Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Scott's parents have been serving a mission at the LDS Conference Center during the last six or so semi-annual conferences.  Before that, they had a tradition to have everyone over for breakfast conference Sunday, and they've been eager to reinstate that tradition.  When we arrived Sunday morning, the house was filled with bakery smells and the counter was loaded with goodies.

And breakfast was only the first meal!  After watching the morning session of conference, Marlene set out another spread, this time for lunch.  She and Bruce also had pumpkins ready for the kids to decorate, and piles of sugar cookies for everyone to frost.  And did I mention that Bruce and Marlene hosted all the boys last night for dinner after the priesthood session?

Going home Sunday night, Ruby and I were talking about how effortless Marlene makes it all look.  As if two meals and limitless sugar cookies weren't enough, there was also a magnificent cake and a huge bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough.  Just in case.  And muffins and sweet breads, enough to send home a big plate with everyone.  You would think Marlene would be exhausted after all that, and maybe she is, but you wouldn't be able to tell.  During conference, the topic of mothers came up, and how someone jokingly said they married their spouse because his mother was so great.  All of us in-laws agreed that we hit the jackpot when we married into this family.

It's nourishing in every way to have Grandma and Grandpa's home as a place to find refuge.  I love seeing our kids relish their time there.  I know very well the balm of the grandparents' home.  I remember fondly the nights and days I spent with my grandparents, Bill and Golda, at their cozy farmhouse.  It was stuffed with treasures to explore, endless food to eat, soft, sweet dogs, feather beds piled high with quilts and ice cream in your special mug whenever you said the word.

And I remember Sunday nights at Opa and Nana's and how I lived for those evenings of companionship with my cousins, aunts and uncles.  Curling up in a chair to hear reports from each family about who was going where, and what each child was accomplishing, and what funny things had happened, that was the Sunday night sanctuary that girded me up for the week ahead.

So I'm grateful my kids have two sets of grandparents to provide that same comfort.  My parents' home is just steps away.  The kids know they'll find food and fun after church on Sunday, and anytime. They know someone will be there to give them a ride or lend them a skirt.  They know they can go anytime and stay as long as they want.

Grandma and Grandpa's door is always open, too.  Everyone knows that as soon as they walk in the door, they're home.  Home, with all the good things that word implies.  You're home; set down your worries.  You're home; everyone here loves you.  You're home; you're safe.  You're home; there is ham in the fridge.  ;)

Marlene, happy birthday!  We love you!