It's amazing how much time and effort one has to put in to parenting. Sometimes it's all giggles and fun, sometimes it's just hugs and understanding a weeping child, and sometimes it's doing what must be done to see they grow up healthy, strong, and the best person they can be while allowing them the freedom to be who they chose to be. When you have a career or a challenge to complete things can be even more complicated, especially when you have a very creative child. Sinead, fortunately, is pretty independent and doesn't require constant attention. She's a cheerful, happy child who loves to accomplish the goals she sets for herself. So when we have those rare, special moments, I take full advantage of them. Even Malcolm enjoys story time with us.
In our busy family all too often our time is taken up with all the things we believe we "have" to do. There is a store to run, which takes a tremendous amount of time and work, our various jobs or careers, and the all important skills and aspirations. This time my darling Don and I decided we needed a day that would mostly be just for us. Sinead was off to school and the other three members of the household could just fend for themselves. It was going to be our special day where we would fulfill our Soul Mate requirement, or at least give it our best shot.
Our first date of the day took us to Willow Creek. We had always enjoyed the beautiful area behind the museum by the water. The flowers were gorgeous and the view of the river was enchanting. It added just that special flavor to the day. Cuddling with my lover, who could ask for more?
We both knew we had a special love that we would share for ever.
Don, being the romantic he is, took that particular time to express his undying love.....
Our next stop for the day was the park in Oasis Springs. Here's a snapshot of Don and I as we sat and discussed our future together. He looks so serious while "casually" putting his arm around me.
I felt so fortunate to have been able to marry such a romantic, yet very manly man. He swept me off my feet and completely stole my heart away. Lucky, lucky, me!
We did our three dates in no time at all it seemed. The day just flew by. I didn't have to be at work again for four days, which was a bit of a worry as I really needed more promotions. Still, nothing was going to spoil this day! It was time for Sinead to be home from school so we ended our dates and called the rest of the family to come join us at the park. Sinead had accomplished one of her goals and gotten her first A in school. Here is the picture I took of her Aunt Nancy congratulating her.
Remember that scamp Sinead had been playing with at our home park? Well, after she had spent some time playing in Willow Creek she got a call from him inviting her to go hang out at his house. We agreed to let her go but insisted we all go with her to meet his family and himself of course. You can't be too careful about who your heir is going to hang around with, especially when it's a member of the opposite sex. The Landgraab's nicely took her off to the neighborhood play area while we got to size up the family.
Malcolm had a particularly good time playing Sea Monster while Captain Sinead, the terror of the seven seas, hunted him down.
I took the time to chat and get to know the teenage daughter of the house. She seemed nice enough, and was friendly and polite.
Don, meanwhile, took Spencer aside for some cloud gazing and to get to know him better. A little early to ask what his intentions toward Sinead were but not too early to find out what kind of a young man he was.
Time was moving on and as the shadows lengthened, Nancy and Geoffrey took some time to read to Sinead and calm her down after all her monster play.
Mal, gratefully took that opportunity to have some fun practicing his guitar. He was actually getting quite good at it.
Just about the time we thought we'd best pack up and leave, Sheldon's mother and father came home from work. Well! What a piece of work they are! The dad had a jealous streak a mile long and was a very unpleasant person to talk with.
Mom was no better, worse even if possible. She had a mean streak that she decided to take out on Sheldon right there in front of Don. My heart went out to the boy and it certainly did not bode well for how he would turn out. It could be this was one friendship that needed to cool a bit.
We were not about to allow this to ruin our happy day so off we all went back to the park! Rally the troops and time for fun!
We met a few interesting characters while there, took some time to mix up a few drinks, played some chess and then topped it all off by a group dance fest. What fun!
We had more energy than we knew what to do with so we all headed to the bakery. Sinead had to finish her homework and get ready for school and we had a lot to do to get that bakery going the way we wanted. I had three days left before I had to be at work so time was of the essence. Nancy and I headed down to the kitchen area where we started marathon baking and cooking.
Geof was upstairs getting the till ready and opening the store up for business. The shelves weren't quite as full as we'd wanted but between Nancy, Mal and I we would soon have them bursting with sweetness.
Time to start the day! Doors are open and as Don and Geof congratulated each other it was time for Sweet Thyme Bakery to shine.
Come on in and have a bite!
