Even the most casual observer cannot overlook the fact that my blogging in 2018 has slowed waaaay down. I miss recording the events of our life while they are fresh in my mind, but helping my mom rebuild her life (literally!) while homeschooling four children left me without the brain capacity required to write anything.
We wrapped up school mid-May and resumed mid-August. So here’s a month by month of the highlights and (very few) pictures from this season.
May
Highlights: Abby’s preschool graduation, Mother’s Day, and my mom went under contract on a house!
We spent quite a few hours this month looking at houses in a hot market. That means a house with potential would go on the market early in the morning, I’d immediately contact our realtor, and he’d be showing us a house (or two or three) by mid afternoon with offers already pending on said house(s). Entering strangers’ homes with four children in tow was certainly an adventure. They really did quite well considering that temptations abounded – other kids’ toys! shiny electronics! an outdoor play set! a huge comfy looking bed! In the end, God provided a home through a dear friend. My mom was able to put in her offer before the house even went on the market, meaning no bidding wars and generous access to the home prior to closing.
Ryan got braces!
June
Highlights: the beach!
There were many purchases to be made for my mom’s house – appliances, furniture, linens, etc. – and all the deliveries and renovations to coordinate. I assume we also went to the pool and did other summery things, but I have no memory of it!
I co-hosted a bridal shower for beautiful Elizabeth ahead of her July wedding.
I have known her since she was a toddler, and now she’s married?!
We had solar panels installed. This will either be the best or worst decision
we have ever made for our home. Ask us in 10-15 years!
July
Highlights: My mom closed on her house, began extensive renovations, and we unpacked all of her possessions (which had to be delivered from at least 8 different locations). We also had to say our final goodbyes to my parents’ home of 27 years, buy Paul a new car unexpectedly, and put our cat of 18 years to sleep on the same day. Honestly, July 9th was pretty terrible.
Paul and I were like ships passing in the night during most of the month while we took turns helping my mom and taking care of the kids. Miles turned 8 years old, and Caleb also (memorably) came down with a stomach virus on the busiest day of the move. Somehow we lived to tell the tale!
Oh, and we hosted the 4th of July before the chaos began!
Caleb loved “Ceo” and put ice in her water bowl every morning. We miss her.
Day 1 in the new house = helping “KK” clean
First family dinner in the new house (pizza!)
Mark and Ne’Kia came up for two weekends to help out. So great to see them, too!
August
Highlights: The major work on my mom’s house wrapped up. It’s amazing! She has done a wonderful job making a new home for herself that is welcoming and peaceful. I took the first few weeks of August “off” from helping her to get my homeschool ducks in a row. I’ll share those first day of school pictures in a separate post.
Our summer was far from traditional or very relaxed, but we were grateful for the privilege of helping my mom. We could not have done it without countless friends and babysitters, and four kiddos who were remarkably patient with their tired and overwhelmed parents!
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