After the Rose

By JoAnn Flanery

The story of Sydney Armstrong McGregor and her family continues in book #2 of the Rose series. New members have been added and the fun continues as the children grow and become more curious. The love Sydney and her husband, Daniel, share also continues to grow as they are tested when the past invades the present. As with all families, life can throw some big curves and challenges, unfortunately this family is no different. A devastating fire tore through the very core of their hearts leaving a new appreciation of the love they all share. There are many twists and turns, intense dramatic traumas and tears but love and laughter remain the constants for this special family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JoAnn Flanery
• Release date: Apr 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370196197

JoAnn Flanery

JoAnn Flanery is the author of seven books and counting. She is also an artist, avid antique collector, and craftsperson. She enjoys weaving, rug hooking, spinning yarn, and quilting. She also owned and managed her own country store.

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AFTER THE ROSE

Sequel to Beyond the Rose

JoAnn Flanery

Copyright 2015 JoAnn Flanery

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved

INTRODUCTION

Hello once again. I had so much fun writing Beyond the Rose I decided to continue with a sequel, plus many of my readers requested it. They wanted to know what happened next. I highly encourage you to read that one first so you will get a better background on what is happening in this book. Before we get going, I want to give you a review of the story and its characters:

Sydney Rose Armstrong is a beautiful tall, dark haired woman with unusual pale green eyes. The accomplished twenty-eight year old Elder Law and Special Needs attorney lived in Atlanta, Georgia with her father and mother. Three months after her mother died in a tragic car accident, her father, a prominent Atlanta lawyer also died of a stroke. His last words to her, 'look beyond the rose' haunted her, what did they mean, why were they important? Part of her inheritance was her mother's family home in Michigan on the Lake Huron shore–a final letter from her father told her to go there and find the answers she was seeking. A year later she decided she needed a change, a new life and she put her law practice on hold and moved to Michigan with her dogs.

She and her housekeeper and dearest friend, Gretchen Blanchard, who had been with the family since her birth were determined to stay together, but unfortunately her sister needed heart surgery and she had to go to Ohio but joined Sydney sometime later.

The old Victorian house was huge but needed a lot of love and Sydney hired her neighbor's son, Daniel McGregor, a building contractor, to do the repairs. He was a fun loving, kind and gentle man–tall, blond and handsome. They fell in love very quickly and Daniel's family, Eli and Edith McGregor and their four other sons, soon became her family, and she was finally happy and content.

For some reason Sydney seemed to resemble a woman named Rose, and she was determined to find out who she was. The only Rose anyone had heard of was her mother's sister, who she assumed had died many years ago shortly after Sydney was born. Then by a very strange coincidence she discovered that the woman she thought was her mother was not, Rose was. That set off a series of strange events.

In the meantime, Daniel proposed and they had a beautiful wedding and then fabulous honeymoon in Scotland, where she became pregnant. Nine months later her first child was born, a son named Ryan.

A few months later Daniel had a bad accident and fell off the roof he was fixing. Once he was better and they could be together again, Sydney became pregnant, and almost nine months later gave birth to two beautiful twin girls named Abigail and Emily. Right after their births, Simon Edgeworth, Sydney's father's law partner, came to visit from Atlanta and soon became a part of the family too. He told Rose he had loved her forever and sometime later he and Rose were married.

About a year and a half later, Sydney found out baby number four was on its way. That is where the story begins.

Hang on to your hats, there are many twists and turns, shocking traumas and tears, but mostly a lot of love and fun.

I hope to continue with this family for many years to come.

Just a quick note, all the characters in this book were pure fiction dreamed up by me. The cities that are mentioned that the characters are connected with are also fictional. Granted there are real cities listed but only for directional purposes. So if I made up someone who has the same name I am sorry. Enjoy!

CHAPTER 1: TRUST

Trust is the foundation of love...Author unknown

Guess what my love? I guess the fates have decided we need another little boy to balance things out, or another girl to really mess you up, baby number four is on its way–you and your happy anniversary celebrating.

Daniel grabbed me and whirled me round and round then gave me a big kiss. Oh, Syd, how exciting have you seen Dr. Winters?

Yes, and he said all was well. So what do you think we will have this time? Ryan has my dark hair and your green eyes, and the girls have my light green eyes and your blond hair.

He smiled, You know I don't care as long as it doesn't have bright red hair and blue eyes, then little wifey will have a lot of explaining to do. He got whacked.

Get real you nut! It is so hard to believe that Ryan is now two and a half and the twin girls a year and a half. Yikes, time passes so quickly. Let's go tell Gretchen!

She was in the living room reading when we walked in. Okay, what's up, you two are smiling too big? she asked as she put her book down.

Daniel kissed me on the cheek, Attention, Grammy Gretchen, and he made a drum roll, I am going to be a daddy again baby number four is on its way! She jumped up and gave us big hugs.

When, when?

Once again around Ryan's birthday in May, I said.

Gretchen smiled, You two really know how to celebrate your anniversaries don't you? Wonder why that seems to be the time for making babies? All three have about the same birthday days. I bopped her. Do the kids know yet?

No, but it looks like this is a good time to do it here they come, I said. They ran over to us with my dogs Lilly and Sammy close behind.

Daniel went over to them, Mommy and I have some exciting news so sit down. They all did and looked up at him.

Tell, Daddy, tell, they yelled.

Mommy is going to have a baby, isn't that great? They sat very still for a minute then screamed, and the dogs were barking like crazy too.

Yay, new brother for me, no more girls thanks, Mommy, yelled Ryan.

The twins looked at him, No, girl!

I smiled so big, My darlings, Mommy doesn't know if it is a boy or a girl it is going to be a surprise … isn't that fun?

Ryan made a face, Boys more fun huh, Daddy?

Well, girls are fun too, and he winked at me, how about we all walk next door to my folk's house; want to see Grandma and Grandpa McGregor?

Yes, yes, and they ran for the door. They were outside when we got there. Emily ran up first, Mommy baby, she yelled and jumped up and down.

Well, that took care of that, Daniel said and smiled. I would have sent up some fireworks before I announced it but this worked too.

Edith hugged me tightly, Oh, Sydney, how exciting, how are you feeling? Eli just came over and gave me a big hug and smiled.

We all sat down, I feel great thanks.

Ryan went up to Eli, Gampy, it boy, no girls.

Is not, yelled Abby.

Well, Gampy is very happy this is going to be so fun!

It was such a beautiful October day, and I leaned back in my chair and just stared at the reds and golds of the Maple trees that surrounded their large yard. Mother Nature is sure showing off today... I love the fall. Not fair that winter has to follow. Eli, do you guys have twenty acres like we do? It seems a little larger.

Ours is about twenty-five. I love having so much open space and being right on Lake Huron. I told him I did too.

We stayed for quite a while and had a fun visit. Come on you little buggers time to go home for lunch. Thanks, Edith, as always we had a good time. As we approached the house, I stopped and just stared at it. Honey, you and your crew did such a wonderful job renovating my family's grand old Victorian–hard to believe it was built in 1881. Sure hope I age as well, and I laughed. It is perfect, and I am so proud of my contractor husband! Hey guys, first let's go to the cottage and tell Gammy Rose and Gampy Simon our good news.

Of course, they were very excited too, and I asked them to come up for lunch.

Afterwards, the kids went up for a nap, and the grown-ups went out on the porch. There was a slight breeze that rustled the leaves in the nearby trees, so relaxing.

Simon was smiling from ear to ear, Another baby wow! All this started for me when I came to visit you in the hospital after the girls were born. Then saw my beloved Rose again after so many years. I was so thankful that in time she learned to love me as much as I had loved her. Such happy memories. He reached out and took her hand.

Mom smiled at him, You, my husband, have made me so very happy this past year. Do you suppose we could go back to Hawaii again someday as it was such a beautiful place to spend our honeymoon?

Yes, I promise my dear.

Can I come too? then I laughed.

Now little, Sydney, sometimes Mommy and Daddy need some time to themselves, said Simon.

I pouted, Not fair, and we all laughed like crazy.

That night we went in to listen to the kids' prayers like always. Daniel said, We have a new baby coming, and I want you guys to say something just from you. Emily was first.

Hi, next time puppy? Daniel grabbed my arm and smiled so big.

Hi God it Ryan, baby be boy. Boys better. Nite nite.

Lastly Abby, Need be girl, okay? Sleepy bye. We both told them we loved them and gave them some kisses, took Ryan to his room, and left. Oh my we giggled so hard when we got into our room. Syd, I almost lost it! Goodness what do you suppose Dr. Winters will say if Emily gets her wish? God is going to laugh for days.

I'm right behind you. You know the girls seem to be talking in sentences faster than Ryan, maybe because they chatter constantly to each other. Sure is fun, though!

Daniel and I were sitting in the living room one evening and I said, I think it is time to try to toilet train Ryan he is over two now.

So how do we do it?

No idea better check into this, and I got out our handy dandy child developmental book. Okay here goes–is our child ready, does he have two hours of being dry between diaper changes, he needs to watch you when you go–that my man is your job–can he pull his pants up and down, does he want to wear underwear? So let's start checking on the diaper dryness thing. He pulls his pants up and down when changing clothes, but I don't know for sure about the watching you part, and I giggled. I guess it will help him if he does, and I know he wants to wear underwear like Daddy does. How about we get you some cute little ones with animals on them, so you can show Ryan how fun it is to wear them?

Hold it! I am not going to wear underwear with dogs and cats all over them even if we find some so check that off and no to the watching part–give me a break.

But you would look so cute, or maybe we can find the man version of a thong, ohhh sexy.

He started shaking his head, We can work on that later get back to Ryan.

I flipped a couple pages over, They say we will need a lot of patience, dah ya think? We have to get a potty chair for both bathrooms that sit on the floor, and then encourage him to just sit with or without a diaper on for a few minutes every day. Give him a special toy to play with while he is sitting there. Of course, he is going to need lots of praise. After several weeks of success, we get rid of the diapers and get the training pants. We need to make it a big event and be ready for accidents. He needs to get to the toilet first thing in the morning, after meals or snacks–about every two hours. I put the book down and sighed, I have a good idea let's postpone this for say twenty years.

I'm with you, and we both laughed.

How about soon we take him shopping for a potty chair, after we tell him it is time for him to be a big boy and go potty in the big boy potty?

Sounds good to me but do I really have to demonstrate?

Yep, come on you both have the same equipment only yours is just slightly larger.

Only slightly larger thanks a lot, and he started laughing like crazy. My dear, Sydney, I guess later on I am going to have to do some demonstrating to YOU.

Demonstrating, huh? All you want to do is show off you aren't fooling me one bit.

The next day we told Ryan that it was time we got rid of his diapers. We are going to go shopping today for a potty chair and some big boy pants, fun huh?

Do I have ta?

Don't you want to do it before the girls they will be so jealous?

OK, Daddy, neat!

Ryan took the picking out very seriously and rejected quite a few before he found just the right one. It was so cute, Has dogs no wet on dogs–don't like green–that for girls. His was an action figure with heroes all over it in blacks and reds.

We checked on the wet diaper every two hours, and he did so well. He loved sitting on the chair once in a while, so now to the big event. We told him this was just for him the girls could not use it. He sat right down and clapped, Me big boy!

Yes, Ryan, now how about you take off your diaper and you can try to go potty in there just for fun? I put a little water in there, so if he did go he could hear it.

Sorry, Daddy, no tinkle.

That's fine, Son; do you want to see how Daddy does it? OK, Mommy, you better leave.

Where go watch Daddy?

This is just between you two big boys. Mommy will be right outside. So I guess Daniel showed him.

I heard Ryan yell, Daddy go potty! Oh he was so excited.

Daniel opened the door and looked very pink, This was a first for me. I've never had an audience watching my every move, he laughed like crazy.

Mommy, Daddy's pee-pee bigger than mine. I almost lost it.

How big baby? and he spread out his arms.

Wow lucky Daddy, huh?

Daniel looked like he wanted to hide in the closet but whispered to me, No, lucky Mommy.

What, Daddy?

Oh nothing I just reminded Mommy of something.

Ryan looked at the potty chair and then at the toilet. Daddy, can I spray toilet like you?

Do you have to go?

Think so.

OK, just this once and Daniel got a little stool that was under the sink. Up you go.

Wow, Ryan wetting. He did and we both cheered. Unfortunately, he forgot to aim for the toilet and spayed everything in sight. Fun, Daddy! I jumped behind Daniel for protection and laughed my head off.

When he was done, he pulled up his new big boy pull up pants and looked so proud. We told him if he wanted to stand up for now anyway to use his potty chair, so he could reach it. If you think you have to go poo-poo, you can sit on your chair. You can wet sitting down there too if you want to. Tell Mommy or Daddy if you have to go and we will help you.

Right then the girls came charging in with my dogs close behind, and Ryan told them all about what he had done. I wet like Daddy, he have bigger pee-pee than me. Both girls looked up at Daniel. Oh God I almost died.

Show, Daddy! Then I left I just couldn't take anymore. I had no idea how Daniel got out of that, but I knew for sure show and tell did not happen.

That night I told Gretchen we started potty training Ryan and explained how we were doing it, just in case for her.

So how did it go?

Do you want to tell her, honey?

He put his hands over his face and groaned, No one is telling her anything.

Gretchen started laughing, That good huh? Fine, I bet Ryan will tell me, hey Ryan….

OK, OK, and he told her. Poor Daniel was beet red and finally just walked out of the room and laughed all the way to the kitchen. Gretchen was hysterical.

Oh, Gretch, it was the funniest thing I had ever seen–poor Daniel was just trying to help! Unfortunately, I was the one who had to clean up the whole bathroom when the fun ended. But I do think Ryan kinda knows what this is all about.

Hey, I just remembered something a friend of mine told me; you could put a couple cheerios in the toilet–just aim and fire away. She said and laughed so hard.

Great idea thanks, we will try this but too bad the advice is a little late for today anyway, and I laughed too.

From then on Ryan told everyone that he sprayed the toilet just like Daddy did. Only Mom got to hear about the difference in body parts. Oh my, how she laughed!

Every once in a while I heard, Mommy, potty, as he ran in there, and then I'M DONE I'M DONE! He is doing very well and, of course, sometimes he waits too long and has an accident, but I am very proud of him. The cheerios thing is working well.

One day I asked Daniel what he thought about toilet training the girls too, They are a little over a year and a half and just may be ready, plus they are paying so much attention to Ryan.

He just glared at me, As long as MY demonstrating days are over ... your turn.

Of course, I don't mind showing them, but all it is sitting down. You guys have more interesting parts and can aim and shoot, I said as I burst out laughing. All I got was a disgusted look.

I snuggled up next to him, Honey, Ryan has learned a lot from his wonderful daddy but, and I patted my tummy, this is very likely a boy too. When the time comes, maybe Ryan will show him the ropes. OK, we can drop the girls for now and let Ryan get all the glory.

Edith and Eli came over a couple days later, and I thought they had better be told about the potty training so they were prepared. He is wearing pull up big boy pants now. Sorry, but I am sure he will show you. He shows everyone, even Susan at the grocery store in Sylerville yesterday. She was so sweet and really fussed over him.

So, Daniel, how was his first time? Did you demonstrate?

He put a pillow over his face, Oh God, Mom, do we really have to talk about this?

My dear Son, the first time for all little boys makes every parent want to hide. Did he spray the whole bathroom down? Daniel groaned.

Yep.

Edith was cracking up, Well, we should compare notes. When you first got up to the plate, all your brothers were there and cheered you on. You not only sprayed the whole bathroom you sprayed all four of them too. It was quite a scene–lots of screaming and running. Thank goodness you were so busy you didn't see your father and me laughing our heads off. So, was Ryan's worse than that? I couldn't even speak I was laughing so hard and gave Daniel a thumbs up.

Such an embarrassing story, Mom, thanks so much, and he smiled. Well, almost, brothers are one thing little sisters are something else. When I had to demonstrate, he stared at me the whole time, very unnerving to say the least. Then he told Mommy that Daddy had a bigger body part than he did. Mommy asked how big it was, and he threw out his arms–she was no help just laughed like a crazy person. THEN the girls came in, and Ryan told them about my larger body part, and they turned to me and said they wanted to see. Syd left right then, coward. I made up some excuse and joined her in the laughing room. So other than being totally mortified it went quite well. Thank God he has forgotten about the body part difference at least I hope so. He did tell Rose, though.

Eli was laughing so hard I thought he was going to faint, and Edith was not far behind. Well, Son, said Eli, just be glad you only have one instead of five.

Oh I am, believe me!

None of us could say anything more we just laughed.

Halloween has arrived and the kids are so excited. Abby and Emily are ballerinas–perfect for my totally girly girls, and Ryan is a pirate. He has worn the patch for two days and says he is pacticing. Unfortunately, he bangs into things a lot. In just a few minutes we are going next door to trick or treat at the grandparents. I have a sign on my tummy for fun that says MOMMY TIMES ALMOST 4.

First we stopped at Mom and Simon's cottage, and naturally they were very excited, then we went over to the McGregors. When we got there the kids all yelled, Tick or teat!

Edith opened the door, My goodness two beautiful ballerinas and a mean looking pirate. Eli come quick!

The girls were giggling like crazy. Gammy me, Gammy me!

No, it can't be Abby and Emily. What do you think, Eli?

Let me see, I can tell by their hugs if that is who they are, and he bent down and got smothered. Yep, it's them.

Ryan ran to Edith, Guess who I is? Me mean and he growled.

She pretended to think about it, Are you Ryan McGregor?

Yes, yes, it me, and he swished his sword around.

Well, come on in all of you, what fun, and she gave them all a piece of candy.

I asked if I could have a piece of candy too, Me pregnant lady and need lots of candy, and I laughed like crazy along with everyone else. We had such a fun time! The girls decided to dance for everyone and did more falling than anything, but we all cheered them on. Ryan jumped up on the chair and said he was going to sink the ship.

Daddy pretended to be scared. Oh please, Mr. Pirate, don't sink our ship–the water is cold, and I can't swim!

I spare Daddy, and he jumped into his arms.

When we finally left the kids were exhausted, so I carried Ryan and Daniel had the girls–all were asleep and we got them right into bed then went to bed too.

A few nights later Daniel and I were sitting in the kitchen talking, Honey, can we get a larger bathtub? I love the claw foot, but it is getting harder to give the kids a bath all together now that they are getting bigger? Besides, this pregnant lady needs more room too.

He patted my tummy, How big is big?

How about hot tube size? Think of all the fun you and I can have in there, of course, it needs lots of jets too. Ohhh that sounds so nice!

He smiled, Well, structurally I think there may be a problem. Can you imagine us messing around and the whole thing falling into the dining room? I can just picture this. Then he started laughing like crazy. Why don't we go shopping and see what is available tomorrow?

Fun, Daddy, fun! and I clapped my hands.

Syd, you are spending too much time with the kids!

We went right after breakfast, and I was amazed at how many different ones were available. We picked out a dandy that was big enough for the whole family, but Daniel said he had to check out the structural situation to be sure the dining room thing didn't happen. Boy, I'm glad you are a contractor! I said and smiled. He told the man at the store he would call him back later.

A week later the tub was delivered, but how they got it up the stairs was a mystery to me. I was too scared to watch. A couple of Daniel's crew came over and helped him with the set up, and soon we had our pool.

That first night the kids went crazy! They had stripped down to nothing and were running all over the place while the water filled up. We put in bubbles and lots of rubber duckies and finally got them in. After a couple minutes, I told them I had a surprise for them and turned on the jets. Daniel stood there laughing his head off as they jumped a mile and screamed. They finally decided this was great and put their little bodies up to it and, of course, screamed some more. Oh they had a ball! All of a sudden Ryan yelled, Mommy, Daddy come in too.

I looked at Daniel, Can we all fit in there?

Well I'm game if you are, and he stripped down to his underwear.

Hang on I only need a minute, and I went into our room and just kept my panties on with a tank top. Better I thought. OK gang, make way here I come! Since the tub was circular, we had enough space. Oh my, the kids were all over us yelling like crazy. I guess Gretchen heard all the screaming and knocked on the door. I yelled come in and she just stood there laughing.

A whole family tub, how fun!

Come in too, Gechie, yelled Ryan.

Sorry champ I think five in the tub is plenty, she smiled and left.

After they got into bed, Daniel went in and started to fill up the tub again. How about a big people dip, but I warn you there will probably be a lot of water splashing all over the place? His evil eye thing was back.

Sure let me get my snorkel gear. We both hopped in. Wow, this is great huh, turn on the jets. Nice, nice, I said very contented. Did you take my rubber duckies, you mean?

I have a fun idea, he said as he made his way over to me; want to sit on my lap?

Now this is even better than playing with the duckies, and I hugged him. You do come up with some good ideas, my love. A little while later, I think it is time to get out of here–if you come up with any more brilliant ideas one or both of us is going to drown. Mind if I swim a couple laps first?

Oh God, I married a nut!

A few days later Mom and I were having a cup of hot chocolate at the kitchen table. The kids were taking a nap, and Simon and Daniel had gone to the store. I looked at her, Mom, are you happy being a married lady?

Oh honey, yes, I never thought I could be this happy with a man again after your father. If you had not found me in the assisted living home up the coast, none of this would have happened. It still amazes me! I never thought I would see you again, and you, you didn't even know I was alive. What a day that was when I had you come as my friend, when you were volunteering there, because I was scared to find out the outcome of my eye surgery. My dear you had been so kind and fun when we first met, and I really wanted you there. Then when I could see again and looked over and you were sitting next to me, oh my! Then Simon came back into our lives, and I was so shocked when he told me he had loved me for so long, even though I was married to your father Charles, and he was his law partner. Truly, I am very happy, Simon is such a kind gentle man, and we have such fun! It's so wonderful that we get to live here in the cottage on your property so close to you all!

Mrs. Edgeworth, you are a very lucky lady! That man of yours is so special. When he said he knew I loved my father, but would be so happy if I could accept him as my dad, after you married, I was truly blown away. I could not be happier with three Moms, you of course, as Mom number one, then Gretchen and Edith, also two Dads– Simon and Eli. I was so grateful to Daniel's folks. They helped and supported me when I first moved here from Atlanta and were like family from the start. It was wonderful, especially when that crazy Ted, who did the wallpapering in the house when I redecorated, attacked me. If only Father were still here. He didn't have a lot of time for me, but I knew he loved me and I him. Oh, Mom, the day he died was awful! Thank goodness Gretchen was there to help! Right then the kids came running into the kitchen.

Mommy, need cookie quick I going faint, yelled Ryan.

Mom and I giggled like crazy, and I got up and gave them all their cookies, Now go eat your cookies at your table in the living room, and I will be in there soon with some milk.

Anyway, back to Gretchen, sometimes it is hard for me to believe that she has been with me since birth and is my best friend as well as yours. No way can we manage without her. I am so happy that all the people I love are now here with me. My dogs came over and gave me lots of kisses, and I told Mom about the day we first met and how Father reacted. She just smiled big and patted my girls. Milk time–thanks for such a nice talk.

The weeks are passing, and I am getting bigger. One of the kids is always patting my stomach and saying hi to the baby. One afternoon, when they were having a snack, they all brought their cookies over to me. Here brother take bite, said Ryan, and he put his up to my stomach so did the girls. I thanked them and said the baby really liked them.

Edith invited us all over for Thanksgiving–so brave. There was a little snow on the ground as we made our way across the yard, but it looked so beautiful. We had a great time until Ryan and the girls watched something on television about turkeys, Funny huh, Emy? he asked. They laughed and laughed as they watched them run all over. Then it was time to eat. Eli brought out the huge turkey and everyone clapped.

Best looking turkey I have ever seen, he said. The kids all looked at each other and started to cry. I had no idea what was going on.

What's the matter you guys? Turkey tastes real good you have had it before.

More tears, then Daniel smiled, They just got done watching turkeys running all over. He paused, Now we are going to eat one so is that the problem? and he looked over at them.

All three nodded with such sad little faces. I have an idea, I said, Eli, will you please take the turkey back into the kitchen, and I'll come with you? We both walked in, How about you carve it up and just bring in the pieces, and I will tell them it is chicken, as they have never seen one before? He thought it was a great idea. When we got back in there, I explained that we let the turkey go out in the yard to play and Grandpa made chicken instead. They all smiled and finally ate.

Sydney, you are brilliant, smiled Edith, thanks for saving the day! I even got a kiss from my husband.

After dinner Simon, Eli, and Daniel watched football, and the four of us ladies cleaned up the kitchen. It didn't take long, and we went out to see how the game was going. We sat there for all of five minutes and decided to find something else to do. Hey, how about we go for a drive? I asked. They all thought that was a good idea. Are we brave enough to bring the kids too? and I smiled.

Sure why not, let's give it a try, said Mom. I told Daniel then the kids. Oh heavens, they went nuts. We headed out the door and Emily ran to the side of the house.

I yelled at her to come back, Where are you going silly girl?

Want find turkey he ride too.

Oh man, Honey, he is probably next door at our house playing with the dogs– now come on.

I finally got them all hooked up in their seats, and we took off up the coast. Gretchen and Mom were in the back with the kids and Edith was up front with me.

Really it was fun to listen to my little ones but that lasted for only about five minutes. They talked about everything they saw, House, yelled Emily.

Dog, woof woof, screamed Abby.

Trees, said Ryan. Mommy, Emy poked me,

Did not.

Did too.

Edith, I am going to go nuts! How do I keep them quiet for even a minute?

She turned around, How about we play a game? All you do is not say anything, and if you are really good Grandma is going to give you some ice cream when we get home. Now do you want to play? They put their hands over their mouths and nodded.

I laughed quietly, Edith, you were amazing I didn't even think of bribery… nice going. The little stinkers never said boo the whole way. It was so nice to just enjoy the scenery in peace. Really it was a beautiful day; the sun was so bright it made the new snow glisten like a million little lights. Once in a while, the wind would pick the snow off the trees branches and make an explosion of misty powder stream across the road.

When we got back, I got them out of their seats, and they looked at Edith. Now we talk?

Yes, my dears you played our game very well. They screamed and raced into the house.

Daniel smiled, So how did it go? Were ear plugs needed?

I looked at Edith. It went just fine, Son; they just sat there like little angels and didn't say a word.

You're kidding so did you drug them? and he laughed.

My dear, you just have to know a few little secrets.

Then we heard it, Where's ice cream, Gammy?

Daniel just smiled.

Christmas is almost here and the house looks very grand–there are sweet smelling garlands and lots so big red bows everywhere. Today we decorate the tree.

I spotted the little horse Daniel got for Ryan before he was born, Look here is your horsey!

He took it in his hand and smiled so big. Honey, your daddy had this made just for you the Christmas before you were born.

Neat, Daddy, me love horses. What on there? and he pointed to all the hearts on the top of the horse.

Ryan, we all had our initials put on each heart because we all loved you very much even before you were with us.

Thanks, Daddy, can me put on tree?

Yes, Son. It was such a touching moment and brought tears to all our eyes.

One afternoon we all got together and made Christmas cookies. It was a huge mess, but we had a ball! There were sprinkles and frosting on every inch of the kids and kitchen. Everyone had to sample, of course, and I was amazed that there were any left for Christmas dinner. Lilly and Sammy were having a great time cleaning up the floor and had sprinkles all over them too.

Christmas day was wonderful; the whole family was here along with Dr. Winters, he was here last year too. His wife died about eight years ago, and we didn't want him to be alone, especially on Christmas. The kids were up, of course, at dawn and flew into our room. Mommy, Daddy, Santa day. We had to play for a little while, but finally they all went screaming down the stairs to see what Santa had brought. The paper was flying all over the place and the kids had a great time. This year we chose a Sesame Street theme for the kids. Abby was the last one to open hers, Big Bird. She tore the paper off and just sat there and stared at him. Mommy, Bird, me loves Bird. She hugged him and took him around for us all to see.

Ryan made a face, He not as good as my Cookie Monster he talks, Santa like me best, and he poked her.

Emily went over and looked at Cookie Monster, No, Elmo best, and she hugged him. He red, he love me. The battle continued for most of the day.

I got Daniel a new tool belt and a picture of the kids that we had taken without him knowing. He was so happy! He as always thought of something special for me. This year he had made up some gorgeous drop earrings. I also got a lavender colored cashmere sweater–so soft and pretty. We did the whole Norman Rockwell thing with lots of singing and Daniel played his guitar, plus all the ladies made the feast. The decorated cookies that survived tasted wonderful along with fancy ice cream for dessert.

That night Daniel gave me a hug. Well, except for Abby getting Big Bird instead of me I am a happy man. What a wonderful day, and he laughed.

Sorry, maybe Abby will share Bird with you. Want a consolation prize?

Really, you got me Oscar the Grouch, oh what a day!

Oh man did I laugh, "No, I thought about something a little more personal, ME–bow included at no