Back Home Again

"Back home again in Indiana"...my family always sang this song every time we crossed the state line. Once the plane landed in Indy, I felt like singing this song myself. I had so many emotions about this upcoming trip, that it was going to be hard to meet all of my expectations. But, dear royal readers, this trip has been everything I had hoped it to be, and more.

I arrived at 10:30 Friday evening and my daughter, The Unsinkable Kristen Chapman, and her husband, Dave, were there to pick me up. Kristen has been on a health kick, as has Dave, and they both looked terrific. Kristen has a new haircut and she just looks sassy and sevelte. Dave does too.... except for the sassy part. He is just a handsome guy.... and he tells me that all the time. (wink) The kids were staying at D/M house because it was K/D's anniversary (5th) and they went out to celebrate before picking me up.

It was about 12:30 am when I finally crawled into bed. Happy and sleepy. I was soon hearing this little voice in my head whispering, "Hi Nana!" It was my TOT. She crawled into bed with me and snuggled like a little bug. I told her I had a present for her and she just giggled. She opened her little Cabbage Patch baby and promptly named her, "Big Girl." Big Girl has gone everywhere with us this weekend. Big Girl has to sleep with her, ride with her, and play with her. I think Big Girl was a hit.

Little David is just a little man! He is a blond-haired TANK. He has the blue-est eyes, the blonde-est hair, the best little smile, and a wonderful personality. The only drawback, he sounds just like Chew-bacca. Lands, he is loud! We were out on the porch (I was on the porch swing!!!) and my SIL-Dana came over and said, "My goodness! It sounds like a zoo back here." Yes, folks, it was my grandson, Chewy! LOL. He is a heavy, football playing, little tyke. I cannot get over how huge his thighs are and how broad his shoulders are; he is going to be a terrific linebacker.

The anniversary party went smoothly and was everything we all wanted it to be. I saw so many people and hugged so many that I think I have pulled my shoulders out of whack! I laughed, cried, hugged, talked, and basically had a wonderful time. I saw so many older folks from way back in the day when Dean and I first attended Columbus Ave. Church of Christ. I saw people from my Lindberg church, I saw Grile's that I haven't seen since the last family 4th of July and I saw my best friend Judy! We sat and rocked in the nursery where we sat 26 years ago with our babies. We have had many good memories together and they all began in that nursery. Her son, Matt, and my daughter, Kristen, were only 3.5 months apart and were always like brother and sister. Matt is currently in the Navy and was HOME this weekend too! I haven't hugged that boy in 3 years. The last time I saw him was at his grandpa's funeral (Judy's dad) and that was a sad day indeed.

I have so many other memories to share with you all, but I would like to have pictures to go with the posts. I have to do some downloading this evening provided I have time. I took a very long nap with my Tot this afternoon, just to catch up from the slumber party with my Grile family last night. The sleepover was a fabulous idea concocted by Dana! (remind me to tell you all about the strawberries!)

I hope you all had a terrific weekend and enjoyed yourselves. I know I did.
Remember, God loves you, and that he never gives you more than what you can bear up under. There are some days when my load feels awfully heavy, but if I have been given it, so that means that God knows that I can bear up under it. Lord, help me do it gracefully. You know I have a tendancy to fall on my behind... so a dose of grace would be appreciated. Amen.