Over the last couple weeks I have really been reflecting over family. I have been around a lot of people who I realize don't hold family to the same importance level that I do. I didn't think I was raised any different than the average person, but as I get older I am realizing that my family is definitely not the norm (Dennis has been telling me this for years, but I never understood what he meant). We were raised that the number one thing in your life is your family. My parents never talked about money, asked someone how much they make or talked about material things. Happiness was being close to family. As we have grown, my sisters and I text or call all the time. My brother has even called asking for baby advice. There is nothing we want more than for our kids to grow up near each other and with a big extended family to help influence them to make good decisions.
My parents have given us example of what it means to put your spouse above all relationships. Because if that relationship isn't strong, the kids will suffer and everything else falls apart. I try not to go a day with out saying I love you to my husband or giving him a kiss and I know for sure I haven't gone a day without telling my kids the same and giving them many kisses. My parents raised us to be selfless and put our kids first instead of ourselves. I am amazed at some of the things I have heard parents say to their own kids. I can't think of any time my parents ever insulted me.
When I pray for my kids, it is always the same prayer, that they are happy and healthy. I don't care how much money they make in the future (though I hope they will be comfortable) or what they decide to do. What I want for them is their health and happiness. I hope they stay close to each other, put their wives/husband above all relationships, and love their kids as Dennis and I love them. To me these are such basic wishes and yet I am realizing that the world is full of very selfish people and these "natural instincts" do not come natural to a lot of people.
Just last night I hosted a girls night and I commented that we did not move here with the intention of it being a long term move and the girls were shocked. They said, "But it is the number one place in America to live." While I agree it is a great place (weather and bugs excluded), it is too far from family. At the end of the day to me that is the most important thing, keeping those relationships strong.
With that said....my sister Julie and her family came to Indiana last Thursday to visit us. Months ago, she asked when would be a good time and I told her the boys had fall break this past weekend and since she would still be on maternity leave, it worked out perfect. With three kids (one of who is a newborn), it was a long 12-14 hour drive each way for them, but they did it without complaint to come see us. That to me means more than anything. It was so nice to have someone recognize that we are always traveling and instead they did the drive, so they could come see us and spend time with us. It makes me sad when the boys don't remember certain family members or just don't have much of a relationship with them.
With the baby due around the holidays, it is going to be a very long stretch before we make it back to VA. The boys haven't been back to VA since spring break, so it will be a year for them when we finally get back there. My sister taking the time to visit us meant so much to all of us! The boys were thrilled to see their cousins. They had a blast playing in the back yard many times with Uncle Phil and their cousins. We took them to a great new place we discovered that is all trampolines. Logan was timid at first, but then started to get more brave and had a blast. The older boys and Dennis and Phil had fun playing dodge ball on the trampolines. The men were worn out and dripping in sweat by the time they were done!
We also took them to the Children's museum. They had fun going through the haunted house and all the different exhibits. No trip to Carmel is complete with out seeing downtown Carmel, so we went to Bubs for burgers and then walked to the frozen yogurt place.
Monday, Dennis had to go back to work, but the rest of us went to Snapperz, which is an indoor arcade, bounce house, etc place. Phil and the boys played laser tag (I think Phil enjoyed this even more than that boys). Lastly, us adults played lots and lots of Catan in the evenings. It was a great time!
Tuesday, the Moore's left and Dennis also headed to the airport to fly to NY for work. He got back Thursday just in time to watch the kids so I could host girls night. I am so glad that box is checked on my list of things to do before the baby comes!
Speaking of baby...I am 32 weeks today, it is flying by! Doctor says she will induce on Dec. 21st if baby doesn't come before than (assuming the hospital and she is available that day), so that we won't have to worry about trying to find someone to watch our kids on Christmas Day. That day won't get scheduled until I am closer to the end, so its not set in stone. Anyway, I am hoping the baby comes sooner than that so I won't have to be induced, but you never know...
And just to record this moment for Logan....Logan pooped on the potty for the first time yesterday! He was excited to get his R2 D2 prize (or as he calls him "DooDee DooDee") for pooping on the potty. Potty training is moving along slowly but surely. Yesterday he declared "No more Pull ups, just underwear", so I let him go in just underwear all day. He did have one accident, but I managed to keep him on a potty schedule that kept him from any other accidents. He loves being in just underwear ("Like E" as he says, he really looks up to Evan), but he doesn't really take much initiative yet to go to the potty. We aren't pushing it, we are letting him go at his own pace, so who knows when it will all fully click for him.
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