Summer is over way too soon!!!

I can’t begin to tell you how amazing my summer was! In an effort not to speak for the kids or Curt (who seemed more distressed this summer without us nearby), I am going to give you a few of my personal highlights!

Friends/Family- To let your guard down again and have a constant stream of people who love you around, was truly the most comforting piece of being in CO. We were so busy visiting and kids on overnight sleepovers that it was hard to take in the beginning. It’s just not something we have had for any length of time in several years. The kids basking in the glow of the grandparents is all I had hoped it would be. They truly had an amazing summer with family and friends eager to be with them and entertain them. Some friends I had to bribe over with food and alcohol (that would be the “hood”), but cooking was fun and the entertainment worth the effort!

Our house- It’s been two years since we have lived in our house. That’s a long time, but the time away has made me yearn for space and a place to call my own. I could leave clothes sorted in piles and NO ONE moved them!!! The kids enjoyed more freedom to play outside alone. I even let them play in the front alone, which is new from when we moved out of the house. Although we only had part our things moved back in, we tried to make it as “homey” as possible for our 6 week stay in it. And, above all, the kitchen! Some one you have better, bigger and more sleek kitchens, I realize this, but for me…this was the climactic moment I have been waiting for for years. I truly enjoyed it and cooking with the girls was so much fun as well.

Domestic chores- I know, it sounds preposterous, but I truly enjoyed claiming my house to myself. Knowing where the laundry is, which child wasn’t doing their laundry chores, etc. Cleaning our new kitchen was a blast. So much counter space to wipe off and the mess on the stove was because I was COOKING! Ahh, simple pleasures I have missed. The grass is always greener, my friends, always…

Driving- it’s such a simple task. Decide where we need to go, get to the car, get in and off we go! No waiting for someone, wondering if the car needs gas, or having to watch what I say to friends in the car (in case the driver were to be listening).

Girlfriends- what a good place to be, to be with “your kind!” By that I mean, parents that parent similarly, drink similar amounts (on all occasions) and know how to make your day! I miss their husbands as much as them, as the combinations of us plus our spouses is what makes the picture complete…completely hysterically dysfunctional, but complete all the same!

Now, in all fairness, there were a few moments of frustration in CO where I could see how Manila has spoiled me in ways I hadn’t noticed…

Grocery Shopping- oh my gosh, this the most awful thing to do with my 3 kids…I found it painful and frustrating. I rarely take kids with me here, so before we move home, we have to make a plan for how grocery shopping can become pain-free.

Grandparents- oh they love their grandkids…but the grandkids manipulate and maneuver themselves into getting whatever they want. We have been working hard to “undo” all the spoiling these past few weeks.

What have we been up to since? Well, the girls began school. Aleah is now a 2nd grader and Ellery, oh my, she is now in Kindergarten. She seems to be doing well, but hasn’t gotten her groove back from being home this summer. I am waiting for the big blue eyes to come home giggling over something hilarious that happened at school. When that happens, I know she is back! Aleah…oh, our most angelic one…has been having fits of deception and deviousness. I think she may have enjoyed the states so much, she is having a tougher time adjusting. Like Elle, she is slowly coming out of her gloom/attitude. My take on it is that she needs some firm arms to keep her centered. It so happens Curt and I are paying close attention to her this last week, watching her every move and we think…and hope…she is straightening up.

We have celebrated my birthday, as well as Curt’s and are preparing for the magical, though truly heart wrenching, baby Jones’ 1st birthday on Thursday! I cannot believe he is going to be one!

As far as Curt and I…well, yesterday was my first “normal” feeling day since we have been back. It sure does take awhile to start enjoying the things Manila has to offer and stop being angry you are missing all the “nice, clean and simple things” in the states. Julie seems to have her groove back!! Curt, well, I don’t know about him. Ridiculous hours, little family time and a high stress level isn’t treating him as well. We are holding out hope that the tide will shift a bit at work and we will see him during the week as well. We can all hope!