My kids were really looking forward to visiting my aunt and uncle in East Texas; not only would they get another opportunity to see Heather's kids, but they also knew that Rick and Nancy had a pool and they could not wait to swim. Of course, when we arrived Saturday afternoon (after having to make a slight detour when GPS took us to closed road-that-is-currently-a-river), there was rain and thunder and lightning.
No worries though. They made themselves right at home with the known cousins (Heather's kids) and the new cousins (Paul's kids). When the lightning and thunder stopped, the boys disappeared outside to swing by the beaver pond, hunt for grubs, jump on the trampoline, and generally get muddy.
Fifteen kids at dinner was an adventure!
After dinner the 7-and-under crowd put on an impromptu talent show. They spent most of the time arguing about who was dancing where and what music should be playing, but it was certainly, uh, entertaining. There is something appealing about young kids with absolutely no qualms or inhibitions about performing to a crowd.
After the performances, Uncle Rick fired up the outside fire-pit for the first time this year so the kids (and adults) could have s'mores. What a treat!
Nellie is getting used to this whole "grandpa" thing, and Uncle Rick was super patient with her sticky hands getting on his pants.
Thane sure does love a good fire. He also loves food. You can imagine how much he likes s'mores.
There were plenty of sleeping spaces, but Thane spied this alcove/bench in one of the bedrooms and begged to be able to sleep there. Sure kid, whatever floats your boat.
Sunday morning was Mother's Day. It was such a treat to be able to spend the day with my kids and with extended family who were kind of like extra parents and siblings growing up.
Church started at 9 am, and we miraculously managed to get all these people there on time! All the kids except Bryce had a cousin or two with whom to attend class (and Aunt Nancy taught Bryce's class). The Relief Society lesson consisted of a medley of videos about the importance of motherhood. I bawled through most of them, but they really made me stop and ponder my feelings about being a mother. Later that night I posted some of my thoughts on Facebook:
"Being a mother is heart-filling and heart-wrenching. It breaks me and builds me. It exposes and lays bear all my weaknesses, and opens my eyes to reservoirs of strength and courage. It's exhausting and exhilarating. It brings me to my knees and reminds me of my constant need for grace and forgiveness. Motherhood is hard, wonderful, messy, exciting, tedious, and rewarding.
For the past two weeks, as we've been road tripping and staying with a variety of family and friends, one thing that has really stood out to me is how we're all in this together. We're navigating this thing called life and parenting; we struggle, we make mistakes, we have triumphs, we celebrate successes, we cry, we worry, and we laugh. We are so much more similar than we are different.
I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a mother to these five fantastic children. I'm also grateful for all those who support and lift me on this journey.
To friends and family everywhere, I say "Thank You." Your influence is noticed, appreciated, and treasured."
For the past two weeks, as we've been road tripping and staying with a variety of family and friends, one thing that has really stood out to me is how we're all in this together. We're navigating this thing called life and parenting; we struggle, we make mistakes, we have triumphs, we celebrate successes, we cry, we worry, and we laugh. We are so much more similar than we are different.
I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a mother to these five fantastic children. I'm also grateful for all those who support and lift me on this journey.
To friends and family everywhere, I say "Thank You." Your influence is noticed, appreciated, and treasured."
After church, we changed quickly, and the kids picked right up where they'd left off on Saturday night. Thane, Taytum, and Hudson became the three amigos and were always out wandering and exploring.
I was surprised, grateful, and humbled to get a few Mother's Day gifts. Nancy, Carly, and Heather each had a small gift for me, and Heather went above and beyond by coordinating with my kids to help them get me a gift.
We were even more spoiled by the dinner that the men cooked: mashed potatoes and Prime Tri-tip. They even made lava cake for dessert! It was not fun, however, when it was time for Christie and Heather and her family to leave. Those long-term good-byes really stink.
Monday morning, this was our view from our apartment lodgings. The kids knew this was finally the day for swimming.
I pulled my mean-mom card, however, and made them practice their instruments before they were allowed to swim. The boys got to practice on a baby grand piano! Not too shabby!
Soon they'd completed their tasks and were ready for sunscreen and water. After applying their sunscreen, Aunt Nancy gave them popsicles while they waited for the sunscreen to take effect.
Thane, Graham, and Nellie chose the prime seats from which to eat.
And then they swam and swam. Bryce didn't swim as long as the other kids. Ever since we got to Texas, allergies have been kicking his booty. It's tough for him to be outside for long. Poor kid.
They took a break for lunch, then Rheagan, Porter, and Crew joined the swim party, they swam more. Nellie loved "taking care" of Crew. She's such a baby lover. Thane was really nervous about going down the water slide, but by the end of the day was sliding without hesitation.
They ended the day exhausted, a little sun burnt, and oh-so-happy. It didn't hurt that they had pizza and banana cake for dinner. Every kid was in bed by 7:30, and the younger three were all asleep by 7:40.
Thursday morning we got up, packed up, had breakfast and said sad good-byes. Seriously, the good-byes are one of the hardest parts of these visits.
This good-bye was extra hard for a few reasons. One of which is that I grew up with these people. For the first 18 years of my life, I saw them almost constantly. Since then, I've seen them only rarely. That's a hard reality.
One of the things I loved about our visit to Bullard was reconnecting with my cousin Paul. We went to Kindergarten through 12th grade together, so we have a lot of shared history. Paul has a brilliant mind. You know I love a good discussion/debate, and Paul can "discuss" with the best of them. Honestly, he can completely cream me in almost any subject, but it's intellectually invigorating to talk with him. More than anything though, I enjoyed seeing how much he loves and cares for his four kids.
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