First off – I want to thank all of you that sent me comments and well wishes while I was gone on vacation.  I had a fantastic time visiting my children and grand children.  We packed so much into each day that by the time the girls went to bed at 8:00pm each night we were wishing we could join them, and sometimes did. Lol

We went to the local Boise parks and played and picnic with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  We fed squirrels and ran from bees.   We went swimming and we even got a chance to go to the Boise State Fair where the girls got to pet all the little animals.  Believe me, they rubbed and fed each one and we loved watching these little girls caring for little lambs, goats, calves, ducks, pigs – you name it – they fed it. 

On Sunday we even found a wonderful swing set at their Wal-Mart store and because it was on sale – we just had to buy it.  Then the fun began for the next 6 hours we put the dang thing together. “help” We had the instruction booklet, which was 2 inches thick and in several languages to guide us.  It even had pictures so we knew it could do it.   Boy, I will tell you now   that you need an engineering degree to accomplish this feat – but being we had several heads, all with degrees of some kind, we managed to assemble it without “killing” one another and with only 1 black and blue smashed finger.  Lol

Then came the final good-byes and we left Boise, ID – and for the next 4 hours I cried – because I could hardly bare to get in the car and leave.  I really can't explain how my heart was breaking because of just knowing I was leaving.  Tell me – how do you explain to 2 and 3 year old kids why Gramma is crying her eyes out while “blubbering” I love you.  They just see this crazy teary eyed gramma who is crying and trying to stay in control but not succeeding.  I hope that I faked it alright - but I have some doubts.

I am still crying while trying to write this posting.  My eyes are so red and swollen that I look like some “coke” head that has been on a week-long binge!  I just keep asking God to forgive me for being so sad because I am not there with them and for feeling so sorry for myself.  Please Lord - let me remember how wonderful it is for them and their lives being where they are.

I think today – I will just allow my heart to mend from all the good-byes and try to concentrate on all the good times we had.  I will tell you all that when your kids grow-up (and that seems to happen overnight)  - Remember to make every moment count now and enjoy all you can – because when they move away – you will miss them more than these words can explain.    

The joys of parenthood and Gramma and Grampa Hood – I don’t know how much more I can enjoy – but my tears, even though I am sad now for being away, are tears of joy for the love I feel for them. and from them.  Thank you Father God for allowing me such wonderful memories and so much love in my life – thank you for everything.