road trip

I have now lived in WV for 3 weeks. To say this transition has been easy would be the understatement of the year. I’ve changed homes, changed surroundings, and taken up parenting solo.

While I know (at least I hope I do) that once husband is able to make the move as well things will be better, easier, and hopefully more enjoyable I’m left wondering how long before I really feel at home?

I love the new house, the extra space is wonderful. The snow and cold weather….I could live without. Regardless, this is home and being able to spend time with family has been a wonderful addition to our lives.

I’ve started playing scrabble at least once a week with my aunt. I have daily visits (usually) from my closest friend and am able to spend time with my mother just about any time I wish.

Even with all this visiting the house still feels empty and less lively than it should. The only way to remedy this situation is to have husband here with us and since that can’t happen just yet I believe it’s time for a beach trip. It has been almost a month since I’ve heard the waves beat against the shore or watched the sun disappear behind the sand and water. It’s been almost a month since husband has been able to hug on the kids or me for that matter.

Yep, time for a beach trip. Honestly, is there anything better? Maybe…just maybe the weather will be wonderful and my beach bum babies can run along the shoreline and collect shells to bring back with us since you know…now I’ll be one of those terrible dreaded tourists. We leave next week!

And just a few quotes I’ve been reading:

You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once. ~Polish Proverb

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.

I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I'd do more hugging and less tugging.

~Diane Loomans, from "If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again"

Kids spell love T-I-M-E. ~John Crudele

If you want your children to improve, let them overhear the nice things you say about them to others. ~Haim Ginott

What a child doesn't receive he can seldom later give. ~P.D. James, Time to Be in Earnest

I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.~ Sigmund Freud

It is a wise father that knows his own child.
~William Shakespeare

clarity

There are times in this world in which we learn those that are suppose to love us, do not. There are days in which words cut so deeply that the wounds can never heal. Times in which we realize that blood is not always thicker than water and days in which the heart breaks into uncountable numbers.

It is upon these days that we learn the most about those that truly love us, those that do not, and about ourselves. It is these days that test our deepest strength and we often find that those items laying heavy on our heart are answered in a way to allow us to pass the burden on and move forward.

Sometimes the sharpest tongues and hurtful comments allow for a clarity once never allowed. While the pain may linger the spirit is free knowing that those most important love you regardless of faults and those that don't, well...never really cared enough to truly know you in the first place.

Acceptance is key but not so difficult once clarity is given.

a father's love

My girls have begun to really miss their father. They miss his presence as they prepare for bed, they miss his evening stories, his willingness to throw them and wrestle with them. They miss knowing he will be apart of each day.

Ireland has began to cry at night for her father and upon talking to him instantly informs him she needs and wants to see him.

While the sadness my children are now feeling breaks my heart I am also empowered by their relationship with their father. His love for them is apparent and their's for him is just as overwhelming.

I find this relationship mesmorizing. My girls will learn much about men and relationships from their father. He will be the one to mold what is expected from future boyfriends. He will be the one to give them unremarkable strength,self confidence, and self worth.

Often a girl's relationship with their mother becomes strained as they enter those dreaded teenage years and a father's love, support, understanding, and guiding hand becomes a remarkable force as it hopefully has always been.

I am grateful because I know that while my husband is a remarkable spouse his fathering is the stuff of dreams. He loves with his whole heart and gives it all to his children and wife. He leaves us knowing that while miles may seperate us at the moment, his love will remain a constant within our lives. He may be living hours away but each day he makes the effort to be involved in our lives and remind his children that he loves, cares, and thinks of them each and every day.

Thank you husband of mine, your family loves you so very much!

arrival

Well, I've made it to WV. Currently enjoying some mountain rain and cooler temps. It's very strange to not hear the ocean each day or drive past the church on my outings. It's an adjustment...one we are all working towards.

Husband left yesterday and my heart already misses him terribly. The hardest part about this move is knowing we aren't going to be together for several months.

I would love to write more and after my internet connection is up and running I will but for now just know we have made it and things are going well.


Also, my father-in-law is doing really well and hopefully will be out of the hospital within a couple days. Please keep him in your prayers as recovery continues.

I leave you with longings for my husband and fresh ocean air but enjoying seeing all the trees through my windows.