May Day

So, before the babies come, 

I'm going to read all of Matthew Kelly's books. Not really, but in searching for them today after several of them were recommended during my Bible Study, I couldn't decide which to "tackle" first. Which would be best to grasp before life changes? Building Better Families seems an obvious, sure winner. The Rhythm of Life: Living Everyday with Passion and Purpose would probably feed my more personal interests (and my Dad should totally read this: his two favorite words: passionate and productive. Seems appropriate, yes?). Or The Seven Levels of Intimacy. Maybe I should read this to remind myself that different levels exist and surely one includes middle-of-the-night double feedings. Seems remarkably intimate to me!

Our life in Texas has not been particularly exciting, but I think that's good. We've reconnected with friends and seen family a lot. The boys are adjusting, schools are good and--as I told Steve once is the greatest indicator of "being settled" in a place--I've run into people I know at Target. Thank. The. Lord.

Sweet friends had a brunch for Ellie and me :)

As I sit and think about what a great fighting chance we have of becoming part of this community--like, for real--I marvel, truly, at the stages we're in, all simultaneously. Is this normal? Nick and I had an in-depth conversation at dinner about diocese vs archdiocese. Last night, he and Steve were trying to figure out supply and demand, conservative and liberal, and the differences between communism, socialism and Just Plain Bad Idea. lol. I have to give Steve kudos--he did try very hard to be objective.

Jacob's first spring football game.

And then Jacob right now, lies on his floor, asleep under a quilt and on top of his school uniform, sick from or of something--too distracted even to do his homework. He's the sweetest kid, he's trying. . .I think. And somehow, with a child so different in demeanor and behavior from Steve or me, it's challenging to parent him while being the "best version of ourselves." And I'm pregnant, so I can't drink.

Ellie and Mary, visiting at the boys' school.

And then during Mass today, Ellie tells me she has to go to the bathroom. I'm so excited--this will be "our" chance (I've thought this before).

Me: "Ok, Ellie, please don't go poo-poo in your diaper. Let's run to the potty and, remember? If you go poo-poo in the potty, you get a sucker!" (All in a relatively loud, animated whisper.)

Stinker: "How about you go poo-poo in the potty, and I'll give you a sucker."

It's going to work, and I know it. All of it. Life is so good, and we are so abundantly blessed. We have friends and dreams and possibilities and options. We also live in the great hope that one day Ellie will want to wear panties. 

If you ever start feeling like you have the goofiest, craziest, most dysfunctional family in the world, all you have to do is go to a state fair. Because five minutes at the fair, you’ll be going, ‘you know, we’re alright. We are dang near royalty.’ 

---Jeff Foxworthy