Seeing them drive away this morning was not easy! I enjoyed every minute of their visit. Every time I moan and complain about not getting to see them often, I’m reminded of moms who don’t get to see their children . . and I feel bad for being so sad that I’m whining and crying about not getting to see Chad, Nicole and Addie more often but dang it . . I want to live next door to them. I want to see them every day. But, I think those days are gone and I’ll be happy for the time I do get to see them.
Chad, Nicole & Addie
It’s amazing the things you never think of til you experience it. I try to see Chad, Nicole and Addie about once every three months. When I go to their house, I’m there for three or four, sometimes five days. It’s so hard leaving but with a long drive facing me, I just do what I need to do . . get on the road and concentrate on driving. This was their second visit here but the first time, they were just here for a weekend, they flew and we dropped them off at the airport. It was sad but not nearly as sad as seeing them driving off down the driveway, knowing it will be several months before I see them again.
They got here on Monday and left this morning so I had five full days with them. I think it’s harder for me when they leave here than when I leave there. Memories of them are everywhere in the house. I’ll find a few things they’ve left . . some things I will mail to them and some things I will take when I go see them next time.
The bathroom smells of Chad’s body wash. The bedroom smells of the body lotion Nicole wears. The porta-crib will be folded and stored away. The half empty jars of baby food will be tossed from the fridge.
Chad and Vince went shopping for all kinds of things . . just like in the old days. They got most of the pipe put in for the irrigation of the orchard.
Chad & Vince Working
Addie stayed busy, including playing in the pool.
Addie in the Pool
Nicole got her first taste of quilting and . . bless her heart . . while I was cutting hexagons, she put away all the fabric that was out and needing to be put back on the shelves.
Nicole’s Hexagons
I’m going to miss them terribly and our house will be way too quiet . . especially when Vince goes back to work tomorrow but . . “normal” will return. Speck will be happy to be out of the crate. My knitting can stay on the table beside my chair. The baby gate into the kitchen will come down and go back into storage.
I’ll miss them every day til I see them again!
Sandie says
I completely understand… ((( <3 )))
Sharon says
I know how you feel! Same thing happened at our house a week ago and still depressed. Only there were 3 grand girls and they live 1,500 miles away dang it. The only one happy was the dog. Hehe. Really enjoy your blog
Adrienne says
I can only imagine how empty your heart feels right now.
Margery says
And every time you see Addie, she will be more grown-up! You’ll notice her changing more this way, than if you saw her more often. It’s like getting to know a person all over again each time. Wonderful.
Linda in NE says
Every Mom/Grandma understands. That is such a cute picture of them with Chad holding Addie up like a fish he just caught….and she doesn’t mind at all. Such smiles all around.
Diana Purdy says
What a cute shot of your three cuties, love that Addie looks like she’s flying! Nicole’s flowers look wonderful, I wish I learned to do hexies when I was younger. I enjoy sewing the hexies by hand even more so than piecing by machine. Can’t wait to see what she does with them, she’s off to a good start! Maybe Addie will start even sooner than Nicole., I know, don’t rush it 🙂 Thanks for sharing your visit and picture!
Rosalie says
Enjoyed all the happy pictures….and Nicole did a great job on her hexagons! We do miss out on a lot living far away from our kids and grandkids but it makes our time together even more precious and cherished! How wonderful that Addie can read your blog in future years and find out more about her grandmother’s life and her earliest visits to your place!
Angie says
Wonderful pictures! good memories. I know how you feel. I still get this pit in my stomach, love you, miss you, sad feeling every time our children and grandchildren come here and leave, and our daughter and family live here in town….I get more emotional about this the older I get. Just keep busy, this feeling will heal soon—-(hugs)
Helen says
Oh, Judy…I know just how you feel. Every time I am at my daughter’s house that’s 2+ hours away, I cry as I get in my car and drive down the road. Then I get control of myself and turn on the radio and sing and remind myself that I’m fortunate they are not half-way around the world from me.
Hugs, sweet Grandma…your family loves you and you will be together again before too long.
Tricia says
That family picture is so adorable! Despite some tough “teenage years,” you obviously did a great job at being a mom because your son has created such a wonderful family!
Luckily you live somewhere where you will be too busy to miss them constantly. Chickens are calling you!
Tricia
Carolyn says
We moved away from my mom’s family (and dad’s too) in the 60’s. we went for vaca at gramm’s house every yr. there were so many of us we were farmed out at the aunt’s and cousins galore! When we would leave, the Aunts would dance a jig, I thought it was funny, but later I was told it was to keep them from crying…. Still when we visit, and all my aunts are passed away, we dance to keep from crying 🙁
So dance a silly jig it helps a little.
Marcie says
All of us Moms/Grandmas understand and hold you in our hearts while you are the one saying bye-bye.
Mel Meister says
Did Nicole take a sewing machine back with her?
Susan T says
Having been a military family, we constantly went through visits in both directions from family. It never got easier. We were fortunate that for most of DH’s career, we lived within driving distance for visits. Now that both our sons are married, one lives 3 hours away and the other 4 1/2 hours (on a good day). We try to visit as often as we can, but without upsetting their extremely busy schedules as well. My gang was here this week too – arriving Thursday around 7pm and departing at 11 this morning. We had a great visit, but I hated to see them pull away…..
Doe in Mi says
Nicole’s face made me smile in the pic with the start of her first quilt action. She looks so happy and proud. Which she had every right to be, her blocks are so colorful, bright and well done.
Susan says
And really, it’s all good all the time. I love the pic of Chad holding Addie by the back straps! Nicole got a lot done! So cheerful looking, like Nicole.
Chris Miller at the Resort says
Oh, I so understand!
AngieG9 says
It’s always so great when they come and so sad when they leave. These days every “hello”just leads to “goodbuy”, so I made a decision when mine were born to say “I love you” every time I talked to them, even if it was 100 times a day. They picked up that habit from me, and tell their kids that also. I cry when they arrive and I cry when they leave, so it always seems like I’m wearing soggy clothes, but there are times I would like to turn back the clock. The pics are great. You did a wonderful job with Chad and he and Nicole are doing a wonderful job with Addie. And it looks like Nicole is enjoying her new hobby, so the two of you will have a lot to talk about and plan for now. And maybe some day Addie will join the quilting circle too. Then you’ll just have to get Chad involved. That will be your biggest challenge. I think I’m rambling, but I’m missing my kids so much right now.
Linda says
Oh I so totally understand! My kids were 25 hours drive away from me for 2 years….I think I went out about 6 or 7 times! – it never gets any easier! They are n now 45 minutes away, don’t know how long that will last, I’m enjoying it while I can, try not to think about it for now. (They are Salvation Army Officers (pastors) and they can be assigned anywhere in Canada – usual assignments last 3 to 7 years).
Erin says
Great pictures Judy! Addie is so darn adorable! She loves the pool! Her hair is so pretty! Her smile is from ear to ear! Nicole quilting now! Awesome! Her hexies are so pretty! I am happy for her! Her kit she went home with will keep her busy! You motivated her 🙂 chad looks happy! He and Vince must have been happy to have some time together in the “yard” to do work together like old times too! Now you all will make new memories to cherish! This is where it gets special! Addie will start talking! It’s only beginning! You have a lot to look forward to! I know how you feel but now my 9 year olds granddaughter texts me good morning daily! So it will get better! Hugs!
Nancy says
Judy. Know how sad you are – start planning your trip, it helps planning ahead. Give the baby food to your chickens, they will love it.
Nancy Angerer says
Glad you had this time with them even though it is hard to see them go. Nicole’s hexies are darling. Events here: the new flooring is down in the sewing room and the guest room, and I am unpacking my stash. The room is crowded but will work. Sad news: so far the only thing damaged is my new Bernina. It must have come out of the box and was repacked — upside down! The cord is missing so I haven’t even been able to see how bad it is. Took a break last night and today, but tomorrow will get back to the unpacking and storing. Hope you have a good week with lots of good memories of Chad’s and his family’s visit.
Pat McGuire says
Dear Judy,
It hurts no matter how prepped you are. I have to do the same thing on Wed. and I dread it. We have had so much fun. We even sewed. They love it here by the ocean because they live in the desert. Grandma’s house will always be special to Addie. Hold that in your heart.
Mary Pietz says
I live in Nebraska and I have one son in L.A. and one son in D.C. I see them once a year. I am sad a lot. I thank God for the passion of my quilting and knitting. It doesn’t fill the hole but I find joy in it.
Nancy Angerer says
Last night I was thinking of the woes of grandparents living far from their children and grandchildren — especially you (and me), and I suddenly thought of my mother-in-law who is no longer living. The year after we were married my in-laws moved from Illinois to California. Money was tight when we were young, so we only went to see them every 4 years. They had a meat market and couldn’t leave themselves. Then in the 70’s we started meeting them in Colorado and camping together for a week in the summer. That was great because we all were away from work and responsibilitys and could really spend good time with each other. I am ashamed to say that I had never thought of my mother-in-law about this before. I guess we can always think of others who have it worse than we do. Hope you have a good day! I am off to the pool to exercise and then back to do some more unpacking.
kaholly says
Oh my goodness, that’s the cutest baby ever!!