But I'll write now...
Oh yeah, that's my hometown.
I went back to Arkansas last weekend and was reminded of just how much I really like the place I grew up. Sure, Siloam is a tiny town. Sure, there's not much to do there and one can forget that there's a great big world out there when trapped within the confines of "God's Country," but honestly, that's part of what makes it such a great place. I was there for three days and enjoyed every minute of it, because it wasn't constantly demanding that I remember all my stresses, problems, and frustrations from the rest of my life. Siloam seemed content to let me forget everything and just drink in its beauty.
And what beauty! I didn't get to see any dogwood trees (I'm pretty sad about that) but the green grass, the rainbow of flowers, and the other trees! Bradford Pears (always a personal favorite), redbuds, tulip trees and more reminded me that spring is an actual season and not just a brief interlude between winter and summer. I love spring, and the fact that it is making less and less of an appearance in my life (is this because of global warming or because I'm in Oklahoma? I don't know...) is pretty painful. I used to love autumn. I loved the colors of the leaves on the trees, the crunching of the leaves on the ground, and the smells of bonfires, hay, and pumpkins. I still love all these things, but my fascination with death is slowly dwindling and my love of life is picking up. I love to see new life everywhere!
Anyway, I really enjoyed slowing down a bit and taking in all that Siloam Springs had to offer. I also loved spending time with my favorites little ones - Jakin, Anna and Mikaiah. They were a real treat, and being around them always makes me happy - especially when they're glad to see me! There's really nothing quite like having a 4-year old run across the room to hug you when you walk in, screaming, "Aunt Corrie, you're here!" It warms my heart. And If I were a betting girl, I'd bet that right now, you're thinking of a sweet little one who is (or once was) glad to see you. Well, if you weren't before, you are now! let it bring a smile to your face. Savor the precious moments.
It's a good thing I savored the precious moments, because the moment I got home, the virus those little boogers had been carrying around in their tummies (everyone in that family but Mikaiah had a 24-hour stomach bug) had leapt into mine and I spent Sunday night in the bathroom recovering from those dang "precious moments!" But it was worth it. It only lasted 24 hours and by Tuesday morning I was pretty much good to go again.
I also had a great chance while I was home to see my mom and dad, whom I love dearly. Mom took Chris and I to get pedicures (super fun) and then we went out for lunch and went shopping. It was a very girly day, and I seriously enjoyed it. The next afternoon, Dad and I went to Atwoods and he helped me pick out some seed packets to start an herb garden. I'm going to try to grow chives, cilantro and basil. Of course I forgot to go through the pots in the garage and take one home with me to plant the herbs. Dummy!
We also found a hanging basket that strawberries can grow in. I'm really excited about this one, as strawberries are my favorite fruit (did anyone know this about me? Everyone in my family thinks that Brian is the strawberry maniac, because he always makes such a big deal about them. That's why my Grandma Matchell always gives him strawberry preserves. But I love strawberry preserves! Seriously, they're one of the greatest things! And even though I can't/shouldn't/don't want to eat strawberry preserves right now because of my campaign to not be fat {28 pounds and counting...}, I still like strawberries every bit as much as Brian, and I eat strawberries all the time, because they're healthy. But because I don't make a big deal about it, no strawberries for Corrie! I guess I need to try being the squeaky wheel to get the oil, eh? All anyone knows about me is that I like mashed potatoes. And that's the truth. They're incredible).
Sorry for the long paragraphs. I know it's hard to read them. I just ramble. It's what I do. Anyway, great weekend, back in Oklahoma now, loving the sun, and looking forward to slightly warmer days!
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