The morning routine completed, I decided to take care of some business -- for the company and some thank-you's that I had been putting off. I was in hopes that Jarrod was going to get to spend the day with me -- and found out that he was behind in his studies. Those came first. So I settled myself into figuring how I was going to get everything ready for Matt's visit in the morning and trash pickup day.
Then Jarrod called! He had finished his studies, and wanted to come over. When I asked if I could pick him up, it seems that his Mom and Josh wanted to come, too. So I quickly went from just one thing on the agenda (checking the plaque at the church) to having Renee wanting to take on the chore of getting some organization in the back bedroom, Josh wanting to do some yard work, and Jarrod raring to do projects with me.
He and I went to the church, saw the plaque; Mary made a color copy for me; Ed was not in today -- will get it put on the niche probably tomorrow. We made a stop by Publix to get what we needed to try out a new recipe -- peanut butter centered brownies. Jarrod is a good shopper, and a great companion in the kitchen. We are going to have to do the recipe over. We kinda got in a hurry, didn't let the brownies cook long enough, and added some ingredients that didn't help. The brownies are heavy and very rich -- now if I can just find someone to give them to -- or else the Wii will be giving me a hard time about weight gain.
Renee took on the massive task of gathering clothing, organizing the "stuff" and finding treasures in the back bedroom (the junk/exercise room). Would you believe a shoe box of StarWars cards? I think that is a combined collectionon by Lee and Marcia -- I'm sure they know. I'm slowly getting my side of the closet converted to summer clothes, and the winter clothes in the other closet. Still have to get all the sweats in one of those vacuum bags for storage during the summer.
And Josh -- what a delightful, open, and affectionate guy! He takes on challenges with gusto, stands his ground in trying to get to do the things his bigger brother gets to do, and so very appropriately manages his environment to keep himself safe -- from germ's, accidents and is very mindful of keeping his hands washed and sanitized. Josh insisted on doing a project in the back yard -- he had done a great job on the Plumbago in the front beds, and now was ready to tackle the side yard beds. I had to stop him -- he was going about it with determination and gusto -- showing me how he was staying in shape by what he could do with the cuttings that were killed by the freeze. We had decided to have Cesare's Pizza for supper -- thought Lee was going to join us, and when he heard we were having Cesare's he was almost ready to abandon his student to come join us -- settled for the family ysking his Pizza to him for his supper. Josh went with me to pickup the pizza and I got a most amazing detailing of where Josh can sit in the car and why -- an amazing mixture of good common sense, safe driving practices (and state law), and personal protection for his port. He also amazed me by noting how many times he has ridden in my car, and after we got the pizza, in figuring out the per slice price of the pizza. All this from an 8 year old. While we were gone, Jarrod was on the roof getting all the pecan tree blossoms either blown off or vacuumed up -- he really likes that tri-vac.
After we polished off as much of the pizza as possible -- with some to take to Dad, some to take home, and some to leave me for breakfast -- Jarrod wanted to finish up -- putting up the equipment we had out -- which was a good reason to drive the scooter chair back there. Jarrod caught on to controlling that machine very quickly. While he was emptying the vacuum bag, Josh came out -- saw the chair, and insisted that he have a change to ride in it. So, we set the limits, turned down the speed control, and Josh had a ball catching on to controlling the chair. We got all the cords and other equipment stored, and Jarrod drove the chair back to the lift. Both boys showed knowledgability and skill in managing the lift safely, and were very much aware of making sure everyone was safe. We have an agreement -- the chair does not leave the lift unless I am there with it.
Their Dad was getting very hungry, and Renee and the boys headed off to drop by school to feed Dad and then head home.
I realized that I was having so much fun with the family that I was staying constantly in motion with all three of them. Little wonder, when they left, and I sat in my chair, I was soon making ZZZZZZZ's.
Their gift of an afternoon with me was way beyond any thanks that I could give. We talked, had fun, worked, played, baked and just generally enjoyed each other's company. With that kind of loving care, getting through these days are not only possibly, they are filled with the promise of more days like this to come! Thanks Renee, Jarrod and Josh. I love you.
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