This website is one of my great loves—the combination of so many of my “things:” writing, crafting, and just plain life. But, it has gotten the shaft recently. Life has gotten in the way…not just of this website, but of my writing and crafting in general. Two moves (plus helping my parents with two moves) since June, starting a new job, and trying to finish up some school work, and crafting of all types goes to the wayside, much to my dismay.

I’m currently sitting on a train back home from Michigan, after visiting my family for Thanksgiving. The train gives you a lot of time to think. I’ve been crocheting and listening to an audio book for school, but decided to take a break and write for a bit, while life wasn’t getting in the way.

It is in these quiet moments that I can reflect on the good in the fullness of my life. I have a job that I love, a family that I adore, and friends that stand by me even after they’ve moved way too many boxes of books up a flight of rickety stairs.

I was blessed to have a true Thanksgiving break. It was one that reminded me that a break is good…that it is okay to go to bed before everyone else, then wake up before everyone else and enjoy a pot of tea…that there is joy in discovering a grandfather clock for the first time and tick-tocking along with it…that flying down a slide never gets old…that hearing your two-year-old nephew call you “Th-V” is the best sound in the world.

I know that some people don’t enjoy going back to their roots, but I find such joy and refreshment in hanging out with my family. I treasure those moments, and yes, probably even more so now that there’s a little one in the midst. There’s something about seeing the joy on his face when he just doesn’t know what to check out next in the preschool room at Hands On—when he runs back and forth between tasks, dropping his fireman hat and coat in the middle of the floor, only to want it back again in 30 seconds. To experience life like that again—it’s good to have these reminders.

And seeing my brother and sister-in-law as parents? Pure joy. I know it’s not always easy for them; I can see that. But, they’re doing an amazing job. They exhibit such patience with a very independent Cooper, clearly trying so hard to not stifle his spirit while he explores the world, but also molding him into the person he will become.

Then there’s Ja-Ja (Uncle Jon). He’s such a fun Uncle. He really is a jungle gym, and Cooper adores him. Uncle Jon was only able to be with us for Thanksgiving Day, then he had go back to Chicago to coach basketball games. But, Cooper loves his Ja-Ja, and he kept asking for him after he left.

I think my parents were made to be grandparents. They love and spoil and care and support and all the wonderful things grandparents can do. I am truly blessed to be in the family I am in. And I’m glad I had the little break to be reminded to stop and look at the fishies and listen to the tick-tock of the clocks in my world.

Recently:

• Cutting Valerie to Val
• Vivacious Valerie: When Things Come Full Circle
• Ladybug Girl Grows Up
• When Life Gets in the Way…
• Last Class, Take Two: I’m Already Being Challenged
• First Days…
• Life Imitates Life: It Must Be Friday
• Winters’ Snow
• Creative vs. Artist
• Energy