Little Good byes

Last night, the kids went home. It was so hard, letting little ER get on that plane with his mom and the Marvelous Macy. I mean, Lyndsey won't change that much in two weeks. The Marelous Macy missed her Daddy, and she was glad to go home. But little ER, I am pretty sure that he wanted to stay. In spite of the fact that twice I bumped his head and made him cry. But also, I held him a LOT, and he told me that he really likes to be held. Well, he didn't really tell me, I mean with words and all, but he TOLD me, with his eyes, with his little hands. He really LIKES his MIMI!!
My house had little good byes all over--a diaper here, some reindeer horns there, a stocking cap overlooked in the bottom of a sack, but all-in-all, my house went from being a happy home full of children and laughter, to an apartment where no one lives but me. Those Christmas decorations that I put up for the Marvelous Macy, just silent and dark when she is gone. Luckily, it won't be long before I see them again.
It is just amazing how much life a 5 year old and a baby can bring with them. As a parent, you don't really appreciate the gifts because it seems pretty overwhelming. I mean, there are no breaks for parents, you have to be there whenever you are needed. As a grandparent, though, there are too many breaks, too few moments when you have those children, those special gifts from God. I am so blessed, and especially at this time of year, I am thankful for the Marvelous Macy and little ER.