i'm back

After almost 2 weeks visiting my family, I'm back. I just might get around to uploading some pics. You know, after I finish unpacking the clothes, the kids' car box, the car snacks, and the random vacation purchases; finish the laundry; replenish the cupboards and fridge; reply to emails; sort the snail mail; scrub the dishes J left for me (grrr!) since he was here a week after we left; and find out what's smelling in the fridge.

So, I am back. I return invigorated by a weekend in the mountains at my parents' cabin. I return exhausted by our constant activities (my brother's wedding reception, trips to the dinosaur park and Lagoon, afternoons swimming at the city pool, evening outings to the park, late-night movies, light-night game nights with my family, and 4th of July activities galore). I return rejuvenated by being with family. I return determined to finish my dissertation so they can all come see me graduate next spring. And, tonight, I return very sad.

Sad because my home, which I love, can often be very lonely. As I've worked around the house all day to take care of all of the afore-mentioned vacation aftermath, it's hit me again, as it does every time I come back from visiting my family, how lonely stay-at-home mothering can be at times. For 2 weeks, I have had my mother or my sisters or my sister-in-law there to talk with as we fix dinner together, do the dishes together, watch the kids slip n' slide together, and shop together. Of course, it doesn't help that J flew off to California this morning for work, leaving me here with the kids. So, I have come online to the cyber world that includes other stay-at-home moms to commisserate with!

1. a refridgerator full of fresh fruit
2. an afternoon attack by "the kissing monsters"
3. a nighttime talk and hugs with Mister, always signaled by: "Here, Mom, I saved you a spot in bed next to me"