It Takes a Village - Some Thoughts on Going Back to Work

So, I'm back at work. Full-time. And yes, it has been a bit of an adjustment. In fact, I'm still adjusting. But so far, so good I think. And largely due to our amazing support system. Last week I whined publicly on Facebook about not having family in town. I got caught up feeling sorry for myself. And while life would certainly be a bit easier (or a lot) if we had family in town, we are still so blessed. I shouldn't have complained. Since I've been back at work, our family and friends have been incredible!

We have two wonderful sisters (twins actually) keeping the kids at our house for us on Mondays and Fridays until the end of the year. One comes on Mondays and the other on Fridays. The kids love them and it makes Mon/Fri so much easier on me! So thankful for this family and for the fact that they have practically become a part of ours!

And while we may not have family IN TOWN, both families do live within a shortish driving distance and I'm thankful for that. That is the main reason we chose Memphis to be our home nearly 10 years ago and I'm so glad we did! Huge shout out to both my parents and in-laws for volunteering to step in and help any way they can. We've already taken advantage of the offer! The kids had a great time in Arkansas last week while I was on a business trip to NYC.

Last but not least....our friends here are amazing! From leaving a surprise home-cooked meal on our doorstep (which brought me to tears) to heart-felt text messages, I have felt the love in so many ways!

How could I have complained about not having family in town? As the Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaches, I think this year I'm most thankful for not only my immediate family but also for friends that are, for all intents and purposes, family.

Things I Never Want to Forget

Recent trip to the zoo

This season of our lives is just so fun! Emery is at the age where just about everything she does and says is hilarious and Case is just growing up and turning into a little man. Makes me sad to think about him going to school in another year.

I wanted to write a quick post on a few things that have happened recently that I never want to forget. Sweet and funny moments that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Every night, James or I one lay down with Case in his bed until he falls asleep. This may sound high-maintenance but he doesn't nap during the day anymore, so by bedtime he is wiped out so we aren't having to lay in there very long. For the past week or so he's asked to hold my hand. So we just lay side-by-side with our hands clasped together. After a few minutes he drifts off and I find myself laying there just a bit longer than I have to...savoring the sweet moment that I know won't last forever.

And then a week or so ago I picked the kids up from school and we stayed after for a while to play on the playground since the weather was so beautiful. Emery was walking up ahead of me and she kept saying something and patting the top of her head, but I couldn't really make out what she was saying. So I caught up with her and listened carefully and just cracked up. She was patting the top of her head and saying "hot mess." I guess she's overheard me refer to her hair as a hot mess a time or two! :)

Love these two so much!