One Down

We made it through week one at school.  The boys are happy with the teachers they got and are excited about the upcoming year, particularly senior project.  Senior Project is a year long project that involves learning something new and telling others about it, starting a non-profit and following through on the donations and funding throughout the year, or teaching someone something they have never done before.  I am so proud that Bryce is beginning the year with a study of Revelation and a series of sermons on the first 4 chapters, along with an in-depth analysis of his own beliefs.  Austin has taken his love of sports to a new level with the proposal of creating a tennis manual, video and actually teaching someone the basics of the game of tennis.  Austin has worked for 5 years on practicing this sport and still has things to learn; so one year, or nine months really, is not alot of time to teach even the basics.  But man, am I a proud Mom!

I have had a great time being off of work for the past 2 weeks.  I look forward to working on Monday with my two little girls.  We actually all went for pedi's and lunch today and I got another taste of what life will be like as their Nanny (or the 'other' Mommy as the 3 year old calls me)!  They are such sweeties and so different from my boys.  Maybe I can enjoy them more...kind of like grandchildren.  I was so busy with LIFE when the twins were little.  Everything that had to be done took up so much time.  I now look back and think that I should have snuggled with them more after their prayers instead of jumping up to watch TV or clean the kitchen.  Or played in the yard with them more instead of telling them I had too much to do or it was too hot/cold.  Why is everything so much clearer in hindsight?  Don't get me wrong; I had 3 and a half years at home with them before I started working and we made alot of fun memories.  But are there ever really enough?

On a final note, my Mom has begun trying her hand at elder care.  She has been the companion to several in the past few months.  This week, she sat with a dear friend's father who suffers from dementia while his wife of 61 years was in the hospital from an unexpected cancer diagnosis.  Mom has taken it hard.  Watching the love they shared over the years, knowing that she is slowly slipping away has taken a huge toll on her emotions.  Sometimes she said, she would just sit in the floor and hold his hand as he cried.  Tonight his wife is home with hospice attending to her and her children gathered around.  The coming days will be difficult for them all.  Mama simply hopes she will be able to help them again; he has been calling her his 'angel' while she was caring for him.  I think that whether you care for babies, children, disabled, or the elderly it doesn't really matter.  You are caring for a precious life.  Trying to make either first days or last days more enjoyable.  I guess I take after Mom more than I thought.  Your prayers for this family would be appreciated.
God Bless!