I have a child and live with my grandparents.

Saturday we all slept really late. As in, 11:00 am to noon or past, late. After dragging ourselves from bed to face a beach-less day, we continued the process of unpacking and catching up on things that still needed to be done.

Mom left with Aunt Cendei early (10:00 am) to go to Town Talk.

I continued going through my things to get rid of stuff I don't need. It is so freeing!

We all wore our picture outfits to church at Dad's request because it is totally still 85 degrees at least during the day here in October.

Before and after Maui, tan comparison. 

Got protein shake? 

We were so excited to be with our church family again. And after the service a large number of us went to Rosa's for dinner. 

Sunday morning was mostly gone by the time we got up and finished preparing our Sunday brunch meal. 

Christian woke up not feeling well and remained in bed. 

After eating everyone else got ready to go. I stayed home with Christian, Mom went grocery shopping, and the rest went to Gramma's house to meet her new puppies! 

Having a restful, quiet day, mostly to myself, felt wonderful. When mom got back we made okra and butter, I mean, we made brownies. The brownies were largely composed of okra and butter. They were some of the best brownies ever!! 

The others arrived close to 7:00 pm and for dinner we had smoothies, popcorn, and brownies and watched "The Trouble with Angels." 

Monday morning my goal was to get up at 7:30 am. But we all were still having trouble falling asleep before midnight. So it was about 7:45 when I rolled out of bed. I still managed to be the first one up. A five hour time difference adjustment is no quick thing! 

Most all of us got to have a semi-normal at home school day. Christian was still sick and I didn't see him all day. 

I counted down the hours all day until it was time for me to leave with Nana and Grandfather to go to their small group. I missed all the children so badly, sometimes it was real physical pain. And no, I did not get over it. I'd say that was one of the hardest parts about being gone, not seeing all of them. 

All of the children seemed to have grown and it was so wonderful to receive all their sweet hugs and listen to all they wanted to tell me. Sadly, Kate was already asleep and Sadie was sick and not there. Mom asked me if I cried. No, not quite. 

Tuesday was get-readjusted-or-bust day for me. I had to be up at 5:30 am to exercise before Kate finally arrived at 6:00 am. I had her all to myself until 7:15 because no one else particularly felt the need to rise quite so early. 

My loving, reliable Grandfather offered to take me to the Decatur DMV to renew my license that morning. The goal was to leave at 7:30 am to be there when it opened, but getting out the door all by yourself with a baby is a little harder than you might think. Or maybe not. Maybe it was easier for me than you would imagine it being for yourself. I don't know. At any rate, we left at 7:50. 

Baby tips- Preparing and feeding yourself and a baby breakfast takes more than just 30 minutes. And I totally forgot the other tip. 

The DMV was a little full by the time we arrived and the moment we walked in everyone became very sympathetic looking and kind of sighed. They ooh-ed and ahh-ed over Kate and said I was very good with her. 

Walking in Grandfather noted, and I agreed, that everyone would probably think that Kate was my baby and that I live with my grandparents because my parents disowned me, etc. We laughed over that and Grandfather said however I wanted to play it, he'd go along. I went for the truth, and tried to explain that I was only her nanny, although it probably didn't sound very believable. Honestly, I really didn't mind. 

I've been asked since I was 12 years old if this cousin, or that sibling, or whatever child I was holding in public, was mine. It's a sad reality in our culture, but I am used to it and know how to give gracious, truthful answers without becoming flustered. (Now.) 

And we got my license renewed so I can drive again! 

Chloe prepping for the PSAT

Mom and the littles went to Bubble Land and were gone most of the day. Christian is feeling some better and worked on school. 

I very much enjoyed my day with Kate. 

Could this be more adorable? 

All of us kids practiced our lines for the play and talked to Kate. It was a good day. 

The Herd: Quoted

"They probably didn't believe me though, there was no way I was not going to kiss Kate for a whole 30 minutes." -Me

"You kissed Kate in public?!" -Christian

"Yeah, why not?!" -Me

"Both Chloe and Christian were going to take the PSAT originally and then Christian got sick so we thought maybe he wouldn't, but throughout the day he has seemed better so we thought maybe he would. But ever since I said he seemed better he has started visibly drooping again..." -Dad

"Yeah, I saw that smile!" -Mom to Christian

"I noticed the same thing!" -Me 

Where We Belong

Thursday morning we pretty much got up and got ready for the beach. A little packing continued while we waited for each other. 

It was cloudy to start out and the water was about the same, still kind of rough, and not that great to be in. It was not, however, super windy like the couple of days before so that was nice. Later in the day the clouds cleared away and it got sunny. 

We spent the morning crying on the beach enjoying our last beach hours and talking about things that would need to get done when we got home, like renewing my driver's license which expired on my birthday. 

After lunch some of us started towards the pool and then showers. After I was all cleaned up I was able to complete my packing and rest for a bit. Aka blog. Then the rest of the crew arrived to shower and pack and go through food and finish laundry and everything else which has to be done before a family leaves Maui. In the midst of that Mom and I got to slip away and get pedicures. 

This is the view from my bed that I'm going to miss. 

And this view while driving.

Mom and Gabe had to take a shuttle to the airport as the mini van could not hold all of us, much less all the luggage. The rest of us left at 6:02. The goal was 6:00. It's a record! 

In the car the other kids retold all their surfing stories and what the should and shouldn't have done on each wave. 

Dad returned the renal vehicle while we waited at the curb...

crying.

Once we were all together again we went through security. For the first time in my life I was terrified to go through. I didn't have my passport to be current ID. And, as I already stated, my license had expired. They totally could have told me I couldn't fly. 

Mom decided to divide up the kids and have Dad take three and her take three and try to "these are my children" approach hoping they would not think that I or Chloe looked 18. Chloe's group went first and she was immediately asked for ID (which she had). Mom and I started sweating. 

The guard took one look at me and asked if I was 18. We said yes and he asked for ID. I gave it to him. He scanned it. He said it was expired. And let us all through. Praise God, hallelujah! I wasn't arrested and I got to come home. Whew! Never. Doing. That. Again. Ever. 

But the rest of security was crazy too. Chloe and I both got patted down. Her for no reason. Me because of my hair. Then Gabe's backpack was taken and searched. When we were finally all through with all of our bags (I almost left mine on the belt...) everyone was sighing with relief. 

We got the the gate and dropped all our bags. Then went to the restroom. 

I did way better flying alone. With so many people I kept leaving my bags and I almost face planted while walking. 

Dad took all us kids to get dinner while Mom guarded the millions of bags. 

I think that was maybe the first time I ever ate at Burger King. I had a veggie burger. *Ducks* 

Eating. Chloe was there too. 

Our flight didn't leave until 9:30 so we had some time to eat and clean up and put on jeans and sweatshirts.  

Boarding.

So excited. Not.

She asked and they obliged. 

He got the sweet end of the deal.

Yes, we were photobombed.

No, we didn't see it until afterwards.

Leaving Maui.

I watched it until there were no more lights to be seen.

The flight was about 4 and 1/2 hours long. We all tried to sleep. We all sort of failed. None of us find it very easy to sleep on planes. Christian even let me lay across his lap. I think I dozed. I did discover that hats are great for wearing over your face to block out light, though! I've never worn a hat before. Until I bought one while we were in Maui. 

About to land in San Fransisco. 

We arrived at 5:30 am and all went to our next gate. The layover was 2 hours long and gave us enough time to rest, stretch, and eat a little something. 

Breakfast and sunrise.

The second flight left at 7:30 and was 3 hours long. The seatbelt sign was on pretty much the whole time because of all the turbulence. I think some people were able to sleep. Our landing was extremely  bouncy and rough. 

Gramma, Aunt Candice, and Brennen brought us our truck and Dad was able to get all of us and all our bags in it. We were not expecting for that to work, but were very grateful it did. 

We were in...

...but not by much.

We all went to Jamba Juice in Southlake Town Center and enjoyed catching up some by the fountain. 

I walked over to Starbucks to see if my friend was working and she was! I just wanted to say hi to her and I didn't have any money with me. She blessed me so much by offering me whatever drink I wanted. My Pumpkin Spice Latte was so good. 

Now they sleep.

We got home a little after 4:00 and unloaded all our stuff. I pretty much went straight to the piano. I missed it. So. Much. Playing the piano is a way I release stress, calm down, and process, plus I just really enjoy it. I was so excited to be able to play a few songs from memory without hesitation or mistakes! 

Everyone worked on unpacking for a majority of the rest of the day and Mom and I started working to go through our stuff and find things to get rid of. 

While we were away we noticed once again that we really don't need a lot of things to be happy. We all pack very light to go to the beach because all we wear is swimsuits and pajamas a majority of the time. Also, we don't need "toys" or a lot of other things because we just spend time enjoying the beach and visiting with other people and playing games and being creative. At home obviously there are different dynamics, but we still have so much more than we need. 

So as soon as we were unpacked Mom and I both got started and already there is a large pile of things to take to our church's garage sale in a couple weeks. 

Once everything was mostly taken care of and put away (around 8:30 pm) the others turned on American Ninja Warrior. 

We were all really tired having not slept on the plane much, but because of the time difference it was still mid afternoon for us so going to bed would have been useless. I think most everyone stayed up until at least 10:30. I went to bed at midnight. 

That moment when:

Your brother decides to order your meal even though you are standing right there.

Your siblings get you confused so that when you get on the airplane you try to kick people out of the seats you thought were yours.

You almost face plant in the middle of a crowd and get told by the people giggling behind you that you were very graceful.

The Herd: Quoted 

"Prefect crying weather." -Me on the beach  

"What is that?" -Dad and Me at the same time.

"It could be something gross." -Ava

"It came from the freezer, it won’t be gross." -Dad

"That's the fish Christian caught and smashed and cut up!" -Chloe 

"Dad, that is gross!" -Me

"Thank you for buying food Mom and Dad." -Mom reminding everyone not to complain.

"You’re welcome." -Chloe very sleepily. 

"Hey, what?" -Mom

"oh oops, sorry, thank you." -Chloe

"what did she do?" -Ava

"She took credit for something she didn’t do!" -Mom 

"Whew, we are through. I thought I was going to have to call Mark and ask him to come get you." - Mom after we got me through security 

"I'm still shaking, I'm so glad they didn't tell me I couldn't come." -Me 

"They gave me a pat down again!" -Me leaving security 

"Why?" -Mom

"Because I have long hair." -Me 

"That's what they said? Was it a woman?" -Mom

"I think so...I can't remember." -Me 

"Let's see how many times I can almost forget my bag." -Me after almost walking away from my carry-on for the second time.

"I was talking to that woman and she asked, 'Are all those your kids? I thought you were their sibling or something!'" -Mom

"It took all of about 2 minutes for one of Keely's coworkers to ask me how old I am." -Me 

I want to eat your hair.

*Checks battery power. FaceFloors.* I did it again, 12%. 

At home later. 

Monday afternoon we finally had another play practice!

Considering the fact that we hadn't all practiced together in a month at least (and therefore hadn't seen them in a while), and everyone had about the same level of knowledge of their lines (maybe a little better for some, I'll give them that), and that I didn't have as good a plan in place in terms of order of operation and such, we did well! All that's to say, it was an extremely loud practice which leaned towards the side of super-crazy and unorganized and added to that was filled with laughter, brilliant new ideas, and Batman. 

Most everyone put on their costume, aka- everyone except Christian, who declined to and Ava, who really didn't need to since, sadly, her part is very small. Honestly, no one needed to put their's on, but everyone wanted to see everyone else's. I'll need to work on not tripping on my skirt as well as keeping my hair out from under everyone's feet and out of their hands out of the way. Wesley's mask and all black costume begged for a Batman voice. That was super-helpful in the way of keeping everyone serious. 

Chloe had my phone a considerable amount of time and so by the end of it I had a lot of pictures of the practice, mainly though, pictures of Wesley and Buttercup. I shall endeavor to caption them cleverly. 

Do you think we killed her?

This is going well, right?

We are going to debate this script while 

Vizzini pulls roughly rubs Buttercup's hair because we happen to be on a boat. 

I shall plunge this flying sword into your back not even giving you a chance.

I'm studying the script- er -I mean, I'm bored and this book is more fun.

This script!? 

I know right, now let me put my boot on.

Now this is how you cure a dead man, 

if you puncture his nose with your thumb his legs will cross. 

What good does that do?

Trust me. 

You, with the camera!

Looking good, you've just been reunited now...

...And despite the fact that this looks like we are acting incredibly emotional, 

we are actually both losing it at this point. 

Some of these you will just have to caption yourself...

What is that?

My hand.

Oh, right, that's a hand. 

It's a hand everybody!

Seriously?

That...

Well...

This script, it's...incredible. 

Those shoes!

Mom and Dad went out for dinner Monday night and Chloe provided the rest of us with her signature dinner meal- Oriental Lemon Honey Pasta with Pesto. 

Gabe was so excited about Kate coming Tuesday that he was downstairs at 6:00 am dressed and ready for the day. I was up then too, but that's because I had to be... I was also very excited though, I missed that darling so much! Actually, I think everyone was really excited... We love babies. All of us. 

Absolutely adorable Kate executing a perfect yoga stretch called "Pigeon." 

But you can call it "Sparrow" if you want. I accidentally renamed it one time.

Dad is not angry, just fyi. I'm being serious.

There are no words, she is so precious. 

If you ever should need to practice the piano while caring for a baby it can be done! I sat Kate down on the piano bench in front of me and then crossed one of my legs over the other so she would have her own little chair. She loved watching my hands and occasionally putting her own on the keys as well to help. The smart little cookie even figured out she could make me do cool tricks to keep playing the song by putting her hand underneath mine and pushing my arm. 

Also, if you were wondering, should a baby begin to gag on the food you are feeding them, that probably means you should stop putting it in their mouth. 

These two are sweet buddies, playing lego wars, what else?

Tuesday afternoon Christian and Ava had orthodontist appointments and Chloe went to Gramma's to work on a photo book from our most recent Maui vacation *counts on fingers* 9 months ago. That night Mia had a birthday party for one of her little friends. She was so funny about it, planning her whole week around getting to go to that party and telling everyone she would be gone that night. 

When I make dinner and it includes Cheesecake it is a good day. 

Ava, how did you manage to climb up there? And Chloe didn't help you? 

Gabe turned me into a jungle gym as well and climbed up onto my shoulder without my assistance. We won't talk about how painful that was. He is very strong! 

I have been reading this book the past couple of weeks and I highly recommend it. 

I enjoyed it partly because I enjoy writing and he was an incredible author, 

but also just because hearing about his life, how he came to Christ, 

and how that changed him was really something special.

Now I want to read all of his books! 

Wednesday afternoon Mia and I had dentist appointments. Other than that there wasn't much of anything very interesting going on that day. Aside from the fact that that was the day I started this post and now it is Saturday. 

Thursday afternoon I went to spend time with a friend. I'm pretty sure that was one of the days Dad had a lot of meetings. Friday too, I think. I have worked every day at my nanny job aside from having Kate on Tuesday. Other random family updates while I'm at it- Chloe and Christian have been kicking back into school mode and the littles are just being more consistent at it. (They have been working on a few things all summer.) 

Friday afternoon I took Chloe, Christian, and Ava shopping for Tax-Free Weekend. We hit Plato's Closet, Payless Shoes, Chick-fil-a, and Target. (In case you were wondering where we enjoy shopping.) 

Turned out Mom, Dad, Mia, and Gabe then went out to one of our family's favorite restaurants "Babe's." We shoppers were glad they had a nice time... 

I've Been Pondering

This week I have been more and more in awe of the beauty of the earth, even in the midst of it's brokenness, the people in it, each with a unique personality and different gifts, and how we have been designed to love and appreciate that which is lovely. Then I am overwhelmed with unspeakable joy and wonder knowing this is hardly even a shadow of our real home- Heaven. 

So be in awe, be truly amazed, be absolutely speechless, be in total wonder, and praise our Father. 

The Herd: Quoted 

"I wish there was a real Wesley." -Gabe

"Noah is Wesley." -Me

"No, I'm going to make a real one." -Gabe

"You going to name your son Wesley?" -Me 

"If my wife agrees, yes." -Gabe

"A princess never sets her weapons on the table." -Gabe quoting "Brave" in a perfect Captain Jack voice. 

"You are wooden, you have a heart of stone." -Me joking.

"That does not make me wooden!" -Chloe correct as usual.  

"Mom, what's adultery?" -Gabe 

"Inappropriate physical contact with someone you are not married to.  What does that mean to you?" -Mom

"No kissing on the lips?" -Gabe 

"Well, that is not a good idea, but it's not adultery." -Mom

"No contact at all?" -Gabe

"No, if I gave your uncle a hug that's okay, that's not adultery." -Mom

"If you don't want to be attacked by a shark, don't wear your turtle outfit in the water." -Mom

"Mom, the word 'pizza' has an invisible 't' in it." -Mia 

"What song is this?" -Me playing the piano. 

"I'm not sure. Do you know?" -Dad

"No, I was wondering if you did." -Me

"If you don't know what it is, how are you playing it?" -Dad

"I know it is a real song I've heard somewhere, I just don't know where and I actually don't know how I'm playing it, I just sat down and played it from memory for the first time." -Me

"I don't remember what I dreamed all I know is when I woke up my first thought was 'I need to buy pepper spray.'" -Me

"Christian, looks like you have a component!" -Ava

"An 'opponent' maybe?" -Dad

"Oh, yeah..." -Ava

"Did you watch a tutorial or something?" -Chloe to me while I was playing piano.

"No, I've been teaching it to myself just sounding it out." -Me

"When did you start learning it?" -Chloe tentatively.

"..This morning..." -Me very quietly kind of ducking down. 

"Argh! I wish I could play the piano, I can't even read music anymore!" -Chloe

"Well...I can't read music that well either, I guess I just have really good ears for picking songs out that way..." -Me 

"Any one want the rest of the zucchini noodles?" -Me

"Do you mean spaghetti squash?" -Dad

"I am the king of second place." -Gabe

"Your hair smells delicious!" -Christian randomly picking up a chunk of my hair.

"Let me smell it too!" -Gabe

"I want to eat your hair." -Mia