Paulette's Pilgrimage: October 2012

Last week I had the privilege of spending five wonderful days with some of my family! My daughter, LeighAnn, had the opportunity to go on a business trip with her husband, David, so........I was, as my Dad used to say, "Chief Cook and Bottle Washer" for a few days! I think that I may have just seriously dated myself with that phrase, but........oh well, it is what it is! Never the less, it was a wild week, to say the least! It actually (after the initial shock of everything that happened) was quite ironic how it all played out. We all thought that the two little ones would be the ones that might have the hardest time being away from Mommy, especially Linnea, since she had never been away from her. Well, that wasn't the case at all! Don't get me wrong, she did say "Mama" many times, but all in all, she actually did beautifully........as did Ethan. He was fabulous, and a tremendous help to me when the bigger boys were not around........he even taught me some sign language that helped me alot with Linnea! He is a super helper and I was very proud of him for being such a big boy! On the other hand, little Luke was super sick and I felt so bad for him........he too, was a trooper and did not cry at all. He just laid on the couch and in my lap, and took it all in stride........I'm not even sure that I could have done as well as he did with a fever like he had, but he was great with it! Nathan, the one who usually loves staying with me, (or anyone else, for that matter) was the one who missed Mommy and Daddy the most........this is most out of character for him! He got past it after the first day, and all was well from then on out, but it sure was crazy there for a little while! Four kiddos: one who was sick, one who missed parents alot, and one who doesn't speak much English! Well, let's just say that I know why God gives us children when we are young! ;-) I said that because it is true, but honestly it was a great week all the way around! We had alot of good times laughing, giggling, playing, and just generally having a great time together. On Friday I piled all of them in the van and we went to McDonald's for lunch, and no, I did not go in with all of them........we came back home and made a picnic in the floor of the playroom, and they loved that! Everyone was thrilled to see each other when Mommy and Daddy came home later that day! Friday was actually Linnea's "3rd" birthday, so on Saturday we had a birthday party at the park, her favorite place to be! I also got to spend some time with my son, Joseph and daughter-in-law, Lillie, who are expecting a new little boy in January........Lillie looks so cute being "preggo," she is definitely all baby! I loved getting to spend time with them as well, and thank them so much for being my airport shuttle coming and going! All in all, it was a great week........I had a blast, and I have pictures to prove it! Here are a few, and you can check out my Facebook page for the rest of them! God bless you all!!!!