Challenge #1: Routine
As much as I love being here, and love the company, sometimes I feel a little lost without my routine. I miss having a set plan for each day. Luckily we've stayed busy enough most days it's not a problem. But some days feel a little lonely and unproductive. Of course, I think it has been good for me to see how much more I can just sit and watch my kids play, and not always make them run from fun activity to fun activity, but just let them be them, and have fun however they would like to.
Challenge #2: Family Time
When living with others, it's important to make sure you still have plenty of time to focus on your own family, and most importantly, your spouse. Otto and I are both such social people, it is easy for us to spend all of our waking hours interacting with the extended family (and enjoying it) without realizing we still need time to talk and plan and interact, just the two of us.
Challenge #3: Splitting Responsibilities
Sometimes I find myself overworking to make sure we are doing enough to help out, and sometimes I find that I'm relaxing too much and putting too much responsibility on my parents. Learning to ask for help and be of help when needed is tricky, and requires good communication.
Blessing #1: We are not enduring 110-120 degree heat in Phoenix.
Loving the 70s and 80s of Eastern WA in June, and the cool evenings. Enough said!
Blessing #2: The kids are getting to know my parents better than ever, and visa versa.
We have never lived close, so I'm particularly grateful for this.
Blessing #3: Slowing down
Being away from home forces you to slow down and de-stress. It forces you to simplify and use/take only the things you really need. I have loved having less to do, less to manage, and less to worry about. Being in the beautiful country with the fresh air helps quite a bit too. :)
Here's to hoping you have a blessed week as well!
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