Country Roads

Growing up I moved a round a lot.  Not much was constant.  My Nana always was, and still is.

There are times in life when you say to yourself, "I want to be like that.  I want people to know me and remember me, like that.  I want to touch a life in that way."  Well, that's my Nana.  She is a wonderful woman.  When I was in 3rd grade, my mother married her son and every year since, she has sent me cards.  Even when I was in my teen years and was to self-absorbed to care about anything else, she sent me cards.  I got a cards on birthdays and holidays.  She never missed.  She would include $5 usually.  Over the years, and especially now, I look forward to those cards.  It's amazing how much a card and $5 can mean to you.

In recent years I have been able to talk to her more over the telephone.  She has me on speed dial and checks in often.  I usually get to talk to her before she goes out for dinner.  She does so much.  She has a more active social life than I do!  It's always great to hear her upbeat voice on the other end of the line.  We catch up on how she's doing and what my kids are getting into now.

I haven't actually seen my Nana since I was a kid, maybe around 5th grade.  She lives about eight hours away and I've been wanting to see her.  This month, for her birthday, her family organized a get-together in West Virginia, which was more manageable for us with three children.  I was worried about how the girls would do, but I was excited to see my Nana :)  (They all did *great* on the drive, by the way.)

Here is baby G just before we got on the road.  She just ate and was conked!  Good thing too, we had a three hour drive ahead.

Here are L and E getting ready for the ride.  They each packed some snacks.  Sun Chips, granola bars and water.  They barely made it out of the driveway.  It's somewhat nuts how much kids eat! Oh and that dress on L, I made that!  It is one of my only shining sewing moments, so I'm happy to share.

So off we went, deep into the mountains of West Virginia.  It's something like entering another world.  The scenery is amazing.  The mountains are SO high.  Our son was amazed and it was so special getting to see him experience seeing such beauty.  Our girls slept most of the drive, which was great.  We wanted them ready for some fun!

Eventually we arrived and were greeted by a beautiful park and surrounding golf courses.  We spent the afternoon playing at the playground with Nana's daughter and great-granddaughter.  Eventually Nana joined us (after her long trip) and we went to a cabin to spend some time with Nana and the rest of her family.

Meet my Nana :)  Baby G was quite impressed.  The other two did great too, especially considering they had never met my Nana.  We talk about her often, so I think that helps.  L was actually a little possessive when Nana's other great-granddaughter called her "My Nana".  It was adorable.  I think Nana had a great time too :)  She is having another great-grandchild any day now.  I'm thrilled for her.

It was wonderful seeing everyone, but the day drew to and end and we had to go.  After another three hour drive we were home and relaxing.  Special thanks to my husband for all of his mad driving skills!

So what's the point of all of this?  Well, for starters I would like to start sharing a bit more about me, with you.  I hope that's alright :)

Also, people like my Nana inspire me.  I want to be a good person because of people like her.  It's why I blog.  It influences my parenting, my eco-friendly lifestyle decisions and more.  I'm not always right, and others might have different opinions, but I try and I hope that it helps.

Be good to people.  The smallest things may make the biggest impact.  I know :)

Who has touched your life?  Or what event (no matter how small) turned on a light for you?