Calm Before the Storm

Hubby's family came down for the Eidul Adha holidays. 

His family consists of vibrant, busy, and forthright company. Not for the faint-hearted. 

Before moving further, I must say upfront that I admire their inclusivity and acceptance. No ordinary family would have accepted his marrying a divorcee with 5 children. So whenever I feel compelled to make strong statements, I remind myself of this key point and look inwards. 

Coming back to the story, me being the introvert and possibly autistic, I tend to prepare beforehand mentally and physically before his family's visits. Which are not often anyways & can be managed reasonably well, especially when there is prior notification.

House cleaning, ensuring pillow covers are clean, preparing enough comforters for sleeping, but this time I forgot to buy some snacks/ food. Which I normally remember but kinda forgot this round. Note for self: please remember next time. 

For Eidul Adha they (we) went camping. My children went to help set up camp, which is good training for the boys. The girls excluding kakak (who didn't want to join) went swimming. I joined the fun (although essentially I'm not a fun person), and helped clean here and there. Due to some pending work, I didn't stay the night/ weekend. At home I cleaned away and washed the clothes before the next wave returned from camping.

To survive a high energy environment like hubby's family, I need to be fully focused. I am fully glad to have gained acceptance, they're a wonderful lot. I strive to be a better member of their family in my own unique way, and I am ever so thankful to have been welcomed 💖