Footprints in the clouds

When Dad passed away one of the hardest things to do was to tell the boys. One thing we told them is that Grandpa went to Heaven and that he is in the clouds watching over us now. The other day I found L walking around with his head tilted up to the sky talking. I said, "Whatcha doin, Bud?" Without hesitation or pause he said, "talking to Grandpa" and carried on. Today when we were driving home, we were just about to slip into the garage and L threw up his arms and yelled, "No, no. Stop Mom, stop!"  And when I asked him what was wrong he pointed out his window and said, "Look, look! I see Grandpa's footprints in the clouds!!" We sat and looked at them for a while before heading inside.

Grandpa and L bonkin heads and laughing

A week ago today

A week ago today we laid my Dad to rest. I am allowing myself some time and space to grieve and heal. I'm taking one day at a time and think I'm still in some state of disbelief. When I'm ready to write more I will, but for now I will say he went too soon and he is missed greatly. If you are familiar with this post you will understand what L means when he says "Mommy, I love to the moon and back covered in Grandpa N."

Leisurely Morning

Every once in a while L and I have the chance to seize the day (okay, morning) and linger. Today was one of those mornings. After a somewhat busy weekend it was nice to capture this time with him. I wanted to exercise at the gym. He didn't. We compromised on a walk outside. The weather is gorgeous, so it didn't take much convincing for me to change my mind. We've gotta enjoy this weather because, whether we believe it not, these extended summer temperatures will end (hopefully not abruptly, hopefully gradually) and winter will be knocking at our door. So, today L and I went on a walk. We walked and we played at the "Blue and White Park" as my kids call it. We got deep into pretend land pretty quickly at the playground. After a nice long while on the swings, L ran to the play equipment and declared it his "castle boat." He gave me the tour, we (pretended to) fired up the engines, steered the ship and set sail. We squirted away the big sharks, dodged an iceberg and climbed the rock walls. We eventually parked our boat at the imaginary dock and walked to the library. After picking out our standard ten books and four DVDS (no VHS tapes please) we walked home. L picked up a few leaves and pine cones along the way to add to his "nature box" in the garage. We spotted bugs and watched the silly squirrels. We counted the skid steers and listened to the birds. We took it all in. We got home and my nature loving boy requested hummus and carrots for lunch and we ate. These days are so sweet and dear to me. I soak them in. I know someday both my boys will be off at school and I will be back at work and I will reminisce about my time at home. Not every morning as a stay at home Mama is blissful, but every once in a while they are and I savor it.

Not a single complaint

Everybody in my family liked the meal I made for dinner tonight and nobody made a single complaint about anything. That's blog worthy, People.