Some of you know that we have Chris’s brother, Carlton, with us for a couple of weeks. 13 days to be exact according to him. He is a numbers guy. Ask him when his birthday is in the next couple of years and he can tell you what day of the week it falls on. Christmas—same thing. Last night he was reciting all the birthdays and anniversaries in the family. He usually gets them right and if he is off he kind of has a hard time admitting it. 🙂
I am trying to keep him happy and busy while he is here and so far–so good. I think he loves having a huge basement to himself—he has his shows to watch and loves having the freedom to do that like he does at his own home. He even has a pretty sweet bedroom here . We tried to make things as close to perfect for him as we could and so far so good.
Are there some things that are hard for him here?? A few. I know he misses his sister. That is to be expected. He always looks at the weather and time of sunrise and sunset when he gets up and since we don’t get a paper delivered I have been printing it off Intellicast for him each morning which he is loving. We got him a white board calendar so he could count down the days here till he goes home and when Chris is going to be gone. All the things that he likes to know ahead of time we tried to provide for.
Helping make cookies!
My pantry may never be the same again—–in other words—I may never find things as the “elf” wanders in the night and moves things around. I learned that when we lived with him that I needed to “secure” anything that I was possessive of and so far all that has moved is stuff in the pantry. I can deal with that when he goes home–no biggie.
Today we went to a local place and painted some pottery. He had a great time. He loved it and I am thinking that we need to find some other creative projects for him to do while he is here. Hobby Lobby here we come.
We are so blessed to have him in our family. It isn’t always easy but because we love each other it all works out. 
It's Just Life 
Oh I do miss Hobby Lobby! It looks like all of you are enjoying the time together. When’s the next time Christmas will be on a Friday? I like to plan vacations around Christmas so we can have more “free” vacation days.
I love me some Hobby Lobby!!!! I will have to consult with him when he gets up about that date and get back with you!
Cool. It’s never too early to plan for trips! And tell him thanks for me.
🙂
I love this. What a beautiful, loving family you all make!
:-). We are having fun. Chris is missing some of it but more fun for me!!
Love can overcome anything, make anything better. You’ve shown us that and the strength of family.
He is pretty easy to love!!! He calls me “Gorgeous” all the time—-very good for the ego!!! 🙂
Well it sure looks like he’s having a ball..From what I can tell by the “Star Dish” he is quite the painter and craftsman as well. And I think that smile has been painted on his face..God bless you all..
We had a good time. I am sure the folks at the next table enjoyed our conversation, too! 🙂 The star dish is most likely a gift for his sister which she will love!!!
It will certainly be worth more than anything store bought, that’s for sure..
Carlton would love it here. He could create to his heart’s content. My wife, Juli, has tons of craft supplies. He could move stuff around all he wanted too. It might actually make things easier for Juli; she wouldn’t have to move them herself. It does sound like we’d have to work at making our daily routine more predictable, however.
Tell Carlton “hi” from Texas. 🙂
Will tell him hi from Texas and he will be thrilled. Predictability is a staple in his life but to be honest he has rolled with the punches a great deal in the past year and quite honestly he has done really well. When he needs to he arises to the occasion and maybe better than I do!!! It just takes a bit of preparation and who doesn’t like to be prepared??? 🙂 As for the rearranging—–maybe my pantry needed rearranging!! 🙂 So far he has left my crafting stuff alone—-it might be a bit too scary for him!
🙂
I enjoy hearing about Carlton! He seems like a really cool guy. I think I could use someone to rearrange the things in my house, because I just can’t seem to make it work! He might have some great plan for everything. Enjoy the 13 days you all have to spend together!
Aw Becky!! Thanks for taking the time to comment!!! He is a pretty neat guy and has been through a lot more in the past few years than we had realized. We are getting the old Carlton back!!!
Looks like you are both having a good time. I’m sure he will remember his time with you fondly… I get my Middle back today. She’s been at my mom’s and it’s just not the same without her!!! 🙂
Oh I bet you have missed her!!! They are a part of you!!! I am sure Carlton will carry stories with him about our time together!!!
I loved the pictures of Carlton and you. He looks like he is really enjoying what he is doing and you are making his visit with you and Chris a good memory for him.
We are definitely trying to give him some good experiences while he is here—at least “I” am having a good time!!! 🙂
This looks like a fun time. He looks like he is enjoying himself so far!
I think he is!!!
It looks like you both are having a good time.
This is such a fun thing to do with someone –much more fun than painting all by your lonesome!!!
I’m glad you and Carlton are enjoying the visit. He’ll be so excited to tell of all the wonderful adventures when he gets home.
I hope so!! I am having fun if that counts for anything!!!
How fun to have someone with you who enjoys crafts again. I really miss those days. Chris is lucky to have such a considerate brother and sister-in-law. I know his parents are very grateful for everything you do for him, wherever they are.
You are also very lucky to have him in your lives.
We are very lucky indeed!!! His piece was finished today and he was so thrilled when I surprised him with it!