My absence on these pages does not suggest that anything has gone awry. Quite the contrary.
I was bamboozled.
As you know 'tis the season for grandparents around these parts - my dad in October, Nathan's parents for Thanksgiving, Nathan's dad the first week of December, and then my mom this week. It's been busy for sure. BUT when we went to the airport to pick up my mom, who came through the turnstile as well?????
My sister.
Somehow, my family who does not keep secrets nor make jokes of any kind, managed to plan and execute an epic surprise.
At first I simply could not compute her presence. I had a grammy week in mind in which I stepped aside and made room for my girls and my mother to color, craft, and giggle for a week straight. I knew this would free up work time, blog time, jogging time, and holiday prep time. With the appearance of Emily that "freed-up time" went out the window. You see there's this weird thing that happens when the two of us get together, time doesn't stand still but blurs. We make lunch, walk the dogs, analyze something, try on clothes, make dinner and then six days have passed. My contentment is so high when I am with her that my concern for things outside our sphere softens.
For instance, I have been preparing for the Made Fair here in Missoula since late September. To say it has been on my mind is an understatement. Well I should say it was on my mind, not only because it already happened but also because after the familial tag-team arrived I forgot to think about it. Luckily I was well prepared beforehand because the night before I was helping Echo fall asleep and had an oh yeah, that huge project I've been planning for three months... kind of thought. Instead of prepping and packing and going over the details I had been doing, um, well... what had I been doing?
You know what Emily is for my awareness of the outside world? A knock-out punch.
But no worries. In a flurry I readied my bits and still had time to watch a movie. In our house of no t.v. when it's time to watch a movie we drag the living room couch over in front of the office desk. So I've spent quite a few nights now sandwiched between my mom, sister, and Nathan, buried beneath a comforter, eating peanut butter maltballs, watching actors. Which isn't much different from other nights, but in this case instead of making mobiles or miniature ham hocks I've been making nothing, and instead of crossing the traverse of couch cushions to snuggle with Nathan I am literally pinned against him by my sister and mother on my right and Emily's dog Bello on my feet.
I am not complaining.
The combo of my mother and sister is pretty close to ideal. Em and I run while Grammie colors with Echo. Em and Grammie walk the dogs while Nathan and I set up the holiday fair. Em and I cook dinner while Nathan throws small children all over the bedroom, and Grammie sits at the counter for chats. I help Echo fall asleep while the remaining clan cleans the kitchen.
Aaaaah. Village living.
They leave today. So I am slayed of course. But on the bright side I'll probably blog! And think deeper thoughts! And gather Yuletide gifts for my children! In other words, my life is good, truly good in all it's forms, and I will be alright.
A snapshot to be sent to our dear friend Jeff for his birthday. Not my favorite shot of myself but as you might recall I am terrible at remembering to bring out the camera. This means Emily took every one of the following pics and I don't get to edit.
The booth! We had a really stellar spot and folks went wild for fairy food. I get to see the cutest side of human nature as they discover for the first time these little gems. They double over and their eyes go all crinkly. There is baby talk and sighs.
I think this might be the most random job of my life.
We also set up the tree and decorated, pulling old ornaments from my childhood and Nathan's as well. Emily put on the Alabama christmas album - which screams holidays louder than anything we know as this odd album must have appeared in our lives at an impressionable age. Is there anyone else in the world that feels perfectly Yuletidish when they hear Thistlehair the Christmas Bear by these guys? If so it's your moral obligation to comment.
And regular life goes on too. Echo chops tofu, we go to recess, we read Swiss Family Robinson at 8pm.
It's good to be here with you again. Thanks for staying tuned. xoxo
