I've been TOO BUSY!

It's been three months (and a few days) since my last visit to this site. It's been three months of keeping up with the Heathens over their summer vacation from school. It's been three months of constant motion and movement - and I've LOVED every minute of it!

The Heathens and I did a lot of fun things this summer. We went Living Treasures Animal Park and were chased by crazed geese (with threatening attitudes). We went to Old Bedford Village - which turned out to be a bit of a disappointment for Heathen #1. We went to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and saw the two baby elephants. With the Asst. Zookeeper, we went on a 20 mile canoe trip at Kinzua Reservoir and camped at Hooks Brook. We also spent hours playing in the pool at my IN LAWS.

At the beginning of the summer, immediately after loosing my job, I was terrified of spending the entire summer with my children. Don't get me wrong - I love my children. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world (most days). But I wasn't raised with the concept of BEING a "stay at home mom" - I was raised that I could do or be anything I wanted to do. I was never taught to cook. The only cleaning I really did growing up was the few things on my chore list. I wasn't raised with those thoughts in my head. So to me, the thought of not having adult conversation all day long, every day, was horrifying to me!

But I've survived! And I will readily admit that I was sad to see the Heathens head off to another school year. This was the best summer to have stayed home with them. Heathen #1 is only 10 and just this year headed off to the middle school. Although he isn't a little boys any more, he isn't a teenager yet. He's starting to get THOSE looks on his face when I'm talking to him. But for the most part, he's still mine. He still wants a hug. He still wants a good night kiss. He still tells me he loves me. And I know that probably won't last much longer.

Heathen #2 is only 6. And while he drives me nuts most days because we are too much alike, he still can be incredibly sweet. He still beams with joy when you compliment him for something. And Heathen #3 is only 3 and we just mastered potty training this summer. He's still a little boy who wants to be held and cuddled.

I couldn't have asked for a better summer with my Heathens.