The difference a year makes

This time last year I found myself traveling a lot. I was swamped with arranging child care at home and coverage at work in the midst of classes and schedules filling up fast for both my kids and the youth I worked with so that I could go with my husband.






We went to Chicago








and traveled to Oregon




This year I find myself a stay at home mom.
For the first time in years, we eat home cooked meals nearly every night, my house is relatively clean, and the laundry is done. I have started two quilts and nearly finished one, reupohlstered two chairs, unboxed a plethera of belongings, as well as pulled out my art supplies, done some drawing and painting, volunteered a few times at Habitat for Humanity, and I have taken nearly two thousand digital photos all in the past few months. This is my attempt to stave off boredom.

Reflecting back on the past year I find that I am beginning to adjust. I don't think I have adjusted yet, but I am adjusting.

I came across some old photos of my former office while cleaning out the computer files. It was fun to think back to the experiences I had, the people I met, the wonderful staff I worked with. But I also thought about the struggles of working in ministry, the lack of catechists, dealing with the disgruntled parents and realized that there are some advantages to not working right now.


In looking back on where I have been in the past year I am better able to get some perspective on things. Perspective on work, on my children, on relationships, a different perspective on my life.

I don't have a clue what life will look like a year from now when I reflect back on it, but I hope that I still find that we are all in good health, loved by family and friends, that I am a grandma to a new grandchild (hopefully just one grandchild) and that perhaps I have found the time and money to go skydiving!