Home

There's nothing quite like going home. Walking through that door, my Mom's weary sweet spirit waiting for us no matter how late we arrive. The warm glow of the porch light and the fireplace, the inviting smell of whatever she's been cooking. I'm 27 years old and I still get home sick all the time.
This Thanksgiving it was our families turn to go to St. George to visit my family. Originally I told my parents there was no way we could come because Jocelyn Hates her car seat and cries until she basically passes out. However, my Mom is determined, it's genetic, and she was dead set on helping us get there for the holiday. And so... my parents along with my sweet Mother in-law booked us plane tickets to take the trip. (very expensive plane tickets.) But.. things were not to go as planned and to make a long story short (my Dad booked the flight back for Dec. 30th instead of Nov. 30!) we ended up driving to our 4 1/2 hour destination. The kids were decent, one could even go so far to say angelic considering we've seen the worst from them. My husband....a Saint, and once again just went a long for the ride. ( although this time he got smart and packed his Bose headphones to block out the background noise.)
It was just the 10 of us around the Thanksgiving table. My parents, the three children, two spouses, and three grandchildren. The simplicity of the event was nice; if my Mom knows any level of simplicity, which she doesn't! It was one of the most mouth watering, gut busting meals I've had in a long time and of course the last bite was interupted by old friends of my families whom my parents had taken in for years. Sharing their spirit, home, and food. My parents are just like that. Always looking out for the underdog, making anyone and everyone feel welcome in an instant. It's a trait I hope someday to aquire, but will probably never achieve to that extent.
Going into the trip I told myself; "I am not spending money." But it's a feat that's impossible to conquer. Black Friday plus my Mom and sister simply spells trouble and so I will avoid having my sweet husband look at our credit card balance and encourage him to find more loans!
The kids had a grand time. My Mom always has special treats waiting. Coloring books and crayons, a new motorized bike, and Grandma's collection of toys upstairs. But, Boston had one thing on his mind for the majority of the trip. "Music is Good!" It's the first thing we would hear every morning, throughout the day and while putting him to sleep at night. But mind you, he does not think just any "Music is good!" JT tried to play some church music to which he said "no, no, no ,no, no!" He's a huge fan of Daughtry and Bob Marley won his seal of approval. He even insisted on sleeping with his headphones when we arrived home and we had to sneak them out when he nodded off.
Among our other St. George adventures, was a trip to the local indoor pool. They have a huge water slide and kids can ride down with their parents. Boston LOVES it and as soon as we'd finish one ride he'd exlclaim "More Please!" My Dad took Boston horse back riding to which Boston also told me "Horses good!"He also made a friend in my brother "Josh" and loved to go over to his cousin "Jack's" to play "cars."
It was a wonderful trip and I always enjoy going back home and pretending I'm a kid again; but as I awoke next to my handsome husband this morning, snug and warm in our bed I realized that I'm always home. It's nice to get away sometimes, to mingle with family and friends, to gather together for the holidays but in the end as I walk through our door and tuck my children in bed, that is when I truely feel the phrase "there's no place like home."