Birthdays, family etc...

My husband had a birthday on Friday, so on Sunday all of the local kids, spouses and grandkids came for dinner. It was noisy, chaotic and messy but such fun. Eight adults and five children can make a lot of noise and chaos, (especially when for some odd reason the men check on the football scores). Most days our house is quiet and neat and somewhat boring, but when the family shows up everything comes alive. The two three year old cousins come in and much like small dogs mark their territory and make declarations of MINE in loud voices. Eventually they settle down to mini tornado level and play and dismantle whatever strikes their fancy. They really love each other, and what one doesn't think of to do, the other one does. Someone plays Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer on the piano, even if it is January 24th. One organizes a game of hide and seek with the two little boys, and one curls up with a book in front of the fireplace. The adults gather around talking, laughing, sharing stories, talking politics, religion, children whatever comes up. My husband and I sometimes stay in the background and enjoy the tumult.
One of the greatest blessing a parent can have is children who enjoy each other. It should be noted that I do not distinguish between those of my children I gave birth to and those who married into the family. They are all my children and as such hold a specific, special place in my heart.
As the noise buzzes around us, as food is consumed, as talk ensues, (sometimes really loud talk, we are not a quiet family), I count my blessings. I wish all of the rest of my precious ones could be here too. But mostly I just feel happy. A lesson that real happiness comes from love and people and relationships that bless our lives.
As they prepare to go home, Vince and I watch as Mason, three, and certain he is unobserved, repeatedly sticks his fingers in the frosting around the edge of the left over birthday cake. We look at each other and smile. If he were one of our children we would have to make him stop. But because he is one of our grandchildren he knows he is safe when he sees us watching, and gives us a huge dimpled smile and says "YUMMY".
When they leave, we return to quiet. Grateful for the rest, but looking forward to the next time we will see them.