NC Visit 11-24-11

Thanksgiving. . .

Oh, so much to be thankful for!  It was a laid-back sort of day.  The kind that allows you to relax and enjoy the people around you and to take time for warm thoughts of those who are not nearby.  Jenn's turkey and pies were as appealing to the taste buds as they were to the eye.  Later on, Daniel and I watched "Over the Hedge" while he had another crocheting lesson.  I think his fascination lies more in the process rather than a finished product.  He says it's like tying knots.



Jerry enjoys a sunpatch



Snacks are ready



Jenn takes a breather



while we wait for our guests



The boys help set the table



Allen checks the bird

 

NC Visit 11-23-11

Wednesday. . .last day in Kannapolis.  Tonight. . .back to Hope Mills.  I am feeling very emotional and I didn't "see it coming" at all.  Treasuring the moments. . .

Matthew - working out



We watched 'Curious George' help the man find his yellow hat



Kaitlyn had lunch on the porch

Matthew kept her company

Kaitlyn relented after much hesitation and allowed me to give her a "hair-do."  Actually, I used the "grandparent card" and bribed her. . .but please don't tell her parents!

NC Visit 11-22-11

Tuesday. . .another day to spend with Kaitlyn and Matthew.  I hope these special times together will be "memory builders" for them.  I know they are for me.  Contrary to what many of the pictures may indicate, they did NOT nap all the time.  It's just easier for one hands-free gramma to get shots of two moving "targets" when they are asleep.  I am basking in this time.  I have only one more day here with them and then, back to Jenn's and Allen's for Thanksgiving.

Kaitlyn and Oscar both napping





It must not have been a very captivating book.  I see Matthew fell asleep while reading.



Omar, the Overseer

NC Visit 11-21-11

 


Kaitlyn demonstrates her kitchen

On Monday I spent the day with Kaitlyn and Matthew while Dan and Michelle were at work.  We played, we ate, we sang.  Being with infants and toddlers is a lot like riding a bicycle in that you don't forget "how" even if it has been a long time.  That is, as long as you keep yourself updated on how to use the new improved equipment and diapers! (Obviously, I don't know a pull-up from a Pamper.)

Watch for "Kaitlyn Ray" cookbooks on the shelf right beside "Rachel Ray"



Lovin' that baby


   






Rolling over is frustrating when your right arm gets stuck

 




Matthew likes just hanging out in his swing. . .






. . .and telling funny stories

 

NC Visit 11-20-11

Matthew bonds with Uncle Allen and Daniel. . .





. . .while Jerry, the dog, bonds with Kaitlyn.

And all grandkids present sit for the mandatory snapshots with Gramma.

Sunday was a busy day. There were church music obligations at both the 8:30 and 11:00 am services . . . some of us attending both, some - one or the other.  Allen had a train to catch to go back to Philly.  Later, I left for Dan and Michelle's with him and the kids where I'll settle in for a couple of days.  I have to admit that I get a little confused as to where I am, where I'm going and when. . .so I'm grateful that Jenn and Dan take care of the scheduling of my whereabouts and all I need to know is any given time I should be ready to leave. 

As for the confusion I mentioned -- now that I think of it, I'm not so sure that's so unusual. 

NC Visit 11-19-11, later

It was a "warm fuzzy" kind of day, relaxing and settling in; dressing the animals in Superman costumes that used to be Ginger's.  (Sadly sweet to see them recycled like that.)  Saturday mornings are typically busy for active families and this was no different.  The boys were involved in a Boy Scout food drive, then it was off to the church's Fall Festival to play handbells.  I enjoyed just being an observer with none of the responsibilities and having the chance to mingle and chat with some familiar faces.  The setting reminded me very much of our "Christmas Bazaar" back home.

Daniel has a real knack for being a very considerate host, going out of his way to see that I am comfortable and have everything I need.  I'm very touched by that.

I loved the fact that Ian was eager to show me his cello music for orchestra and even played through every piece, giving me very informative narratives for each one.  Then we played cello / violin Christmas duets with Jenn accompanying on piano.  Heart be still!

And the day got even better. . .

Dan drove out from Kannapolis to spend the night, bringing both Kaitlyn and Matthew!  Since my family is rather large (when you begin counting them all) and because they don't all live in one proximity, it's always a thrill whenever we are able to come together in various groups.  It is my heart's desire to gather them all together at some point. . .at least long enough to take a picture!  That's going to take some doing, though, since they are spread from Buffalo, NY to North Carolina and grandkids range in age from 33 yrs. to 5 mos.  For now, it is enough to get to "live with" Ian and Daniel for awhile and to "squish" Matthew and play with Kaitlyn.

NC Visit 11-19-11, 7am

7:00am. . .

I woke up earlier and peeked out at the neighborhood and the pecan trees.  All seems quiet and peaceful, covered with a crisp layer of frost. 

Now that I'm all settled in (and rested) I've been thinking over the events of yesterday and absorbing them.  I often think of how "distance" has changed over the years and how glad I am to live in a time when it doesn't have to separate us from the people we love -- regardless of how resistant I am at times to pry myself loose from French Woods.

As a child, I was quite accustomed to train travel but those trips to visit grandparents were much shorter and, of course, a lot has changed since then.  My pleasure in "window gazing," however, is something that has not changed.  Oh, the places your mind can take you if you just surrender completely.  Sitting on a train, suspended in time, gazing through the window at life's ever-changing slideshow can tap into all sorts of emotional analogies, parallels -- whatever you want to call them.  Afterward, there is serenity and a sense that all is well with your soul and that God most assuredly is Good.

Oh, and did I mention imaginary humorous scenerios?  While we were stopped for awhile at Union Station, I entertained the fantasy of taking my violin down from overhead and playing music out on the platform while passers by threw coins in the case.  I mentioned this to Allen and we snickered.