A Day to Last Forever

Today was a beautiful, yet sad day, all at the very same time.  Why?  Because it was the first time in a year that the entire family woke up under the same roof, yet also the day I had to say goodbye to a week at my parents.  While in some respects I was ready to go home to camp because I knew the amount of chores that needed to get done and it was time to get working on it, I knew it would be the last time we'd all be together for a while.  The boys arrived Friday night with mom as snow flakes fell to the ground.  When we awoke the next morning, a winter wonderland (again) greeted us!  David and Penny arrived mid-morning after waiting out the snow since Penny worked so late the night before.  The house that seemed so big when we were kids seemed so small with 4 adults, 4 kids, and 6 dogs.  We opened presents just before lunch and the boys were super excited with their gifts.  Little Andrew loved the hat and chaps set I got him.

After lunch and naps by nearly everyone in the house, probably including dogs, it was time to finally get the kids outside to play.  Got the boys bundled up and I put on as many clothes as I brought (Even though my jeans were poor defense against the snow) and we headed out.  There were snow angels, snow ball fights (although the snow was too dry for it), and lots of tag and tackling.  I know I was worn out!  An evening dinner of soups and some sitting on the couch doing nothing and it was time for the kids to go to bed.  David, Penny, and I stayed up late (why?) to watch the old movie Terminator (another why?).  For whatever reason, I did not sleep well that night.  I think I was in some part thinking about all that needed to be done but I was sad to go and wondered, as usual, if I could have somehow spent it better.  But really, I'm not sure if I could have.  It didn't go as planned usually, but it was good.

Sunday morning-everyone wakes up under the same roof.  I can't tell you how that feels.  A breakfast of casserole and Penny's cinnamon rolls and I spent about an hour working with mom organized the pictures and folders on their computer and how to get the pictures off the memory card and also how to upload to facebook.  Then it was mostly just sitting in the family room, talking, watching TV, falling asleep at random times.  I gathered up my things slowly and packed the truck and started clearing off all the snow.  It was a long goodbye, and an almost teary one.  As much as my family can drive me crazy and we don't always see eye to eye, they'll always be my family.

Things I'll miss....moments I wish were frozen in time

 
1.  Noah looking out the window and yelling, "Snow!" and being super excited about it every time.  His "uh-oh"s and constant turning on and off of the lights.  I remember on Friday night, keeping him calm as I carried him through the house, saying goodnight to everything and turning everything off.  Goodnight wreath.  Goodnight TV.  Goodnight kitchen.  Goodnight family room.  Goodnight Noah.  :-)

2.  Andrew read me a book.  "Brown bear" was probably memorized but it was still the best thing in the world.  I then read him a book, because it was my turn he said.  I loved watching him run around in his hat and chaps.  He's so cute but so mischievous and I can't help but laugh and love him.

3.  Snuggling with Joshua and talking about everything.  He asked me questions about everything in the world and then we watched Disney channel one morning and snuggled up together.  Joshua is a sweet and caring young man.

4.  Caleb's the oldest.  He definitely knows what he wants and isn't afraid to tell you but we share a lot more history since he still lived in Lafayette before they moved towards Crawfordsville.  Listening to him tell me everything he likes, doesn't like, and wants to do.







5.  Enough said.

I wish time could have been frozen, for just a few more hours.