Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Back home


We are back! I had so much fun over the past two weeks, and was definitely spoiled by having all of my family in the same town! I spent time with my grandparents,cousins,nephews and nieces, sisters, mom and dad! It was great! I feel very blessed to have such a big family, and I hope and pray that one day we will be back in SC! Keep your fingers crossed!

Madi starts pre-school tomorrow, and soccer September 1st! Guess who is her coach! Yep, her daddy! This will be interesting!

Ashlyn started third grade and loves her new teacher! I do too, she is precious! They had Ashlyn's desk right in front the first day! She must have known that my oldest is a little talker :)
They do not have to wear uniforms this year, so Ashlyn could not be happier! I loved uniforms, but she did not!

We fed the ducks at my dad's house, and to put it blunt, these ducks were CRAZY! They chased us and would get as close to you as you would allow! We threw the bread at them and ran!




This was the hardest trip back! I left Ashlyn in South Carolina with her Dad. Ever since Ashlyn's father and I divorced, she has lived with me, and Robbie saw her every week. Basically whenever he wanted to, which was a lot. Ashlyn never wanted to move to Florida away from all of the family, her friends and the church! I made a deal with her and told her that she had to give it at least 6 months, and if she still felt unhappy, that we would talk about her living with her Dad. Robbie and his family have always been a huge part of her life, and his parents are like a second set of parents to her. They are truly remarkable in the way they love that child as their own! Ashlyn tried Florida for 6 months, and still cried to go live with Robbie. I felt like someone had ripped my heart out of my chest! Ashlyn is very mature, and knows what she wants. I could tell that my child was miserable, and as a parent, that killed me! I will have her all summer, long school breaks, and any weekend that I choose to go get her! The roles have really reversed, and this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do as a Mom. The entire way home, I kept looking around thinking I was forgetting something! It was her! I do not like being here away from everyone, so how could I expect her to like it! I know that one day we will be back in the Carolinas, and then she will be able to go back and forth like she did last year. I did take her to meet her teacher, and I picked her up from school several times while I was there. We spent the entire days together, and I will miss that so much! I will not be able to put notes in her lunch box, or lay out her school clothes! Please pray for me that I will get through this! Luckily my girls are used to Ashlyn being gone every other weekend, so they just think Sissy is at Robbie's again. I will definitely be racking up frequent flier miles! I just wanted to share this with you so when you don't see Ashlyn in all of my pictures, you will know why. Also, so I could get your prayers. Ashlyn is taking piano lessons from my mom on Monday's, and spending a lot of time with my sisters! This does make it easier! I love you sweet girl, and Mommy will see you soon on your birthday in 3 weeks! Study hard and remember to use your manners! Always be a young lady, and don't forget to call your mommy before bed!

8 comments:

Amanda-The Family News! said...

Oh sweetie..I know that had to be very hard to leave her here in SC. Thankfully you have your entire family up here to be with her as well.
I will be thinking and praying for you all!!!
I am glad you had a wonderful time with the family in SC!!!

When is Ashlyn's birthday? Avery's is in about 3 weeks too - his is the 20th of Sept.

Amanda

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

I'm so sorry that your wonderful trip home ended on a bittersweet note. SC is the place to be and I do hope and pray that you'll be able to move back this direction soon so that everybody can be together.

ilovepink said...

Oh I am crying for you! I know that had to be so hard but, what a wonderful mommy you are for putting her interest first. I will pray for you...strength to get through this and a speedy move to SC!

Lori said...

Oh I'm so glad you have asked for prayers, I really can't imagine leaving your baby girl behind like that, even with all the wonderful people surrounding her. I really do hope she is happier and I hope your move back can happen sooner than later. I'm sure it's hard on all of you and she will be missing you too! She must be excited for her upcoming birthday and being able to spend time with you!! I will definitely keep this request in my prayers!!

Tiaras and Timeouts said...

Wow~ that must have been so hard... I think the hardest part for me would have been wanting to be selfish and have her all to myself. But, it sounds like she realizes what a sacrifice you are making for her to be happy. Lucky girl to have a mom like you!

Anonymous said...

Christen,

I know that this decision to leave Ashyln with her dad has been a worry on your mind for a while now, I know this cannot be an easy time for you. I will keep you in my prayers. You are a wonderful Mom to her to let her go and try out this living arrangement. Hang in there.

Shannon Deitz

Jo said...

My heart hurts for you. Watching your children struggle is never easy. How very brave of you to let her go back to the place she is happiest. Perhaps with time, she will rethink her decision (she is a female after all) and return to you. You're in my thoughts and prayers!

LeighAnne said...

Christen,

I just found your blog and I love it. I can't even imagine how hard this must be for you. I know the Lord is going to carry you through this time. Your sacrifice for your daughter's happiness is nothing short of remarkable. I am praying for you and your family sweet mommy. By the way, your family is GOREGOUS. One question, what brought your family to Florida?