Visit

My computer was down and out for the count while oldest was here.  I missed blog blast for peace and the chronicles of her visit.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  She was not a likable person when she left.  I was pure evil and mama was the greatest thing since sliced bread.  It's been almost two years.  She has been in and out of bio's home - once an escape to grandma's and for five months for basic and AIT. 

I cleaned like a mad woman before she came.  The spare room is complete.  A fresh coat of paint, new bedding, diplomas hung, shelves put up for my herbal preparations.  It's function is reading nook, guest room, hubby's office, our dressing room and my apothecary.  My Grandmother's nursing diploma is on the wall along side a picture of her in her nursing uniform.  Hubby's achievements are on another wall.  Well, right now they are at the framer but hooks are on the wall and waiting for there return.  As I explained the room to friends they said it was perfect.  I had cleared the house and put her in the healing room.  And now the room is named - The Healing Room.

I made a lasagna (her favorite), a salad and dressings and a maple pecan pie the morning of her arrival.  I went to my shamanic dream group and left instructions to pop the lasagna in the oven.  I arrived home to a hot meal and a pleasant family.  The room and supper were appreciated.  I even had a gift waiting for me.

Monday we went hiking as a family.  We later learned that the kids were supposed to be in school.  I never received an updated school calender.  Oh, well.  We were doing something much more important.  Pork loin with cherry sauce being her other favorite dish was served for dinner.

She was able to meet up with some friends and do a ride along with hubby.  During their time she mentioned that the military was great because she knew she had a roof over head and food to eat.  Hmmm!  What is going on in Arizona. 

Saturday I took the girls to the outlets.  We were meeting cousins for lunch and the outlets were near by.  Oldest's Christmas list that I had her fill out had a few books and music CD's on it but it started with pants and shirts.  The jeans she was wearing were the ones I had bought her last year and were too big.  Well, she went home with a new wardrobe - three pairs of jeans and nine tops.  She was so appreciative and the deals were really good. 

And nothing like a little retail therapy to loosen the tongue.  Youngest fell asleep on the way home and oldest and I had a really nice conversation.

She thinks she'll be back in June with bio for son's graduation.  We'll cross that bridge when we have to.  But, what that says to me is that son has no plans to move to Arizona.  He is not planning his great escape when he turns 18 in December.  It will be the first time in four years son and youngest have seen their mom.  She has no clue who her kids are. 

And the thing I was most worried about with oldest's visit seems to not have come to pass - the backlash with youngest.  Oldest did not hype bio or Arizona like I thought she might.  But, I guess if you are in place where you don't know if you will have food or a roof you wouldn't hype it.  Oldest has grown up a little bit.  She is on her way.  She continues with her schooling and should have her associates degree this time next year.  She's looking for a job that would most likely put her out on her own.  She's looking ahead with her military career.  She wants to go places in life and no one is holding her back.  I can see fruit forming on the tree of my labour.  No credit will be given.  No credit is needed.  But deep in my heart I know I've helped raise an independent adult who sees opportunities around her.