The Mom Life

Last night we had dinner with the Tisbury's and the Stanleys, Dustan and Darlene.  They are a couple around our age who have traveled the world the past few years as apostolic missionaries.  Erin and Chris have been friends with them for a while, and last night Chris chose to tell them the story of how the four of us have been feeling called to go.  They were thrilled for us and had some great advice to share with us.  1.  Wherever you go, go with an exit strategy.  Whatever you are doing, the weight of it should not depend upon you, but nationals.  You never know when you might need to return to the states or be called to a different region.  Have a plan in mind for the possibility of leaving at any given time. 2.  Make sure that your kids always remember they are Americans.  It can get hard when they've been in a country for a while and have learned the language, culture, and even beliefs of that region.  Make visits to the U.S. as much as possible.  3.  Try to find a w

From the first time I saw him, I have loved that little boy more every day.  He has always loved spending time with me (doesn't every little boy love hanging out with their mom?)...playing ball in the backyard, helping with dinner, laundry, tickling, and reading. He will do anything I ask, and almost always with a good attitude.  Because he loves me so much.  Today my heart broke for him.  He made a poor choice at school and ended up in the Lead Teacher's office (assistant principal).  She wrote him up and he said she quickly threw a piece of paper in his face (the long form maybe?).  She showed him the class where IST (in school suspension basically) is, the place he will go tomorrow after he performs in the kindergarten musical.  He asked her if he'd be there for "many days or many years."  (poor baby!)   I got a phone call soon after this occured and agreed that he needed to face the consequence of his actions and go to IST. When the bus dropped him off at