Slaby 2014

A shooting star couldn’t cause more awe.

That’s how I feel every year as I take a peek back, and this year is no different. I see “awe” in many forms. From tears of laughter, sadness and stress to just plain 'ole tears from no-where. Every year, I’m more grateful than ever for our turn here on earth with each other, living, breathing, playing, learning and growing together.

I’ll save you from the laundry list of our family busy. (The kids can fill in all the blanks on that! See their blog posts.) What I’d like to share are some special highlights that I think have been significant in shaping our family this year.

First of all, our elder pair, Margo (20) and Erik (19) transitioned to full-on adults this year, not necessarily in age, but in maturity. As Erik’s boss declared in his native English accent, “You're a Grown-Ass man, Erik!” Indeed he is. :)

Both Margo and Erik took on their first “real jobs” since graduating from college. They’ve both surprised and pleased Mark and I as we see some of that rearin’ display itself in their hard work and dedication. It’s a bittersweet transition time for both Mark and I as they both let go and step out into the world. It’s ages-old, this transition, but it’s no less significant in the lives of our little family.

Margo’s job as the Theatre Operations Manager at Bay Street Players, a community theater in town, gives her the space to put her communication, marketing and management skills to work. Erik’s job at Leads OnDemand, an internet marketing firm, keeps his detail-oriented skills fine tuned while his internship with the Orlando Predators has given him a chance to lead and put out fires under extreme pressure.

Benjamin and Annika bring up the rear of the Slaby clan with just as much awe. A strong entrepreneurial spirit screams from both of them and each are learning from experience the abundance of ways a person can make a living. Benjamin has bought, fixed and sold more vehicles than Mark and I have owned in our lifetime, and Annika has become a joyful fixture on the streets of Mount Dora playing her violin for tips.

Mark and I have been pleased to see the outcome our non-traditional schooling make sense. We couldn’t (and didn’t) plan on a fraction of the things these kids have done. In fact, the more we try to nail them down with a “traditional” plan, the more they break the molds, rebel and prove us wrong. If Mark and I have learned anything in our 20 years of homeschooling, it’s that the kids really know more, and are much more capable than we think.

But they’re still a mess.

The house is in a continuous tornado. That’s the fallout of having kids at home a lot. I don’t know about your kids (or grandkids), but I think every one of ours has a real high threshold of pain when it comes to “mess.” It’s a mess I’ve sort of come to embrace, only by default, because I’m pretty busy myself.

I keep reminding myself that one day I will miss the dirty dishes by the computer, the socks and shoes everywhere and the wet towels on the floor. Because I know I really will.

I often say if I were a better manager, these messes, chaos and crazy would be under control, but really, would they? I welcome your responses....

I write this as Mark and I sit on a park bench in downtown Mount Dora as Annika plays violin to the passer-bys. This is a routine that we’ve embraced for a couple years now as she plays to earn money for ballet camps. Many Friday and Saturday nights we’re here, taking in the sounds and joy that Annika creates. Sometimes I bring my laptop and work but usually, Mark and I sneak a couple glasses of wine and just take it all in.

All week long, like most Americans, we run with a crazy stride to keep it all together. Mark’s job at Leads OnDemand has been a blessing. He loves the opportunity and challenge of this small, upstart company. I continue to work on The Bunk Room, manage our vacation rental and herd the family. Our weekends are a welcome relief but still manage to get filled with commitments. Sitting on a park bench for a few hours on the weekend is a welcomed relief.

We’re truly enjoying the simple things this year, in the midst of a whole lotta busy.

Make sure to check out the kids blogs for their stories and more. And please drop us a note or comment below and tell us how you’re doing!

Wishing you peace, love and the awe of your shooting stars in 2015 and beyond!

Love and sPaRkLes,

Maria & Mark

PS. Keep up with some of our goings-on at The Bunk Room and Little River Harmony.