Life
why I haven't written
This season of life has proven to be more demanding than I ever imagined nine months ago when we moved to Roanoke, VA with three months notice. It all happened so quickly, and now that the dust has settled, I can see more clearly what my priorities need to be moving forward with two little boys, one of which has some unique needs. I just have no desire to spend much energy being present in a world my body doesn’t inhabit, i.e. the internet, so I haven’t done much with this newsletter.
I also stepped away from Bar-Side Chats in November, but I am happy to say it is going strong under Ethan’s leadership. Ethan updates the Bar-Side Facebook page monthly if you would like to continue following that program there.
Beyond hybrid homeschooling, running around to therapy appointments, music lessons, and trying to keep this house in a livable state, I am still working with Select International Tours. I love my job as a group coordinator, and I am about to take it a step farther by coordinating a community focused trip of my own! Reece and I feel strongly that anything worth doing is worth doing with kids, even if it is harder, and that includes travelling. We are excited to take our boys to Scotland next year with other like minded, local families. If you believe education is a life-long process and investing in opportunities to cultivate wonder, good conversation, and adventure, then join us July 2025! I will send another update when the full brochure is available.
Reece and me on our honeymoon in Scotland in 2015 :) We will celebrate our 10th anniversary on this trip!
I already mentioned the past nine months have been a hard transition, but I am practicing dwelling on the good gifts in my life. My friend Tsh Oxenreider is so wise in this area, and has taught me so much about cultivating gratitude. So, here is a glimpse into the goodness:
-being present for the historic occasion of our new home parish becoming a Basilica
-learning to play Irish music with my oldest son (he is learning the bodhran and I am learning the tin whistle) and attending weekly traditional sessions where we can marvel at some of the most talented musicians in the region
-potlucks have been an anchor in our family life for almost a decade now, and I am so pleased that that tradition is going strong in this new community
-three girl friends, Katherine, Laura, and Tiffany, who are constant, true, and such amazing examples of strength to me
-random texts, prompted by the Spirit, assuring me that He knows my needs and the body of Christ is alive and well
-an angel of a preschool teacher who has loved our son so, so well over the past eight months
-this paleo buffalo wing recipe that I make way too often https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/baked-buffalo-chicken-wings-paleo-whole30/
-the fluffiest novels and Well-Read Mom (they make sure my brain doesn’t turn into cotton candy)
-my son’s love of bird watching
-finally jumping on the BIAY podcast bandwagon
-a coffee shop that actually makes properly foamy almond milk cappuccinos
-the news that our family’s patron, Pier Giorgio Frassati, will be a canonized a saint next summer!
-migraine medicine when being crunchy isn’t enough
I hope you find lots to be thankful for in this busy end of Spring season.
Cheers,
Bond
" I just have no desire to spend much energy being present in a world my body doesn’t inhabit, i.e. the internet"
Oof I feel this, Bond! I think it's very admirable to recognize when it's time to take a step back. I'm glad you've been having the time you need in the all important 'embodied' world.
And Scotland with kids!? Well I'll be eagerly awaiting details...
I love that you're playing Irish music with your son. What a beautiful thing.
Lovely to see you writing again! We might be interested in Scotland so we can share with you all!