Yeah! Melinda will be home in the next couple of hours! She's been visiting her sister in Minnesota for 5 days and 4 nights (not that anyone's counting.) I think she's had it in her mind for some time to take a trip to visit her sister. Amy has 4 kids (2 of which are very small) so Melinda was going to help her travel to Utah to be at Grandma's funeral.
We were worried about how Saffron would do with her Mom away for so long, but she's done very well. I think it helps a lot having her 3 older siblings look after her; they're very attentive. Melinda also talked to her on the phone once or twice a day and she seemed excited that her mom was coming back with 2 of her baby cousins.
We've done pretty well being orphaned and widowed for these few days, but it will be soooo nice to have Melinda back with us again. We've all missed her very much.
Karen was also very gracious to watch the kids during the day. Thanks Auntie Karen!
We've actually been quite busy these past few days, which probably helped the time pass more quickly. Here's a short list:
- Thursday we had homeschool Lagoon day. Miles, Ian and I had a great time.
- Friday we went to Connie's book group "After Hogwarts" at Barnes and Noble.
- Saturday we gardened and weeded at home. Then in the evening we went up to see Ed, Salena, Teancum, and Rachel. Karen and Wendy fed us (though they also tricked me into helping them plant tomatoes.) Actually, I enjoy gardening so even though it's work it feels recreational.
- Sunday we went to church in Roy for baby Hope's blessing. My parents, Grandma, and most of my siblings (we missed you, Ruthie!) were there. Everyone got to meet Jame's finance, Brooke, and we had a nice picnic in the park.
- Sunday evening went back to Grandma and Grandpa's just in time for dinner. The kids were pretty lucky today; two sets of cousins to play with in one day!
Grandma's funeral and viewing are going to be held in the next two days and things will be very busy with all the family in town. It will be busy, but it's a good busy.
There are some tough times ahead of us of all, but having this man at the head of our government gives me courage.
We were also very excited to hear news of Zachary and Benjamin! Two beautiful baby boys. I got to talk to the proud papa, and even though the mama sounded pretty tired, they're going to make great parents! We're so happy for them.
I wasn't completely sure how to correctly care for amaryllis bulbs so we were very happily surprised when a little green shoot started popping out of the dry bulb a month ago, and quite pleased to see such a lovely bloom this month.
Having flowers in winter seems so hopeful. We have a little bit of iris reticulata and crocus foliage poking out of the ground right now, too. It feels like spring is around the corner and we've just about made it through winter.
