Picking up James from the airport--now he's gone back
Every few months people come and go around our house. This past Fall James went to BYUI and was there with newlyweds Kara and Luke. Erika was at Towson. During the Winter James came home for his break. When he came back, Erika transferred to BYUI and she was out there with Kara and Luke.
So Erika's bedroom has been vacant --and clean :)--since January. And now for Spring/Summer James has just gone back to Idaho. [He also traded places with his friend Brian Tate. By coincidence he actually moved into the same bedroom and bed that Brian had in winter and Brian came back home. So Erika knew James' roommates before he did.] James is also trading places with Kara. As he goes out there, she and Luke are driving back to Virginia this semester to live with his grandma while Luke does an internship. When they come visit us they will get James' bedroom (also clean now!)
It seems different whenever someoone is gone. I usually have to think a minute when I set the table or we get in the car to go to church to make sure I have the right number. And it's been nice to see the ones who are away take care of each other. Kara and Luke had Erika and James for dinner on Sundays, and Erika is helping James with things like rides to the store.
Things will change again in a few weeks. Erika is at Rexburg for 2 weeks and then will spend 4 weeks touring 6 cities in Europe with her group. She'll be back here working in May. This fall, for one semester only, we'll have Kara, Luke, Erika and James together at BYUI. After that Kara and Luke graduate and James will go soon on his mission.
Though the older children aren't always home, I still seem to have a full agenda making flight and shuttle plans, helping with things like registration, arranging housing, packing, and more than occasionally moving money from the bank to various worthy causes.
Daniel, Julia and Andrea, though all still at home, each have their own exciting changes to look forward to. I know Daniel is looking forward to taking the car keys by himself to seminary in a few weeks when he gets his license. Julia has started running with some friends and Andrea has started up gymnastics again. Each of these changes in our family mark new growth, and dynamics. It's something I wouldn't trade.
6 comments:
What exciting things are happening for your family. It is good to hear about your older children, as I do not know them. Thanks for sharing.
WOW. That IS a lot to think about. What a good mommy to keep track of it all - and thrive in that sort of coming and going :)
How fun that Kara and her husband and the next older 2 will all be at college together!! They can all keep track of each other!! :) It's fun to hear about everyting that's going on and I wish them all well in their adventures and activities!!
I was just thinking tonight at family prayer that someone was missing. We don't even need a "big car" to get around in most of the time and that feels strange as well. You'd think I'd be used to it by now. How fun to hear about all the incomings and outgoings and how especially fun to see your darling kids growing up straight and true.
What a fun chaotic season in your life, Cheri! And to think I keep telling myself I'll have more time when my kids get older...
This post make me worried for the future. I had better start preparing now!
My Mom always counts place settings at home. She never comes up with the right number, and one extra is usually set. =)
It is fun to hear how busy you are.
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