week of 'last time' for a while #3

We are on a countdown now of not months or weeks - but days.

Jake and Chance came home with us last night and it was so fun because it being so unexpected.

Monopoly. Jumping in Leaves. Chalkwriting. Cat chasing.

Then as an even bigger surprise, the boys got to spend the night.

Books with flashlights. Pajamas that hug their cute little bods. Hugs with us all.

Nate's recent Food Revolution has brought about changes with the boy's food too.

He is focusing on life long food choices that will begin to expose them to new foods, healthier whole foods, and as many plant based decisions that can be squeezed onto one plate.

Nate and the boys actually ate breakfast at home, a wholesome balance of yummy and nutrious, instead of them going to school and eating simple sugars with extra carbohydrates on the side, to become a sugar. I am very proud of the choices that our family are making - as a family.

So, in the remaining days full of XOXOXOX - always in private,

I look forward, always forward to August.

week of 'last time' for a while #2

Another last today for awhile - church as a family.

We attended Unity today with all of Nate's family and my mom. The church wanted to offer Nate and the family a blessing of love and safety - it was beautiful. Of course I got a bit emotional (nothing new about that) and took in every word of the blessing. The song was, "I behold the Christ in you" and that song is always so reassuring about a perfect love that is in us and is reflected to the world.

After the church service, we were honored with a vegetarian Potluck! Go figure, what church goes to such lengths to ensure that everyone is satisfied in a healthy way. I felt particularly special thanks to our church family.

Of course we taught Sunday School today and made Tibetian prayer flags, that with each movement of the wispy layers, a prayer is sent out. Jakes prayer included: the biggest burrito in the world, a scorpian ... I prompted him to offer a prayer for his Dad while he was away... so he included a picture of himself, Nate and Chance. Elizabeth and Rachel stayed with the little ones in the Nursery. The whole morning was wonderful - a wonderful way to send Nate off with a prayer for protection and a hug of kindness.

week of 'last time' for a while

Well, we are down to a week plus a few days.

Nate will be leaving for Afganistan in 10 days -and- I didn't even know how to spell Afganistan until today.

As time goes by faster than I can keep up, I feel the need to document a few 'last time' for a while.

This morning, all is quiet, no one has pattered down the 96 year old wooden steps to find a couch, warm blanket and a TV full of cartoons and still no one has asked, "What are we doing today?" and not tried to negotiate for better plan.

Instead we will do what we do on other weekends. Life still as normal.

We are taking the boys to the capital for an indoor picnic.

Elizabeth is finishing up a poster project for her literature class.

All of us are going ice skating, though Jake will be done with it all in 10 minutes, so I will take him to Target.

Nate will probably do some handy manning around the house and I will continue on with organizing the new house and laundry, always laundry.

So, the week of 'last time' feels like a 'normal time' and thats a good feeling.