Christmas break gave me some time to reflect back on the year, particularly the long days I spent with the kids during school breaks and Kevin's hunting trips away. There were many points, especially last summer, when I felt a little crazy being pulled in so many directions when I was home. After being back at school for a few months, that feeling crept back in a little over the holiday break. But I also see how the kids (and I) have grown and changed in such a short time.
So the word of the year for us in 2017 is
together. It's taken me this long to realize what a unique (and short) period of our lives we're in. With the oldest ten and the youngest just turned one, it's one of the very few years with Mary Cate before Nellie is off to do her own thing--or at least old enough to stay home alone. In fact, by the end of the summer I was running to Meijer and leaving Nellie home with Annie and DJ. The time when Nellie and Annie can babysit is in sight.
But this year, we did almost everything together. Sports practices and games? Together. Grocery shopping? Together. Library? Together. Playing at the park? Together. Go to the bank, the hardware store, or stop at school? Together. What made this last summer particularly challenging was keeping two yards tidy and two houses clean and maintained while the Holly Way house was on the market. So we made the 20-minute drive a few times a week to water and trim plants, pull weeds, and sweep floors--together.
I truly loved every minute I spent with the kids this year just being together. Though the days can be long and full, this is time that I know will pass swiftly. Someday remarkably soon, our days together will be fewer and farther between. And that's okay, but for now, I will try my best to appreciate it.
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| Being together. Coincidentally, not pictured is Eddie, who is the actual owner of this water table. |
