Overwhelmed

So much to do before we leave. Sitting here with open suitcases and "stuff" everywhere. Lists of things that need to be crossed off.  That part can be managed eventually. The hardest part right now is the girls. They are extremely attached and they are struggling with the imminent departure. Abandonment issues are in play, I can see it in their actions. They logically know we will return but memories from a past life have begun bringing up sad feelings. 

Zhenya is fine he is playing football, hanging with friends, working and studying to take his SAT and ACT while we are gone. Never thought that attachment would ever happen, but it has in a huge way and he is such a sweetie. He has grown so confident and truly blossomed these last 4 years.

Kenna is busy getting settled in at her new apartment at Texas State and working all the time. She told the girls they could come to her apartment on her day off, they are really excited about it. 

Bartering has already began around here. Julia asked Kyle to take her to Six Flags while we are gone. Kyle, kiddingly asked her what would she give him in return and she told him a foot massage. Our family is really into trading services, especially the foot massages, this started many years ago with me when I was pregnant with child number 4. It has since become a family tradition. I taught them Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, but Jesus did his as an act of service. Unfortunately, the service part has been lost now they use it as a bartering tool. She gave him the foot massage, and then informed him if he didn't pay up she was going to shave all the hair off of his legs while he was sleeping. The sad part is she probably could and he wouldn't even know it until he woke up. Kids don't ya love em!

 I think in many ways this will be a special time of bonding for them and maybe our leaving will knit all of them even closer. I can already see it happening. 

Then again after all the plans I hear them making we may become dispensable.

 Mom and Dad who?