My blogging absence

I too have recently felt like Melissa. I have had so much to say and so little time to say it all in. Sometimes it is that I am so busy, I can't spare the time to sit down and create a post. On other occasions I have the time, but my head is so busy that I cannot think coherently to be able to write it all down. There are days when the computer calls to me but I have to make the choice to ignore it and spend more time with my family instead. So many times, I can merely spare time and energy to catch up on other's blogs and write a few comments. Such is the life I lead.

But I love blogging.

This morning Nicole over at headstrong was writing about why we blog and why it is a good thing. She had so many goo things to say. For me this blog is a journal. It is an opportunity to write. I have always loved to write, but did it so rarely. What do I write about? Here I can write my thoughts, both sane and crazy, my frustrations and joys, my ideas and interests, and my life. This is a place where I give help (I hope) and receive help. I hope to always give encouragement and I know I always receive it. As Nicole said, it is a place where I can connect with other women who share so much in common with me. Yes, i have those types of friends in real life, but now my circle is extended. Everyone has so much to offer to one another. In my experience, it has been a place where we "encourage one another and build each other up."

So, where have I been? A combination of busy and really and truly gone. Last week we spent a wonderful day with my sister and her boys, swimming at their Schlitterbahn style neighborhood pool. (OK, it wasn't quite Schlitterbahn, but way fun!) The rest of the time was spent preparing for our trip to visit Brian's brother, sister-in-law and two nieces (ages 10 and 7). We left on Thursday and returned on Sunday.

Without giving every little detail (don't want to bore my readers), here is our fantastic trip in a nutshell.

We drove.
We arrived.
We greeted.
We swam.
We ate.
We swam.
We slept.
We woke.
We ate.
We swam.
We played.
We ate.
We swam.
We slept.
We woke.
We swam.
We ate.
We swam and swam and swam.
We played.
We ate.
We swam.
We slept.
We woke.
We went to Mass.
We played.
We drove home.
We unpacked.
We crashed.

Notice a few common themes on this trip? It was loads of fun! The kids have such a wonderful time together. Andrew is spooked by their dog, but had such a great time swimming and playing. Brian and I really enjoyed the time spent visiting and laughing with his brother and sister-in-law. We don't get to do that often enough!

Instead of trying to post endless photos, I am including a virtual scrapbook like Melissa once did. Enjoy!

So, I am back. We a re pretty much back to normal if there ever was normal around here!