Peek-a-boo?

Hey there, I'm back! It's been over 10 days...some sort of record since September, I think. I simply haven't been inspired to write for awhile. I must have inspiration to write (that's why it took me so long to write the Christmas letter). And winter break after New Year's is as uninspiring as anything, I might add. 

So, I've let things build up a bit so I can have something to write in this update. That's the guilt-free thing about doing a blog: the only people who read it are the ones who actually make an effort to do so, and hence I know I'm not rambling to someone who doesn't care...right?

Ok, I'm gonna break up this post with random pictures. Jesse loves his new easel! 

The boys are back in school, of course. That means basketball practice and games for two of the boys, robotics club for two, along with mock trial, piano lessons, homework, and the such. Dad is at meetings almost every night, especially since we just moved into the new church last week and there are plenty of things to work out with that. Mom is running everyone everywhere, and attending meetings of her own. Billy just started his new after-school job at Hawkeye as he finishes his senior year. Crazy busy.

Random Picture #2: Is something wrong with this scene? Makes me wonder about this family's normality...

And here I sit (no, not at the above-pictured computer, at my computer on the couch). 

I've been trying to keep busy, but it's difficult. I worked up at Olde World several days, went with a few friends to visit my married friend Heather in Illinois last week, attended the new church Wednesday and Sunday, went shopping with my mom a couple times, played games with the family, did a zillion puzzles (or so), baked cookie bars, played the piano, slept in till 11 almost every morning since I often found nothing better to do, worked on a project for my mother, and painted my bathroom.

With Mom's help, Justin made up an Oreo M&M cookie recipe-tasted good! And since he made the recipe I decided we needed to take a picture... 

For those who didn't finish reading the last paragraph, just make sure you caught that I painted my bathroom, because that was the main project that kept me busy and I just finished cleaning up the mess last night. I painted it lime green and salmon...kinda bold and uncoordinated, but I really don't care much. I just wanted something colorful that would wake me up in the morning, and I'm thinking this ought to do the trick. Mom wasn't very thrilled with it at first (the rest of the house is pretty much neutral browns except the crazy-colorful light blue basement). This morning she decided it didn't look that bad and said she might get used to it eventually. Hope so, cause I'm sick of painting.

Yeah, the pink-and-green thing. Kind of didn't mean for it to happen. But at least it's bright!

Mom is currently waiting tables at Olde World, and I am trying to get myself pulled back together after the past two days of making a hundred (at least) sandwiches and salads for all the customers. It was enjoyable, but my brain was a little fried. I'm going back tomorrow.

Billy and I are planning to go to Princeville with the single group tomorrow, and when we get back I'll be going up to school Monday afternoon! Bittersweet. I need something to do, but then again I will never get to sleep in past 7:30 again until...?

Ok, one more random picture- we found this on Jesse's white board one night after having company.  Horse-drawing contest...appears that some of them gave up and just drew sawhorses? 

In all, it's been good to be home with the family for over a month and to spend time doing random things that I otherwise wouldn't have the time to do. I've gotten plenty of time on the piano and been able to spend more time taking care of important business matters.

I've come to a realization, too. Sometimes we think life would be great if we never had to work or go to school, but what would do if life was one long vacation? For me, I would be bored and feel like my life had no purpose.

I was afraid to write such a thing since it makes me feel guilty, but now it's time for me to get something done around here before Mom gets home in ten minutes...oops. 

Have a good weekend!