Things are beginning to settle in here now after being home for almost 2 weeks. If there is one thing I’ve realized, it is that our family unit needs each other…especially Jim! I need Jim. This has been a trying time and although it’s absolutely worth it, we are all ready for Jim and Karolina to come HOME. I can’t believe we still have 2 weeks. Time has never moved so slowly.
That being said, we are keeping busy with summer fun, reading, hiking, swimming and playing outside. This past weekend was a big event. Gabriel served at the monastery for the feast of Corpus Christi. It was a very special honor, and one that he rehearsed and mentally prepared for all week. In addition to his normal altar serving duties, he accompanied Father, and the Knights of Columbus for the outdoor procession of the Blessed Sacrament. He did a beautiful job!
Yesterday we went for a lovely hike, got some exercise and enjoyed the sunshine:
No matter what we do though, there are 2 pieces missing, a hole in our activities and fun as a family. This year has been eye-opening for me in numerous ways, and the latest has been Jim’s presence. I have renewed respect for military families, single parents, and those who have to “hold down the fort” and keep it together by themselves. Especially being pregnant and chronically fatigued, I’ve definitely had some low moments lately. Although the fruit of it has been, that it’s offered some fresh prayer opportunities!
The other hole is a literal one. We have officially had our first hole-in-the-wall accident. Ugh. Garrett fell on the kitchen table chair, knocked it into the wall, and proceeded to drive a deep round hole clear through the drywall (fyi: that was one of the “low moments” I mentioned). Lol. Thankfully he was fine, but the wall is not. I don’t even know how one goes about repairing a giant hole like that. Once again, Jim’s handyman skills are appreciated! Thankfully he said it wasn’t a big deal and can be easily fixed, once our Tim Jim “The Tool Man” Taylor returns home.:)
Lastly, to lodge one more quasi-complaint, Thursday is Karolina’s birthday and there is a hole in my heart that we won’t be together to celebrate it. I am well aware of the HUGE blessing that Jim will be physically with her, that we can Skype, and that she is in the loving embrace of our family in spirit, but I still wish she was actually home to celebrate. Jim ordered a one-sheet cake in Warsaw, meanwhile I will be making cupcakes here, and together we will sing “Happy Birthday” to our baby girl via the internet. Her FIRST birthday, I can hardly believe it!:) My arms ache to hold her again and have her brothers finally meet her!
Oh wait, my “one more complaint” statement was premature. 😉 Lol. Independence Day weekend is coming up…ahhh!! I’m planning the menu, a bit begrudgingly, because normally I cater food choices around what Jim likes and that will be another hole. However, it does come with a silver lining: it will be the lead-in to the LAST WEEK our duo will be missing, AND, my dad is finally able to eat some solid food again!! This is a MAJOR accomplishment! So, I know it will be a grand weekend, and I am excited to gather and have a bit of normalcy as he is doing better. Finally, when it comes to menu items, don’t forget Taste of Home website. WOW! Great resource for tons of recipes.
Click here for the 4th of July page. Yum-o!
Anonymous says
Hang in there! It'll all be so worth it :). As for the 4th, last year I found a super fun treat where you use marshmallows to make bald eagles! If you want the recipe (the boys could have fun making them), just let me know on facebook etc. Oh, and drywall? Not that hard to fix 🙂 Soon you'll all be together, very soon!
Gosia says
I can't believe that we were in Poland at the same time (we just got back home on Thursday June 30th), and our court was also in Bedzin!!!
I wouldn't be surprised if we also had the same judges 🙂
Congratulations!
Gosia
Heidi says
What an exciting accomplishment for Gabriel!