A Month in the Life

Today was the large gathering of Steve’s family on his mother’s side. It was hard to believe the hundreds of people there, were direct decedents of Steve’s grandparents. Steve’s mother had 12 siblings and each of them have very large families as well. It was a beautiful sight…. It almost,… I SAID…ALMOST, made me reconsider whether I will give in to Steve’s wishes for having more children. Who knows, perhaps the cradle will “rock” again!

I remember the first-time jitters of attending my first family gathering. I was very careful to wear something plain enough, not knowing what to expect. Everyone was very friendly, and made sure I didn’t feel left out of conversation, even repeating things in English for my understanding.

“So, Kristi, do you like gardening?”
“No, not really.” I replied
“Do you enjoy sewing?”
“Uh-no.” I managed.
“How about cooking?”
“I’m learning, a little,” I answered.
“Do you enjoy canning?
“What’s that?” I stammered.
“Kristi, what do you do then?”
I went into some explanation of how I was going to school to be a nurse, but inside I was beginning to wonder if I would ever fit in this family.

Over the years they have taught me how to cook, can, and landscape. I am inspired at how much they can fit into a day. My mother-in-law has a lot of spunk, (you would love playing games with her) and she could out work me any day. Her sisters are near duplicates of her and it was fun seeing them together today.

I never fully appreciated the joys of being in this family until I had children. It is incredible my girls have this many cousins, and there is always another sister in law to call if I need a baby sitter.

My children enjoy being out on the farm gathering eggs, holding baby chicks, petting the horses and giving them handfuls of grass. It is awesome their cousins live even more conservatively than we do, and their minds have not been polluted. This has been such a good influence on my girls, and has taught me to enjoy the simplicities of life.

Kristin

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!