Saturday, July 26, 2008

At Home


Ande and Abe

It is great having the kids home. Ande is the best companion. If it couldn’t be misinterpreted, I’d compare her to a dog. She is just such a pleasant companion. She’s happy. She’s easily contented. She’s pleasant. She gets excited for little things. She’s appreciative. She’s just fun to have along. We went to the Farmer’s Market this morning looking for fruit and found cherries and apricots with a big, fresh bunch of lavender for good measure. Ande hung it on our drying rack when we got home and now the whole kitchen smells peaceful.




We have several Hutterite colonies in the area and a few of them have this little bake stand. Their baked goods are beautiful and they sell the driest, blandest, poppy seed, sweet rolls that I’ve ever tasted, but Ande just loves them so we picked up one of those for her.

After going to the Farmer's Market, Ande and I walked over to the library to pick up a couple of movies, A Girl Named Zippy and The Tightwad Gazette, the Complete Edition (I think the funniest frugal tip I’ve ever read from the TG is when a lady crocheted herself a bikini from old nylons.) I love having a book waiting in the wings.

Calvin picked Abe up at the airport this afternoon and they came home starved. Ande had fresh cookies waiting for them and I’d made a pot of chili so after they’d eaten we sat at the table and Abe told us about his last assignment to a nuclear facility. It was fascinating being taught by him about nuclear energy. I learned more about neutrons in our 45 minutes than I have in twenty-one chapters of physical science. Abe looks great and it’s just so fun to have him home. I love his enthusiasm.

Cali will be home after work later tonight, hooray. She’s also bringing a friend that we really enjoy, so that’s a double bonus. That explains why I’d make a pot of chili on a hot summer day, it serves all hours.

Ty hit his mission one year mark this week. He’s doing great. (I cannot figure out the Chinese directions on the picture cd he sent home, so you'll just have to picture 6', blonde Ty with shortish, dark haired Chinese and great big smiles on everyone's faces.) Life is always going to be a welcome adventure for Ty. I just smile thinking of him trying new things and new people getting to meet him. Did you know before he sends his weekly e-mail home that he always sends a little one to me that says “Buongiorno Princepessa” in the subject line with just a quick note telling me he loves me and why? (Yes, I know I told you that before, but I thought it worth repeating.)

Tonight. Well, I’m embarrassed to tell you what I’m excited for because the kids have given me a rash of trash about it all day . . . I don’t think I could bear it if my fellow bloggers teased me, too, sufficeth me to say I’m excited for something this evening.

9 comments:

Barb said...

OH COME ON! I was going to comment about you being a dog person, but then you left that cliff hanger at the end of your post! Will you tell us after the fact?

Donna Chapin said...

Jane,

I love it when my girls come home and can only identify exactly what you are feeling. But I guess you have it twice as nice since you have more kids.
Ok - what did I miss in your last statement? I'm confused..

Anonymous said...

My dearest Jane,

I was thinking just the other day, about when you and Calvin moved here. I was remembering Abe and Ande, as they are the same age as my kids. And then you have this beautiful picture of them up on your blog! Oh my, how they have grown into wonderful adults. I must say though, how sad I am that Abe is looking like a grown man now. It reminds me of how old Tyson is looking to me also. *sigh*

I hope you have a great time with your kids while they are home!

Marie said...

New format since I've been to visit. Very nice!

The picture of Ande and Abe is great.

If I promise not to laugh, will you whisper your secret to me?

Unknown said...

Jane - that was the first time you've been just plain mean. You know how hard it is to read a cliffhanger on the blog! Spill the beans or never open the bag at all, I say :)

I love the farmer's market - I've only been once this year, and can't wait to return! Hopefully we'll get to go this weekend.

I have more fresh lavendar if you need some!!

Nicole said...

Jane,
My parents say they love having us kids come home. But I don't think that it is anywhere near how much we love to come home to our parents! I am certain your kids all feel the same way! I am sure the visit will be filled with such fun memories!
-Nicole

Jill said...

I really must know what you're talking about at the end of your post!

The thought of your missionary sending you a separate email entitled “Buongiorno Princepessa” is seriously the sweetest thing ever!

Nikki said...

I'm so excited about your new format and being able to post comments immediately. I have been reading it. I've just finally taken the time to comment.

I really like how you compared Ande to a dog and explained why. I would like to be thought of in such a nice way.

It was fun reading about the details of the day and even about Abe and the nuclear stuff.

And now I'm intrigued as to what you were excited about. So, I'll sit here patiently and wait for an update.

Becky said...

Jane,

I love the new look of your blog! And, I have to say that it just made my day to get a comment from you on my blog (you're like a blog celebrity to us fellow SPTers!).

Sounds like you had a lovely Saturday...