Winter

Today, an unusual thing happened.  It snowed.  Yes, you would think during this time of year, I should be used to snow, but we are in Alabama.  Before it actually snowed, it iced. So underneath the 3 inches of snow, there was 1/2 inch of ice.  Cars were sliding all over the street, just like my family was sliding all over ME!  It was scary to think that someone might fall on the stairs and get hurt quite badly.  The family did manage to get down the stairs and into the yard, where they balled up some of the white, fluffy, cold stuff to make what they called a snowman, although I don't think it really looked like a man at all. It sure was nice hearing the kids and the grownups having such a great time together!  They took some of the snow and made a long wall to hide behind, then made a bunch of balls of snow and threw them at each other,  Everyone in the family was screaming and giggling for hours! After playing for the afternoon, they stomped off their cold, wet feet on me and went inside, where they had some hot, homemade chili and cocoa.  It smelled wonderful and I could hear them still laughing and chattering about the wonderful time they all had in 3 inches of snow! I wish days like today could go on much longer!

The Dance

The girls came outside today with some speakers which were connected to a stereo in the house. Haley and Lauren were playing music really, really loudly! I am sure that people in houses at least a half mile away could hear the music! Oh, but they were so excited and giggly! They danced some old dances, made up new moves, and danced for hours and hours. If they were tired, they sat in the rockers and had a drink of water. Then they would get up and dance some more! It was so much fun to be in the center of it all, soaking in their energy and giving them a place to have such a great time together! What an exciting time they had!

Oma

Today, a beautiful, sweet lady came by. The family calls her “Oma”. She is the step-mother of the lady of the house. Oma brought a friend named Pat with her. They are part of a group of ladies in their church who knit prayer shawls for folks who need a little extra comfort. Oma and Pat have fun together, just knitting, laughing, and reminiscing. Maybe the time spent together is just as much for those doing the knitting as it is for those who receive the beautiful, colorful handmade shawls! Oma and Pat sure did laugh a lot and I really enjoyed their company!

The Handrail

A man came by today and added an iron handrail to the steps leading up to me. My family talked about painting it white, but decided they would just leave it black. Everyone checked to be sure it was nice and secure because when the older relatives came to visit, they would need to hold on to it so they could get up to me. They said the older people love to sit in the rockers on the porch and tell stories. I can’t wait to hear the things they will all talk about! My family knows a lot of people! They love spending time with relatives and friends and do so much to make this house a warm, inviting, and comfortable home! I love being a part of all of it!

Baseball

Travis had his first baseball practice today. He had on these funny shoes with spikes on the bottom and it hurt when he walked across me.. He also had a big metal stick he kept clanging down on me. The family was all excited about him being the pitcher for the team. I guess that is pretty important. One of Travis' friends came home with him and they sat in the rockers eating lunch before they played baseball in the yard the rest of the afternoon. I sure do enjoy the children and their friends being here!!

The Rockers

One day, my family brought home five new rocking chairs with matching tables. The chairs have a white, wooden frame with wicker for the back and the seat. They put two on one side of me, and three on the other side, with a table on each side. Once the rockers were in place, everyone in the family came out, each bringing with them a large glass of iced sweet tea. Max, the family dog, lay in the middle, enjoying the cool breeze. They sat outside for a pretty long time, talking about how much they loved the beautiful weather and how nice it was to have me here, so they could just relax and enjoy being outside together.

The Names

Before I was added, there were concrete blocks which led up to the house. The beautiful Spring day I was created, the people I came to know as the grandparents came over.  Before I had set and dried, each one of the children in the family placed their hands in my jelly-like surface. Then a skinny little stick was used to etch each of their names—Travis, Haley, and Lauren—under each of their little handprints. Someone made the comment that they were now immortalized; as long as I remained, their names would be as well. That comment made me feel pretty important and like part of the family! I now had a responsibility to these giggly, happy little children!