Growing Pains, or The Pains That I Hope Eventually Lead to Growth

The month leading up to our move was blissful.  You know when you hit a spot in life when you feel so much love and contentment?  Like things aren't hard work and life is beautiful? 

Moving is hard.  If you've ever done it, you know what I mean.  If you've ever lived in in a place that was to you the definition of home, a haven, a hamlet (not the kind where everyone ends up killing each other, mind you), you understand what I am experiencing.

We are blessed in that my kids' school and their best friends came with us.  But I am experiencing a host of growing pains nonetheless.  I don't like this state of limbo we're living now.  We're just waiting for our home to sell, in order to use the equity to buy our next house.  In the meantime, we're attending a ward that knows we're here temporarily.  How motivated would you really be to befriend a family you knew would be moving away?

Asher doesn't sleep well unless he's in his own space, which doesn't exist here.  Not unless we pitch a tent outside for his four siblings.  And when Asher doesn't sleep well; well, you know how it goes. 

 Gabe has become completely unruly in the afternoons.  We've finally started reaching out to the homeschool community here.  We've joined a nature study group, and attended a homeschool park day.  We enjoyed both events, except for the fact that they were scheduled during Gabe's naptime.  You know how there are mean drunks, and there are nice ones?  Well, my son is a mean nap-skipper.   I love him, he's my baby boy, he makes me laugh every day, and he challenges me as a mother in ways I have not before been challenged.

I could go on, but that's probably enough of my public pity party.

It is warm here, it's nice to see some family members regularly, I'm loving trading off preschool days with my sister, and I hope to develop some pretty strong character muscles... after the growing pains do their job.

Reason #82 to Love Homeschooling

Science class at a botanical garden, enjoying er, I mean STUDYING nature.  No forms, fees or finagling (so surprised spell check didn't "check" me on that one!) involved; just loading up into the gas-guzzler and meeting up with new friends for a wonder-filled afternoon.

A turtle shares space in this little pond with his minnow and koi fish friends.  He kept swimming under the lily pads and had just popped his head up again.

If you're in the area, it's worth the time to check out Alta Vista Gardens in Vista.  It's just up the driveway from Brengle Terrace Park.  It has the feel of an AMAZING backyard.  Beside this pond, there was a unique music garden, a life-sized tepee, and a plethora of beautiful plants and trees.  Plenty to keep your little ones engaged for a few hours, and you won't be disappointed either.