There are a great many projects taking place around here this season. There is a small 'barn' in progress for all the (goat) kids and lambs to be born in the spring. There are the arrivals of said responsible bucks and rams. And perhaps (I hope) the arrival of another critter or two for the pasture. There are the everyday projects happening in and around the house - the homeschooling goodness, the homesteading fun, the magazine making journey. There is a (very) full and exciting Nutcracker season in progress for the dancers (and supporters of the dancers) among us. But overriding all of that is the most exciting project of all - Gram is coming to live with us.
For years, the conversation has been happening in an abstract way about Judy (or Gram, or Steve's Mom) joining us when the time felt right. This spring, she let us know that now was the time, and the process began. Family gathered to make plans and solve each bump in the road as it arrived. We spent the summer weekends in her home - in the family since it was built five generations ago - cleaning out from attic to basement, sharing treasures and letting things go before the house sold. Meanwhile, back here at the farm, we began measuring, planning and troubleshooting on our own as we met with contractors and code enforcement officers and septic system designers, and oh my! So many details.
But last week, a great big excavator rolled its way into the backyard and began digging. And digging. And digging. Yesterday, the concrete truck came through and poured footings (and now I know what that means - we're all learning so much!). And the foundation is going in as I type this very morning. It is happening! After years of thought and conversation from so many of us, and the months of planning that are just behind us...we are here. The excitement around here is quite palpable (that's not just the vibration from the machinery outside the door), for the kids especially, as it all feels real to them now. Gram is really truly coming to live with us, and they couldn't be more thrilled. We're fielding hourly questions these days akin to "are we there yet?" as each one asks "what happens after the foundation is poured? Then, do they start putting up the walls? When is she coming???" Soon, my loves, soon. She - living in a bit of transition after leaving her house and while waiting for this addition (a bedroom and a bathroom off our kitchen) to be complete - is just as ready. All of us eager, excited, nervous, and most definitely ready to begin this next leg of our journey living, loving, growing, and aging together as a family.
In the meantime though, there's enough activity around here to keep everyone busy while we wait for that day. There is the important work of keeping track of who's coming and going for contractors, or which truck is making an appearance today. My Purple Working Man, as you might imagine, is beside himself with all of this. He's being quite safe and mindful now, but I dare say that once we're past the big trucks and to the place of hammers and tape measures, it's going to be quite the challenge to hold him back. But it's not just him excitedly watching what's happening right outside the back door. The folks working on this project had no idea what kind of work they were taking on - a captive audience watches each move they make. The kid all really want the day that Gram arrives with her boxes and suitcases to be here....but oh, the backyard show that's going on until then? It's family entertainment.
