Long overdue update

It has been awhile since I’ve given an update. While it doesn’t seem like much is happening worth reporting day to day, I’m sure a little bit of attention on each of us will reveal something that I don’t mention in my other posts.

Geoff’s health continues to improve. There are a few areas that aren’t exactly up to par, but he is getting closer to his old self (or maybe “new and improved” is more appropriate), and know that will come completely soon. He puts on a button-down shirt everyday, closes the door to his “office” and is now (as of the past week or two) up to spending several hours a day working. Nothing formal, yet, but he’s spent a good deal of time re-acquainting himself with the microfinance and social enterprise space, re-connecting with old professional friends and associates, advising a few start-up companies eager for his unique experience, and working on various ideas that he might like to pursue. It is clear that many have been waiting for him to resurface, and are very happy to hear his “voice” again. The fire to do anything was absolutely snuffed for a long time so it is good to see a little flame burning again! Knowing that life will begin to pick up speed soon we are grateful for the days we have together. Geoff is joining us for our daily devotionals, teaching Ceci to read and doing her other schooling, and jumping in with the other girl’s schooling now and again.

We were asked to be ward missionaries which is a big focus for the bishop of our congregation. There are many families who haven’t been coming to church for a long time and with a little encouragement are coming back. Several of these families have girls between the ages of 7 and 10 so we are having them to dinner or family night, and doing what we can to reach out and be new friends to them. This is a family effort, and the girls are playing their role of being a “friend” gladly!

Schooling the girls at home is MUCH easier this year. Maybe it is because living is much easier here; I have a more realistic expectation of the girls and myself; Tennie is doing much more independently; Geoff is more involved in our lives and we have more of a routine. Whatever it is, I’m grateful for it! It isn’t a cake walk, but nothing in life really worth doing is. I’m learning a lot about different educational theories and imagine that if we continue homeschooling things will evolve and become much different in the coming years. Life is incredibly busy, but not demanding. I’m grateful for that. We are doing what we can to keep our lives simple. I really long to have our own home, and a little more vision as to what is next in our lives (!), but I also know that with vision comes the end to this wonderful chapter in our lives.

We have loved having this time with Geoff’s parents. It is so fun to see the girls curled up on the couch with Mormor reading a book, or hearing Ceci play Barbies on the floor with an attentive grandmother, or having them run and jump on Poppop when he gets home from work, and then him making them laugh like crazy at the dinner table with the same silliness that made his own children laugh. Living with two adults that think you are wonderful is wonderful, but living with four adults who love you is heaven on earth. Keenan and Mesha have been so overwhelmingly generous in opening up their home to us. We have disrupted their lives in just about every way possible, but they make us feel as though it is a treat to have us here. We are so thankful to them, and for this unique time we have here.

Tennie, Adele and Ceci often comment on missing France. We all do. We miss the pain au chocolats and gelato, but more than that we miss the frequent family adventures we had, and the endless time together. Would we go back? Yes, under different circumstances. We would go back if we had our own place with our own stuff, and not as many stairs! We look at the pictures that flash on our computer and say, “Hey, remember that?” Or we don’t say anything, but pause and watch the pictures change, longing to feel the warm sun; see the blue sea; hear the song birds, the church bells, the waves or the French language; smell the fresh seaside air or the smells of a patisserie; and taste the year-round fresh food, the Italian pizza, the creamy gelato or the pain au chocolats fresh out of the oven at 5:00PM! Vivre la France!

The girls are doing well. As I mentioned Tennie is doing most of her work independently, and doing it well. She is happy to have friends, and activities to look forward to. She is loved by all kids everywhere she goes. She is so full of natural optimism and creativity that one can’t help but love her. It is an absolute privilege to watch these girls grow up, and to be with them every day.

Adele lives for horse lessons. If she is dragging in school I turn it into a horse lesson of sorts and she is right back into it (although she sees right through my strategy). Her emotional intelligence is off the charts; she has an almost supernatural ability to see through people. While amazingly empathetic she’ll also call us on our bluffs, and point out any disconnect between our motives and actions. That keeps us all honest! Man I love that kid.

Ceci is so happy to have Geoff as her teacher. Her schooling takes about an hour and she is very serious about it. She is smart as a whip. Out of the mouths of babes, I tell you! She is considering giving up the thumb and hair twirl because “five year olds don’t suck their thumbs”. However, in a more vulnerable moment she’ll admit that sucking her thumb helps her “not be nervous.” Ceci doesn’t have one friend her age here. She longs for a friend so much that she’s had a few Skype play dates with her cousin Bailey! We went to the library’s preschool story hour in hopes of finding a little friend but they all looked so much younger. Three weeks older and she would be in kindergarten, so most of her just-older peers are. It is a gap in her life we want to put more attention into filling. Thank goodness for sisters! Today she read a scripture and said the prayer in primary. For about the first 5 seconds she wanted me to help her then she grabbed the mic and was ready for Showtime! She loves attention, and with her wonderful good nature and curly-q hair she easily gets plenty of it! Her deep belly laugh will grab anyone within earshot and pull them in. She is a fabulous little person.

Well, looks like I did have a few things to write after all!