The porch is deserted... the streets are empty of loved ones' cars...
Toys and toiletries are gathered to store. Pack-and-play folded and removed. Books put away.
My Little Men are in their second day of travel -- heading home. I'll confess to still being in my pajamas... sad, but doing better today. We had such a wonderful month of sharing good times.... so many little hugs: "Hold me, Noni." Books read. Songs sang. Snacks eaten. Chocolate "mulk" shared and drank. Naps taken. Hills climbed. Cars (Lightening McQueen) washed and raced. Converstations enjoyed. All still warm my heart.
And laughs and grins from Littlest Man... and his falling asleep in my arms.
You'd think that in the third year of this it would get easier. It doesn't.
So for today, I will comfort myself with the soothing, simple, repetative task of moving my knitting needles along... I will remember the good, great, grand, glorious times we shared... and I will give thanks for those precious moments... thanks... and thanks... and thanks...
blessings ~ tanna
46 comments:
Tanna, I can only imagine what it must be like to see those little men go off with their mommy and daddy after such a nice long visit... tugs on my heart strings and I don't even have any grands yet!
I don't get my pajama days til tomorrow and following. I had to work this week, but will be done today. I'm looking forward to some down time to catch up, be cozy, drink hot tea, and maybe if it's pretty, get outside and dig up some dead flowers!
Your new project looks soft and fuzzy...
Awe, I know you miss them. Wow, a whole month. You are a good Noni to have them that long. I love jammy days.
Oh Tanna...
It sounds like you are doing the right thing, pajama day and "moving your needles".
It's hard to get back to normal but if I know you, you are already planning a trip!
We miss our little grandsons so much, especially at times when we'd normally be all together. Skyping helps, but there's nothing whatsoever like the hugs, the questions, the laughter, the wonder of the little fellows.
I hear you grandma..me too. I will NEVER get over the warming words of a little grand.."Hold me grandma." And it gets harder the more of them you get to love. :D
Grandparenting is so rewarding and it can also be very, very difficult. God Bless. Keep the needles clicking.
My family was together for Christmas in Austin, and then, again, in Tyler. Today is quiet, and I'm playing with yarn, too. I want to knit a scarf, but with so many choices of yarn and patterns, I'm finding it difficult to settle on one! By the way, my grandson, Easton, used to say he was having a "pay-jay" day when he stayed in his pajamas. I often miss those days of mis-pronounced words.
you have such a big heart and warm home. i can only imagine how empty it feels after your little men are gone again...
It's such a precious blessing to share time with little ones. Tiring, yes, but the excitement and innocence in their eyes is so worth it. We have two grandsons living near us but six others who live in England and time with them is rare and precious. A house exchange in the UK for a month long visit is on our agenda...hopefully in the not too distant future! I'm so glad you had this wonderful time with your wee men. (and I love the color of your wool!)
Yes, it is sad. But if I had it all the time, it would wear me out! They kind of live far away, don't they? It is a shame you can't see them more often!!!
Oh Tanna I feel your pain. I don't have grandchildren but when my kids are home...and then they leave, the missing starts all over again. I keep thinking I'll get used to it but I never do. I tell myself I have so much to be thankful for...and I am thankful. It doesn't help with the missing though. Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful 2012 filled with lots of visits from your family. Happy New Year!
A p.j day sounds like the perfect way to get over the bumps :)
Hope that the new year is one of your best ever.....your year to shine!
Sometimes, those Pj days can do amazing things for us....glad you took the time to indulge in such a great thing..
I remember when our youngest daughter went to Texas A&M at College Station...
My heart would just be so heavy for days, after she would leave to go back to school...
Thankfully, I have never had to experience being away from the grandkids.
Thinking of you and lifting you up in my prayers. Praying for God to lighten your heavy heart and give you much joy! Hugs Tanna...
shug
Love reading your post and feeling your emotions. I remember the 27 years we lived in Northern CA before retiring...I had to see my loved ones come and go at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's such a blessing to be close to all of them except Jill.
It's hard to have a "jammy" day since we take meals to Aunt Trula across the street. The neighbors might frown at my bright pink gown, hahaha.
What a comfort your knitting needles are...that's a blessing.
Sending love.
Wanda
Oh this post makes me sad! I know you are the BEST grandmother to have spent so much quality time with your grandkids and open your home and heart the way you do. I don't blame you for feeling a little "off" without them right now.
oh gosh Tanna that would be so hard...my thoughts are with you....
enjoy your pj day...
Lord ... don't I know!
I was a brave heart until I had to wake sweet Hope up and put her in her carseat.
I'm booking a flight to Charlotte soon!!
I love the color of that yarn~ that will cheer us both up.
It's sad to have to say goodbye, I know. You are a wonderful mother and grandmother, Tanna, remember how happy they were and how loved they all must feel! I'm glad you had this special time with your little men. I wish you and all your family the most wonderful and Happy New Year!
I know what your heart feels like because I have the same thing. I'm glad you have your knitting to help distract you just a little bit. sandie
I know you are feeling the silence! The picture of soap, lotion, etc made me hurt! Plan the next visit and start counting the days......that gives me something to look forward to.
Is my blog scrambled to you? Some say it is a mess!
Thankful with you. I can see you plodding along with your knitting (what a beautiful color) and your heart singing as you go over those wonderful days together!
You had me at pajamas! And then as I read on, you had me in tears! Such a beautiful post. You are a good Noni! "Happy hands, happy heart" -- keep knitting away. Blessings, Tammy
Tanna - you wrote such a simple but moving post. I feel your need for PJ's. Just bought a pack-and-play. I guess this is what will be coming next! I hope you have many long, extended visits in the new year.
Pajama days and sweet memories are a lovely way to spend the last few days of the year. I hope your little family is safely home by now.
We still have the children here and are enjoying every minute.
Best,
Bonnie
what a beautiful post. I keep reminding myself that this is really why we brought these precious people into the world--to see them succeed, to make their own way in the world, to grow their own memories and families.
And just think....now you have something wonderful to look forward to again--the next visit!!!!
what a beautiful post. I keep reminding myself that this is really why we brought these precious people into the world--to see them succeed, to make their own way in the world, to grow their own memories and families.
And just think....now you have something wonderful to look forward to again--the next visit!!!!
Oh sending you my hugs! All the seasons of life and the adjustments...do they ever get easier? I don't think so, those times are what remind us we are still alive.
Mine are all close by, but busy seems to be the word of the day. I still feel I see them so little...they don't understand that. Two months or three goes by and I feel the ache of not having them at the house...but as they say, "mom I am so busy"...and they are, they are young, careers to be built, relationships to build
So even though I am not walking in your shoes totally...I think I can understand.
Blessings and Hugs...until their next visit or your visit there
Oh, Tanna, the memories you made for your little men, and yourself, of course. And now you get to enjoy the quiet and knitting...the best of both worlds!
You know I'm hormonal and cry at the drop of a hat. Sending good thoughts your way, it's so hard to say goodbye isn't it? Never ever gets easier. Hope you are feeling better after a much deserved day in your pjs. xo
Ah, Tanna, my heart goes out to you, I experience that every time my girl comes to visit with her two, a boy and a girl. You feel so happy and full and so sad at the same time.
Hugs and love, Cindy
I can only imagine your heartache my dear friend. One can get use to having loved ones around real quick and when it's time to say good-bye...well it's hard. Especially saying good-bye to those two little sweet men of yours. I know there will be many more reunions in this new year to come...Something wonderful to look forward to, definitely. Sending you a great big hug.
Much love,
♥Ana
I feel ya. Two days without makeup and one day in pjs after we returned. I gave myself yesterday to wallow; today I've had to kick myself back into gear with a shower, makeup, my new cream sweater, and a trip to Moo-Moo's and Target to re-buy all the toys we returned that wouldn't fit into Humphrey. *Exhale* Head up and marching forward. Love you BIG! xoxo
Oh, how I would love to have all my grandchildren here for a month! It won't happen anytime soon, I'm afraid, with me living one hour from the Pacific. Instead, I fly in three directions and spend as much time as possible with each one. I know you must be exhausted but what wonderful memories!
Blessings,
Dianne
Oh I know the feeling all too well, Tanna. I am the one that is usually leaving my grandsons behind, and I my eyes always tear up at the airport, missing them already. On this last trip my older grandson actually asked me why I live in New York and not where he lives! Talk about major guilt! Sigh
Wishing you and your family a very Happy & healthy new year!
Are you kidding? PJ days are great. As long as we hang on to memories that nurture, past can be beautiful.
Happy New Year to you and yours.
Hope you are feeling better and back to your routine now. It's hard to get back in gear after Christmas even if you aren't sad! But I'm so glad you guys had a nice month together.
Sweet Sweet Tanna! This Was Such A Heartfelt Post! I Sure Hope You're Feeling Better By Now And Looking Forward To Bringing In A Beautiful New Year. My Spirit Tells Me There Are Many More Lovely Family Gatherings To Look Forward To. As I Walked Through Your Posting, I Could Actually Feel The Love Still Bouncing Around In Your Heart. A Warmth And Tenderness That You Probably Never Fully Realized Would Be Passed Onto Others. You've Brought Your Family Into Our Worlds' And I For One Feel Blessed To Have Gotten To Know Each Of You. Dear Friend, I'm Eagerly Looking Forward To More Of Your Love Stories In The Coming Year. May You Always Be Safe, Full Of Love & Hope, And May All Your Dreams Come True In 2012. Much Love & Sunshine, Terri
Happy New Year, Tanna! That's a lovely shawl you're working on! Wow, you have a lot of stamina; one week with our three and I am worn out. (Not that we didn't have a wonderful time, but 6-4 and 2 = way more energy than I have these days.) Lots of good memories here, too; now if that baby'd just get here we'd have one nearby.....
Tanna, I already had my pj day, and I plan to have another one before school starts in mid-January. Yes, I do, and you should, too. Lovely memories you shared. Makes life worth living. Happy, lovely new year!
Dear Tanna, It is hard to believe that the holidays have come and gone!! It flew by me and I just can't catch up!! I makes me appreciate how more and more all the things that my mom seemed to get done without effort. It also makes me miss her and my dad even more. The wonderful thing is memories..very precious memories.
I wish you and all your family the most blessed and wonderful New Year. Your friend, Catherine xoxo
Pajama Day sounds fantastic although I can imagine how sad you must be to say goodbye to your loves. Happy 2012!
It's Jan 2nd and I'm STILL in pajamas! Hahahahaha! Catching up on my blog reading, commenting & trying to write something.
Happy New Year Tanna. I'm sure this year will bring you lots of cuddles & kisses from your two little men. If you aren't careful, it'll be "my five men" soon, just like Betsy & her blog. xo
Oh... pajama days are wonderful! How amazing to have all that time together creating such special memories. So much to be thankful for. Happy New Year! :)
Oh Tanna, Christian left yesterday. I looked out the window hoping to see him in the canoe on the pond, but he wasn't there. I spent the day picking up m&ms off of the floor and there's still one nerf arrow stuck to the ceiling. I think I'll leave it there. Fond memories of a wonderful holiday. My knitting is definately helping me center and find peace too. Miss you!
So enjoy your photos! Wishing you a year of health, happiness and joy!
Awwww, so sweet. What memories made! I always feel a bit sad too after everyone is gone!
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