Life has been whirring, buzzing and just plain crazy in the Kunz household this past week. On Thursday last week we meet with my work friends for an after hours hike. Amanda and Greg came and we took Emma (our three year old granddaughter) and Amanda was taking care of our Pastor's four children - so we took them too!
Everyone was so well behaved and we did a 1.6 mile hike up hill and down dale, across narrow paths, down steep hills and all with a stroller and four children in tow. We all had fun and enjoyed the cold water and cookies after. Went home for a very late supper and Emma stayed the night.
What I think I enjoyed most about this little adventure is watching how well Amanda handled all five children at times. She is calm, in control and very patient with the children but not afraid to be stern if she thinks they are not paying attention or may injure themselves. It was so funny to hear the children call her Miss Amanda but eventually we all began calling her that!
The morning after the hike (Friday) Emma had ordered pancakes for breakfast and even though Amanda was tired from a busy week and had to be alert later that day for the drive in movie - she promised Emma she would get up and make them. Once again, I found myself watching Amanda and realizing just how mature she had become. She has never really been like the typical teenager who lays in bed for hours. She just decides to set her alarm for 8 hours after she lays down. It seems to me that she has already discovered how precious little time we have to do the things we need to accomplish and she doesn't intend to waste any time sleeping it away!
Friday evening, Amanda had promised Scarlett, one of the children she looks after, a trip to the drive in with her sister Bella for Scarlett's birthday. Minions was showing for the second evening and I told Amanda I would keep her company as it is a 90+ minute drive to Whidbey Island for the Blue Fox Drive In. We left at about 6:30pm and once again I stood back to admire how Amanda had arranged everything with the parents, including pillows and warm clothes, figured out what chairs we needed to take and what time we needed to be there. When we finally arrived, after several calls from the back seat of, "Are we there yet?" "Is it much longer?" and then the dreaded one as we waited in line in the middle of nowhere, "I really need to go to the bathroom!" We waited and waited and the Drive In already looked full, but as we inched forward in line and eventually onto the Drive In property - we realized they were squeezing cars in everywhere. As we got close to the front of the line, a full grown man, dressed as a Minion, with thick glasses on - put a cone out in the car two places in front of us. That cone signalled the fact that we would not be making it "inside" the drive in but would have to park alongside the fence and watch through the metal diamonds of said fence.
Everything came to a standstill for a while and Scarlett begin to do the "potty dance" in the back seat. I was driving, so Amanda decided this little girl needed to get into the Drive In whether or not we paid. Once again, taking full control, she took Scarlett out of the car and went up to the gentlemen who were organizing the parking arrangements for those of us in line, and explained she would have to get this little girl to the bathroom. They let her through and meanwhile I parked the car.
When Amanda came back, she explained the line for drinks and goodies was so long - she needed to take the girls and go and wait because she feared the movie would start before she got them something to eat. I could hardly believe it - we had arrived an hour before the movie would start but it took her one hour and fifteen minutes before she came back with two boxes of things for us to enjoy while watching the movie. While she had been waiting in line and making new friends, I had been preparing the car, laying down the back seats, laying out blankets to lay on and cover up with and getting chairs out for Amanda and I. The girls had a makeshift bed in the car and Amanda and I had blankets and seats outside. Let the show begin! It was a fun little movie and over before I knew it, just after 11pm. Now another trip to the toilet before we could begin the long drive home. Amanda went with the girls while I packed up and decided not to go because when I was done - the line was huge.
We left and drove to the Safeway in Oak Harbor, where I visited a little more civilized facility and then came out to see Amanda had parked had front headlights on but the back lights were out completely. Nothing we did seemed to resolve the situation. The only place that was nearby was Walmart and I was sure there would be nobody in automotive to help two maidens in distress who had not a clue about how to figure out what was wrong. We decided to drive on and be careful. As we were driving - it looked like our front lights were playing up too, but Amanda turned them on and off and they seemed to be working only very dim. Amanda insisted on driving, as she knew I was tired and I made sure we had everything ready in case we got pulled over, which of course we did! The Highway Patrolman stopped us just about half mile before we got on I5 to tell us we had a headlight out and no rear lights. We told him we knew but had to get home. I think he saw our two sleeping beauties in the back and just told us to be careful and make sure we put our hazard lights on so that we could be seen. He let us go without a ticket and Amanda handled the whole situation so calmly and professionally - I was so impressed watching her confidently talking to the Patrolman.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday was the first time I had Callum and Emma together as their Mummy had to go back to work. They are such great kids and Amanda helped me (when she wasn't at work) and so did Greg when he came home from work - but it was a very busy and tiring few days. Monday evening Alastair and his girlfriend came over for dinner and our house was full again. Did I mention that we were becoming Empty Nesters but I don't think our children intend to allow that? On Tuesday we all decided to have a lazy evening at home and then Wednesday hit!
Wednesday was the day Amanda was to talk to her Advisor about classes at Hawaii Pacific University and she was on the phone for over an hour and a half. Shortly after that - I decided we should book our flights for Hawaii in August and after that was all said and done, Amanda's landlord in Hawaii decided to call. He was very chatty and Amanda decided to put him on speaker phone so I could hear. I have to say, I am thanking God for him. He seems like an older man, who is a dentist and so is his wife. They have a daughter who is going to take over the dental practise when she is done with her schooling, on the mainland, and family they help with housing etc. too. He is so sweet and also concerned that Amanda takes time to study. He insisted no parties and no visitors after 9pm. He even offered for him and his wife to come and pick her up from the airport. When Amanda explained that we were going out with her and so she wouldn't need a ride - he seemed excited that he was going to get to meet us.
The rest of the week has been busy with life in general. I got to celebrate with Deambra over some great news and chat for over an hour with Natasha as we discussed the birth of Sutton in September. Today I asked Greg and Amanda to work on getting her old Prius ready to sell. They cleaned it, wiped off all the chalk pen from the windows, that announced her graduation, and after Amanda went to work - Greg vacuumed and emptied it out. I wanted to try and sell it now because I thought it might take a while and the money we would get would help towards our trip. Boy, was I wrong! Almost as soon as I posted the car, we were inundated with calls and promises of cash in hand and buyers that wanted it. We sold the car within two hours!
Amanda was at work while all this happened. I text her to call us when she got off work and meet us out for supper. It has been almost 90 degrees here today and way too hot to cook. We have had Callum and Emma again today too and so I was ready for no work and some AC! When we told Amanda we had sold her car she immediately became sad. I felt so bad - I guess I should have waited but I assured her that we could share my car and she would still be able to get out and about. Suddenly the tears began to flow and she finally managed to gather herself together enough to tell us that she was sad about her car but it was the fact that she is leaving that was making her cry.
My heart began to crack a little, seeing her so upset. I was glad we had Callum and Emma with us to distract me because I may have joined her and melted in a puddle on the Ihop floor. You see I have realized, over this past week, just how mature Amanda has become and what a great young woman she has turned into. She is a huge help to me as I handle life at home and take care of two Grandchildren, to the people she helps by looking after their children and a wonderful, caring and loving Auntie to her niece and nephews.
This is the fifth time Greg and I have had to stand on the sidelines and cheer our children on as they move on to the next chapter of their lives. I had thought this is the last...it will be easier. But as time goes on and the countdown becomes so much smaller - I realize it may be worse and it will definitely be as sad. I manage to well up into tears every time I think about leaving my last baby alone in Hawaii but I must really try to celebrate her, enjoy her and allow God to protect her, guide her and bring her home whenever she is able.
Maybe in all of this crazy stuff - we will be able to sell our house too and then we can go and visit with her for a short while at Thanksgiving - there is always something to hope upon...
Stories from the new Season of life known as Empty Nester.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Monday, July 6, 2015
We blasted through July 4th!
As mentioned in earlier posts, the nest is not yet empty. We took our youngest fledgling to Southern California for Independence Day celebrations. We received one of those cheap getaways in a nice hotel, if we would go and listen to a presentation. The vacation was cheap, just airfare and food...but then Greg and Amanda decided they would like to Disneyland while we were in Anaheim!
I decided July 4th would be the perfect day for it. So the plan was: Thursday - pick up rental car, grab lunch and head to hotel (40 minute drive from LAX airport) where we will settle in, grab our swimsuits and take a swim. Then eat something out somewhere, head back to hotel for a good night's sleep and ready for a presentation and then a trip to Huntington Beach on Friday. Saturday was July 4th so Disneyland for the day and home on Sunday.
This is how it actually happened! Flights on time - car ready at Budget so we drove to the closest In and Out Burger for a truly Californian lunch. Weather was beautiful but traffic not so wonderful. It took us over 90 minutes to get to the hotel after our late lunch (double the time). Somewhere on the way - we lost the glass from the driver's side mirror! It was there one minute and gone the next! Greg was frustrated but I suggested we relax for a while and deal with it later.
Off to the pool we went at around 5:30pm, after trying to track down our presentation packet and time for the next day - no luck. We gave up and enjoyed the pool, blue sky and hot tub for a couple of hours. Then some calls to Budget Corporate who suggested we contact the local Budget the next day. Greg checked in with the hotel manager about the presentation and she said she would let the Worldmark representative know about us. Next - supper, quick shop at Target for some items and bed - day one over.
Next morning - nothing from the representative, so we decided to get on with our day. Called Budget Anaheim who couldn't help us trade the vehicle out so sent us to John Wayne airport 25 minutes north. At JW airport they were far from helpful. Our problem - we had not hit the car or mirror - there were absolutely no signs of damage and we wanted a Manager to concur with us but they kept saying it was not their car and they could only take an incident report from us and trade out vehicle. Several long calls to Corporate just had us being run around different departments until eventually we were passed onto a voicemail. I persuaded Greg to drive back to LAX as they rented us the car. After a further 30 minute ride we arrived and the first lady I talked to basically told me that we rented the car with the mirror - if it came back without it, it was our responsibility. I was absolutely gobsmacked! We really felt like it was a fluke and we should not have to pay for it - it was more of a maintenance issue, from our standpoint. The Manager actually listened to us - took a look at the vehicle and agreed there was no damage but we still had to fill out a claim form and we still don't know if they will charge us for it. After over three hours - we had another vehicle and headed to Santa Monica Pier. Now the day was growing shorter and we did not really have time to go to Huntington beach - where I was sure we might get to watch some surfers.
Greg picked somewhere for lunch - as he had been so stressed - a British Pub called the Cock and Bull, where we all ate a thoroughly delicious meal. Off to the beach and all kinds of scenery, some things we wish we could "unsee" but those will be permanently etched into our memory. I'm not sure Amanda will ever recover from the sight of a slightly larger male in a hot pink Speedo! The beach was packed and people were swimming but Amanda got bored (or maybe just plain embarrassed) so we took off to the pier. After two hours walking around Santa Monica beach, we decided to head back to the hotel for supper and another soak in the pool.
July 4th arrived before we knew it and the big day in Disneyland. We were there by 9:30am and the crowds were surprisingly thin. Greg and Amanda wanted to ride Space Mountain - not my cup of tea - so I sat while they waited 50 minutes to ride it. I found a table in the shade and sat down to read my book and take in the sights. At some point, before they came back, I looked up and the crowds had swollen tremendously! Tables, chairs and benches were claimed, the crowd was a sea of red, white and blue and Mickey ears - just what my husband had warned us of. Greg and Amanda returned, elated because the ride had closed for a short period and lots of people left - leaving them a swift walk to the front of the line. We viewed the crowds and decided to take advantage of the Fast Pass system but we didn't do it very smartly to begin with. Lesson learned quickly, we managed to visit the Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean. We ate a very affordable meal of baked potatoes for under $20 for all three of us and we managed to find some shade. We visited various stores while Amanda decided what her souvenir would be. We smiled and chatted with countless children and gurgling babies, kept ourselves hydrated and even visited Disney Starbucks where we were privileged to wait in line for over 30 minutes before being able to get our drink - which was completely wrong.
For me, the highlights of the day had to have been as the sun began to slide below the horizon. At 5:15pm we were at the flag on Main Street where the Air Force Honor Guard, from Washington DC, marched in for the retiring of the flag. The Honor Guard was loudly welcomed by thousands cheering as they passed by and then most of those people followed behind the procession to the flag pole. Every Military member of the public was invited to come stand below the flag pole as their signature service tune was played. Amanda and I, so proud of Greg for his 22+ years in the USAF, shoved him forward (he is bashful about his service) but he could not get near the flag pole in time, so he took photos of his fellow military comrades as they stood proud through all the pomp and ceremony. I am a Brit through and through but I have to admit to getting goosebumps every time I hear the flag salute, the National Anthem and the many Patriotic songs that follow. I stood there observing how so many had taken time away from the fun of the park to pay tribute to their flag and to their Military, and as I looked around at the throng of thousands of people, so lovingly watching the procession and their flag being retired - I began to have a newer and deeper appreciation for these Americans. So proud of their heritage, of their Military, of their flag and it was a very moving experience and an honor to be there.
Later, while eating supper, a local heard us discussing our plan for the best vantage point to see the fireworks. He took the time to explain in great detail how things would unfold and where we should stand - right in the middle of Main Street facing toward the Castle.
We made it and we were hardly disappointed. We were fortunate to be next to Queen Elsa as her little three year old body was hoisted above her Daddy's head to seat her firmly on his shoulders. We were almost shoulder to shoulder with so many people. The whole of Main Street was a swarm of people with not a piece of road to be seen. We waited as Queen Elsa threatened to freeze us all as it was so warm...and then it began...the lights went out on Main Street and the 60th Anniversary and Spectacular Firework show began. We saw Tinker Bell fly around the Castle and we were a long way away. We heard of the history of Disney and how Walt had a dream and made it a reality, we saw movies and heard songs from favorite Disney characters, all the while the most amazing fireworks were exploding before our very eyes. And yes, Queen Elsa even made it snow on Main Street during a rendition of Let It Go. It was really just too much to take in and for this over fifty year old woman - an amazing experience and one I won't forget in a hurry! At that point - it was the "Happiest Place on Earth!" The celebration fireworks were followed by a show of red, white and blue to celebrate Independence Day. At the end - the cheering and clapping was so loud you couldn't hear yourself and when the lights eventually came back on - the crowds had begun to move. It was quite difficult to navigate anywhere.
We hung onto each other in a long line and made our way to the Star Tours ride. It took forever and my husband and some other unknown male began to moo like cows, as they said they felt like cattle. It was crazy but everybody seemed to be in a lighthearted mood. Our personal bubbles were burst and I can remember hitting some lady beside me accidentally in some personal area of hers - thankfully she was good natured about the whole thing, as I muttered something about the lack of personal space available!
Star Tours was our last ride and so fun! One of my favorites and so clever. I really felt like I had joined C3PO on an adventure on some strange planet. Before we knew it we were back home and preparing for work. A fantastic, crazy and very much enjoyed 4th of July weekend with our normal share of Kunz drama, avoided the presentation (wonder if we will pay for that later?) but we wouldn't have it any other way.
I decided July 4th would be the perfect day for it. So the plan was: Thursday - pick up rental car, grab lunch and head to hotel (40 minute drive from LAX airport) where we will settle in, grab our swimsuits and take a swim. Then eat something out somewhere, head back to hotel for a good night's sleep and ready for a presentation and then a trip to Huntington Beach on Friday. Saturday was July 4th so Disneyland for the day and home on Sunday.
This is how it actually happened! Flights on time - car ready at Budget so we drove to the closest In and Out Burger for a truly Californian lunch. Weather was beautiful but traffic not so wonderful. It took us over 90 minutes to get to the hotel after our late lunch (double the time). Somewhere on the way - we lost the glass from the driver's side mirror! It was there one minute and gone the next! Greg was frustrated but I suggested we relax for a while and deal with it later.
Off to the pool we went at around 5:30pm, after trying to track down our presentation packet and time for the next day - no luck. We gave up and enjoyed the pool, blue sky and hot tub for a couple of hours. Then some calls to Budget Corporate who suggested we contact the local Budget the next day. Greg checked in with the hotel manager about the presentation and she said she would let the Worldmark representative know about us. Next - supper, quick shop at Target for some items and bed - day one over.
Next morning - nothing from the representative, so we decided to get on with our day. Called Budget Anaheim who couldn't help us trade the vehicle out so sent us to John Wayne airport 25 minutes north. At JW airport they were far from helpful. Our problem - we had not hit the car or mirror - there were absolutely no signs of damage and we wanted a Manager to concur with us but they kept saying it was not their car and they could only take an incident report from us and trade out vehicle. Several long calls to Corporate just had us being run around different departments until eventually we were passed onto a voicemail. I persuaded Greg to drive back to LAX as they rented us the car. After a further 30 minute ride we arrived and the first lady I talked to basically told me that we rented the car with the mirror - if it came back without it, it was our responsibility. I was absolutely gobsmacked! We really felt like it was a fluke and we should not have to pay for it - it was more of a maintenance issue, from our standpoint. The Manager actually listened to us - took a look at the vehicle and agreed there was no damage but we still had to fill out a claim form and we still don't know if they will charge us for it. After over three hours - we had another vehicle and headed to Santa Monica Pier. Now the day was growing shorter and we did not really have time to go to Huntington beach - where I was sure we might get to watch some surfers.
Greg picked somewhere for lunch - as he had been so stressed - a British Pub called the Cock and Bull, where we all ate a thoroughly delicious meal. Off to the beach and all kinds of scenery, some things we wish we could "unsee" but those will be permanently etched into our memory. I'm not sure Amanda will ever recover from the sight of a slightly larger male in a hot pink Speedo! The beach was packed and people were swimming but Amanda got bored (or maybe just plain embarrassed) so we took off to the pier. After two hours walking around Santa Monica beach, we decided to head back to the hotel for supper and another soak in the pool.
July 4th arrived before we knew it and the big day in Disneyland. We were there by 9:30am and the crowds were surprisingly thin. Greg and Amanda wanted to ride Space Mountain - not my cup of tea - so I sat while they waited 50 minutes to ride it. I found a table in the shade and sat down to read my book and take in the sights. At some point, before they came back, I looked up and the crowds had swollen tremendously! Tables, chairs and benches were claimed, the crowd was a sea of red, white and blue and Mickey ears - just what my husband had warned us of. Greg and Amanda returned, elated because the ride had closed for a short period and lots of people left - leaving them a swift walk to the front of the line. We viewed the crowds and decided to take advantage of the Fast Pass system but we didn't do it very smartly to begin with. Lesson learned quickly, we managed to visit the Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean. We ate a very affordable meal of baked potatoes for under $20 for all three of us and we managed to find some shade. We visited various stores while Amanda decided what her souvenir would be. We smiled and chatted with countless children and gurgling babies, kept ourselves hydrated and even visited Disney Starbucks where we were privileged to wait in line for over 30 minutes before being able to get our drink - which was completely wrong.
For me, the highlights of the day had to have been as the sun began to slide below the horizon. At 5:15pm we were at the flag on Main Street where the Air Force Honor Guard, from Washington DC, marched in for the retiring of the flag. The Honor Guard was loudly welcomed by thousands cheering as they passed by and then most of those people followed behind the procession to the flag pole. Every Military member of the public was invited to come stand below the flag pole as their signature service tune was played. Amanda and I, so proud of Greg for his 22+ years in the USAF, shoved him forward (he is bashful about his service) but he could not get near the flag pole in time, so he took photos of his fellow military comrades as they stood proud through all the pomp and ceremony. I am a Brit through and through but I have to admit to getting goosebumps every time I hear the flag salute, the National Anthem and the many Patriotic songs that follow. I stood there observing how so many had taken time away from the fun of the park to pay tribute to their flag and to their Military, and as I looked around at the throng of thousands of people, so lovingly watching the procession and their flag being retired - I began to have a newer and deeper appreciation for these Americans. So proud of their heritage, of their Military, of their flag and it was a very moving experience and an honor to be there.
Later, while eating supper, a local heard us discussing our plan for the best vantage point to see the fireworks. He took the time to explain in great detail how things would unfold and where we should stand - right in the middle of Main Street facing toward the Castle.
We made it and we were hardly disappointed. We were fortunate to be next to Queen Elsa as her little three year old body was hoisted above her Daddy's head to seat her firmly on his shoulders. We were almost shoulder to shoulder with so many people. The whole of Main Street was a swarm of people with not a piece of road to be seen. We waited as Queen Elsa threatened to freeze us all as it was so warm...and then it began...the lights went out on Main Street and the 60th Anniversary and Spectacular Firework show began. We saw Tinker Bell fly around the Castle and we were a long way away. We heard of the history of Disney and how Walt had a dream and made it a reality, we saw movies and heard songs from favorite Disney characters, all the while the most amazing fireworks were exploding before our very eyes. And yes, Queen Elsa even made it snow on Main Street during a rendition of Let It Go. It was really just too much to take in and for this over fifty year old woman - an amazing experience and one I won't forget in a hurry! At that point - it was the "Happiest Place on Earth!" The celebration fireworks were followed by a show of red, white and blue to celebrate Independence Day. At the end - the cheering and clapping was so loud you couldn't hear yourself and when the lights eventually came back on - the crowds had begun to move. It was quite difficult to navigate anywhere.
We hung onto each other in a long line and made our way to the Star Tours ride. It took forever and my husband and some other unknown male began to moo like cows, as they said they felt like cattle. It was crazy but everybody seemed to be in a lighthearted mood. Our personal bubbles were burst and I can remember hitting some lady beside me accidentally in some personal area of hers - thankfully she was good natured about the whole thing, as I muttered something about the lack of personal space available!
Star Tours was our last ride and so fun! One of my favorites and so clever. I really felt like I had joined C3PO on an adventure on some strange planet. Before we knew it we were back home and preparing for work. A fantastic, crazy and very much enjoyed 4th of July weekend with our normal share of Kunz drama, avoided the presentation (wonder if we will pay for that later?) but we wouldn't have it any other way.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Time to Reflect
Life at the Kunz househould has not become any less crazy since the children and the rest of our family and friends went home. My Mother-in-Law says it never will, my Mum says she doesn't believe a time of peace is on the cards for us.....
You see, Amanda still has some things to accomplish before she enters college. She needs to find herself a new GI doc in Hawaii, get a TB test done, track down MMR shot info and so on. On top of all of that - we need to locate her somewhere to live. She doesn't want to be in a party dorm with lots of people. She would have liked her own apartment and I understand because she has health issues that mean it is good for her to just rest from time to time. She thought she had found a solution with a company called Hawaii Student Suites, who took her application, her deposit and emailed her to say her room was reserved - only to tell her a few hours later that she had lost it because she did not get my signature on the paperwork, because I was at work. It was a sad day and almost made Amanda give up on her dream. I spoke, for over thirty minutes, to the Chief Operating Officer to try and get the decision to release her room reversed - but they wouldn't do it. So for 12 hours, or so, Amanda mourned and tried to decide if she was still going or not.
Inside I was angry, disappointed with the company, sad that Amanda would let something like that take away her dreams and secretly glad that she might be staying at home with us. I realized that as much as we want to see the last of our brood become independant and fly away to college - she is the last and it is a time of very mixed emotions. We are of an age where we would like to see the ups and downs of a young teen a little less often, especially as she is a young adult now. But, at the same time - we have enjoyed having her around for the years the others have been gone. She has taught us many things about Marine Biology, the area in which we live and computer and technical type stuff and helped keep us young. But with all those attributes come the little signs that we still have a young one at home. You know the signs.... three pairs of shoes close to the front door, makeup left in the guest bathroom, paperwork, books and electronic gadgets strewn around the areas we all live in.
Today I met a friend at the nail salon, whose last son also graduated at the same time as Amanda. He too is off to college and we chuckled together, like little children, at the thought we will be empty nesters soon. I asked if she was looking forward to it and she agreed she was and for many of the same reasons we are - there comes a time in your life that you want to claim a little of yourself back. You look at your husband and realize he is not getting any younger (and dneither are you) and you have not really had the time to spend with him that he deserves. Of course, we have been doing the right thing as parents and working on keeping our children on the right paths but somehow we have neglected each other.
The empty nest will be a strange one. It will be quiet and I hope will stay tidy for long periods of time, but it will also be lonely. No children to distract Greg and I from each other, no drama to interrupt our quiet times together, no interruptions when we try to tell each other a work story. It will just be us - and I am praying we can find enough to keep talking about!
I had the honor of sharing in the message at our church, with our Pastor, on Sunday morning - it was also a time of much reflection, as I prepared. A time to realize that God has been so good to us, even though some times have been rough. He has brought us a long way from our early days of marriage in England. It is good to realize that God is patient, loving and full of Grace because I have certainly needed it. The best thing about it all is to realize I have made many mistakes (and I wish I could learn a little faster) - but God can take that and turn it into good. Some people actually came to see me afterwards and thanked me for sharing the messy parts of my life, along with the good - it encouraged them!
Along with trying to find Amanda a home, prepare for a message for Sunday morning and prepare for a mini vacation around July 4th., we had decided to sell our home in Washougal. We loved this house and had the pleasure of living in it for three years, but when Greg transferred to Boeing in Everett - we had to move north. We have been blessed with the same, wonderful renters for four years, but now they are building their own home. The market is much better than it has been for over 7 years and we think it's time to let go of the home. So, we are working with handymen to take care of a few minor clean up items, our friend Ellen, who is our realtor, and trying to see if we will find a buyer who will love the home as much as we have. On top of those few things, Greg is trying to reduce his 77 mile one way commute and attending interviews, meetings etc., in an effort to get back to Everett from Auburn.
Yes, life is still crazy - but in some ways I am welcoming the many distractions, so that I don't have to think about how quiet it will be around here in a few months.
You see, Amanda still has some things to accomplish before she enters college. She needs to find herself a new GI doc in Hawaii, get a TB test done, track down MMR shot info and so on. On top of all of that - we need to locate her somewhere to live. She doesn't want to be in a party dorm with lots of people. She would have liked her own apartment and I understand because she has health issues that mean it is good for her to just rest from time to time. She thought she had found a solution with a company called Hawaii Student Suites, who took her application, her deposit and emailed her to say her room was reserved - only to tell her a few hours later that she had lost it because she did not get my signature on the paperwork, because I was at work. It was a sad day and almost made Amanda give up on her dream. I spoke, for over thirty minutes, to the Chief Operating Officer to try and get the decision to release her room reversed - but they wouldn't do it. So for 12 hours, or so, Amanda mourned and tried to decide if she was still going or not.
Inside I was angry, disappointed with the company, sad that Amanda would let something like that take away her dreams and secretly glad that she might be staying at home with us. I realized that as much as we want to see the last of our brood become independant and fly away to college - she is the last and it is a time of very mixed emotions. We are of an age where we would like to see the ups and downs of a young teen a little less often, especially as she is a young adult now. But, at the same time - we have enjoyed having her around for the years the others have been gone. She has taught us many things about Marine Biology, the area in which we live and computer and technical type stuff and helped keep us young. But with all those attributes come the little signs that we still have a young one at home. You know the signs.... three pairs of shoes close to the front door, makeup left in the guest bathroom, paperwork, books and electronic gadgets strewn around the areas we all live in.
Today I met a friend at the nail salon, whose last son also graduated at the same time as Amanda. He too is off to college and we chuckled together, like little children, at the thought we will be empty nesters soon. I asked if she was looking forward to it and she agreed she was and for many of the same reasons we are - there comes a time in your life that you want to claim a little of yourself back. You look at your husband and realize he is not getting any younger (and dneither are you) and you have not really had the time to spend with him that he deserves. Of course, we have been doing the right thing as parents and working on keeping our children on the right paths but somehow we have neglected each other.
The empty nest will be a strange one. It will be quiet and I hope will stay tidy for long periods of time, but it will also be lonely. No children to distract Greg and I from each other, no drama to interrupt our quiet times together, no interruptions when we try to tell each other a work story. It will just be us - and I am praying we can find enough to keep talking about!
I had the honor of sharing in the message at our church, with our Pastor, on Sunday morning - it was also a time of much reflection, as I prepared. A time to realize that God has been so good to us, even though some times have been rough. He has brought us a long way from our early days of marriage in England. It is good to realize that God is patient, loving and full of Grace because I have certainly needed it. The best thing about it all is to realize I have made many mistakes (and I wish I could learn a little faster) - but God can take that and turn it into good. Some people actually came to see me afterwards and thanked me for sharing the messy parts of my life, along with the good - it encouraged them!
Along with trying to find Amanda a home, prepare for a message for Sunday morning and prepare for a mini vacation around July 4th., we had decided to sell our home in Washougal. We loved this house and had the pleasure of living in it for three years, but when Greg transferred to Boeing in Everett - we had to move north. We have been blessed with the same, wonderful renters for four years, but now they are building their own home. The market is much better than it has been for over 7 years and we think it's time to let go of the home. So, we are working with handymen to take care of a few minor clean up items, our friend Ellen, who is our realtor, and trying to see if we will find a buyer who will love the home as much as we have. On top of those few things, Greg is trying to reduce his 77 mile one way commute and attending interviews, meetings etc., in an effort to get back to Everett from Auburn.
Yes, life is still crazy - but in some ways I am welcoming the many distractions, so that I don't have to think about how quiet it will be around here in a few months.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
The Big Birds Came Home
It has been a very exciting few weeks in the Kunz household. Amanda prepared for finals at college and graduated High School on June 5th. The following week her adult brother and sisters, and their spouses/partners, flew and drove home to celebrate with her for her college graduation with her AA degree.
On Tuesday Andy, Natasha and Grace flew in from Kansas, a few hours late, to Seatac and I drove to pick them up. It was an extremely late night - I headed to bed around 2:40am and got up at 7am which made it a short night too. We were so excited to see Natasha (our oldest) because she is almost 30 weeks pregnant and this is the first time we have had chance to give her a cuddle, rub her belly and speak to her baby son - Sutton. She looks wonderful and Andy is quite protective of her.
I went to work on Wednesday and came home to prepare for Deambra's arrival, also from Kansas, the next day. Thursday I went to work early so that I could leave around 1pm and Natasha, Samantha and Amanda all got to hang out at the house and chat. Amanda was heading into Seattle that afternoon for her No Prom Prom and Grace had decided to go with her. Amanda had a friend come to the house, so that they could all get ready together. Dresses were laid out, make up applied, giggling started and curling irons heated to make their hair look beautiful. Samantha had brought her two children over (baby Callum and 3 year old Emma). Emma loves to keep company with the bigger girls and is always intrigued with make up and hair products, so she went upstairs to be with the girls. Sometime later, Emma let out a blood curdling scream and Grace carried her down the stairs. Grace had been getting ready in her room and Emma had accidentally stepped on her hot curling iron, which was on the floor!
Thursday afternoon I had planned a picnic to have at the beach and then we were all going to meet with my work colleagues to go on a hike. I was excited for my work friends to meet most of my family and I had asked Natasha if she could cook a couple of chickens I had left out, for our picnic later. While putting them in the oven - she burnt her arm!
The first I knew of any of these calamities was when Natasha called and asked me to pick up burn cream on the way home from work! I got home to a houseful of sad faces. Natasha's arm was very red and sore and poor Emma had her foot in a bowl of iced water. We eventually persuaded her to let us look at her foot and I pretended I was her nurse and made a terrible bandage out of medical tape and a breast pad used for nursing! Note to self - get a more functional First Aid kit together!! Needless to say that after the girls took off for fun in Seattle, we decided a hike on a sandy beach area was not a good choice for poor Emma. She was disappointed so we dragged our picnic stuff down to the park on our street and sat in the cool blowing wind - trying to have fun and enjoy our cold picnic of salad and chicken!
We came home for hot chocolate to warm us up and waited for Greg's Mom, sister and niece to arrive, as they had driven in from Kansas. It was good to sit and catch up with them until we were set to leave around 7:30pm to pick Deambra up from the airport. Meanwhile, her flight had turned into a fiasco. She got on the plane at Wichita and then deboarded, she was told she would not make her connection in Denver and would not get to Washington until Friday evening (after the graduation ceremonies had taken place). When she got to Denver she was number 14 on the standby list with only 11 seats left. We were devastated - she would not make it in time to see her 18 year old sister graduate with her AA from college. God is good and very soon she text to say she had been bumped up to #9 on the standby list and she was going to make it! Her flight was delayed over four hours but thankfully our son, Alastair, planned to spend the night at our house and so we persuaded him to stay at his Seattle apartment and pick up Deambra when she arrived after 1:30 am on Friday morning! Thursday can definitely go down as a day of emotional roller coasting.
We had a long but happy day attending two graduation ceremonies with Amanda. She graduated from the Ocean Research College Academy with 47 other students and then went on to graduate Everett Community College.
Saturday was party time and the day we learned that family dynamics can be a little challenging when everybody is under one roof and trying to get organized. We had many friends and family come and congratulate Amanda and she was blessed with monetary gifts, jewelry, a quilt, a necklace of dollar bills as well as gift cards - to use when she heads off to Hawaii in August. We had a wonderful time with everybody and ended the evening with our family celebrating Natasha and Andy's baby with a mini baby shower and birthday party, as both of their birthday's are in June. It was a fun shower but one where we realized why men are not usually invited to such events! They were good natured and joined in the games but it was a little challenging for them and Samantha, who had organized them all!
During this celebrate graduation week we cooked breakfasts for 9 - 12 adults and three children, went on excursions to Seattle and Whidbey Island and took time to enjoy the company we had at home. It was crazy, hectic, lots of work, and at times stressful but I wouldn't have had it any other way. I know when five adult children and their families and our own extended family get together at our house - the nest is no longer empty - it is full and overflowing with people, laughter, bad jokes, long stories, games, some arguing, a little teasing and wonderful memories. We usually like to celebrate these times with close friends and this time was no different.
Amanda will be with us until mid August, when she leaves us for Hawaii Pacific University, so the nest is still not empty but it so very quiet tonight. It looks like a tornado hit - but it will be in shape by the end of the week. I'm just happy to have a nest large enough that the big birds can fly home and enjoy some quality time together from time to time....
Oh and Emma's foot? Poor girl had to adapt to crawling around, being pushed around in the stroller or carried, as it was so painful to stand on but last night her blister finally burst and she is able to walk normally. She will have to keep it covered and clean for a while - but she is back to her cheeky little self.
On Tuesday Andy, Natasha and Grace flew in from Kansas, a few hours late, to Seatac and I drove to pick them up. It was an extremely late night - I headed to bed around 2:40am and got up at 7am which made it a short night too. We were so excited to see Natasha (our oldest) because she is almost 30 weeks pregnant and this is the first time we have had chance to give her a cuddle, rub her belly and speak to her baby son - Sutton. She looks wonderful and Andy is quite protective of her.
I went to work on Wednesday and came home to prepare for Deambra's arrival, also from Kansas, the next day. Thursday I went to work early so that I could leave around 1pm and Natasha, Samantha and Amanda all got to hang out at the house and chat. Amanda was heading into Seattle that afternoon for her No Prom Prom and Grace had decided to go with her. Amanda had a friend come to the house, so that they could all get ready together. Dresses were laid out, make up applied, giggling started and curling irons heated to make their hair look beautiful. Samantha had brought her two children over (baby Callum and 3 year old Emma). Emma loves to keep company with the bigger girls and is always intrigued with make up and hair products, so she went upstairs to be with the girls. Sometime later, Emma let out a blood curdling scream and Grace carried her down the stairs. Grace had been getting ready in her room and Emma had accidentally stepped on her hot curling iron, which was on the floor!
Thursday afternoon I had planned a picnic to have at the beach and then we were all going to meet with my work colleagues to go on a hike. I was excited for my work friends to meet most of my family and I had asked Natasha if she could cook a couple of chickens I had left out, for our picnic later. While putting them in the oven - she burnt her arm!
The first I knew of any of these calamities was when Natasha called and asked me to pick up burn cream on the way home from work! I got home to a houseful of sad faces. Natasha's arm was very red and sore and poor Emma had her foot in a bowl of iced water. We eventually persuaded her to let us look at her foot and I pretended I was her nurse and made a terrible bandage out of medical tape and a breast pad used for nursing! Note to self - get a more functional First Aid kit together!! Needless to say that after the girls took off for fun in Seattle, we decided a hike on a sandy beach area was not a good choice for poor Emma. She was disappointed so we dragged our picnic stuff down to the park on our street and sat in the cool blowing wind - trying to have fun and enjoy our cold picnic of salad and chicken!
We came home for hot chocolate to warm us up and waited for Greg's Mom, sister and niece to arrive, as they had driven in from Kansas. It was good to sit and catch up with them until we were set to leave around 7:30pm to pick Deambra up from the airport. Meanwhile, her flight had turned into a fiasco. She got on the plane at Wichita and then deboarded, she was told she would not make her connection in Denver and would not get to Washington until Friday evening (after the graduation ceremonies had taken place). When she got to Denver she was number 14 on the standby list with only 11 seats left. We were devastated - she would not make it in time to see her 18 year old sister graduate with her AA from college. God is good and very soon she text to say she had been bumped up to #9 on the standby list and she was going to make it! Her flight was delayed over four hours but thankfully our son, Alastair, planned to spend the night at our house and so we persuaded him to stay at his Seattle apartment and pick up Deambra when she arrived after 1:30 am on Friday morning! Thursday can definitely go down as a day of emotional roller coasting.
We had a long but happy day attending two graduation ceremonies with Amanda. She graduated from the Ocean Research College Academy with 47 other students and then went on to graduate Everett Community College.
Saturday was party time and the day we learned that family dynamics can be a little challenging when everybody is under one roof and trying to get organized. We had many friends and family come and congratulate Amanda and she was blessed with monetary gifts, jewelry, a quilt, a necklace of dollar bills as well as gift cards - to use when she heads off to Hawaii in August. We had a wonderful time with everybody and ended the evening with our family celebrating Natasha and Andy's baby with a mini baby shower and birthday party, as both of their birthday's are in June. It was a fun shower but one where we realized why men are not usually invited to such events! They were good natured and joined in the games but it was a little challenging for them and Samantha, who had organized them all!
During this celebrate graduation week we cooked breakfasts for 9 - 12 adults and three children, went on excursions to Seattle and Whidbey Island and took time to enjoy the company we had at home. It was crazy, hectic, lots of work, and at times stressful but I wouldn't have had it any other way. I know when five adult children and their families and our own extended family get together at our house - the nest is no longer empty - it is full and overflowing with people, laughter, bad jokes, long stories, games, some arguing, a little teasing and wonderful memories. We usually like to celebrate these times with close friends and this time was no different.
Amanda will be with us until mid August, when she leaves us for Hawaii Pacific University, so the nest is still not empty but it so very quiet tonight. It looks like a tornado hit - but it will be in shape by the end of the week. I'm just happy to have a nest large enough that the big birds can fly home and enjoy some quality time together from time to time....
Oh and Emma's foot? Poor girl had to adapt to crawling around, being pushed around in the stroller or carried, as it was so painful to stand on but last night her blister finally burst and she is able to walk normally. She will have to keep it covered and clean for a while - but she is back to her cheeky little self.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
A Door Always Open...
Do you ever get the feeling that things should be slowing down but everything just whizzes past way faster? Do you ever just shout, "Stop the World spinning - I just want to get off for a minute?"
It has been that kind of week in our household. Just when we have been lulled into the false sense that our empty nest will be calmer, quieter and less distracted, a whirlwind week appears and we are left saying, "What just happened?"
The week was a four day one, as we celebrated Memorial Day on Monday. Work was crazy busy for both Greg and I and we came home tired. Tuesday is Women's Small Group at our house, so I made a very quick supper, did some surface cleaning and caught up with the homework I needed to have done before we begun at 6:30pm. I love these gatherings at my house and feel so connected with the women who do life with Amanda and I and bring another prospective to God's Word.
Wednesday evening I thought I would take it easy but Amanda called and reminded me I had promised to visit her at her new job at Kate Spade at the outlets. I quickly made supper, again, and said goodnight to Greg - as he leaves the home at 4 am and goes to bed around 7pm. I swung by to see Samantha and her two little ones and then drove on to meet Amanda. I finally made it home just before 10pm and Amanda showed up about 20 minutes later. She was very excited and obviously in need of a Mummy listening ear and I finally asked her if we could go to bed at about 11:15pm! I then prepared Greg's lunch for Thursday and rolled into bed at midnight!
Thursday we were supposed to visit friends but Greg had a doctor appointment and I was exhausted so after another quick supper - served at 5 Guys - we picked up Emma (our Granddaughter) and brought her home for a bath and to get her ready for bed. Then the phone rang and our dear next door neighbors asked us to join them in a celebration for the Mr of the home, who had just made it to the top enlisted position in the Navy. What a wonderful impromptu evening we had with them and other neighbors. Bringing Emma home and putting her to bed at 9:30 pm meant another late night.
Friday we served supper for our friend who has six children and took care of five of them while she had some alone time with her son. It was great fun but we left quite tired close to 8pm. When I tried to go to sleep, I could not stop my brain whirring, so I read until midnight but felt quite accomplished when I put my book down...because I finally finished my Christmas read!
Greg did not have to work this weekend so we were looking forward to some down time. However, Amanda graduates from High School on Friday this week and I have always made each of the children a scrapbook with photos from birth to graduation. I have procrastinated this particular scrapbook - probably because I am in denial that my baby is leaving soon. So Saturday I spent 10 hours scrapping! Another accomplishment - almost finished and think I should have it ready on time :) Alastair decided to come and spend the night and make us dinner even though we should have been celebrating him - he has just become the Manager of his own store before he turns 25 - we are very proud of him.
Sunday is church, we were greeting and managed to arrive late - but only about a third of our church family arrived before us! We caught up with Deambra by phone, made lunch for Alastair and Amanda. Thankfully Alastair decided to help us with yard work, so that everything looks nice for
Amanda's Open House on June 13. Greg and I decided to go and watch a movie together.
That's it - the week is over! We are now going to spend this next week preparing for Amanda's graduation and our home for our many visitors, that begin to arrive a week on Tuesday.
In hindsight - I think our thoughts of Empty Nesting were a little premature. The Birdies are returning and we are so excited. All of our children will be in the same place for several days and so will Greg's Mum and sister and some very dear friends of ours. It's going to be a crazy week of preparation and a crazy week of visitors - but we are thankful and blessed. After all, our Nest is big enough to share and we are glad we have so many to welcome home.
It has been that kind of week in our household. Just when we have been lulled into the false sense that our empty nest will be calmer, quieter and less distracted, a whirlwind week appears and we are left saying, "What just happened?"
The week was a four day one, as we celebrated Memorial Day on Monday. Work was crazy busy for both Greg and I and we came home tired. Tuesday is Women's Small Group at our house, so I made a very quick supper, did some surface cleaning and caught up with the homework I needed to have done before we begun at 6:30pm. I love these gatherings at my house and feel so connected with the women who do life with Amanda and I and bring another prospective to God's Word.
Wednesday evening I thought I would take it easy but Amanda called and reminded me I had promised to visit her at her new job at Kate Spade at the outlets. I quickly made supper, again, and said goodnight to Greg - as he leaves the home at 4 am and goes to bed around 7pm. I swung by to see Samantha and her two little ones and then drove on to meet Amanda. I finally made it home just before 10pm and Amanda showed up about 20 minutes later. She was very excited and obviously in need of a Mummy listening ear and I finally asked her if we could go to bed at about 11:15pm! I then prepared Greg's lunch for Thursday and rolled into bed at midnight!
Thursday we were supposed to visit friends but Greg had a doctor appointment and I was exhausted so after another quick supper - served at 5 Guys - we picked up Emma (our Granddaughter) and brought her home for a bath and to get her ready for bed. Then the phone rang and our dear next door neighbors asked us to join them in a celebration for the Mr of the home, who had just made it to the top enlisted position in the Navy. What a wonderful impromptu evening we had with them and other neighbors. Bringing Emma home and putting her to bed at 9:30 pm meant another late night.
Friday we served supper for our friend who has six children and took care of five of them while she had some alone time with her son. It was great fun but we left quite tired close to 8pm. When I tried to go to sleep, I could not stop my brain whirring, so I read until midnight but felt quite accomplished when I put my book down...because I finally finished my Christmas read!
Greg did not have to work this weekend so we were looking forward to some down time. However, Amanda graduates from High School on Friday this week and I have always made each of the children a scrapbook with photos from birth to graduation. I have procrastinated this particular scrapbook - probably because I am in denial that my baby is leaving soon. So Saturday I spent 10 hours scrapping! Another accomplishment - almost finished and think I should have it ready on time :) Alastair decided to come and spend the night and make us dinner even though we should have been celebrating him - he has just become the Manager of his own store before he turns 25 - we are very proud of him.
Sunday is church, we were greeting and managed to arrive late - but only about a third of our church family arrived before us! We caught up with Deambra by phone, made lunch for Alastair and Amanda. Thankfully Alastair decided to help us with yard work, so that everything looks nice for
Amanda's Open House on June 13. Greg and I decided to go and watch a movie together.
That's it - the week is over! We are now going to spend this next week preparing for Amanda's graduation and our home for our many visitors, that begin to arrive a week on Tuesday.
In hindsight - I think our thoughts of Empty Nesting were a little premature. The Birdies are returning and we are so excited. All of our children will be in the same place for several days and so will Greg's Mum and sister and some very dear friends of ours. It's going to be a crazy week of preparation and a crazy week of visitors - but we are thankful and blessed. After all, our Nest is big enough to share and we are glad we have so many to welcome home.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Our Birdies May Have Flown .... But Others May Fly In....
We are not truly Empty Nester's until after August 19, this year. But our youngest, Amanda, is working on graduating High School, finishing her Associates Degree and has just begun a job with a Kate Spade outlet nearby. When she is not working at these three things, she is often babysitting for our Pastor or people in our neighborhood.
Today promised to be a dull day, because it is a holiday weekend - of course! I had decided it was time to get serious about scrapbooking. I have made each of the children a scrapbook, that highlights their lives from birth to graduation. Each have enjoyed it and Amanda is looking forward to hers. However, I have done four pages and her High School graduation is in two weeks!
I have also been asking God what my life looks like as an Empty Nester: do I go back to full time work; go back to working in Ministry and keeping my part time job; write; volunteer more? I have sensed God telling me to use the gifts He has given me and writing is one of them. But I am still wondering if there is something more I should be doing.
I think my sense of urgency comes from my lovely Mum, who lost her sense of identity when my youngest brother left home. I don't want to do that - I want to reinvent myself, be useful, continue to live an exciting and challenging life. Therefore, as I always do when I'm not sure what is next - I ask God. I believe He may be carving out an answer for me and I'm not sure it includes full time work, even though I have applied for two very interesting full time jobs and the money would certainly help us pay down some debt.
Remember .... I just don't want to feel useless or spend time watching TV. So this morning, I got up at 8:30 a.m., which is late for me. Greg was already at work and Amanda would be before 11:30 a.m. I decided to have a lazy cup of coffee, check email, do a little laundry and prepare to sit at my dining room table for most of the day and scrapbook.
God had other plans....my phone rang! It was a friend who has six children and her husband is away at sea, in the Navy. She had an emergency situation, that could be serious, and she needed to seek medical attention. It was less than two hours since I got up and I found myself taking a rushed shower, throwing on some clothes and leaving for the 40 minute drive to her house.
I wanted to help her but my schedule for the day was now completely thrown off. I wondered if I was ever going to get Amanda's Memory album finished. But when I got there, my friend was so thankful and obviously needing a doctor to take a look at her. Her children were a little worried but she had done an excellent job of not making them panic. Those six children were so good, they played, they helped lay the table for lunch, they cleaned up their dishes after lunch and packed them selves off to their rooms for quiet time. All except baby Bella, who needed a diaper change, and she was so good and quiet. I think she was beginning to miss her Mom at this time, as her eyes looked sad and a little empty, but she almost jumped into my arms when I held them out to carry her upstairs and she laid her sweet head on my shoulders and hugged me. She laid down in her crib without a murmur and went right off to sleep.
Three hours after I arrived, Mom was home with medicine and the children happy to see her. My friend bought me a beautiful plant for coming and I was on my way home. Five hours had just passed by on my Saturday for Scrapbooking but I had to ponder at the fact that I just opened up the nest and allowed some other little birdies in. Just when I least expected it - a friend with little ones, needed a helping hand. I'm not redundant - I can still make children and friends feel at peace; my arms can still hug; my heart can still give and love... and God might just have a plan for me after all!
And just to prove a point - as I am finishing up this blog another lady, from our church, just contacted me and needs help with her little son next week for a few hours. So it seems my nest may be preparing to be emptied but I don't think my job is done. There's always room for some other types of birdies in need. Our little nest is always available and open for those young and old!
Today promised to be a dull day, because it is a holiday weekend - of course! I had decided it was time to get serious about scrapbooking. I have made each of the children a scrapbook, that highlights their lives from birth to graduation. Each have enjoyed it and Amanda is looking forward to hers. However, I have done four pages and her High School graduation is in two weeks!
I have also been asking God what my life looks like as an Empty Nester: do I go back to full time work; go back to working in Ministry and keeping my part time job; write; volunteer more? I have sensed God telling me to use the gifts He has given me and writing is one of them. But I am still wondering if there is something more I should be doing.
I think my sense of urgency comes from my lovely Mum, who lost her sense of identity when my youngest brother left home. I don't want to do that - I want to reinvent myself, be useful, continue to live an exciting and challenging life. Therefore, as I always do when I'm not sure what is next - I ask God. I believe He may be carving out an answer for me and I'm not sure it includes full time work, even though I have applied for two very interesting full time jobs and the money would certainly help us pay down some debt.
Remember .... I just don't want to feel useless or spend time watching TV. So this morning, I got up at 8:30 a.m., which is late for me. Greg was already at work and Amanda would be before 11:30 a.m. I decided to have a lazy cup of coffee, check email, do a little laundry and prepare to sit at my dining room table for most of the day and scrapbook.
God had other plans....my phone rang! It was a friend who has six children and her husband is away at sea, in the Navy. She had an emergency situation, that could be serious, and she needed to seek medical attention. It was less than two hours since I got up and I found myself taking a rushed shower, throwing on some clothes and leaving for the 40 minute drive to her house.
I wanted to help her but my schedule for the day was now completely thrown off. I wondered if I was ever going to get Amanda's Memory album finished. But when I got there, my friend was so thankful and obviously needing a doctor to take a look at her. Her children were a little worried but she had done an excellent job of not making them panic. Those six children were so good, they played, they helped lay the table for lunch, they cleaned up their dishes after lunch and packed them selves off to their rooms for quiet time. All except baby Bella, who needed a diaper change, and she was so good and quiet. I think she was beginning to miss her Mom at this time, as her eyes looked sad and a little empty, but she almost jumped into my arms when I held them out to carry her upstairs and she laid her sweet head on my shoulders and hugged me. She laid down in her crib without a murmur and went right off to sleep.
Three hours after I arrived, Mom was home with medicine and the children happy to see her. My friend bought me a beautiful plant for coming and I was on my way home. Five hours had just passed by on my Saturday for Scrapbooking but I had to ponder at the fact that I just opened up the nest and allowed some other little birdies in. Just when I least expected it - a friend with little ones, needed a helping hand. I'm not redundant - I can still make children and friends feel at peace; my arms can still hug; my heart can still give and love... and God might just have a plan for me after all!
And just to prove a point - as I am finishing up this blog another lady, from our church, just contacted me and needs help with her little son next week for a few hours. So it seems my nest may be preparing to be emptied but I don't think my job is done. There's always room for some other types of birdies in need. Our little nest is always available and open for those young and old!
Our Story
My husband Greg and I met over 22 years ago in England, while he was serving in the US Air Force. After a whirlwind romance, we were married and just over a year after our first meeting - we were beginning a new life, as a family of six, in the United States of America.
We are a blended family and have spent the last 21 years learning about life in the US, blending a family, adding a baby to the mix and helping our children become successful. We have stood on the side lines and cheered for each one of our five children as they graduated from High School, some from College, a few got married, some have children of their own and now we face this new and strange season of being alone at home - commonly known as Empty Nester's.
I'd like to introduce you to my family, as I'm sure I will be referring to them in my blog. My husband, Greg, is three years my junior and an extremely handsome and hard working man. He has provided for our family for many years and never complains, he just looks for ways to improve life for us all. I grow more in love with him, as we truly mature, and I realize how blessed I am to have him in my life.
Natasha is our oldest daughter and we were very proud parents when she graduated from college with her Bachelor's in Science four years ago. She met her husband many years before she married him, but they were like ships that passed in the night. They began long distance dating several years ago, because she lived in Washington and Andy lived in Kansas. The day came when she realized she needed to move closer to him and a year later, he popped the question and she said, "Yes!" They were married a year ago and this September they will welcome little Sutton James into their household.
Deambra is only four months younger than Natasha and she too lives in Kansas, where her family are. Both Natasha and Deambra live close to each other and enjoy spending time together. She is the single Mom of two very energetic and extremely cute and very smart boys: Carter aged 6 and Beckett aged 3. Our proudest moment, was when she decided to go to Nursing School and push through some very hard stuff, all on her own. She is doing absolutely amazing at her studies and will make a very compassionate, caring and understanding nurse.
Samantha is next in line, married to Marc for nearly three years, and a very busy Mommy of two. Emma is 3 and Callum is 6 weeks old. Samantha and Marc live very close to us and we are fortunate to get to spend time with them and our grandchildren. I think our proudest moments come when we see how well this young couple handles their day to day lives and parenting little Emma. They both have a lot of patience and perseverance and the fruits of their labor are shown in Emma's caring, polite and sweet way of loving people.
Alastair is the only "boy" in the family and has had a few trials in his young life. He makes us proud by never letting things get him down, when he has every right to feel sorry for himself at times. He is working his way up the retail management ladder and will soon be the manager of his own store before he reaches his 25th birthday! He is confident and willing to help us when things go mechanically wrong with cars or household machinery. Alastair lives in Seattle and is looking forward to getting back to college sometime, to finish his Engineering degree.
Then there is our "baby," 18 year old Amanda, who has been spoiled by her siblings and her parents but you would never know it. She was diagnosed with a chronic disease before she turned 14, that turned both hers and our world upside down. She has refused to let her disease define who she is and has worked hard to graduate in just a few weeks, from both High School and College with her Associates degree. In August she will head off to Hawaii to attend college and get her Bachelor's in Marine Biology. Amanda makes us proud every day she gets up and gets on with life, college and work because every day she faces pain.
So that's it in a nutshell, five children who have become adults with their own very busy lives. When Amanda leaves in August - Greg and I will be alone for the first time ever, in our lives together. Wonder where this adventure will take us?
We are a blended family and have spent the last 21 years learning about life in the US, blending a family, adding a baby to the mix and helping our children become successful. We have stood on the side lines and cheered for each one of our five children as they graduated from High School, some from College, a few got married, some have children of their own and now we face this new and strange season of being alone at home - commonly known as Empty Nester's.
I'd like to introduce you to my family, as I'm sure I will be referring to them in my blog. My husband, Greg, is three years my junior and an extremely handsome and hard working man. He has provided for our family for many years and never complains, he just looks for ways to improve life for us all. I grow more in love with him, as we truly mature, and I realize how blessed I am to have him in my life.
Natasha is our oldest daughter and we were very proud parents when she graduated from college with her Bachelor's in Science four years ago. She met her husband many years before she married him, but they were like ships that passed in the night. They began long distance dating several years ago, because she lived in Washington and Andy lived in Kansas. The day came when she realized she needed to move closer to him and a year later, he popped the question and she said, "Yes!" They were married a year ago and this September they will welcome little Sutton James into their household.
Deambra is only four months younger than Natasha and she too lives in Kansas, where her family are. Both Natasha and Deambra live close to each other and enjoy spending time together. She is the single Mom of two very energetic and extremely cute and very smart boys: Carter aged 6 and Beckett aged 3. Our proudest moment, was when she decided to go to Nursing School and push through some very hard stuff, all on her own. She is doing absolutely amazing at her studies and will make a very compassionate, caring and understanding nurse.
Samantha is next in line, married to Marc for nearly three years, and a very busy Mommy of two. Emma is 3 and Callum is 6 weeks old. Samantha and Marc live very close to us and we are fortunate to get to spend time with them and our grandchildren. I think our proudest moments come when we see how well this young couple handles their day to day lives and parenting little Emma. They both have a lot of patience and perseverance and the fruits of their labor are shown in Emma's caring, polite and sweet way of loving people.
Alastair is the only "boy" in the family and has had a few trials in his young life. He makes us proud by never letting things get him down, when he has every right to feel sorry for himself at times. He is working his way up the retail management ladder and will soon be the manager of his own store before he reaches his 25th birthday! He is confident and willing to help us when things go mechanically wrong with cars or household machinery. Alastair lives in Seattle and is looking forward to getting back to college sometime, to finish his Engineering degree.
Then there is our "baby," 18 year old Amanda, who has been spoiled by her siblings and her parents but you would never know it. She was diagnosed with a chronic disease before she turned 14, that turned both hers and our world upside down. She has refused to let her disease define who she is and has worked hard to graduate in just a few weeks, from both High School and College with her Associates degree. In August she will head off to Hawaii to attend college and get her Bachelor's in Marine Biology. Amanda makes us proud every day she gets up and gets on with life, college and work because every day she faces pain.
So that's it in a nutshell, five children who have become adults with their own very busy lives. When Amanda leaves in August - Greg and I will be alone for the first time ever, in our lives together. Wonder where this adventure will take us?
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