Rick and I celebrated 23 years of marriage. In typical fashion, our time together had to be rearranged because of other commitments and then was interrupted by calls from his work. But since there were also calls from my volunteer opportunities, I won't complain. We've always said our marriage works because we understand one another. By the way X-Men First Class was a great movie.
Our anniversary was also one month before Hunter comes home from his mission for the LDS Church in Montana. He has done an amazing job serving the people in Montana and Central Wyoming and teaching them of Christ. More important, he has set an awesome example for his younger brothers and sisters. I know how hard it is to be the oldest and he fills those shoes quite well.
It was also a year ago on our anniversary that I started this blog. I wanted to document the ups and downs of our family. Little did I know what was to come.
Then there was the big anniversary on Sunday - one year since our house burned down. Hunter wrote an incredible blog post for his mission summarizing our experience over the last year. Since I cannot add anything to it, I would recommend that you read The Very Jaws of Hell. This is also the first time he has really shared his feelings. I found it to be a very powerful testimony of God's love for all his children.
Obviously, a lot has changed for our family this last year. For me the biggest change is that I am no longer employed outside the home. My friends and acquaintances thought that this would be a hard adjustment for me. I think even my family was a little concerned. I can honestly say I am adjusting just fine.
The best thing about not working outside the home is the time I am able to spend with my children. By being at home, I get to referee the occasional fights, listen to the whining of I'm bored, play chauffeur and chaperone social events. Have I mentioned how much I love being a party planner? So this works out well.
I also am here to help with the still present panic attacks. I don't know how my children would have dealt with the recent fire in Toquerville where two homes were destroyed that was clearly visible from our home, when even the smell of smoke will put them in tears until the source is identified. In this case, I was able to take them all to St. George where we went to lunch at Chuck-A-Rama and spent the afternoon playing tourist. We were able to talk about what was happening in our "backyard" in a non-threatening environment and they were all steadier by the time we returned home.
I also am here to help with the still present panic attacks. I don't know how my children would have dealt with the recent fire in Toquerville where two homes were destroyed that was clearly visible from our home, when even the smell of smoke will put them in tears until the source is identified. In this case, I was able to take them all to St. George where we went to lunch at Chuck-A-Rama and spent the afternoon playing tourist. We were able to talk about what was happening in our "backyard" in a non-threatening environment and they were all steadier by the time we returned home.
But the thing I enjoy most by being a stay-at-home are the days like today: running errands with Wil and had lunch together just the two of us, helping Jon do laundry and then make a dish for Scouts, listening to the girls singing and doing their hair and picking out clothes as they got ready to go to a movie with Grandma. I enjoy hearing them practice the piano and Lela play her violin; having the time to really listen to stories from swim practice and Emily's book reports.
Life is moving at a slower pace for me these days and I wouldn't wish for it to be any other way.
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