The Innocence of a Child

I was at my mother-in-law's house on Monday helping her with a few household things and we got to talking about the economy and how rough it has been on so many of us. She was very sweet and kindly offered to let us live with her if we ever had need to. I don't foresee that in the future, but it's always nice to know you have loved ones who will help you out during those inevitable crunch times.

The drive home left me with a lot of thoughts and I considered how our lives would change if we ended up needing to stay with Grandma for a few months. When the kids got home from school, I asked Allison what she thought about moving in with Grandma Bean. Immediately I heard Gavin holler from the other room, "No Way!" (He has no problem with Grandma, just the thought of living anywhere other than here). I asked Alli again what her thoughts were. She sat there for a minutes and then asked me if she would get her own room. I assured she would have the middle room upstairs. She mentioned it might be too small to fit all of her stuff in it, but she continued to ponder. She considered, "Grandma might need a lot of help. She will need me to take her groceries upstairs for her and I might even miss some of my school". I asked her what her final thought on the matter was and her response came through a very solemn and concerned face, "Sure, mom. I can move to Grandma's, but I would miss you guys SOOO much! (on the verge of tears) Do you promise that you'll come and visit me everyday?"

I was so shocked by her reaction...I quickly went through the conversation to see where the misunderstanding had come in. Then I looked over at her sweet and willing face, gave her a big hug and promised her that I meant we would all move together and not to worry because we weren't going anywhere.

Alli Had A Birthday!

My "little" girl just turned 10! I am still in shock over how fast the last 10 years have gone. I hate to consider how fast the next ten years might fly. Actually, with our plan of action, it should be fairly painful...for her.

We'll refuse to let her talk to boys, DEFINATELY won't be allowed to date them. If she is thinking about getting a driver's liscense...she can think again, because it ain't gonna happen. She will have to deal with the fact that she won't be allowed across Center or Main Street and her phone talking time will be on constant surveillance. Hopefully at this rate, the next ten should slow down considerably because I am putting my foot down and refusing to let her grow up. Sorry, Chica!

SPONTANEITY...

The act of being SPONTANEOUS.

Spontaneous: Arising from a momentary impulse; not apparantly contrived or manipulated.

Without any encouragement from anyone else in the family, Richard woke up Thursday morning with a plan to go to Logan for the weekend. No real reason to go, just to get out of town. So, yesterday, without any previous planning, we left the funeral we were attending, went home and changed our clothes. The kids made sure to grab their bare essentials and we were able to fit everything we needed in a large tote. (I didn't bring makeup or anything!) In 15 minutes or less we were loaded in the truck and ready to set out. I am so glad Andrew and DeAnna were okay with us just "dropping in" on them like this.

Highlights from the Weekend:

The Shaw's farm drops right down onto the bank of the channel that runs passed their property. It was perfect for them to just run down the hill and fish for a bit, while D and I stayed in with Allison and watched a movie. The next day, we went outside and watched them fish while laying on the grass in the shade of the house. The boys all caught carp and catfish out of the channel and had a great time.

The next day, they took the local farmers up on their requests and went to thin out Rock Chucks from the nearby fields. This was a first for Gavin and he definately scored on his first try. He won the trophy for the largest beast! (shot right in the head).

We also spent time eating. We had Sushi the first night and then ate at the Texas Roadhouse for lunch the next day. The Texas Roadhouse was good, but we are still in awe over the flavor and quality of that sushi!!! It was fabulous. We had about 8 or 9 rolls to share amongst ourselves and those not already on the brave ending of eating raw fish and joined the club of "True Sushi Lovers". This place was SOOOO good! Nice therapy, if I might say so myself.

Happy Father's Day!