The Party’s Over
So much fun! My love tank is full! Having my babies around for nearly a week, how much better can it get?
The picture above does take some explanation. Since we live in the shoe box, our kids sleep on air mattresses in the living room/kitchen. The extra mattress we keep goes onto the sofa bed in the TV room. At night, we rearrange the living room and kitchen furniture and jam it into the music area to accommodate the three boys’ mattresses. We would put furniture into the sewing room which now has the space, but the moment the kids arrive, the room explodes with suitcases, clothes (clean and dirty), and shoes to fit my giants. I totally lose the floor for the week. In the morning, all the mattresses, sheets, pillows, and quilts are piled high on a bed in our master bedroom where we hope it will stay balanced for the day. Thankfully, everything stayed in place everyday until the appropriate time.
So much fun, laughter, and camaraderie. I had purchased a blowup volleyball net for the pool here at the old people place. Best 23 bucks I ever spent!
It’s easier to go out for most of the meals, but an initial junk food run is necessary followed by a number of Walmart trips for more food. Having raised only petite girls until Tarik came to live with us, I hadn’t been used to male appetites. Now, I just send them all with Ronald daily to add to the day’s feasts and snacks. And for all of them new swimsuits despite the fact the boys’ mothers and I reminded them innumerable times to pack theirs. Whether T shirts or swimsuits, it’s always interesting to see what the boys come home with.
When the littles join us, I am always thrilled with the big boys’ gentle treatment of them and the attention given to them. It’s great when two of the older cousins have free moments to join us in whatever adventure we go on. Ronald said to send pictures to the one granddaughter who now lives in Illinois, but I was afraid it would make her homesick.
I wouldn’t trade these times for the world. I know life is once and done. I pray I will keep these precious times in my memory. From the 157 pictures I took these last few days, I may have a chance at doing just that!
We are so blessed.
As we go back to the daily grind, we all are looking forward to May when we will have another opportunity to be together.
Funny thing about those pictures, though. Each time we get together, I seem to have aged, and aged, and aged. Oh well. That’s life. I’d better get to an object lesson before a nap grabs me up side the head. All the pics look like I need a nap all the time!
Psalm 128 speaks of the joy of seeing our children’s children. I have, and I am most thankful. Some people say they love having the grandkids come and love seeing them go. Though it would be sad circumstances should they have to stay, I thank the Lord when they come and stay as often and as long as they can. I love being around young people.
I am especially thankful for one special thing. As Joshua challenged, ‘As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ Our kids and grandkids are taking that to heart. So blessed!
I don’t want anyone thinking I am bragging. I am just basking in the afterglow of a wonderful week.
Blessings
Kara Beth
