Over a period of 2 months this summer (literally, Bayley left June 26th and Erin, August 26th), we went from 12 people living in the house to just eight. And yes I really do mean 'just' eight, because our household seems profoundly.... smaller.
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| June 26th on our way to deliver Bayley to the airport |
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| July 2nd 5:30 am (which hopefully explains some of the outfits) at the airport to see Kegan off. |
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| July 3rd, preparing to take Rhys to the airport. |
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| August 26th, seeing Erin off to Idaho. |
Just like when they each came into our home as babies, and each one made a huge impact and difference (don't believe anyone who says 'you don't notice another one after three,' a statement that was very clearly first made by someone who never had more than 3 children, because believe me, you notice every single one of them.... even when they come in pairs), we have been deeply affected by the departure and subsequent absence of each in our daily lives. It is an interesting combination of emotions. On the one hand we miss them each so deeply that it can be a physical pain, but on the other, we are extremely proud of the people each of them have become and of what each of them is doing now. So, while we may miss them terribly, we wouldn't wish things to be other than they are. When they were little and we were wrapped up in the daily work of rearing and teaching and feeding and cleaning and cleaning and cleaning ( and hopefully playing and playing and playing), I don't think we thought too hard about it, but weren't we putting in all this work with this future in mind? A future where they could confidently drive or fly all alone across the country (or out of it), where they could do their own laundry and clean up their own messes and prepare their own food and just.... function in the world without us. Isn't it our job as parents to turn our children into responsible people who don't really need us anymore? And it really is great to see them grown and independent, but I miss the little kids who followed me into the bathroom and sat on the floor and waited while I showered too (and kindly handed me a towel when I was finished).
Our little group of eight is adjusting though. We all fit in a much smaller vehicle (that admittedly lacks a DVD player and television). We only need two pews at church. If we order six pizzas, there are actually leftovers and six gallons of milk will get us through a week. Sunday afternoon has become designated letter-writing time, and Monday evenings we are all very anxious to get together to read the emails from our missionaries (and Fionn hardly ever bursts into tears anymore when we do---really, she did the first several times). Studying Spanish has become way more important than it ever previously was in our homeschool, and yes, that is at least partially because the younger siblings are all seriously concerned that nerf gun battles with Kegan and Rhys upon their return will just be that much more difficult if the returned missionaries can openly converse strategy in a tongue no one else can understand. My cell phone is stolen on a regular basis by a little sibling who wants to send Erin a picture of something they made or leave her a bizarre voicemail or who just wants to text her good morning.
And some things haven't really changed too much at all. The tell tale sound of someone pawing through a huge tub of lego is still likely to be heard anytime of day (or night). People still doodle on every available scrap of paper (or styrofoam plate, or plastic cup...._). The stereo still occasionally plays music from Zelda. And an FHE game of charades is every bit as hilarious as ever. Seriously, if you haven't seen Noah act out a zombie unicorn from outer space eating bacon (Noah's bacon), you are really missing out.
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| Our little family this morning. |
