It’s been almost two weeks now and I’ve finally reached the point where I can talk about this without crying (a happy cry). It was a typical Thursday afternoon and I came into the house quite pleased with myself because I’d had a really good riding lesson. As I came in the house, I passed the family room and there they were. All of my kids, grand kids, their boyfriends, girlfriends, they were all there. I couldn’t believe my eyes, and I truly thought I must be dreaming (in fact, I even think I said that out loud). I’d fantasized this so many times and here they were right here in my own house – my wildest dream come true!

My mind was racing. As any mother would do, I did a swift assessment and quickly took a mental roll call. “Oh my gosh, you’re all here!” Even the fearful flyer was here! I screamed, I cried, I wanted hugs! I had to ask. “How long can you stay?” They were mine to enjoy for three days. I was in heaven.

Can you imagine seeing this party of 16 traveling together? I can just hear the groans of all the other passengers when they announce that all families and passengers traveling with kids can board first! I would have loved to be there just to say, “Yep, those are all mine!”

In my head I was thinking, I need to get to the grocery store – STAT! I need to prepare beds, These kids have been traveling all day, I know they must be hungry. I don’t know why, but it gives this mom great joy to feed my kiddos. I’ve missed that since moving here. JD is a good eater, he seems to like my cooking and always eats whatever I put in front of him, so I guess it’s okay. But the kids are so appreciative, and it gives me such satisfaction!

Spontaneity and chaos were king! I loved the fact that we made plans on the fly and I loved having stuff everywhere! Toys, clothes, cans, bottles, babies laughing, babies crying I soaked every bit of it in. Horseback riding, skeet shooting, the Alamo, we crammed a whole lot of fun into four days, but as Saturday drew to a close, the sadness that they would be leaving the next day became a reality. I knew they all had their own lives and routines to get back to, but I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet. Sunday came and I fought back tears all day. It was so hard to say goodbye, not knowing when the next time they would all be here together would be. And although I had already planned a trip to CA for work and would be seeing them the next day, it wasn’t going to be at my house and it wasn’t going to be quite the same.

After a tearful goodbye, I came back in the house and started putting things away. I wanted to keep the memories fresh in my mind. I think after about 3 hours the tears finally dried up and I went about the house collecting memories. Like the little red cups Ciara played with all weekend. She left one behind and I have it put away so I can take if out every once in a while and remember that special weekend. The fingerprints the babies left on the mirror in the media room. I just cant bring myself to wipe those away. And the last day when we all went down to the river we all piled in and left muddy, dusty prints on the floor of my car. Nope, cant clean or vacuum those either because when I look t them I can see and hear us all there, the kids skipping rocks and climbing trees.

I’ve been surprised in my life. Like, “I’m surprised it’s still snowing back east”, or “Wow, it’s surprising that our new puppy has bitten holes in all my pajama pant legs”. But I’ve never had a surprise party, or anything like that. The fact that they all got together and planned this together, took time off of work and school, that they did this for me… well. it’s almost more than my heart can bear. They have no idea of the gift they have given me – I will remember this and treasure it forever. I love you kids with all my heart. Ugh! I thought I was done with the tears!!!