The three boys that captured my heart left on Saturday to spend the next 20 years in Arkansas. We didn't say goodbye. Its not goodbye. Its a lot different now that 3 boys, two dogs, a teenager girl and two parents are not living next door to me. Its very, very, VERY quiet.

I realized it was going to be quiet, but wow I lived with dogs barking and children's voices screaming. I also miss the helping part of what they did for me. Here is a partial list:

Weeded my lawn, shoveled my snow, let me babysit 3 boys and paid me for the job. Washed and Folded my laundry. (I let them borrow my washing machine in April instead of them having to buy one for four months.)

The greatest neighbors in the history of neighbors. Although if they prayed (they are Born Again Christians--and yes she tried but gave up when she knew I wouldn't trade my regular Christian beliefs for theirs) for me to win Lotto--that would have been great. They didn't even when I asked. The boys did though...and when I needed money Eddie and Tate both gave me a quarter and Tate gave me two more pennies. "This is for you." I almost cried tears of joy.

So what is next for this great family? Living in Arkansas, and once a year they will come up to visit her parents (and me!) and once a year--I will fly down to see them. Maybe they'll fly me down to organize their house.

Now it's off to Lowe's to get a new cold water hose.