Our Lady of Lunch

Our Lady of Lunch

I love lunch!

Ophelia, Henry and I recently had lunch together from Here and There Grill...you know how much I love Julie's food. We walked the short block over to Bountiful Home in Edmonds to enjoy our meal in Todd's garden nursery. Of course, he was 'The Host with the Most' and created a delightful lunch spot for us under the apple arbor. Young Henry was quite smitten with Todd (who isn't?!) that day. We are sure Henry remembers how much fun he had the last time he hung out with Todd and committed a party foul by pee-ing on him! Good times!

It was a gorgeous day. I spent some time snapping photos of the garden. Fall inspiration and beauty!

There goes the neighborhood!

Crazy times at Lisa's Little House! But it is all good...

New water main installed. Check!
Mom here. Check!
Cruise taken and enjoyed immensely. Check!

But the craziest news of all...Henry and his parents are going to be moving into the house NEXT DOOR to me at the end of the month! I know! Can you believe it? Pinch me!

We have the best neighbors. We hang out, barbeque, share special holiday traditions like our annual Progressive Dinner. So it is bittersweet that Greg, Courtney, Katelynne and Taylor are moving. They found a larger home for their family and were looking for renters for their old house. They offered it to Henry and his parents first, bless their hearts. And it worked out for everyone...especially Auntie!

We are beside ourselves. How often in this day and age can family live so close together? Henry will grow up surrounded by family and friends 24/7. And since I am going to be his primary care-giver while his parents work, my commute will be a dream.

God is good!

Hello Henry!

Henry is in the house! He was born on Saturday, May 21 and we have been so busy snuggling him and just looking at his darling face that I haven't had time to blog about it.

What a blessing he is to our family!

Gotta go...my turn to hold him...if Grandma will give him up! ;)

Waiting for Henry

Henry's ultrasound from last November.

Ophelia's due date was Friday. A large handful of us thought (hoped!) he would be early, but he is pretty darn happy where he is at, safe in his momma's belly! Who can blame him?

Mom has been here for a week to help us get ready, pass the time and be on deck to help her baby have this baby.

So while we are 'Waiting for Henry' we have been organizing, eating, gardening and visiting. Nothing sexy or fancy...just hanging out, squee-ing over cute baby clothes, telling stories and speculating on what Henry's personality will be. So far we think he is a cute little stinker with a mind of his own.

Come on, Henry!

A year ago today...

...my step-dad of nearly 40 years passed away. I can't believe it. Some days it feels like yesterday.

Rod fell head over heels in love with my mom and wasn't a bit daunted by the fact that she had two little kids, 7 and 5 years old. He was still head over heels in love with her on the day he died. He told her so that day, like he did everyday. Important lesson here. Tell people you love them; every chance you get.

We tell stories; we always have as a family. We reminisce...a lot. We have so many stories to tell Henry, the first grandchild, when he gets here in May. He will never meet his grandpa, but he will know him. He will know what a practical joker he was, how much he loved books and learning and how much his family meant to him.

Mom is doing good. She recently drove herself to Salem, Oregon for a visit with my in-laws. A very big and brave step for her. Ophelia is getting ready for her first wedding anniversary and Henry's birth. I have been working on this junking business of mine and reconnecting to my home and garden.

We are adjusting to our new 'normal'. But still missing him so.

But I hope that Rod would be proud of 'his girls'...