Last week I was very fortunate to be able to return home for a ten day visit. The week flew by filled with soccer games, horse shows, more soccer games, board games, organizing, horse lessons, eagle court of honors, and general family fun. I returned feeling very emotional. I was happy to return to my other home, with my dear husband, but I was sad to leave my wonderful parents and dear younger siblings. I wish I would have had time to do all the things I wanted to do: make cards with Adee, have Adee instruct me on how to canter on her horse, assemble outfits with Dantzi, teach my Dad another voice lesson, cut Devin and Adalee’s hair, spend more time laughing with my Mom, get my Mom’s pots ready for spring. . .  the list could probably continue eternally. It’s hard to be the older sibling who has moved away. I want so dearly to be there for my younger siblings, to be able to comfort them when they are forlorn and to be able to rejoice with their many accomplishments. As much as technology has helped long distant relationships, it still can’t replace the connection that quality time creates.

I come from an amazing family. Headed by two stalwart dedicated parents and filled in by seven inspiring siblings. My brothers and sisters are my closest and dearest friends. Ranging from ages 32 to 9 they offer insights and perspectives into my life that my limited experiences alone prevent. I love them dearly, and only wish we all lived on the same street so I could spend as much time with them as I would like.

As I went through the pictures of my trip I realized that I failed to take a single shot of my Mother.  How typical. How often the mother is relegated to the back of the scene, while all the while she is the foundation. As I watched my siblings perform on the soccer field, horse arena, violin, and clarinet I marveled at how many hobbies and talents my mother has helped foster through her 30 some years of mothering. So while my Mother does not appear in any of these photos, please know that she is the driving force behind each one.

Dantzi is a firecracker and I love her. She is full of energy and ideas. She loves to talk and laugh. We enjoyed organizing her room together and hanging the canopy Sabina gave her last year. I also enjoyed watching two of her soccer games, watching her sing with her chorus, and mostly hearing and watching her  suzuki recital.

Adalee

 

Adalee is an emerging young woman. We had many great chats, and I loved hearing her ideas and observations. I loved watching Adee in her horse show and jumping lesson. It’s so beautiful to watch her and her horse performing together. It’s amazing to think this little girl can control such a large animal. It’s also embarrassing to admit that this “little” girl also beat me in an arm wrestling competition. Ouch!

Devin

Doesn’t this look like a photo you would see on Sports Illustrated. I have to admit my younger (once little) brother is a looker, and he’s one darn good soccer player. To quote the local paper: “Devin is one of the league’s dominant players,” Bertram said. “He carries us at both ends of the field.  He scores most of our goals, yet is also our team’s best defender.  As Devin goes, so do the Chiefs.”

Pops

Both my Mom and Dad have been working hard to increase their general health. I was amazed at their dedication and positive results. Both have lost weight, gained muscle and look great. I did two different exercise tapes with my Mom- and man did she make me look silly!

Me

My first horse show- (yup I’m the one on the horse!). Adee and I won first place. Details undisclosed.

Singing a duet with Dantzi at her Suzuki Violin book two recital.

Moments I hope I never forget:
     Playing the piano as Dantzel, Adalee and my Dad sang “Edelweiss” behind me.
     Playing encore as a family on our road trip back from Tri-cities.
     Watching Dantzi wiggle, dance, and flop on her back laughing as I tried to diligently get her to try on a box of hand-me-downs.
      Watching Adalee jump on Lucky and canter to the end of the arena in perfect control.
      Hearing Adalee sincerely say in response to my question “What do you think about the fact that your brother is going to be gone soon?”- “It’s going to be a real loss.” 
      Talking with my Mom while mucking the pasture.
       Seeing my Dad tear up as he said publicly, “I love her,” speaking of my Mother.
      Working on Devin’s Machu Pichu poster together.