As we've gradually gotten settled into our new life I've enjoyed multiple conversations with friends and family, and the common question emerges: "How are you handling living in Turkey?( insert anywhere but the USA) I could never do it, you are so brave!" Well, as I've pondered this topic it comes down to some basic things. Things like Legos spread all over the floor. Moving to the other side of the world has been quite an adventure so far, and I'm sure will continue to be so. I'd also be lying if I didn't say it definitely comes with some challenges. Overall, we are loving it here. We do realize that we got extremely lucky with Istanbul though, so I am trying to master some basic coping skills to take with me wherever this life takes us in the future. No matter where we go though, there will always be the new challenges (for me anyway) , of most likely a language barrier, getting used to the traffic and bad drivers(which let's face it, is going to be bad most everywhere we go) getting settled in to a new space, and finding our way around. Throw on top the task of flying around the world with children and making new friends and we've got our work cut out for us! Now as I am taking into account the awesome places we get to see and once in a lifetime things we get to do along the way, I am fully willing and thrilled to be doing this. I wouldn't trade the things we are experiencing for anything-yet I am grateful for my basics. Back to the Legos. So in answer to everyone's question, I am handling this by living my life. The life I love. It is the little things- throughout my daily routine that might in some ways drive me crazy-that are truly keeping me sane. I love that I get to stay at home with my boys!! I understand that this is a luxury that many people do not have, and I am truly truly grateful for it. There will always be times though, when the messes, bickering, wrestling and good old rearing of kiddos has it's moments! A lesson I've learned quickly since being here is to love these moments. As hard as it may be to believe, after two seconds of irritation-I am now learning to love each of these moments that make up my everything. Instead of getting mad (well, most of the time anyway:) at the giant reappearing mess- I can grab the camera. I look at it now and say to myself, "see my kiddos make a mess wherever we are! my life is still my life".
The above picture, taken after one of their better "boys will be boys" fight sessions-(yes I'm a mean mom and put them in time out in the corner-so as they not even look at each other for a minute) was a reminder to me that " hey, this lifestyle could make for some great time out pictures! Let's see all the fun places we can gather through the years. Look, it's a double corner! The timeout possibilities will be endless moving to different homes every few years!"
(Ronan-informing me that "he was full", then wanted a popsicle for a snack!)
And, no matter how much I try to disguise the "different tasting" bread by getting the closest thing to wonder bread I can find and cutting off the crusts for them- they still won't eat when I want them too! My boys are still the same, they have their quirks, pickiness and personalities that they had before. My most important task is still raising these kiddos and letting all of us learn from each other. Being a family, the same family we were before-in short. This is our life and we love it.
3 comments:
Love your thoughts, Kendra! You are right on the money - enjoying what is - regardless of where you are. I love the pictures, too!
That was such a nice post! It's true wherever and whatever you do! I love the time out pic!
that's a great corner.
In a totally different way, I completely understand (hotel life and 8 moves in just 3 years of marriage). You just have to make wherever you are your "home" and love your family and rely on each other. I love that double corner!
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