I just spent a few minutes this afternoon reading back through some of my old blog entries. What a fun way to remember some of the joys and challenges of the past few years. I've gotta say, I impressed myself with some of the entries...nice pictures, thoughts and remembrances....as least that's the way I felt today.
I feel obligated to report that everything is actually going really well with the family right at this moment. It was kind of a rough year or so and 2010 in particular will probably go down as one of the worst years ever, but things seem to be on the right track.
Here's a bit of an update and a few things I've learned to be thankful about-
DH started a new job this week, a regular job where he will get paid and have some benefits. We will never take that for granted after spending several years in under employment with no benefits to speak of. It doesn't mean we weren't working hard, but hard work does not always translate to a steady paycheck and benefits, something I'll always remember before judging others. He'll be doing most of his training out of town, so that will be different, but he will still be home every weekend, so we will make the most of that.
CS (college son), is college son no more having graduated in May. He found a job right away and started work after Memorial Day. There again, feel very happy that he graduated in four years and found a job, with benefits no less. In this economy, that's not a sure thing for new grads and we are really proud of him.
CD (college daughter) finished her sophomore year with flying colors and got a great summer internship that provides a generous stipend, room and board. We've missed having her around, but she has been having a wonderful summer. A new boyfriend in the mix has helped her happiness level a lot, can't wait to meet him. He's a farm boy, so I already have a good impression.
TB (tall beast) is even taller and more beastly and now a high school graduate. He's going to a liberal arts college sponsored by our church denomination that is nearby. He's had a great summer filled with baseball, work, and lots of rest and food. I feel a little like I'm grabbing at his heels as he grows up and will go away to college in such a short time. I'm not looking forward to him leaving, but I know he will do well and it's the best for him.
All of the changes and challenges of the last few months have been stressful, but I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and feel like we will get through it all just fine. All of it gives me a bit of perspective and helps me to remember that life has it's highs and lows and even at what seems like the lowest, there are those a lot worse off, and always lessons to be learned that obviously aren't easy or quickly learned.
