aaaand we're back

Mom went home yesterday.  I'm not being melodramatic when I say that his is the worst thing in the history of stuff.  Well, maybe not that bad, but I miss her so much it hurts.  We totally rocked these last two weeks though.

We had Dad for a week too and that was super awesome.

There are so many awesome things about this picture I can't even start.

But then he went home.  Which totally stinks.  But then Mom and I had a lovely week where we mostly just cleaned and taught the kids violin and piano.  And mom snuggled the heck out of Thing 3.

And also regaled us with unbelievable stories from their adventures in China.  With accompanying swag, of course.

Now all I'm left with are wonderful memories, cool presents from China and a much cleaner house.  Lame.

We moved the love seat for a wee recital we had with some friends and HOLY SNAP I LOVE MY HOUSE NOW.  I had no idea I was feeling boxed in and claustrophobic, but now I'm dancing all over this place.  SO MUCH SPAAAAAAACCCEEEE!!!

And I'm stuck snuggling this angel.  My arm here is the best pillow in town.

I know I've got another whole month of summer yet, but the temperature just dove from the 90s into the 60s for some strange reason (the kids are still outside playing in the sprinkler though.. weirdos) and there's this awful voice in the back of my head telling me this magic, wonderful summer will end far sooner than I want and I'll have to let school rip them from me.  Nope, not melodramatic here at all.

But no regrets - I'm enjoying every second of all of this.  And trying to help the husband enjoy a tad, but he's had it rough.  He is in the midst of putting together a funeral for a father of a young family - no light fluff here.  This bishop thing is not for amateurs, and yet...  I heard that amazing Jeffery R. Holland quote this morning and it made me laugh even harder than the first time:

So be kind regarding human frailty—your own as well as that of those who serve with you in a Church led by volunteer, mortal men and women. Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we.

Side note - while looking around for that quote I stumbled on this and giggled some more:

In an attempt to help things along yesterday, I thought I'd make brownies for some of the people he had to go visit.  It wasn't pretty.  Aside from bread and melted cheese, I should not be allowed anywhere near the kitchen.  He's just going to have to deal with moral support from this corner.  Unless any of you want to mail me treats that I can pass off as my own... just email me for my address and also include extra chocolate for good measure.  Or just blog so I can have something interesting to look at on the internets.

Love you, internets!!