One Big Happy Family

I apologize for being MIA. I've taken the past week to try and get things done around the house. I've also been making it a priority to spend more time with Trei and the kids when he's home from work. It's easy for me to hand him Lucas and Olivia when he walks in the door so I can go back to the office to work. I'm realizing the importance of taking time to really enjoy the evening and plug into conversation with my husband - even if it's happening amidst whining children, clanging of dishes, or the running of the vacuum. Bear with me as I try and work out this new routine of mine. Since I last wrote, I was graced with a visit from my parents. I can't describe how wonderful it is so have them in town. I really miss them, and sometimes long for the short distance we used to have between us. I wish they could be more of a daily/weekly part of our lives, instead of a monthly or quarterly part of it. It's hard. I'm a family gal - I thrive on time spent with people I love. Especially the ones called family. And although we see Trei's parents, sometimes it's once a week - at church - and I don't want to be greedy - but I could use more. More family time is always good.

So you can imagine the joy I had while my parents were here. It was just what I needed, and when I needed it. We spent time in conversation. Celebrating Olivia's birthday. Running around town. Just being together. Which is so very important to me. That my kids would know all their Grandparents intimately. That's the relationship I share(d) with mine - and I want it the same way for our kids.

Life recently has been pretty busy. Trei is working full-time as a store manager in training with McDonalds. He's also working part-time as the Kids Director at our church. In his free time (which thankfully he has some of), he's spending time with us. Just relaxing together, playing together, and doing the family thing. I'm staying consistently busy in Photography - but not enough yet to bring in the income we need. I'm applying left and right for part-time positions, but nothing is coming to fruition. Which can be very discouraging. I'm trying to remember that God is in control. He knows what our family needs - and when I'm supposed to have a job, He will provide one....but part of me wishes something were here now...so we could start to live with some financial peace. All in His timing. I know.

Lucas is wonderful. He talks like a normal kid now. Carrying on conversation with us, and surprising us with everything he knows. Sometimes Trei and I look at eachother and say "Where did he learn that?!?" He is smart. Like, really smart. He is into coloring now, and I have to hide the crayons from him - otherwise they become an obsession. He's also crazy about playing "I get you" (you know, where we chase him around the house). He is becoming more tolerable of his sister, now that she can actually engage with him. They "crawl" around the house together laughing, and ever so often I catch him sharing something of his with "Libby".

Olivia is getting so big as well. She is our tempermental baby. Never know what your going to get with her. Either big smiles and lots of snuggles - or screaming and crazy smacking with the hands. She is charming....oh so charming. But man, when you've hurt her. She has blacklisted you. Luckily not for long....but long enough to keep us shaking our heads :) She is s.l.o.w.l.y getting the courage to walk. But 80% of the time - she would rather crawl. She stands on her own a lot more often now-a-days....and on two occasions I've seen her take a step. She is ready - but like everything she does - she'll do it when she darn well pleases. We love her though. She is beautiful, and inquisitive, and funny. How blessed we are. Our kids are awesome, and we are so honored to be there parents. Life can be a little hectic - but it's always good. Always worth it.

Well, it's late. And I should go to bed. If you haven't already, check out my new business website (www.melissavossler.com) I have a few galleries to be filled, but otherwise it's done! Also stop on by my new photography blog (http://melissavossler.blogspot.com). I'm really proud of my new logo and website!!! Oh, and as always, I'm almost daily uploading pictures of the kids to Flickr (www.flickr.com/photos/vosslerfam/)

I love you all - thanks for reading, and leave a comment or two so I know I'm loved :)

Love, Me

Comments

[Erin]

Glad to have you back!! As always, your pictures are such a treat at the beginning of your entries. Thank you for the update of your kids- I absolutely love reading about how they are growing up! Lucas sounds like such a little charmer- I can't wait to be able to talk with Jeremiah like a "big kid". And Miss Livvy- for your sanity I hope she stays content with crawling for a little bit longer! I can't imagine having two kiddos running around the house, even if they are playing nicely. There is always something that you either forgot to babyproof or thought they could never in a million years get into... until they do. Great post!

[Shauntaye]

You are SO loved Melissa, and Trei and your beautiful blessings we call, your children too! I always enjoy and look forward to seeing your updates and new pictures.
I too share the same feeling as you, regarding the relationship you wish for your children to have with their grandparents. When that time comes for JC and I to have children of our own, I long for our children to have similar bonds with their grandparents as he and I have with ours. At any rate - I love you! I may not say it or express it enough but I do!

[J.]

Here's your love!
Your are doing fab Mama,Im so proud of you.