Sunday, November 9, 2008

Call me the "R.A."

Some of you may have been away to college at a point in your life, and you may have had the experience of living in a dorm or apartment with a bunch of college kids. I did, and had such a great time with wonderful memories ....Well.....I am all grown up now, with 4 grown kids, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and 3 grandchildren, and guess what? I'm back living in a dorm......
Yes, we call our home the "Smith Dorm." Why, you say....? Well, here's who lives with us....Randy and I (the R.A.'s of sorts)...and then 5 kids ranging in age from 20 - 23 years old, either related or related by marriage, and one nice young man getting ready to leave on his mission. Most of these "Smith Dorm" residents are college students and working, except one who has already graduated. It is interesting having 7 adults living under one roof, and it is amazing to me how well everyone gets along. It becomes even more interesting when friends come to visit or spend the night, and when Sarah and her family come over to join in the fun.
One memory I will have of this time in my life as one of the "resident advisors" of this group is the fun we have. There is a lot of laughter, and that brightens any day. There are some challenges, like who get the upstairs shower, and the never-ending grocery store trips, but over all I have been amazed at how congenial everyone has been.
Don't get me wrong....this dormitory will be closing for business as soon as certain people move out to their own abodes, or leave on missions, etc.....and then it will be quite. And I have to say, that since I know that our "dorm mates" may be moving out close to the same time, I am trying to relish this fun "dormitory" time of our life before it comes to an end.