Family

We had a lovely, almost surprise visit from DH's sister, brother-in-law and grown nephew this week.  They arrived on Wed night and we just sat around chatting and watching TV that night.  Thursday, DH had oral surgery, losing 4 teeth in preparation for his hospital admission next week, so we didn't get to do our autumnal equinox dinner with our friends busman1994, bzdchris, mc_beth and drstarbuck.  We're sorry we missed out on the evening and on introducing them all to some of our family.  The family arrived at the house mid-afternoon and DH was pretty tired and out-of-it, but unwilling to miss out on catching up, even though his mouth was full of gauze.  It took until after dinnertime for him to stop bleeding completely, and he's on a liquid diet until Monday, poor thing.  That of course meant he missed out on dinner at the Great Dane with the rest of us, but he needed the rest.  More TV and chatting in the evening, and really, it sounds boring but it was so nice.  I woke up Friday morning thinking about how pleasant and relaxing it was, and that it was so nice to be in the bosom of our family again.  DH & this particular sister have always clicked with each other and we both love her husband and all of their children, and now their children's families.  They are just genuinely wonderful, lovely people.  So yeah, sitting around for a couple evening with them was like a balm.

On Friday, after the weekly Dr. visit, we worked on the house some.  For a full description of remodeling progress, go here.  The family left today around noon.  It was later than they had originally planned to leave, and we really appreciate their willingness to tie up the loose ends before going.  I think SIL was a little tearful as she hugged me goodbye, but I resisted joining her in that - enough time for tears later, you know?  BIL gave me his usual warm hug, and I was truly touched and surprised by the fierce hug from nephew.  He was such a skinny little kid when I met them all, no more than 4 or 5 at the time,and now he's married (last year's trip to SC)! and Tall!  and a wonderful man.  Both of his younger sisters had to stay behind this trip, but they've all promised to come back in the spring.  I can't wait.

Shortly after the SC contingent headed out, Mom called.  She had sent a huge box of See's which arrived yesterday, and she had read our to-do list over on pint_of_cheer.  Of course she's worried about us and nervous for us, that's to be expected.  I didn't expect her to offer to come out while DH is in hospital, but she did.  I hope it works out.  She's a little nervous about not looking for another job right away, but she also wants to help us out.  Whatever she decides will be fine.  She's a fiend with cleaning supplies, so I know if all she does is clean things, I'll be tons better off for it, LOL.  But she's also offered to paint things, and that's terrific.

Mavis's boyfriend has been officially inducted into the family I think.  He's been given a southern nickname, Cletus Jubal, which I've shortened to Jubal.  He's very excited to help with the remodeling stuff, since he's in the construction trades program at school.  I think it's cool, but then I would ::g::  I never could get my own kids interested in construction stuff.  Jubal is a good kid, and I'm sure we'll miss him when he goes off to the National Guard after graduation.