A weekend on the farm

After spending a fun evening and night with a college roommate, her husband and their new, adorable baby boy, Josh and I headed to northern Missouri for some quality family time with Josh's extended family. Both of his grandparents live in this area, about 5 miles apart actually, and so we were excited to be able to stay with his Grandma Mildred and Grandpa Oren yesterday afternoon and today.

What amazes me is how much "home" I can feel when stepping in the door even when it's not my own family, but my in-laws! We were greeted with big hugs and warm smiles. There's something about taking days off of work, traveling to visit family, feeling the weather turn chilly and rainy, watching the leaves start to change colors, and feeling the warmth of the heat inside and smelling the delicious spices of chili cooking on the stove and fresh baked bread in the oven.

As we sat down for our evening dinner, I felt overwhelmed with that tingly "home" feeling. Grandpa Oren blessed our meal and loved every word...as he thanked the Lord for the "pleasure of having Josh and Amy here to spend this time with us" I was so filled with happiness, because it was apparent he meant it from the bottom of his heart. The chili, fresh bread, homemade sweet pickles tasted like "home" and the chilly, rainy weather outside set the stage perfectly.

Later in the evening we were able to play a fun game of cards, which completely felt like "home" to me! I love cards! Josh's parents were able to join us for that as well and we had such an enjoyable evening. Great food, conversation, cards, weather and safe travels made for a day with lots of "home" memories and warm fuzzy feelings!

I've got to be honest, visiting grandparents with the weather turning cold, sure makes me excited for Christmas! I think that one reason why I love these moments here on the farm so much is that it reminds me of the holidays...which to me are true warm, tingly, memory-making feelings of "home".

Waking up to the smell of bacon frying really made me feel like I was on vacation! It was wonderful to get out of bed, walk into the kitchen in my PJ's and be greet with 2 big smiles and good morning greetings. Coffee ready to pour in my mug and a full breakfast of bacon, eggs, biscuts and hashbrowns got our day started off the right way! I'm excited for more warm "home" moments this weekend.

I'm going to try to share some pictures of my vacation with family on the farm thus far! Enjoy!