SETTLING IN WITH A BANG!

Remember the tomatoes our mouths were watering for?  Sadly, it was not to be...not this year. We would have to wait until next summer to satisfy those cravings.  By the time we had moved into our new mobile home, it was too late to work up the ground and plant in time to harvest a good crop...but we would be looking so forward to reaping a wonderful harvest the next summer. And it would be so rewarding to share with our friends and family. We resigned ourselves to the sad fact that Walmart's produce aisle would have to
suffice until next summer.  But only until we were knee deep in my hubby's happy little garden. (sigh).

Oh, well...life wasn't all about gardens put on hold. July Fourth was coming up.  While not all of our kids would be able to come over to celebrate, there would be several who could make it.  Living out in the country and away from close neighbors, would be great for a party.  We could make noise and who would complain? Possibly cows and a dog or two.

 AND...not all the noise would be from animals, kids, and fireworks.  Some would come from a tiny new addition to our family...our darling baby Josie Renee Russell.  Born the day before Valentine's Day, 2002,  she would be there to celebrate the Fourth with us.  Her very first. Along with her proud parents... Lori, my youngest daughter, and Kyle.
And, held safely in the strong arms of her Pa-Pa Dell, with Nanny close by. Just to make sure he didn't drop this little angel. (smile).

Okay.  I'll admit to being just a bit over protective when it comes to all our grandchildren.  Josie was our fourteenth. I know. You must be wondering how such a young couple could possibly be blessed with so many beautiful grandchildren? Well, surprise, surprise! There would be others arriving...just a little later. And each one would wrap their sweet little selves around our big hearts. Isn't it amazing how God designed our hearts to go on expanding...making room for all the love needed for future blessings yet to come!

It turned out to be an awesome evening. Of course, there can't be a Fourth celebration without grilled burgers and hot dogs.  Accompanied by all the fixings. Including home made ice cream. And lots of fireworks!

While we all headed outside to set out lawn chairs, Mamaw Sanders offered to stay inside and rock Josie.

'All that noise will scare mamaw's baby thing,' she claimed adamantly. Mamaw had always called the babies that. Fondly, of course. So she and Josie settled back in the rocker and enjoyed some special one on one. Cuddling and bonding.

Outside wasn't nearly so calm.  My guy and my oldest son, Donnie,
were in charge of putting on a big show for the others.  They did a bang up job, I might add.  We all oohed and ahhed and clapped.

There was just the slightest breeze after the big show was over. Which was delightfully refreshing and welcome after a hot summer day.  And no one seemed in a hurry to break up our little party. It was so nice...just sitting around talking. Laughing. And watching the little ones playing around us. I wondered if life could get much better than this.  Sharing quality fun time with the ones you love so much. And being loved back.


Finally, things slowly began breaking up.  Mamaw had loved rocking the baby. Now she was tired and anxious to get home to her bed. You know how it is.  Older folk are so lovingly set in their own way...their own little routines they've established over all the many years. (smile).

And, if I'm to be completely honest here, I will have to admit that I was beginning to feel a bit tired myself. Not to mention (though I am mentioning), I was looking forward to some alone time with my guy...remember that sweet, handsome, amazingly wonderful guy I was so blessed to be married to...yeah, him!

If the cute little grin on his face was anything to judge by, I would say that he and I were on the same wave length.  Could it be the fireworks weren't quite finished yet? (smile).

So...our vegetable garden was not to be this year...just our own beautiful garden of love. And that would suffice for now...for both of us. Very, very well, I might add.