The days are long but the years are short.....

 That's what they say.....and it's true.  We were able to make some good memories in the last couple of weeks.  Sadly, my DIL's aunt was not doing well, and my DIL wanted to see her before she passed so they made a quick trip home. I mean quick, here on Sunday evening, left on Monday.  Unfortunately she passed on Monday night so they made another trip on Thursday. We decided to keep the kids and then return them to their new home on Wednesday.  So we drove 20 hours in two days to take them home, and get us back to east Tennessee.  BUT, we made some great memories while they were here.  Memories we will cherish, and I hope they will also.

Swimming with their best friends and neighbors who they really miss since their move.

Fun at a really fun splash pad.

Always fun with bubbles and the pup.

After eating at their favorite place, Pizza Inn, we visited the Friendship Bell and the park in Oak Ridge.

On our way to NOLA to take them home, we made a stop in Laurel, MS, to see Ben and Erin Napier's "Hometown," the name of their HGTV show.

So, not a lot of quilting is being done.  It looks like I have two more memory quilts to work on soon, but first want to finish this one. Now, back at home, maybe I can get it done.

You can see I still have some scraps of my favorite bird fabric.  Just had to include a few of those in this one.  :)

July 2023

 Wanted to just capture some photos for my blog book.  Just life........in random order.

We enjoyed some food on the grill the other day.  Marinated the veggies in Italian dressing, the steak bites in Dales.  So good.

The kids received their first cards from Mamaw   :) 

Father's Day.  Jim has no biological children but he is the absolute best Fur Dad and Papaw to the grands.

Remembering my own father.  Love him much. I'm the little one.

We had dinner guests over and they brought their dog, Jack.  Oh my, these two had so much fun together.

Puzzle chasing bubbles in the back yard.

A bright summer Sunday before church.  We matched!

Our home brings me joy. I wonder if that is normal.  I love to decorate and clean it. I think it stems from our home as a child.  It was pretty chaotic, and always a mess. I know my parents did the best they could, but it still affected me. Never underestimate the implications in a child's life from their earliest environment. I'm thankful for all the good my parents taught and showed me. And really the mess and chaos taught me too, how much joy I get from a clean, nice home.

 

We really enjoy our screened porch.  Even in the heat of summer you can find one or both of us here.

Had to put out my patriotic quilts for the 4th of July -- tradition!

...and go watch the local fireworks in our little small southern town.....they always put on such a great show.

...and the hair is still growing and I've not cut it yet.  I will I'm sure just not yet.The shrinkage is unbelievable. From a very short pixie to these in less than 2 years!

They've moved

It took me about a week to get myself back together after they left.  We've been so blessed to have them here for almost three years.

My son took a job out of state, but still within driving distance.  He will be working in his field, New Testament manuscripts. I've very happy for him.  You can imagine how narrow the field is but he's found a niche and it is perfect for his blend of talents and abilities.

Still, the grandchildren.  Oh, I know so very many grandparents have never had their grandchildren live close, so I'm not complaining, just acknowledging my feelings.  So here are some pictures to commemorate the last few weeks.

Decided to put up some tiny solar lights on the swing set. Not perfect, but still fun at night.

We had some lake time at the local park. The kids love the lake!

Graduated from Kindergarten and third grade.

Lots of car rides with Puzzle girl, who loves these kids just like I do.

Saying goodbye with my best friend.

Pictures and more pictures of the day they left.

I hope and pray they remember these three years as some of the best of their childhood.  We have tried to be intentional with teaching them things and just having fun being together.  Lots of play days at our home, swinging, playing with the pup, making up games, scooter rides, easy-roller rides, lawn tractor rides and scooter and even push chair rides. Then there's been cooking, garage picnics, races, tag in the house, and our beloved and somewhat irreverent nightly made up stores of Wind and Prime finger shadow puppets.  There have been times when I've laughed until I cried.  I won't dwell on the times they drove me nuts and I yelled at them, although there were a few of those too.  This has been real life, but real good life. Times I will cherish all my days. And I hope they are old enough for these memories to meld into them so that when they are old they will still smile when remembering.

We will still make memories with them I'm sure, but it will be different.