And as for the rest of my life...
This weekend was chaotic but fun and most certainly interesting...
Patrick finally had his fourth birthday party (which lasted almost 9 hours which was likely not in small part to the serving of alcohol).
I have given up more ground on the "no guns" rule - mainly because of witnessing the exercise, creativity, and general entertainment factor laser tag provided for the kids (and adult males).
We had our first nonrelated houseguests, which was fun. And was more than slightly reminiscent of conversations and companionship I haven't had/felt since college. Not to mention the fun and energy of having 6 children running around. I love having friends with kids and similar lifestyles.
After cleaning up after birthday part, successfully had a baptism very early the next morning and a reception. I was terrified the baptism was not going to happen because so many difficulties kept coming up. Trying to keep two small children quiet and still while sitting the front row with the attention of clergy and parishoners on us for solid hour was exhausting. And yes Patrick did as very loudly whether or not water was going to be poured on him and made his feelings about such VERY clear.
During the actual baptism I finally was able to stop fretting and be amused by the antics, living in the moment, even when Vivi stuck her foot in the holy water (nearly spilling the whole thing) after babbling and singing the abc song during the formalities and patrick (accidently) almost catching my dress on fire with his baptismal candle.
I am still in awe of the power of the actual moment of baptism. There was a power and transformation that was unexpected (perhaps because of my long cynicism and taking for granted such things). Patrick is different. He...shifted...for lack of a better word. My husband half jokingly asked if anyone else saw the couple of demons fleeing from patrick but I suspect there was more truth to it than most wanted to look at too closely. He is calmer, more centered, and decidely less...(trying find the words)...intentionally mean (that isn't it but is the best I can do). Not counting on anything permanent but grateful for what seems to be if that makes sense.
They both held so still during the actual moment, my husband held patrick and I stroked his hair. I thought Vivi was going to throw a fit but she didn't. I cried. And there is the smell of the chrism which is wonderful in an indescribable sort of way. I really should give them a bath but I'm not ready for the smell to be gone.
The reception was short by everyone else's choice. And jojosmom, her husband and kids and us spent the rest of the day hanging out and talking. Which was good because I had been so busy I hadn't gotten nearly the amount of time I would have liked with them. They are the perfect godparents. I am so glad I asked her even though I had only met once at the time. It really was rather amazing the way it all worked out. She is wonderful (too many ways to list) and her husband relates to patrick better than anyone I have seen. Thank you :)
So now is the putting the house back together and recovery phase. bit by bit...just not sure what to do without something specific to work towards...the return of ordinary life, just different now.
Patrick finally had his fourth birthday party (which lasted almost 9 hours which was likely not in small part to the serving of alcohol).
I have given up more ground on the "no guns" rule - mainly because of witnessing the exercise, creativity, and general entertainment factor laser tag provided for the kids (and adult males).
We had our first nonrelated houseguests, which was fun. And was more than slightly reminiscent of conversations and companionship I haven't had/felt since college. Not to mention the fun and energy of having 6 children running around. I love having friends with kids and similar lifestyles.
After cleaning up after birthday part, successfully had a baptism very early the next morning and a reception. I was terrified the baptism was not going to happen because so many difficulties kept coming up. Trying to keep two small children quiet and still while sitting the front row with the attention of clergy and parishoners on us for solid hour was exhausting. And yes Patrick did as very loudly whether or not water was going to be poured on him and made his feelings about such VERY clear.
During the actual baptism I finally was able to stop fretting and be amused by the antics, living in the moment, even when Vivi stuck her foot in the holy water (nearly spilling the whole thing) after babbling and singing the abc song during the formalities and patrick (accidently) almost catching my dress on fire with his baptismal candle.
I am still in awe of the power of the actual moment of baptism. There was a power and transformation that was unexpected (perhaps because of my long cynicism and taking for granted such things). Patrick is different. He...shifted...for lack of a better word. My husband half jokingly asked if anyone else saw the couple of demons fleeing from patrick but I suspect there was more truth to it than most wanted to look at too closely. He is calmer, more centered, and decidely less...(trying find the words)...intentionally mean (that isn't it but is the best I can do). Not counting on anything permanent but grateful for what seems to be if that makes sense.
They both held so still during the actual moment, my husband held patrick and I stroked his hair. I thought Vivi was going to throw a fit but she didn't. I cried. And there is the smell of the chrism which is wonderful in an indescribable sort of way. I really should give them a bath but I'm not ready for the smell to be gone.
The reception was short by everyone else's choice. And jojosmom, her husband and kids and us spent the rest of the day hanging out and talking. Which was good because I had been so busy I hadn't gotten nearly the amount of time I would have liked with them. They are the perfect godparents. I am so glad I asked her even though I had only met once at the time. It really was rather amazing the way it all worked out. She is wonderful (too many ways to list) and her husband relates to patrick better than anyone I have seen. Thank you :)
So now is the putting the house back together and recovery phase. bit by bit...just not sure what to do without something specific to work towards...the return of ordinary life, just different now.