A quiet home

With Michael on his mission and William out of town our home was quiet this last week. A quiet home is something I have always loved! My family is LOUD. They are boisterous. They have energy and excitement and passion. I have yearned for peace and quiet most of my married life. And yet now, I am realizing that I NEED some excitement and noise. I didn't realize that a home can be TOO quiet if it's for a longer period of time.

Now, I still love a quiet home. I love silence when I read, or write or study. But, I am coming to the conclusion that there needs to be a balance. I've grown accustomed to the noise and I amazingly DO miss it. I guess it's not the noise I miss, but my family!

I suppose this is my introduction to being an empty nester. I am grateful Tanner is still home and that we can enjoy two more years with him. He is a wonderful son. I was grateful to be able to spend some one on one time with him this last week.
( It was very strange for me to cook for only two this past week. I haven't done that in 28 years. It feels foreign to me! I still had a fridge full of food by the end of the week.)

And so I will learn and adapt in this new phase in my life. I thoroughly love having adult children who are examples to me and teach me! I love being a grandmother and having Marc and Laura Lee live so close by.( It would be a much harder stage without them near.) I love to watch my children become... I love the fact that Ryan is getting married next month to such a wonderful young woman. I love to watch Jeffrey strive to reach his potential in his talents. I love to watch Marc and Laura Lee be such devoted and loving parents to Addie. I love to witness Michael's transformation into a missionary. I love to see Tanner set goals and be so motivated to achieve them.

And so for now, I will bask in this new stage of life. I will enjoy the quiet more reflective times. And when the louder, more chaotic times come, I will be grateful!