Life In Limbo...

Moving has become a norm with the Allen family. It is to be expected that every 2nd or 3rd year, we will be on our way to another destination. In some ways, this kind of life suits us. But sometimes, we each long to put down a nice deep tap root somewhere. As usual, the calendar for our final months is busting at the seams. We're exhausted already and have no idea how we are going to come up with the energy for all of the social engagements, doctors appointments, and packing/organizing sessions. On top of that, the yard still needs to stay mowed, the beds need to stay weeded, the house needs to stay clean and meals still need to be prepared. We'll get there though and as usual, we'll be energized by visits with folks we've come to love like family.

Just about three months before our scheduled pack out date, I start into some hard core reminiscing. Stanley was with us when we arrived here and spent 19 glorious months with us. I miss him terribly and imagine him playing with other fur angels in Elysium, white fur flying... that precious puppy smile on his face... racing through the grass with wild abandon. I remember all the walks we took in this little neighborhood... a neighborhood that was specifically chosen for its aptness for strolling and its numerous empty lots for puppy potty breaks. The constant breezes off the Atlantic, the roses that bloom profusely here, our little garden, the moon over the goldenrod in late September, the song of the owls and the finches in the woods beyond our house, late afternoons swinging, talking and laughing on a neighbor's porch... they all paint a picture of three lovely years spent in a very lovely place.

I think about the morning we realized that Jonathan was on his way and the afternoons and evenings spent decorating a nursery and researching baby gear. I think back to early mornings in late June... trying to catch some z's on the recliner while holding a precious tiny baby boy, Jason asleep on the love seat and Mom asleep on the couch... Kenny Loggins singing...

"Christopher Robin and I walked along

Under branches lit up by the moon.

Posing our questions to Owl and Eyore

As our days disappeared all too soon."

Indeed, the "days disappear all too soon." This week we served at our final breakfast hour at Salem Church. I have three more choir practices and will sing in one more Easter service. Jason will teach three more Sunday School lessons and we'll see our friends and church family just a few more times. In less than 60 days, we will leave Jonathan's first home and Stanley's final home forever.

"How fading are the joys we dote upon!

Like apparitions seen and gone.

But those which soonest take their flight

Are those most exquisite and strong,-

Like angels' visits short and bright;

Mortality's too weak to bear them long."

~John Norris

What a bummer, right? Time to liven up this post. Jonathan is into everything!!! Everything that he's not supposed to be getting into that is. He is crawling and pulling up. He's a riot! Unfortunately, he takes after his Mamma and he doesn't know when to quit. Mamma and Daddy are hurting they're so sleep deprived. Jonathan likes to practice his moves at all hours of the day and night. Unfortunately, he doesn't know how to get himself back into a sleeping position once he's standing or on all fours in his crib. He's also developed quite a will. Unloading his toy baskets and clearing all the DVDs out of the TV cabinet are his favorite activities these days.

Our favorite food this week... blueberries! And not the pureed, watered down kind. They're not quite as good unless Jonathan can get them all over his hands, face, ears, nose, clothing, Mommy and high chair. I finally gave in and have scheduled a professional photo sitting for him (with a live bunny) for next Friday. I'm also trying to figure out exactly how to plan a traveling birthday party for a nearly one-year-old. Should be interesting!

This is unrelated, but I thought it was too cute not to share. This was one of Jason's birthday gifts to me last week. In case you can't see the small print, Jason, the CFO of our house has signed over to me the right to go nuts when I purchase Jonathan's next car seat... if I ever settle on one that is...

And so - good night!