandmas". We have had "aunties" and an " uncle" step in for events when the need arises.

The grandparents do a great job of making events when possible- even moving around busy schedules to attend pumpkin outings with preschoolers. Even though we are hundreds of miles away, our children have managed to see their grandparents once a month for their entire first year of life (still a work in progress).

Yet, I'm still sad. I still long for my family to be available and to be more involved with then. As the holidays approach, it's harder to be away from them. I will most likely miss the annual lefse cook with my mom and auntA. I am missing more of my niece's first year than should be allowed. When your sister has a child, you should be able to kiss the baby's cheeks at least on a weekly basis, more if possible.

Waiting for the right opportunity is hard....


Sent from my iPhone

Marathon weekend

Our friends from the cities were in town last weekend so Chris could run the in the St. Louis rock n roll marathon. As a bonus, he brings my best friend and their kids when he comes for running.

They arrived Friday afternoon and we just relaxed and had some dinner.

When Saturday morning rolled around, we hit up one if the kids' favorite places : the magic house!

Gemma Kicking

Boeing family day

Every few years, Boeing opens its doors for a family event. The whole family is invited for a day of looking at airplanes and viewing all kinds of airplane production stuff. We also got to see John's office.

Several months ago, when the date for the event was released, we invited John's dad to attend with us. We were so pleased he was able to make the trip and join us for Family Day!

We wandered around for a long time - the kids surpassed my expectations of their tolerance. There was a lot of walking and lots of technical explanations occurring. Even Gemma was on her best behavior, forgoing two naps and delaying her eating times without complaint.

After 4 fun hours, standing in the sun and wind, this mama decided meltdowns were imminent and we headed home.

Sadly, no photography is allowed during the event for security reasons. So the only picture I have to share are part of William and Amelia's fleet of paper airplanes inspired by the family event.

My girl

Hold my hand mom.

Oh my big girl Amelia. She has had a year of hard changes in our family. She's not the baby. Her best buddy, William, started kindergarten. Mama is distracted by the demands of a new baby, working and keeping up with household responsibilities. I'd be lying if I said its been easy. We've been working through a rough patch with her.

Yet, when I step back and look at all the change and upheaval in her life, I can't blame her for being a little more demanding than usual. A little more stubborn than usual. A little more sassy than usual.

So yes. Yes, I'll hold your hand big girl. Now and always - as long as you want me to. Just to remember the sweetness you are capable of.

Fall party!

William had a fall party at school on Thursday and we were able to arrange our schedules for the mama to attend! Two days in a row at school for the big boy made for a happy mama!

Gemma tooth 1 &2

I've been able to feel the little ridges in her mouth for about 3 days and today I can see them without use of a flashlight.  It is official: we have teeth!

Gemma's 1 &2 tooth: 10/10/12