I love my family, I always have. It’s one of the most important focuses of my life. For the love of family I would move heaven and earth. I have a dream that, while maybe not impossible is certainly improbable. In it Pete and I buy a big plot of land. Big enough to build a ton of houses for our parents and siblings and their spouses and children and we can just be a happy family forever. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has wished this at times. And who knows, maybe my crazy dream will come true in part. Pete and I certainly want to own land, and I would not want to put either of our parents in a home while we can care for them.
Family is a wonderful, crazy, unruly entity at the best of times, though, and I think some them are messing with my dream… Let’s catch up with them, shall we?
Mom and Dad
There hasn’t been a single calm year for my parents since moving to the states, but so far this year has been a doozy. There have been many changes, my mom now works part time at a school as a teachers aid at the school my siblings go to. My dad has a new job, and I would bet good money none of you could guess what it is… I will not leave you in suspense too long: he’s now working for American Gas and Welding as, of all things, a trucker. He drives all over Montana, Wyoming, and other states delivering Argon gas. It’s caused some upheaval in my family’s routine as my dad is often gone overnight now. But they are all well and healthy, and working on getting a new rhythm going.
Ethan and Sarah and…
Ethan and his lovely girlfriend Sarah just moved to Denver, Colorado in December. They were looking for a specific vibe that Billings wasn’t providing for them. It was also great because they’re now closer to Sarah’s mom. They wont be staying long, though, and have found a new place in California where they want to prepare for their precious baby who will be here sometime in June!
Aidan and Kendra
Aidan and Kendra have been married almost a year now. It’s been so great to watch them grow as a couple and begin their lives together! Aidan is the manager of Black Dog, the coffee shop he started working at back when we first moved here. Kendra turned 22 just the other day, and we had a lovely party for her. She has slotted right into our family and is the perfect partner for balancing Aidan out. They might not be staying in Montana, either, as they have plans to possibly move to Arizona so Aidan can pursue his dream of becoming a fire fighter.
Nathan and Olivia
Nathan started dating his first serious girlfriend Olivia last year, and they are still going strong. He has developed such a unique personality, and is very outgoing. He will soon turn eighteen and will be starting basic training at a National Guard in June.
Dustin, Katelyn, and Regan
The little kids are growing so, so fast! Dustin has taken the new environment of school in stride. It’s been the perfect place for him to reveal just how smart he really is. He never studies but always aces his class. He is also one of the popular crowd, and I almost never see him as he has so many playdates with his friends.
Katelyn has started viola and has already had some beautiful concerts. She is also always busy with friends, but I must admit primary school as explained through her eyes sounds crazy. I don’t think I would have been able to survive the constant on again off again friendships, let alone the heartbreak and irritation of twelve-year-old boys on a daily basis.
Regan is also thriving. She had to take some remedial classes because she was behind on reading but has quickly caught up. She is the little peacemaker at home, always willing to help with whatever you ask. It has been a true joy to watch the little girls develop into young ladies.
Bittersweet Love
While I do sometimes wish things would never change, I have tried to stay close with everyone. But becoming a mom has used up a lot of my brain space, and I fear I haven’t done as well as I would have liked. And maybe that’s the natural process of life. Your core family shifts to your partner and children, and, while your love for your original family doesn’t diminish, they are no longer the main focus.
It does leave an ache in my heart, though. A bittersweet feeling that lingers as I watch our family splinter and spin out into their own mini orbits. But it is also beautiful. And I guess that’s all one can ask for. That we stay as close as we can, and hang out when possible, and hope that if they ever need it, they know that I would do anything, absolutely anything, for the love of family.
Things I’m Doing this Month
What I’m reading /listening to in non-fiction: What to Expect in the First Year by Heidi Murkoff
What I’m reading/listening to in fiction: The Count of Monte Christo by Alexander Dumas and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
What I’m reading/listening to in faith: Come Away my Beloved: 3-Minute Devotions for Women and the book of Proverbs
What I’m memorizing: Proverbs 1
What I’m writing: A daily journal entry and Addy’s baby book
Thank you Megs for a peep into your family life. It always amazes me how other people’s kids grow up when you’re not looking – there should be a law against it LOL! Lots of love and hugs ♡♡♡
Thanks Megan – so wonderful to see the Cullingworth Clan expand and happy. Love to all.
Thank you Megan for sharing updates about your family life. Yes life does go on, in a different direction when you marry and have a family of your own. Whilst the love never dwindles for family, they, too move on, and then get togethers are more special and exciting.
As for your dad, I cant imagine him driving a truck instead of a congregation!! But a change of life is good for the soul.
What a great catch-up on your family. Thanks for sharing with us. Nothing like family! we often can’t live with them, and also can’t live without ’em. Congrats on Month 2 of the blogging project; it keeps those writing juices flowing while life swirls around us. I’m looking forward to #3 post. Meanwhile, stay safe, and be well.
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