The Time it Takes

Sunday morning now. A quiet is settled over the house. Kelly is doing her " God stuff " and the kids are either still asleep or playing very quietly. They've been with us this weekend. The youngest had a bout with tummy flu and fever but he's recovered nicely. If only we could always be like kids with our sickness. It comes on suddenly and tends to leave just as suddenly. They don't try to be heroes about it. They feel sick, they get what they need ( cuddling or sleep ) and then it runs it's course. As adults we tend to have little respect for sickness. We try to work through it or around it, which really only serves to prolong it. We could suffer with a 24 hour bug for days, all because we don't have the sense to get the sleep and cuddling we need.

Fast forward to late afternoon. They are staying another night after a very fun- FILLED weekend. Yesterday was the Family Fun Center, with it's gazillions of kids. Today it was Starbucks and the Museum of Glass. What an incredible place ! Lots of things to watch and participate in. I'll have to drag Kelly back when we can enjoy it by ourselves, because we would've liked to linger. The HOT SPOT Studio was fantastic ! Three different artists creating glass art before our eyes. I think the kids enjoyed it ... everything from the HOT SPOT, to the interactive activity room, to the actual exhibits ( Wegman and DOGS ) AND, of course, the bridge of glass across the freeway ! If I can upload a picture or two, I will.

Having them here all weekend makes me wish they were ours. We continue to entertain the idea and explore the possibility, of foster parenting or adoption. Little lives. The kids are so impressionable and you just want to expose them to as much GOOD in the world as you can. And it's a selfish thing too. We have witnessed so many " firsts " with them. There is something that one cannot adequately describe about watching them respond and react to new people, places and things. I especially love to see them grow artistically. Kelly loves to teach them about animals and their care and really, just the human condition in general. She teaches them how to handle conflict, confusion, frustration and many other emotions that one can attach to our relationships. Those kids are self possessed and confident, as well as kind and good stewards of the earth. I am so proud to know them all ! And my weekends are FULL when I get to see the world through their eyes .

So, tonight I am once again in awe of the human spirit. It never gets old. ( Exhausting, maybe ... but never old ) Off now to enjoy " Racing Stripes " ...