It’s been (how should I put this?) … an eventful couple of weeks at our house. Tyler’s 23-year old younger brother Trevor passed away unexpectedly March 20th, so we checked out of life for an entire week and helped out at the Jones house in Bakersfield. (Sadly, this is the same brother that was supposed to be married tomorrow, March 31st.) I’m happy to report everything went smoothly with the funeral, and that I have no desire to ever ride in a limousine again.

I’d also like to take a moment and point out how generous Tyler’s work has been to us. We have often reflected on how our lives would have been slightly different had he taken another job opportunity offered to him, but this week it hit me hard that our lives really would have been drastically different. I feel so blessed we were led to accept the job he has now.

We heard the news about his brother late on a Tuesday night, and Tyler was supposed to fly out for a 3-day business trip early that next morning. At 1:30am after packing and spraying for ants (Tyler laughs that I think to do things like that), we booked a $463 flight for me and Jack to join him on his trip. We barely dozed three hours before heading off to the airport. With two carry-on bags, a diaper bag, a stroller, a laptop bag and a carseat, we made it through security. While sitting in the terminal waiting to board the plane, Tyler got an email from his boss. We made a decision to cancel our flights and head to Bakersfield to be with Tyler’s family. (Good news: my flight was refundable, and Tyler got credit for his.) We then drove back home, packed three more days worth of luggage, and headed off again.

The entire trip was a whirlwind. We arrived on Wednesday afternoon and because the funeral was on Tuesday we didn’t leave until the next Wednesday morning. Seven days at someone’s house is really pushing your welcome, but Tyler was able to help out his family when they needed him the most. I also think Jack was a blessing because you can’t help but smile when you look at the kid. He just sheds happiness everywhere he goes, so I think it was nice for people to take their mind off of the events happening and get to play with a (clueless) Jack. I think he deserves a lot of credit because he was very well-behaved the entire week. He had his moments as any 17-month old does, but I was grateful for people who stepped in to help us out so I could be there for Tyler.

I think right now we’re all still in recovery mode. Jack has quickly eased back into his regular nap and sleeping schedule (thank goodness!) and Tyler has gone back to work. I’m still recovering from lack of sleep and trying to keep up with the laundry and food situation. (This has really been an incentive for me to keep my house cleaner because you never know when you’re going to suddenly leave for an entire week!) We’ve been so grateful for friends and family and all who have helped out in the past week.

Stay tuned because we already know the months of April and May will be hectic ones!