4X's the Joy

Not ever wanting to get too predictable, I bet you don't know what Four Times the Joy is referring to...
You may think, She just got back from being with her Four Amazing Children and Their Spouses and Grand baby so, sure, she's referring, once again, to the wonder that is her progeny.
You may think, Wow. Vivie must have gone overboard this weekend if she was Four Times the Joy! While true, she was 100 times adorable but I cannot even yet process the emotion I feel when just thinking of My Vivien, never mind reporting on it.

So you don't know me as well as you thought, eh?

Well never no mind.
Even this one surprised even me. And it's my life.
Yeah.
Didn't see this coming but am still in awe of the whole thing.

As you know, Vivien Claire's High Holy First Birthday Party was this past weekend.
All of the important personages in The Viv's life were there.
And Poppy and I volunteered to do the food and serving and clean up, cause that's just what we do.
One of my spiritual gifts is hospitality and Hubby's is service so you can see that as a package, we can be pretty handy to have around.
So when Vivien wanted a celebration, it was no difficult task to understand that we would do what we love to do: cook and do for the masses. Natural as falling off a log.
What was not usual was the response that we got from doing something very second nature to us.
And I will never forget it.

At four different times during the day, I felt an arm around my shoulder, thanking me/us kindly, heartfeltly and endearingly.
Not from my usual sources,the girlys; no, Baby Girl, Eldest/Admin, Lovely Wife, all made their customary, very effusive thankfulness at their parental units gifts.

No, this time it was my boys.
First up, Eldest Son, the king of appreciativeness and quiet in nature, he sidles up to me mid party, and expresses how much he/they appreciate what we do/were doing.
Stated in lovely terms, his thankfulness.

Second, Baby Girl's Hubby. Always a Man of Words and Emotion, He frequented the kitchen offering his service and appreciation as well. BGH's unbridled adrenalin has been known to run through creeks in a pouring rain, has also been known to be harnessed for The Greater Good and I love him more than my luggage.

Thirdly, Youngest Son, my kindred spirit son, my humor twin and my man of words, drops in on mom at the stove to let me know that he appreciates my/our works of service.

Fourthly. The party has died down to a murmur and the plates have been cleared away and the Party Girl is ready for beddy bye, when Eldest/admin's Wonderful Man, a man that I love to please and make laugh, comes to me at the sink, hugging me close just to tell me that he is so grateful for all we have done. WM is a man of proving but not exactly a man of words to his mother in law. His words were like jewels to me. He doesn't ever have to say a word to me, just proving himself by caring for ED and The Beloved Vivers. And believe me, he has proven over and over that he was the man for my Precious Firstborn.

How in the world do I have Four of the Most Valuable Men in the World within my tangible, practical life? (Not to mention Hubby...)

Thank you Lord for these Godly Men.
Thank you for them mirroring Your Incredible Love.
Thank you for the Warriors/Lovers they are.
And may the world be blessed by their existence.
Amen.

What's Been Going On?

What a time.
What a gift.
And reflection.
Time spent well, without too much effort and much joy.
A lot of relaxing has taken place since December 25.
Let's look around at the high points. (Warning: Type A could have a problem with the following photos; A sincere lack of agendas or purpose involved in these highly unscheduled photographs. You've been warned.)

Now here is an exciting new Christmas Tradition coming to fruition: a forced (the most scheduled you'll see) narcissus, making it's blooming event Christmas week. A lovely addition to holiday festivities.

Nothing more satisfying to me than watching Hubby enjoying himself (when he's winning :D) playing games with the 'children'...Whether they be 8 or 28, he loves it and I love hearing them banter back and forth and whoop it up over a great play...
More soul food....

Clearly, this relaxed holiday celebration became contagious.
Here is Lovely Wife curled up, all cozy and comfy with a good book and her faithful companion puppy. We do get wild around here.

And what would Christmas be without a huge batch of cinnamon rolls? Throughout my reign as Chief Cinnamon Roll Baker, I have tried many a recipe. I proclaimed a recent recipe out of a Sunday paper, my all time favorite. Time consuming, but oh so worth it. I likes me a good good cinnamon roll....mmmmmmm

Then The Payoff.
After many, many years of hectic Christmas Mornings.
With lots of preparation and care to meet the needs (and wants!) of our lovely children, we find ourselves this year, on our own.
And it was very nice, thank you.
Getting up slowly, wishing each other a Merry Christmas, seeing to our own breakfast needs, preparing for the day by stoking a grand fire and getting the right book to perch near the fireplace with, the day of reflection and slower pace begins and it carries us through the days of sharing our home and hearts with all that we love and care about.....
Those that are away from us continue on into our thoughts and prayers and best wishes

So that was it..
Much to share, craft wise, now that the reveal has occured...
Counting down to the new decade with fresh thoughts, good outlooks and much anticipation...
Can't wait to share it all with you....

Small Town Graces

Life in a small town can be a frustrating, glass house kind of existence.
Being limited to big city opportunities, not to mention gas mileage to anywhere, can cause a measure of irritation.

Then there are days like today.

A leisurely stroll downtown to the post office to mail Most Interesting/Loving Friend's Birthday purse, brought a smile to my face. How many people get the opportunity to walk to their postal service, shuffling leaves and waving to other citizens?
I prepared the purse for Illinois and noticed a long lost friend at the counter, taking care of her postal business. While we stopped in the lobby, catching up on our news, other postal customers went smilingly around us, tolerant of our mini reunion.
I approached the counter, acknowledging the sales clerk by her first name.
Of course.
After taking care of my mailing responsibility, the counter lady informed me that there was a little old lady in Orleans, the next town down the road, that makes and gives away, microwavable/freezer rice bags. Gives them away? Yes. She sews them up then hauls a basket full to the post office where the personnel is free to hand them out at will. So, in addition to getting my purse shipped off, I came home with a handmade cold/hot pack. For Free.

In fine spirits from the the whole Postal Experience, I skipped gaily (isn't that a fun phrase?:D) to my downtown thrift store, just to see.
And see I did.
Five very nice shirt/jackets for Second Son, and a very nice Alfani wool jacket for myself and a very utilitarian Old Navy blouse for me. Since this visit was not planned, per se, I had limited cash in my pockets. Just the change from my Postal Adventure. My grand finds totaled a whopping 17.00. I had a mere 15.00 in my pocket. I sheepishly announced that I would have to put something back. Before I could even begin to consider which special find I would have to disengage with, the gentleman waiting on me, quickly pulled out his wallet and said, "Let me help you out" and quickly placed two dollars on top of my 15.00. I graciously accepted with promises of quick pay back, to which he replied, 'Just anytime'.....

The rest of my walk home was considerably lighter, despite the four bags of clothing that I was carrying.

Small town graces....

Friday Festival Finale

PETA should probably look away right now.
A small boy with a goldfish won in a game too late at night.
A small boy with a deep seated need to 'pet' the goldfish in his temporary home.
I informed the dad that my bets were on making it to the highway.
Knowing his son better than me, he bet on making it to their parking space.
The Friday Night Frenzy after having one night pretty much canceled.
Huge crowds. Lots of cars and the obligatory mud everywhere. Wow.
I would like to tell you that the photo below is someone from the festival.
However, this is Eldest Son's way of entertaining himself while we do the dishes after a wonderful supper of Mustard Crusted Pork Loin, Mixed Squash Bake, Spinach Salad and brownies. We always chocolate when Lovely Wife is coming for dinner. It's just what we do......We are pleased to say that Eldest Son's earring is Lovely Wife's bracelet even though we did think it quite fetching on ES's ear......Carnival games. Lovely Wife would not let any us touch anything.
Probably wise.....

Sewing today involved finishing a beret, making place mats for aforementioned dinner tonight out of vintage towels that are too fragile for towel use but are spending retirement as place mats and cutting out a patchworky type of tote bag for an order of five that I have......

Cooking, baking, sewing, little rain, Eldest Son and Lovely Wife for supper AND Persimmon Ice Cream at the Festival after....

What a good day it was....

Miserable.

Rainy all day.
Not Festival Weather.
Poor little ol kiddos.
No rides for the third night of their three night ride bracelets. Perhaps tomorrow night, when the weather is cloudless, (she says with cheerful optimism) they will be able to use their now useless bracelets.
I made one attempt to go to the Commercial Tent this evening seeing that I won a drawing! I believe I should be the owner of stainless steel scrubbies from Stanley Products. That is, if the Stanley Lady would have been at her booth tonight. I trudged down, in the rain, pants rolled up against the deep, deep puddles and fought my sturdy royal blue hooky umbrella against the winds, only to find the dear lady had closed up shop and stayed in her comfy dry home. All the other vendors were there. The only dark spot was the Stanley Home Products booth. Will I now have to actually purchase the Wonder Scrubbers, that have over 50 yes 50 uses?......I'll let you know... Second Son accompanied me to The Methodist for a hearty lunch of pork tenderloin (sorry Baby Girl), dressing, gravy, cole slaw, dinner roll, green beans and the most sinful Chocolate Fudge Walnut Cake. I should have taken a photo. Way beautiful and scrumptious. However, Second Son and I made fast work of it even after the bounty we had just consumed. And we do have to mention, seeing most of Mitchell there. Lots of good company....Writer Friend Joyce, Neighbor Michele and Her Friend Jean and their delightful children. Poet Georgia was there as well. She will be 90 in November. A sharper more humorous woman would be hard to find. And on and on the names go....A perfect Methodist Lunch with Second Son and company.
We took the time to look at all their crafts for sale. After all, where were we going in the downpour? To buy Barbie cupcakes for Second Son's birthday friend, but that's beside the point.
See the bread pictured above? Just a sampling of their lovely baked goods.....

And quilters and seamstresses as well....I could tell their stock was a bit diminished from Tuesday when I visited with Crazy Dee Friend

And here is the Special photographed for those that cannot read..Sorry for the blurriness; I had just consumed my weight in Chocolate Walnut Fudge Cake.....Makes one fuzzy....

So I came home and attacked this Rainy Day with a useful vengeance. I finished Faithful Friend's new bag! She received a Birdie Sling last month but found a need to own another Mama's Collection Bag...What a good friend! I'd make her one every week if she wanted me to; she's just that good of a friend.....

The fabric was yummy, the lining silky, the handle comfy and the embellishment, strong.....Good, good purse....

Enjoy Faithful Friend!!

Recipe for a Perfect Weekend....

1. Take one wonderful hospitable home that belongs to Eldest Son and Lovely Wife. Enjoy the peace and beauty of their brick bungalow nestled in a quiet area of Indianapolis...
2. Find a new pizza place nearby with New York Style Pizza. Order the 20" large, everything pizza. Make sure you order bread sticks and cheese bread because Eldest Son is a hard working man and Lovely Wife has had a long week with third graders. And Hubby and I haven't had a good dose of carbs in quite awhile.....

3. Get ready for two other sibs and their hubbies to come. Sleep well, eat a good breakfast, clean off the patio and get the badminton set out (you know the one; Jeansteffe gave it to us 20 years ago and it was OLD then! Make sure you get to several garage sales before Vivien and her parental units show up. Grab amazing deals at the sales and try not to fight over vintage towels....

4. Play hard. Relax and replenish at will. Make sure the young bucks are not picking on hubby and cheating at croquet. Make sure the games that Eldest Son and Vivien's daddy and Baby Girl's hubby makes up does not involve hitting croquet balls with badminton racquet's.

5. Catch up on some knitting and interacting on our wonderful Vivers. So, so good to have our Long Lost Landon from Lafayette visiting....New York was far away and the summer was different without him...Welcome back, Landon....

Take hubby to the fabric store quickly for some patterns, one that involves a new winter coat for Miss Vivie...

6. Eat well. Ciabetta prosciutto sandwiches on the grill made by Eldest Son. Tomato Salad by Hubby. Sweet potato fries by Landon. All on the patio. Beautiful day, wonderful evening. Ice cream and brownies made from recipe from a fellow blogger. Sit around. Chat. Catch up. Bathe Vivien. Make her giggle like crazy. Laugh, laugh, laugh.

7. Go separate ways, to all our respective homes. Some of us with agendas. Some of us meandering through the Indiana countryside on an unbelievable September Sunday. Maybe an apple orchard. Or two. Whose counting?

8. Wrap up with a one of a kind cherry apple cider shake with free popcorn.

Serve warm, serves many, lasts forever........

My Men

This is Jon and Landon.
Landon knows that Jon has seniority.
Jon has been in the family loop since he was fifteen.
He is closing in on 30.
He has some years with us. And we are glad.
Landon has been around with us since he was 15 also. Now a young man of 22 1/2, we have gotten quite used to him being around as well.
These two men, between them, have more talent, musically and artistically, intelligence in all areas, academia and common sense type, than you would find in a large room. Truly brilliant.
And funny.
Funny, funny guys. It is a good day when I can make them laugh. If I can make these guys laugh, then I am dang funny.....
Love them....
I have spoken muchly about my girlys. They are involved in my promotion and cheering of my new business. You know how I feel about all three of them. Special, lovely women....
But I've barely mentioned my wonderful men.
I have four of the most diverse and interesting and dare I say funny, funny gentlemen in my family. Two I gave birth to, and two I have inherited via marriage, but all I consider 'mine'.

Men of integrity. Men of substance. Men who truly are gentle-men. Men I would trust my life (and my daughters!) with. Men I know will/are making wonderful daddies to my grandchildren.
Kind, intelligent, thoughtful, crazy guys.

Devon is my first born son. Completely opposite/complimentary to my first born daughter, he came into the world sleepy and compliant and has remained that way all his life. My journals are filled with his escapades and famous quotes. My memories of conversations when he was small up into his college years still fill me with wonder about the kind of man he is. However, don't let his calm facade fool you. His strength, his desire for righting the right, defending the weak, has taken his calm exterior to the mat more than once. Do not cross him or harm his lovely wife or speak evil of his family. It could be the last thing you do.

Jordan. Where do I even start with him? I believe the pattern for him was broken once he came into the world. Truly, a renaissance man. Full of his own beliefs, ways to do things, thoughts on the deepest level and a comedic streak that does not stop. His Achilles heel is his soft heart. A big man, he melts with a soft word from a child. He is not fearful of showing his emotion or afraid of what others think. Not many men can carry off a child's tea party well, but if it involves our little friends, he will attend and attend well, not willing to just sit there, but he will, in his writer's way, come up with the craziest stories for our little tea party's host, that there is lots of choking on our tea and crumpets as we laugh wildly... A lovely man.....

And of course, I've spoken of and photographed my hubby...

My completer, my warrior, gentleness to balance my rougher edges.

Since 1970, he's been it....

How can one woman be privileged to such a grand assortment of men?

Thank you God......

(p.s. Lest you think that Landon horned in on all the shots, these photos came from his wedding day....We will allow Landon to be in on all the pictures.....this time...:D)

And the Weekend...

Ryne's wondering why oh why would I just want a photo of the new patio??

McAlisters -be it Indy or Cincy......

Of course, the Vintage/New apron made on the last visit....~

Always grateful for the lazy weekends.

Usually, they are packed and busy.

Not so, this past weekend.

A rather planned/spontaneous trip to Indy to visit Eldest Son and Lovely Wife.

We absolutely love our time there. There is usually lots of talking, planning, sharing and sometimes projects worked on. With the help of our granddog, Ryne, we have a relaxing, fun time with them.

This weekend, we outdid ourselves on relaxing....

Cooking out on the grand new patio that they recently completed, enjoying the last day of summer vacation for the third grade teacher that is Lovely Wife, and watching a movie when the skeeters sent us packing, completed the Lazy Agenda....

Wrapping up the weekend with worship at their church, fabric shopping, Eldest Son entertaining us at Old Tyme Pottery and lunch at McAlisters, ended the well anticipated Lazy Weekend.....

As we backed out of their driveway, waving to them as they stand together on the back porch of their cozy, window boxed home, we sigh a sigh of contentment..

Thank you God.....

Pet Peeve Alert

I am all about new technology. Obviously. I made it here on a blog, didn't I? Love me my computer and my cell phone, but there are some irksome things that accompany these very useful tools.

Let me give you an example:

I'm at the park with Lily and her brother Maddox. I'm wildly trying to keep track of the two of them in the midst of about two other dozen children visiting the park that day. My tracking skills are lacking a bit since my days of small children, but I try my best. I follow Maddox to the swings, to find a young mommy swinging two children alternately while holding her cell phone in one hand. I listen enough to know that this is not an emergency. That it is not an important business call or a family conference. She is just chatting it up with a bud. Her two children are mindlessly staring off into space while the rhythmic movement and the ongoing chatter has placed them in a semi hypnotic state. What Fun! A day at the park with mom! Well, partly with mom. Most of her attention is on her conversation with another person. Not them.

I've been in the drive up line at banks, seen mommy's driving children of to school, waiting in check out lines, all with the same scenario: Mom talking wildly on the cell while back seat children stare off into space, or worse, involved in their own plugged in apparatus. Sometimes three, four people in a small space in a car, all in their own world; no interaction, dialogue, conversation.

What a waste.

Drive time is a safe time to talk to your children about everything. Kids feel the concentrated focus. Mom/Dad is in a safe perimeter of listening and being. Their eyes are on the road so there is no stony stare if they want to share something difficult. They know that they have your attention for the limited time that they are on the road. Good, good talk time. And yet so many young mommy's are missing opportunities that are golden for conversations that will be memorable and useful in years to come.

Some of my best conversations with my Eldest Son started in the car as we delivered papers when he was in high school. We would begin our very early day with a stream of conversation that would run the extent of the route, with interruptions of updates about the people on the route. Some crucial moral issues, political and spiritual topics were covered in that hour and a half cruise through the neighborhoods at the crazy hour of 4:30am. And we still remember it. I believe that those times are some of my fondest memories with Eldest Son; times when he was going through adolescence and struggling with impending adulthood. And I would have missed it all if I would have placed someone else, someone I did not give birth to, as a priority to him.

Please, young mamas. consider your audience before you make that 'important' call. Think of the message you are sending to your little ones. Don't let them know that pretty much everyone is more important than they are. Be aware that they are listening to EVERYTHING you are saying and are stockpiling the lessons they are learning in your conversations for use at at later date. After all, that is sometimes, the only thing that they hear from you in the long ride to school before you wave them off before driving away.

Converse with the most important people ever. The people that you gave birth to. It's an investment you will not regret.....

Weekend Moments

They come sparsely, family moments, these days...

But when they come, we grab them and cherish them for all they're worth.

Thus was this weekend with all four kids and one spouse (and, of course, Vivien) came to visit.

The hour and a half that we had together went quickly and planning had to be done so that it was good.

My husband pulled out all the stops and made his famous Italian Beefs for us. Our garden complied so we had tomatoes for his equally famous Tomato/Onion/Cucumber salad. The planets lined up and we all were able to sit down and enjoy a wonderful lunch provided by Dad.

Too quickly, we were all full and things called us to other responsibilities, but the Golden Hour when we can all feast together was a remarkable time.

Family Feasting.....Lovely...

Baby Girl's Home!

Two years ago, Baby Girl, my youngest, was home from college and contemplating her future. Last year, she took us all on a whirlwind of two visits to Africa. This past winter, she married her best friend of six years. This summer, the two of them have spent in Brooklyn, NYC, whilst her hubby pursued his internship for his major.

And today she is home for a nearly weeklong visit before settling back in her college town with hubby.

And I am in mommy heaven.

Having my two girls home, with grandbaby, and second son and awaiting first son's visit this weekend with his lovely wife, fills me with such a mommy joy, that it's hard to express without lots of sighing.......

Lots of cooking, special request menus, lots of porch and garden time and LOTS of talking!!! It's what we do, what we love and how we are wired.

And it is good.