Just a-swingin'

Sorry it has been so long since I've posted anything, but this weekend was "one of those" weekends that I dreaded mostly because it was packed with many cross conflicting activities that I knew would be cumbersome to get through. But thanks to a little help from our carpooling friends; we got through it. We are family hear us roar!!!! Oh, there were birthday parties, a band trip to Atlanta, an out of town basketball tournament, two cancelled baseball games (thank you, rain) an anniversary mass an hour away from home, a catechist pitch weekend where I needed to be present at most Sunday masses, and finally a Sunday afternoon picnic at a friends farm. Really though, I am thankful for the ability to accomplish many things and to be with my children for the things they enjoy. But to speak quite honestly and selfishly, I was mostly looking forward to going to my friends farm. It is a place to rest, put up your feet and relax. A place filled with hospitality, faith, humility and the simple things.

Maureen and David's family owns around 200 acres near our town. It is an oasis of peace...away from all the hustle and bustle of the town I live in. There are horses, goats, a large pond, paddle boats, a cozy farmhouse with a handsome porch to sip your mint julip ( southern style). She has rocking chairs, an outdoor fireplace to roast marshmallows, a trampoline for the kids, a tree house, four wonderful children and on and on. It's just a great place to be. We were gathered at her farm for two reasons: 1. To catch up with a family who had moved away last year and was back visiting and 2. To say farewell to a couple of our Diocesan seminarians who were off to Mexico to participate in a 6 week Spanish immersion experience. To celebrate these two things, Maureen and David prepared tacos, beans, and all kinds of complimentary side dishes. It was all very yummy!! We women sat on the front porch and talked, listened, laughed and even cried at some of the stories that were told yesterday. It all reminded me of my days as a young girl at my grandmother's house. Talking and eating.

After awhile, I decided to go and find my husband. He was on the other side of the house sitting on my favorite swing, under the trees, talking to some of the guys. I was glad to see a seat open next to him, and eagerly walked over and sat with him. The swing we were on was one of those two man, suspended porch swings with its own frame, that leans backward, with a high back. Very comfortable. Very relaxing. Chris and I have sat on that swing together many times. But I would be lying to you if I told you I never worried about the darn thing breaking out from under us. It is suspended after all. Now that I'm pregnant, you would think that I would have thought twice about sitting on it. But I didn't. You would think that after I heard the suspicious cracking noises coming from underneath the swing I would have gotten up, but I didn't. Instead I enjoyed my last moments on a swing that was about to swing its last swing. Yes, you guessed it. The darn thing collapsed under Chris and I. We fell a couple of feet to the ground backward and rested upright on our bottoms. HOW EMBARRASSING! Our sweet hosts ran over to help us up as well as others. I am totally fine and so is Chris...but our pride hurts a little though. I was concerned that the baby may have been hurt in the tumble, but was reassured after I felt his/her familiar movements in my tummy.

Even though we took that little spill, it was a spill amongst friends and family. I feel bad for my dear friends since they've lost a great swing that held many secrets and history. But we will always remember the day the swing decided to have its revenge! Boy I learned a good lesson! Whoops!