Home Sweet Home

I haven't really written much of any substance in a long time. I'm not sure the true reason, although I can think of many contributors. Life has been very busy and very full for the Curtis Crew. I recently took another position at work and making the transition into working more has been a bit challenging. Just a small glimpse...the other day, Jason suggested we might need to get a maid to clean the house. In fact, his words were, "Are my days of domestic bliss coming to an end?" I think I've been spoiling him by keeping the house clean and meals planned, etc, etc because I've had a lot of free time to do so. However, my free time has diminished pretty much overnight. So, enter hubby's uneasiness... I just can't bring myself to make that call to hire a maid, though.

I absolutely am loving my new job. I am now Director of Summer as well as continuing with my Director of After School position. Laurel School has amazing summer offerings and registration is in full swing. This will be the first summer I actually work full-time while my kids are out of school...enter a little bit of Mommy guilt. However, they are thrilled to have a babysitter coming and my oldest two get to participate in summer camp with me, so I think things will be ok...no scarring of my children due to feelings of neglect, I hope!

We are on the countdown to head to Texas. We've had this trip planned for a while. One of our very best friends is getting married and we wouldn't miss it for the world! We are so excited to be reunited with family and friends and to be back in the place that still feels like our true home. Just imagine, we're going from 19 degrees with snow on the ground to 70's with sunshine!

Speaking of true home, we had parent conferences this week with Emily & Ben's teachers. Jason and I couldn't have felt prouder listening to the teachers describe our kids. You always wonder what your kids are really like when you're not around...well, let's just say we slept very soundly last night. Just love those little dumplins so much! Anyway, Ben's teachers told us that frequently, Ben tells them he doesn't really live in Ohio, he's just visiting, he actually lives in Texas. Top that off with Emily asking us two days ago when we're going to move back to Texas because she's ready...Where is home?

So, we're all looking forward to our visit with a blend of emotions...excitement, of course! And yet, there's a little melancholy shade over the excitement knowing that we will have to say goodbye again and return to 19 degrees and snow on the ground. Don't get me wrong, we really like living here...love the seasons, love the slower-paced lifestyle, love our jobs and school. However, the relationships we had in Texas are not here. Church was the center of our life in Texas and it's not yet here. We are still church hunting...

Relationships are so important and just imagine what that day will be like when we are reunited with those who have gone on before us...the blend of emotions will be that of excitement and joy with no shade of melancholy! Family members, friends, maybe even pets (please no theology lessons here) will be standing there to greet us and we'll never have to say goodbye again. Moms, Dads, Sisters, Brothers, Grandmothers, Grandfathers, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Sons, Daughters...and then, the grand finale...Jesus himself. Can you only imagine? No more wondering...This is home!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend with those you love!