Part of Me

A couple of weeks ago we spent some time up at Grandma's.  The countryside there is rich with history, our history.  A lot of it I don't know but some I do.  I have a lot of memories linked to the people and the land, and there have been stories I've heard that sometimes feel like memories.  Only they are someone else's, not mine.  I like to think of  them though, grandparents, uncles and great-uncles, aunts and great-aunts living life there.  Traveling familiar roads to work, tending gardens, hanging out clothes to dry, going to town.  There are stories of hard winters, loss, and even run-ins with the "law."

This old house rests in Cherry Lane.  My dad likes to tell about spending the night here, at his grandparents' home, when he was a boy.  He said when they woke in the morning the layers of blankets on the bed were striped with snow that had fallen through slats in the roof.  It is so hard to try to be there, to get a sense of people going in and out, kids running around.  My dad as a boy, visiting his family here.

Part of me wishes there was some way to walk here, on this grass, through that door, with them, to know them. And then to have my own memories.
People I knew, people I didn't know.  Somehow, all a part of me.

A Couple Stories

My kids are back home, going through grandparent withdrawal.  They had a great week- thanks Mom and Dad!
The boys have given me some material today.
Sammy came in with a captain's hat on and a bag.  He said he was running away.
"Sam.  I would miss you so much."
"That's ok mom.  You can just come with me."
Thankfully he's still here so I guess he changed his mind.

Jack sent me a letter this morning after having been denied this request once.  This is what is said:
Dear Danielle,
The president demands that the Waters children have a popsicle!
Sincerely,
The United States Congress

It didn't work.

Back to Normal (soon)

The slower pace has been really nice.  I won't lie.  But I think we are all ready to get back to a little more of this.  I'll have these guys back soon!

12 Years

The summer was hot and dry.  So dry that we were in a drought.
That morning there was a warm, blue sky.  It was a perfect day.  Perfect for a wedding.
Ours.
Mom had made our cake.  Beautifully.  We took it to the reception hall.  That was a little intense but it got there just fine.
We all got ready at the church, one that was somewhat out in the country.  It was really lovely.
Not long before the ceremony was to begin, someone told me a storm was blowing in.
Really??  We're in a drought!
But storm it did.  It poured the rain.  The wind blew.
You know what?  It didn't matter one bit.
Because he was waiting for me. 
Rain or no rain.
The church was cozy with the dark clouds outside and the candles inside.
And I married that man, 12 years ago today.
I'd do it all again in a heartbeat, with the rain and the storm or with that blue sky morning.

Saturday

We've been down to one kid for a little over 24 hours now and so far, so good!  The kids seem to be having a really nice time at Mimi and Papa's.  Lucy's enjoying the attention she's getting although every once in a while she wonders where the "guys" are.  She's so easy to take along on our outings.
Brian and I found a gift card we'd forgotten about and went to dinner last night then to the Goodwill bookstore.  Top find:  a like-new hardback copy of Marilynne Robinson's Home for just $1.  I already have my own but am looking for just the right person who will appreciate it.
This morning we went to the farmer's market for coffee and fresh veggies that aren't growing in our garden (which is looking much better by the way).  Then we met up with Brian's parents on a whim for breakfast.
We ended with dinner at our house with some of our "young" friends.  I'm sure there will be an engagement soon and I cannot wait.
I can't decide what to do now but I am trying to take some good advice and not do much of anything.  There's plenty that needs doing but all I'd like to do is sit outside and read a book and listen to the thunder in the distance.
Sounds good to me.

Not Too Sure About This

I just said bye to Jack, Kayla, and Sammy as they left for a week or so with my mom and dad.
Not sure how I'm feeling about this right now.
Actually, I do.  I feel a little sad, a little lost.
Someone remind me of this the next time I'm about to pull my hair out...

Keeping Cool

The kids have figured out several ways to keep cool this summer.

Lucy's baby pool at the end of the slide is one of them.

The sprinkler at the top of the slide is another.

Waiting for the splash.

Sometimes the littler ones take back the pool.

Staking her claim.

Taking a popcorn break.