Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Blissful Summer.

I woke up late this morning.
Instead of the sounds of little feet pitter-pattering on the floors upstairs, I heard the songs of the birds outside my bedroom window.

All is quiet here at the cottage once again.

Two of my daughters, Kelly and Melissa were here with their children: Maddie, Charlotte, Olivia, Kayla, and Anson for a few days.

The cottage was full, and noisy, and bustling with energy!

There were towels, bathing suits, and sand everywhere!

And laughter.
Kids laughing, and screaming, and running.
Sounds echoing off the water all day long.

We did some heavy duty power eating, too.
It seems we were always hungry.

But now all is quiet.
As I type this post, all I hear are the keys clicking, and the Robins singing their songs.
I thought I was ready for things to get back to "normal" here at our cottage.
But there is a certain sadness here.
No little people climbing up next to me on the sofa, asking me what I'm doing.
No one asking for a bowl of Fruit Loops Cereal.
No one wondering where their bathing suit, and beach towel is.
No doors slamming.
No one asking to go on a golf cart ride.
No one....just me.
Since the van pulled away yesterday....full of my dear ones....I've felt teary eyed.
I went to work after everyone left. All day it felt like something was missing. My arms felt like they were supposed to be holding on to someone, or hugging someone.  Like a part of me was lost.
Even my Mr. called me at the pharmacy to say he missed the kids. Then he stopped up at work, because he missed everyone.
You would think I would appreciate some peace, and quiet after all of the craziness of the last two or three weeks....instead....
I would love for them all to come back in a heartbeat.
Maybe it's the knowing that Summer is half over already.
All I do know is....this was the best time I've had in a very long time.  I'm thankful that God has blessed me with the moments I've had to spend with the people that I love.



15 comments:

  1. Debbie,
    How sweet and my heart feels for you. It is so much fun when the kids are around and there are times when you wish for the peace and quiet again but then when they leave it is a big hole. Hope as the days go on you will not be missing them as much. I love those days with my family and grandchild too and when we have to say good bye it is sad. I guess that is what keeps these times together so special. They are just that special and not an everyday occurrence so we laugh more, hug more and enjoy more when we have these times. Hope for another special visit for you soon.
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  2. Debbie, I know how you are feeling...some times I cry as soon as Emma leaves. She can run me ragged while she is here...but it does feel lonely once she is gone. I may have to have her for a week again. Blessings to you and your Mr. xoxo,Susie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello, my friend!!!

    What a wonderful post!! Loved it and loved hearing the memories that were made. Just think of how your grandchildren will look back in many years to come on the time they spent with you these last 2 weeks!! Priceless!!
    Your photos of your home are lovely!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great post Debbie and I can honestly say I know exactly how you feel. Half of our crew left yesterday, but Chablis, Tony and Alex are still here for a few more days. We have to enjoy them as long as we can, right?

    ReplyDelete
  5. My heart and arms ache for days after leaving mine. It did when my children went to college out of state and left permanently and it does now especially with little ones again. Nothing like the pitter-patter of little feet. The sand can be swept up and toys put away, but there's nothing like the squeals and laughter of little ones at play. Hugs to you, Debbie.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Debbie...I know how you feel. We spent the last 2 weekends with our kids and grandkids and now it seems so quiet. I can't wait until I can hear the sound of my little grandson running around the house and my granddaughter helping me in the kitchen again.
    hugs,
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  7. Summer is so great just for this reason, don't you think? I love the visits from the children too and especially the power eating :)))) I love to cook and bake for family, so when it goes back to just Dale and I, I miss it. It sounds like you had a wonderful time Debbie.I'm so happy that you were able to get your 'family fix' and that you all had such a lovely time.
    Loved the shots of your beautiful home too.
    hugs...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh girl! You've got me all teary eyed this morning. I'm so happy you enjoyed your family! Sounds like you all had a wonderful time. Summer is definitely flying by. I'm just not ready to think of school yet... Have a great day friend!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Debbie, what a wonderful time they must have had at your home...I know that your heart is full to busting over even if your arms are empty now. ;)
    To be someone's grandma must be the most amazing feeling in the world...I am so ready for that.
    Wonderful photos. I could just move in...and never leave there.
    Have a wonderful day and find someone to hug...they might not have a granny.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dreamy photos! Your home is beautiful :) I'm sure your family loves being there with you! Thanks for visiting my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Debbie, what a beautiful and heartfelt post of family love and precious moments together. Love your cottage photos and your words so beautifully written. You touch my heart and leave a tear in my eye. Wishing you wonderful moments the rest of the summer! too!
    Blessings and hugs

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love this post, Debbie...the pictures, everything. I feel for you, I know that the silence in my home can get to me as well. I felt a little down when everyone left the lakehouse after days and days over the 4th. I think even the house was happy to have all that noise and activity!! I wish you many more times like this. Will you all get together again this summer? And shhhh...I just found out I am going to be a grandma next year!! Squeal. My first grandbaby finally!! I am going to try to do a post today and I will tell everyone! :)

    Love to you,
    Jane xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. I had my 3 granddaughters here today and my niece and her 3 kids. Laughter, eating and swimming! It's quiet tonight and although I am tired, I miss their smiles and the joy that fills my heart when they are here! I'm thankful though, that I do have the opportunity to have them here at least once a week, and love on them! Thanks for stopping by the blog and encouraging me in my new ventures of creativity! Blessings, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  14. We have been so lucky to have a lot of family visiting this summer too. The guest rooms feel so empty after everyone clears out. We miss our little girls as soon as they are gone. Your place is so lovely. I'm sure it is a wonderful haven for your family. So nice to have a visit from you! Thank you for the wonderful compliment.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello Dear Friend, I am a bit late on commenting, but I could not let this one go by...
    I know the feeling. I know it so well as so many Grandmothers do...
    I feel the sadness like a heavy blanket over me!
    I send a hug to you and I think the idea of beach fairies just made me smile!
    Love, Roxy

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.