Home Sweet Home

It's been an especially wonderful week with my dear mom and dad here, but, they'll be leaving early Thursday morn, and here and there throughout today I could feel that small rumbling of sadness that will grow and grow 'til their all-too-soon going, stirring in my heart. 

I've been "drinking them in" as best I've been able, each day that I've been blessed to have them here with me and mine. I'm sure they're more than a little tired, from the long trip, and the days overflowing with lots of activity, and I know it *always* feels so good to be back *home* when you get there, but, I sure will miss them when they go.

Claire and Wesley, have been here each day with Josie, Maggie, and Georgie. How sweet the fellowship, how good the food, the singing, the sewing, the stories and laughter, the simply being together, has been. But, tonight, we're here all by our lonesomes, as *Grandma and Grandpa* have made their way over to Claire and Wesley's, for supper.

Wesley and Claire, have been busy doing a lot of work on their wonderful home. They've put a huge porch on the front and are putting "adirondack" siding on the whole house. You know, that beautiful siding that when it's cut at the mill has the bark left on the edges. My favorite siding. so cozyish, hobbit house-like. They'll be topping it all off with a cheery red metal roof. 

Our Amish friend, Rudy, has been working on it all with Wesley, Joseph, and Chubb each day. James, has been over to work a number of days, too, (but is also busy with preparations for his own home for his lovely soon-to-be bride, Aslaug/Abbie/Austin/my friend).

I love watching them grow in their life, as a family. God is so good, indeed. How nice it will be when all is said and done. A lovely little homestead-about 13 acres of tucked-away country quiet. But, most special of all, is that Claire has always been so content, wherever they've been with whatever they've had. What a precious woman she is, always taking note of and grateful for, the many blessings that the Lord continually bestows upon them, in every way.

Rosie, kindly put together a gathering of photos from the week that I thought I'd share. A little bit of the visit with my mom and dad, so you could "meet them". Stan and Judy, two of the very most wonderful people in the entire universe (warm and friendly, open-hearted mid-westerners, hailing from Wisconsin). I am so blessed to be able to call them *my very own*.

Oil lamp-light, throughout rainy day, after rainy day.

A stack of Uncle Wiggily's.

A nice-and-old cook book that Grandma gifted to Rosie. Dated 1915. She can't wait to try out the recipes.

Dinner table, set with the gift of my grandma's dishes, and streams of sunlight that made a wondrous showing the day my folks arrived. Actually, both of my grandmothers had these very same Currier and Ive's dishes. They had bit-by-bit collected them at the grocery store. I remember well the many meals that were shared around both of their tables, using these old friendly dishes. How thankful I am to have them. We use them nearly every day for a meal or two.

Another day, another meal, and Celeisa, waiting for supper.

Claire, making chocolate chip cookies with the little gals,while over for a visit with grandma and grandpa. How about that littlest curly-haired, cutie-popper on her back :o)

Josie-Licka.

I could eat *him* up!

This handsome bird (and storyteller extraordinare) is my dear, loving dad.

Josie, and Auntie Celeisa :o)

Rosie, at the piano.

Julia, at rainy-day reading.

"Curly McDimple", eating Auntie's cornbread. 

This sweet, gentle, beautiful (inside and out) woman--yes, I'm proud and thankful to be able to say--is my mama :o)

Jude, with the girlies.

And, Stan-the Man. They're also known as, Jude and the Dude :o)

Claire, dubbin' on Grandma, lovingly massaging her shoulders and back. Grandma did hers, too. Man, two real sweeties, hunh.

Wesley, kindly took us bowling. My mom is a really great bowler, who has bowled on a league for years and years. We, on the other hand, were a total disgraceful shame to the sport. We *were* sport. My dad, said that he'd never seen any guys get as excited about gutter balls as my guys did. It was a blast.

The boys (Chubb, James, Joseph, and Wesley, with little tiny Grandma sandwiched in-between) getting advice from the expert, who was very patient, and not at all condescending,  considering the *gigantic* challenges she was being faced with!

Joseph. Is that the ball *landing* half-way down the lane? Nope, it's (landed half-way down the lane and headed and went straight) in the gutter :o)

Chubb. Whose style was uniquely *different*, er-um, I mean *different from Joseph's* ;o)

Grandma, knew just which ball to use. We, just made sure we could lift it, and our fingers didn't get stuck in the holes!

There she is, in action, with all eyes on her !

*Then*, after.....Wesley, likewise treated us to the best burger place around, Five Guys. Unbelievably good burgers and fries! I know, I know, you're (secretly) wishin' that Wesley was one of *your* children or grand children. Mmmmm....yeah (wait 'til those little ones grow up. I'm tellin' you, it just gets better and better and better. It's true), big huge heart, bowling, *and* burgers!

Wonderful reviews; newspaper and magazine write-ups all over the walls.

Joseph and Big Papa, loading up on the condiments, waitin' for the spuds and the beef.

The boys, wowing over the mile-long receipt (at Wesley's big-hearted expense. Love that guy/and his gal)!.

Then, in the end, home again, home again, jiggety-jig. Because, as I said in that far-off-and-long-ago beginning of this post, wonderful as it can be to journey away, for hours, a week, for a day, in the end, and in the words of Dorothy, 

"there's no place like home", is there. 

I do hope this note finds you and yours doing very well.

 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:  The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:  The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Thanks again for sharing in our joy of soon welcoming precious Aslaug (back) into our family, and for praying for me--it meant/and means a great deal to me.

Thinking of each dear ones that comes by, and praying for you and yours too. Thanks again, most sincerely, for praying for me and mine.

Lovingly, Jewels

Comments

[Jenny]

Welcome back chickie, that wasn't so hard after all was it.
So lovely to see all the kids and your gorgeous Mum and Dad. I am really busy right now so I'll come back for a proper visit later. I just wanted to welcome you back with a big hug.

love JAM

[Terri]

Jewels, it's so good to see you posting a bit more. Seeing your grandmother's dishes brought a twinge because my mother had those same exact dishes growing up! I'm glad you had a nice visit with your parents. :-)

[Katy]

Your parents are absolutely beautiful! They look so young and full of life! (I love that they are AKA ~ Jude and the Dude!)I am so, so glad you all were able to enjoy time together and I hope these next couple days seem to be longer than they really are! I know, at the time of parting, it can be so so difficult. I pray it isn't so for you all!

Bowling is so much fun...but, I am *lucky* to make it to a score of 100. I giggled to myself when I saw the picture of Chubb bowling...if he released the ball, just as he is doing in the picture...that is the *same* way I bowl! I didn't even realize I did it, until, it was brought to my attention, one day. It always gave me a funky twist to my hand! ;)

I enjoyed your post...words and pictures. :) Sorry my comments always tend to go on, as they do. Today is my 29th birthday (only one year till 30!!! :) And I was delighted that, upon checking online, quickly before heading to bed, that there was a post from you. Your posts are a wonderful highlight of one's day, to read! :)

Sending warm hugs to you and your lovely family! :)
Katy :)

[Aimee]

such love and joy on each face...love, love it.

[Martha]

A wonderful visit....I am so, so happy to see you posting again...your blog is so calming and beautiful!
♥

[Tracy]

Dear Jewels, it also makes me happy to see a new post (and photos!) from you. How wonderful that you have been visiting with your Mom and Dad, creating precious memories!

Your home is so lovely, cozy and peaceful looking. And your family is so precious. Thank you for sharing your life through your blog and ministering to my heart.

May God richly bless you & yours!

Love, Tracy

[vintagerose]

Dearest Jewels,
How lovely to see you blogging again.
What a wonderful time you seem to have had whilst your mum and dad have been staying with you. Your beautiful family is growing up so fast from the lovely pictures.
May God continue to bless you all.
Melissa

[Kimberly]

Beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing. I have missed the glimpses into your world. Such joy!

[NaturalMama]

You look so much like your dad! Thanks for blogging, it made my night. God Bless ya so!!!

[Beth West]

No, there is no place like home. I so enjoyed hearing about your visit with your mom and dad. Blessings to all of you.

[Wendy]

Thank you so much for blogging again. I am so encouraged and challenged by your quiet and lovely life. I am so excited to "look into" your world again.

Love,
Wendy

I am praying for your whole family.

[rhonda jean]

Hello Jewels

How wonderful that mum and dad are visiting. What a treat that would be for everyone. It looked like great fun at the bowling alley. I send a special hello and welcome to Aslaug. I hope you are well, my friend. ♥

[Jennie]

jewels - Thank you for such a beautiful post and sharing your wonderful day. It has brought a smile to my face to start the day with. Home and family mean all to me too. I hope it won't be long before Aslaug arrives now.

[Eveline! :)]

what I great Post jewels.
And wat a great family. Then I know I miss my parents a lot I am 38 and Both my parent are In heaven but I reminder the good things in live.And have my little family my two dearest boy's Noah en Quinn 6 and 4 years old. I love them white al my heart and my husband.

Lot's of Love!

[Ruth]

I finished my time with the Lord and now reading your dear post, Jewels. Yes, it must be going to be a wonderful day! I am so happy that you are posting more often. May your precious time with your parents be more frequent, as I know you desire. Have a blessed day in the Lord. xo

[Mrs. Anna T]

How wonderful to "share in" this visit of your Mom and Dad. I can't even imagine what it must be like, to not see your parents for such a long time. Oh, how much you will miss them.

It's lovely as always to visit your blog. Excitement is mounting up around here as the clock is ticking further towards the moment we welcome our baby. In the meantime I'm trying to enjoy these last days of pregnancy, and last days of summer!

[Raquel]

Dearest Jewels: So glad to *see* and hear of the lovely time you have been having with your parents and family. The love that shines through on everyone's face is just so amazing. Saturday I will be heading out with my own dear Mama to a gathering of her and her sisters, they have a tea party every other month or so. Such fun. Praying for you and for dear Auslaug also. Much love to all - Raquel XOxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

[Trixi]

Thank you, as usual, for sharing your sweet family with us. I am so glad you have had a good visit with your parents and that all is going well in your home.

[Brenda@Coffeeteabooks]

LOVE the pictures!

Five guys is a favorite of ours, too. We go there for special celebrations... nothing fancy. But yum...

God willing, we will be traveling to New England to see our newest granddaughter (Anna Evangeline) and the rest of the family.

It is very tiring for me and we have to take lots of stops but how worth it to spend time with family.

Your parents have to be special for they raised YOU. (((HUGS)))

Your pig...

[Nida]

Thank you for the encouragement once again. I will continue to pray for you and your family.

[Rosemary]

I know how you must cherish each moment with your parents. it was always the same for me (and for my kids). Living far away from your parents is hard on everyone. My kids used to cry when we had to part with Grandmom and Grandpop, they loved them so.
I am glad you had this wonderful time with them. God's blessings to you all.
Yours, Rosemary

[Irene]

How lovely to be blessed by your post this morning! Wonderful pictures, thank you for letting me visit with your loved ones. I am praying for you.

[Elaine/MuddlingThrough]

Your family is precious. And what a wonderful time it looks like you all had catching up with each other and fellowshipping round the table.

[bunches of yarn]

Loveliness all around again...good to see you back. Of all the wonderful, awesomeness of God's hills with His cattle on them, there is no place like home, you are right! and especially when we are covered by the abundant blessings of our Lord and Saviour.
By the way, yay for the visa! ^__^

[Connie]

So absolutely lovely, lovely to have you posting again. Missed you dearly. What a beautiful mama and papa you have. Your family is blessed as I know they are blessed as well.

Praying for all visa's and paperwork to come quickly for the newly "soon to be wed" couple :-)

Blessings.