The Not-So-Empty Nest

Well, guess who showed up on the doorstep last Sunday? BRENDEN! He needs a place to stay “for a few days.” Sounds like Johnny is burnt out on having a roommate and I guess Brenden’s out of other friend options. He wants to rent a room somewhere, or share an apartment with someone, though he doesn’t have a steady income yet, nor is he quite 18 (b-day is May 22). He still has the LegoLand job, but they don't give him many hours. He had an interview with Costco this week, but they bring in new employees at p/t only. He'll find out next week if he's made it to the next level of interviewing.

Dave was out of town when Brenden showed up, and he wasn't thrilled at the news. But I made sure Bren knew he has to be on his toes more than ever before in order to stay with us. So far it's been pretty good. He has a good attitude, is picking up after himself (for the most part), keeping reasonable hours, etc. I am pleasantly surprised. Dave's home now and is coping all right.

I had a counseling appointment earlier this week and asked Brenden if he'd go with me to try and talk about some of the rough stuff we went through. It went pretty well. He was open, and shared some real feelings. I also got to say some things I’ve wanted to. Jennifer helped us express what we both need and want for the future of our relationship. We're definitely still very far apart philosophically, that is, on matters of faith and morality. But I know that he's been exposed to what Dave and I wanted to instill in him, and it's his choice to follow or not. Of course under our roof he has to adhere to the standards we've always insisted upon. But outside of here, I can't control or even influence his choices. I don't like it, but I am learning to live with it. The counseling session helped us understand some ways we can be around each other and have a genuine relationship, in spite of our differences of opinion.

Almost as soon as Brenden got here, his car broke down! It turned out to be a relatively minor issue and we're supposed to pick it up at the shop today. Brenden is paying for it.

Breanna and Cassidy have been over almost every day this week. Cassidy has had an intestinal bug and a bad diaper rash. She seems to be improving now. Bree seems so exhausted all the time. I offered for them to spend the night here tonight and I'll keep Cassidy in my room again. Not sure if that will happen yet. There is no news about Nick whatsoever.

On the home decorating front, I've done some more in my "retreat room" that I started last year. Here are some pictures:

(that's Cuddles and Aslan, Jr. on the bed)

I need some more things for the walls, and I'm thinking about doing a stencil border along the top of the walls. I'm open to other suggestions! :)

That's all for now.
Love,
~Kim