Well I said

there'd be more to come, but alas, I've lost the energy for it. Much of what occurred is really of no interest to anyone here an I've just filed everything into the heart and soul and will keep it safely tucked. Another couple is leaving Thursday to visit the orphanage and do some painting. I wish I were with them, but the old budget prevents that adventure for the time being.

So, on to other things that bend the mind. This Saturday was a day to tuck into "me" for later savoring. All the children were here with their spouses and children for the "Wedding Supper" of the eldest. Missy was married in October ~ just she and her sweetie ~ so we put off the celebration in Virginia for a later, more convenient time. The weather was stupendous and it was wonderful to watch my boys sparring one another to jump off the porch or race or do all the other silly little competitive things they were unable to do as children. (Justin was 9 years Rex's senior, so competition was a bit one sided.) The new son-in-law attempted to make his place by getting into the competition. Rather than finding his "spot", his wife stopped the fun over his grass-stained jeans. Forgive me for laughing, but it was too funny. It was so good to see Jake wanting to set his place in the family. Artie made his mark long ago, so sat in the house with the "girls" and stayed out of "trouble", or was it "stayed out of the fun"? The husband and I sat on the swing and laughed at the antics. Luke, at 7, wanted so bad to be a part, but realized soon enough it wasn't worth a broken leg... or was it his father that took note of that danger? So he, Blake and Jacob took turns running around the lawn and played until they were hot, sweating and just a bit tired. Of course, the little boys wanted their time on the farm, so I took them out to love on the goats and for Jacob to chase the chickens. What IS IT about that boy and the chickens? It was a wonderful time and no one really cared about the manure ridden shoes. After all, to come to Mee-Mee and Poppies is to visit "tha fawm". All too soon it was time to wash up, clean up and head to the church for the Supper. Why did we think it had to be an "event"? A cook out at home would have been all the more wonderful and the clean up would've been optional. But, with our wonderful caterer the food was scruptious. Appetizers were meatballs, which everyone loved. The pictures of Luke piling them into his mouth are comical and will make for a few laughs as we look at them. Also was a plate of cheese and crackers and, scallops wrapped in bacon. Yummy! Who needed the sit down meal after that? Chicken and ham with scalloped potatoes, greenbeans, pasta salad and bread with a cheese cake buffet to end it all? We were all stuffed. But that didn't stop the brother competition. Pictures exist of races up and down the fellowship hall with laughter abounding. What craziness? But, the smiles on my own face tell the tale well enough. It was a full day.

But, it didn't end there. While the children went "out", the grand parents and grand children went home and went for another walk and playtime at the house. The wind got up and colder air descended, so the evening walk was cut short. How those boys love to run, run and run through the fields with those precious goats following them. It's so much fun to watch and makes me feel young again. I sure do wish they were all closer, so we could do this more often than once or twice a year!!!!!!!!!!!!! Poor Blake was so tired he just wanted to go to bed, but his father didn't want to stay over , so we had to explain he was going home instead. That brought some "nos" and "tears" and other outbursts, but when his momma and daddy came in, he was almost ready to go ~ though he put it off as long as possible. Jacob stayed the night, so he was able to crash, thoughbeit, not too early. His mom and dad came back here early and visited with us a bit. Missy and Jake saved that for Sunday when the went to church and had lunch with their daddy and younger bro and sis-in-law. I, on the other hand, had "business" to take care of, so missed my own church service and lunch with the children. Sometimes that happens, much to my sorrow.

So, I'd love to say this'll happen again soon, but history says it won't really. Who knows when? I'd love for all the children to come home for a long weekend all together over a holiday weekend, like Memorial Day or the like. Some time when the temps are warm and the grass is green. It'd be so much fun for the children and... so much fun for the mom... But, one can dream, can't one?

Until next time...