I had a Diet Mt. Dew.
It’s true. I failed miserably.
It was about 8 p.m. on Friday evening. I was sitting around the table with my sister, my Dad and Chad just shootin’ the breeze,when my ever supportive husband placed a nice cold Mt. Dew in front of me. It sat for close to an hour before I finally relented.
I have this personality quirk–it’s called “all or nothing”. Chad knows this about me. . . so does my Dad. Therefore, I was not fully supported in my venture to do away with caffeine. I’m kind of glad because that Mt. Dew was really good. So was the coffee I drank on Sunday morning.
As my Dad says. . . everything is okay in moderation. I’m going for moderation, rather than all or nothing.
Moving on. . .
We went home for Easter. Well, you know–not our home, but the home I call my home and will probably call home for the rest of my life. We went to my Dad’s.
We arrived on Friday afternoon and melted into relaxation mode immediately. I’m not sure why, but as soon as I get there I feel it–relief, comfort, and a sense of decompression. It might be because I’m not following the kids around trying to clean up footprints and fingerprints in case we have a house showing. (Sorry, Dad.) It might be because I’m not constantly running the washing machine. Or constantly washing dishes.
I think it’s more than that though. I think it’s the way my Dad just insists that we. . . make yourselves at home. Oh. We do that. You can tell by the food smears on his glass dining room table and the fingerprints on his front windows. You can tell by the exponential increase in his food bill during the three days we are there. You can tell by our laughter. Our naps. And our all around ability to just chill while we’re there.
We do more than chill, of course. We do have a 7-year old boy who allows for about 3 seconds of chill each day. Charlie met his match in Poppy. . .
No one messes with Poppy. . .
The rest of us? We watch. . .
We prepared for Easter Sunday in a similar fashion to many others.
Charlie and Chanelle did their egg thing. . .
While Meadow did her best to destroy it. . .
She really does get away with anything. I mean really. . . how can she not?
. . . is Chad’s favorite tradition.
My sister rocked out the meal for little ones. . .
Sunday cousin’s finally arrived and happy kiddos enjoyed the company of family that we see far too little.
Before we left I said to my Dad. . . it was a good weekend. However, I’m always sad when it’s over. Transition back into the real world is always a little rough. I do everything I can to get a “next” date on the calender so I have something to forward to. My countdown is already on. Until then, we hold close to the memories made and count our blessings that truly are endless. . .
. . . and of course, enjoy a coffee and a Dew every now and then.
i totally LOL'ed at Charlie's head in the mailbox! and i LOVE the peeps picture with the little hand in the corner and Chanelle's eyes – so cute! and i loved the photo of Chad eyeing up his fried turkey.
and i loved the words. the Mt. Dew test, being close to the ones you love, feeling relaxed and at home and at peace. 🙂 ahhhhhh….. joy.
love,
Miss
p.s. – your corner of the world wide web was too quiet. glad you came back. ; )
Thank you, Miss. It feels good to be back.
And I agree–Charlie in the mailbox was the best photo of the weekend! 🙂
You are so blessed, Summer. I was just thinking the other day how I wish I still had a 'home' to go to. These photos and this story make me smile.
Love you, S.
Oh my goodness, Summer, once again you've blown me away with your photos! I love the ones of the Easter egg dying and white cups, the ones of the little deviled eggs/chicks in the egg container, and all the ones of the kids. Looks like you had a wonderful Easter.
I've given up on giving up caffeine long ago. I went 5 years once trying to give up caffeine for each Lent . . . and failed. Epically failed each and every time. And just like your dad said, "Everything in moderation." ; ) Hope you have a great day!
Ah. It's always nice to know I'm in good company, Katie. Moderation, moderation, moderation, right? We're runners–we get a few allowances, right? 🙂
Glad you had a good Easter! I'm so impressed by the deviled eggs!!
I know! Ashley rocks! 🙂
I like your Dad.
"As my Dad says. . . everything is okay in moderation. I'm going for moderation, rather than all or nothing."
(As I just cracked open my daily coke.)
What a beautiful weekend. I love the traditions. And the eggs. And the children smiling.
Good times. Great post.
Enjoy that diet mountain dew. 🙂
Thank you, Ky. I plan to. 🙂