Thursday, December 30, 2010

"Do not kiss your children so they will kiss you back but so they will kiss their children, and their children’s children.” ~ Noah benShea

And so,another one leaves.Doing what we all wish and hope for as parents ... using those wings that they brought with them into this world and finding their way oh so beautifully.But as they venture back to their own space and own lives,my heart aches just a tiny bit.To say that I am proud of this little family of three,is a huge understatement.In fact I don't think I could adequately express what I feel as I watch them doing their thing.As a mother it transcends simple words.

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We have been blessed to have had Danny,Caitlin and Charlotte here with us for over a week.A precious week and a half.The majority of those days have been carefree and simple and unrushed.Time for baking and game playing and visiting and snuggling and reading.Many late nights filled with just the company of each other.Days filled with the magic of watching the kids run wildly about.The weather here in the usually sunny California,was not very cooperative for a whole lot of outdoor play but a fun bike ride was squeezed in between the rainy days.And then, there were the melt your heart moments,like Zoey signing "baby" most each and every morning and pointing downstairs,knowing that Charlotte would most likely be down there waiting.

I will miss their daily presence here with us and anxiously await the summer, when graduate school for Danny will allow them to move closer.Until then,I will keep the memories of this past week and tuck them away deep within my heart and call upon them to sustain me in my missing them moments.Love you so,my beautiful little family of three.Love you more than you will ever,ever know ...

Charlotte loved banging on the piano keys so we would just leave it open and on for her to wander over whenever she pleased.

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Hanging with uncle Jake.

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Caitlin did all the baking.I watched and took pictures and did the clean up.We are a good team.

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Reading with Pop-Pop

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Outside,after throwing our traditional reindeer food,so Santa could find our house.

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Charlotte and her favorite gift of Christmas ... silky ribbon Santa left for her in her stocking.

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Charlotte was left home with Mimi and Pop-Pop when her mommy and daddy ran to the store ... she longingly and pathetically waited for them at the window.

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Playing airhocky with Pop.Would you notice Uncle Joe loving on Charlotte in the background?

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Taking a bike ride on the trail behind our house.








My precious girl and her precious niece.That still sounds strange,doesn't it.



And life now slowly returns to normal.Whatever normal means now a days.But that is where we are heading.A new year awaits us ...

14 comments:

Cammie Heflin said...

I couldn't get the last three pics to load but I'm sure they are precious! So glad you got all of that time with your kids!

Rochelle said...

Love Charlotte's ruffled bum! So cute. Glad they were able to be there with you for Christmas and they will be much closer in a few months.
Happy New Year to you all.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Wonderful, awesome photos Heather! loved EACH and every one.Enjoyed your words before each photo. I so want to add a comment on every photo, but then my response would go on, and on! So... Thank you, thank you for sharing

Bluebelle

Just two tiny comments: glad "Pop-Pop" got some quality time with the family! And.. boy, oh boy "GG" (Mark's grandmother)would have loved to see all these photos. She would be "tickled pink", "over the moon" happy!

Bea Braun said...

Oh my....

True bliss....

This is what family is all about...

The VW's said...

What a precious family! Happy soon to be New Year! Love and Hugs!!!

Kaden Epstein said...

Looks like an amazing time with family....

Googsmom said...

A Blessed New Year it will be!!

Elizabeth said...

Oh, my goodness. That's so much bountiful goodness! And that last little video just killed me!

another mother said...

Isn't the passing of Christmas bittersweet? Every year, as my son grows and changes, I wish that I had held on to each moment and each memory a little bit more. You have a precious and beautiful family Heather. I'm glad you got to enjoy little Charlotte for over a week.

Lacey said...

Zoey's face is so cute, she's like, get this baby off me please! I can't believe how big Charlotte is getting! How fun to have them with you for so long.

Scrappy quilter said...

Happy new year friend. Wishing you all the best in 2011. Hugs and love

Melissa said...

I'm so glad you were able to spend such wonderful time with your family. Holidays really are about family! I love the ruffle butt watching out the window. :)

Alaina and Kyle said...

How precious. LOVE the last picture. Too cute!

Joyce said...

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful family. Dear Charlotte watching out the window is too cute in her little ruffly behind. That last video is priceless beyond words.