We are home!

Pennslvania and Mom's visit!

Well, let's just say the last two weeks have been full of fun. Started off with picking up my mom from the airport. It took Mikey less than five minutes to fall in love with his Grandma! All the kids were so excited as I was! We got home and had some nice time, for a few days. Me and Mom got to go do some shopping together, which is something we both miss doing together. She spoiled me, of course. hehe. She got me some pans that I so needed, got me some clothes and bought Steve a recliner from the second hand store. She bought the kids each two outfits and new tennis shoes. We prepared for our trip and got on our way. My cousin Annie came with us as well. So we went to pick up Annie and Mom got to see Uncle Bob and Aunt Marlene and then we headed off to the fruit market to get some driving snacks. We picked up the rental van...it was beautiful and roomy. We began our trip to Pennslyvania and made great time. Mom was adament about *taking* us on this trip but every once in a while we could steal the resturant bill and pay for it! hehe. We checked in and first things first....TOOK THE KIDS SWIMMING! After we went swimming we showered and went and had a nice dinner. Of course I snuck over to Mom's hotel room and we stayed up every night for quite a while. Katelyn, Carolyn, Jaclyn and Annie all roomed with Mom. The next day we got up and dressed and me my cousin Bobby. (actually he's my 2nd cousin) and he took us to a yummy brunch. We visited and really enjoyed that time. He's younger than my father would be, but grew up with my Dad so he has fun stories to tell. He took us to visit his mom and sister. My sweet Great Aunt Betty. She is the only suriving sibling now out of 10. My grandma got close though. hehe. Anyway, she lives in an assisted living home now and has had some back issues. Say a prayer for her. She is so wonderful. We looked through photo albums and she gave my kids my grandmother's guitar and a small drum set! hehe. We then went though her home that led to another section of the assisted living home to an area that is for those that need 100 % assistance. This is the most beautiful thing I think I've ever witnessed! Her daughter's name is Ann. Ann has extreme cerebal palsy and was born with it. Her body is pretzeled and when it came time that Betty could not care for Ann by her self, she found this home for Ann and for her so she could be close by. So she only walks down a hall, though a dining room and down another hall to her daughter. She has cared for Ann with the love of a beautiful mother and I find it so inspiring to see them together. Ann was so excited we were there! She is just so sweet.

So we said our good byes and then off for a cruise around the area. We made it to the cemetary and still the perfect little piece of heaven on Earth and to see my father's stone, broke my heart, but it also made me feel close to him as well. It was so amazing that when we got to Johnstown I could feel my father say, "Thank you for coming" I didn't utter a word to anyone, just put on my sun glasses and let the tears stream down my face. I didn't want to upset my mother. Back at the hotel room, she pulls me aside and tells me with tears flowing that the minute she reached Joshnstown, she felt Daddy saying, "thank you for coming" We both shared our feelings and were struck by the emotions of it.

We then went swimming again with the kids and the next day started for home, but not without going by the September 11th Memorial. Wow....that was beautiful. Its a temporary memorial right now, but they are building a permanent one. The outpour of love and respect was so evident. The rosary's hanging from the cross, blowing in the wind...the metals, the love and sadness and not one person spoke over a whisper.

We made it home for a few days of just visiting, before Mom went home. I cried to see her leave. We had such a wonderful time. Staying up late with her. It was all I could of wished for.