Down Mulberry Lane

My girls are home!

Last night we sat down for supper and the table was full.  That was such a wonderful but strange sensation.  It had been nearly 8 weeks since it was last full.  My heart felt so full.  The girls talked of camp, shared pictures, but I found awe in just watching them, seeing their expressions, hearing what they have learned. 

Kate, the oldest at 18yo, was doing most of the talking.  Megan who had been home had soooo many questions and kept the conversations full of details.  We talked until almost 11pm until we all headed off for bed.  They were tired and so was I. 

We found that no one had a good night sleep!  Isn't that odd?  I awoke and have been dealing with a migraine for much of the day.  The others had similar sleep complaints.  I imagine being back home with different night noises, different beds than they had become accustomed to, an exhausting day saying sad good-byes to friends and a long ride home... all gave way to their poor sleeping. 

Today we went to my inlaws for lunch after church.  Gramma went all out for favorite treats for the girls... homemade ice cream sandwiches and  caramel chocolate bars, not to mention always having ice cream in the fridge and their favorite soda.  I found out today that my oldest had finally found a taste for salad!  I am soooo excited!  She just couldn't get over the texture of lettuce and she said that she finally made herself eat salads every day and by doing that, soon eating a salad at every meal was a habit.  Woo Hoo for summer camp!  She also ventured into territories of trying unfamiliar fruits and she found she liked them.  I am so happy because I am trying to eat more fruits and veggies and salads... and to hear that they will be a welcome addition... well... my heart is smiling!  (In the past, I and Megan (my 13yo) were the only ones who really ate salads.  Dh will eat them occasionally, but not every time I make them.   Of course, I could have made her, but I never forced it because she did eat fairly healthy for the most part.  

Chelsea, my 16 yo was very quiet.  She let Kate do most of the talking, but opened up towards bedtime.  A vespers and movie night was planned at the Pastor's house for our girls arriving home from camp.  Chelsea however bowed out and wanted to stay home.  She just wanted to be home... I think being at camp for so long and having one of the hardest jobs at camp (working in the kitchen)... well, she was tired.  But it was a long time for her... she wanted to volunteer, but didn't expect to stay on so long.  She did enjoy it, she won't say she didn't, but she did miss home.  She is enjoying a quiet evening at home with Mom and Paige while the other two joined the Pastor and his wife and the other two girls at church for an evening of fun.  (Steve got an offshift and is on duty until Midnight). 

Chelsea has always been my bubbly outspoken child and this summer I have seen a big  change in he demeanor.  Whether it was being away or just part of growing up, I have seen a more serious side and a quiet pondering heart that she carries.  When the room empties, she quietly shares something on her heart and I am so grateful for that.  I love each of my children dearly and found that Chelsea had always found ways to avoid talking with Mom.   She preferred talking to friends, to her sisters, but only sharing what "had" to be shared with Mom because life demanded that your Mother know certain things, but to share what was on her heart... that was a rare occasion.  With being away, I got calls one to two times a week from her and she opened up and shared and talked and even "asked" for advice!  I had been looking forward to this with her being home and her older sister being gone that perhaps we would have time to catch up and get closer.  I never would have imagined that having her GONE would have the result I had hoped for happening when we knew her sister had a job at camp.  When I found out she was accepted to help volunteer because they had an opening half way through the summer... well, my heart just sank... an opportunity gone.  A great opportunity for her, but when would I get time with her in the "oldest" at home position?  I never imagined in my wildest dreams that having her leave would open up communication like never before.  It is a treasure in this mother's heart.  And now tonight she is home... and relaxing just being home... she is content and quietly happy. 

Many full days ahead are planned for the coming week.  No slowing down for this family.  Next week, Kate has an introductory class for college and she will decide whether to change her classes before they officially start.   Her plans for college are still undetermined, as offical anyways... that is ok, but we want her classes to be useful for whatever she might choose... so we will evaluate that over the next couple days.  

My home is full and life is full.  Amid all the trials of summer, my heart is full.  

Warmly, ~Melissa