Hop To It!

WHAT. AN. EASTER!!!

There was so much to celebrate over the past couple of weekends.  For weeks Emerson had been talking non stop about "Bloom."  We had no idea what that was.

Ryan secretly hoped she meant, "broom."  Or mop.

Finally one day the mystery was solved when I picked her up from daycare and found this bunny on the shelf.  May I introduce you to Bloom.

Bloom is a retired Beanie that is nowhere to be found in stores, but Emerson was completely enthralled with this pastel, googly eyed creature.  So what desperate measures would I take to find it?

One word: EBAY.  With lightning fast shipping.  She asked about this animal incessantly, and even though it was supposed to be saved for her basket on Easter morning, we wanted the negative reinforcement of no longer hearing, "Is Bloom here yet???"

Bloom arrived in the mailbox after a flight from California, and Emerson retrieved the bunny as if she had just found a check from Wheel of Fortune with her name on it.

Welcome to the family, Bloom.

But it didn't quite end there.  I was still bamboozled into getting the baby Bloom so that Mommy and baby could be together.

I curse the day that "collect them all" became a phrase.

We celebrated Sue Sue's Birthday a couple weekends ago with delicious cake and purple hats!

And accessories.  Because there are NEVER enough of them.

Flash forward to 70 years from now when Emerson walks into the Sunday School class for seniors.

"Do we have any Birthdays or Anniversaries to celebrate this week?"

That evening was the beautiful Brown/Arnette wedding.  Congratulations to the glowing bride, Kathryn!

JUST before getting to the reception we turned down a wrong road, and there was a landscape truck in front of us.  My parents and I watched in horror as a little dog bolted right out into the road and was hit badly right in front of us.  The man didn't even stop, and the dog had run out from someone's house with toys in the yard, likely indicating that it was a family pet.

I burst into tears and couldn't believe what I had witnessed.  New car or no new car I wanted to put that animal in my back seat and carry it to the nearest vet.  I was never able to see the name of the company on that man's truck, but I was FURIOUS and so, so sad.  All I could think of was that poor dog suffering in the road while I was going to enjoy myself at a reception.  By the time we turned around and found the correct road, the poor dog was already gone.  At least he didn't suffer, but I was still extremely upset, because I couldn't stop playing what happened over and over in my head.

Moral of the story: PLEASE, PLEASE for the love of all nature put your pets on a leash.  And if you do happen to hit someone's animal, please stop.  I hit a family's cat once at about 10:30 at night, rang their door and told them the news between sobs, and paid their vet bill when they had to put the cat down. Please don't be so heartless.

Now on to happier things...like class Easter parties.  

Later that night we met the real bunny himself at the mall! They discussed things like egg inflation, cotton tails, and how many jellybeans you can actually fit inside one of those plastic eggs.

No matter how old you are, it really is fun to hide and find eggs.  ESPECIALLY if they have candy in them.

Our beloved Mama and Nana will be retiring very soon, so we took the first of what will hopefully be many trips to see her library.  Emerson absolutely loved it. "Remember Nana's lib-wa-ree? It was soooo cute."  I'd say so, too.  And just like all the other kids my Mom sees each week, Emerson couldn't stay still in her own square.

Last Saturday we had lots to celebrate!  Collins turned two, Eden turned one, and these two precious girls had a joint Birthday party.  And Lorrie's cake icing was from Jesus Himself!!!

It's crazy to think that ten years ago Megan and I were on Spring Break at college, where we lived together. 

Now here we are pictured with two blonde haired little girls.

The Price & Puryear families!

Immediately after that we enjoyed bowling for John Alan's 5th Birthday!

And naturally, Emerson had to introduce Charlotte to Bloom.

But, guess who didn't want to bowl...because she didn't like the bowling shoes???  Presumably because they didn't match her outfit.

Ricky Ricardo said it best...

"AY, YI YI!!!"

In between all the fun and activities a major production and movement was taking place at our church called "Bow the Knee."  In January of this year our incredible music minister, Jon, came to a staff meeting and brought up the musical.  He wanted many people in the church to be involved.  I'm sure he never imagined that almost 100 would volunteer.  It was one of the most special events of which I've ever been part.  I will never forget this weekend, the THREE 90 minute performances we gave, and the hundreds across the community and within the church family that shared in this unbelievable display of a Roman Soldier's Journey and Jesus's destiny at the cross.  It really was like a live action movie.  They even blacked out the windows!

A little 'behind the scenes' fun. Yes, that's a real goat. 

...and showtime.  As always, Benton Henry does an absolutely fantastic job of capturing each and every pivotal moment.

I just can't tell you how moving this was.  Those in attendance got to see miracles being performed, a dead child brought back to life, heard the terrible, shuddering sound of the nails being driven into Jesus's hands and feet, the cries to His Father, the celebration of His resurrection, and everything in between.  I hope you didn't miss this, but if you did, DVDs will be available soon.

It all started with Jon's vision, took place through those who participated, and really came to life with the amazing costumes and set created by many volunteers...and Brenda Wilson, who made every. single. costume and also created the banners.  Can you believe that???  I can't even sew on a button!  

Easter 2017 is one that will never be forgotten.  Look at these Sunday school cuties!  They were the first of many to arrive that morning.

After the final performance of "Bow the Knee" we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Ryan's parents' house.

Which was of course followed by the annual Coleman egg hunt and a mystery bunny who resembles... Judas?

Who's the impostor now???

Oh, look who is running away in the bottom left corner! Shock.

Love these people so much!!!

And would you believe that it was actually warm enough to have the first SWIM of the season on Easter Sunday?!??!  Isn't that a record or something?  

Heated pool or not, I'm almost fearful of what the weather will be like in August when I'm EIGHT months pregnant...

But what an unforgettable weekend. 

And through it all, one thing was on our minds...this past Wednesday was IT: the big 20 week baby appointment and gender/anatomy scan.  We watched in a combination of anxiety, wonder, and complete awe as each and every thing the ultrasound technician checked for was in perfectly good, working order.

Head circumference.

Brain.

Nasal bone.

Heart and four chambers.

Placement of the placenta and cord.

Two functioning kidneys and a bladder.

Properly sized femurs and abdomen.

And......

Well, wouldn't you like to know???  NEXT SATURDAY is the big gender reveal party.  But just know that our prayers for a perfectly healthy baby were answered, and we give Him all the praise.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!

Chain of Fools

"Emerson is never sleeping in our bed again."

"Ever."

"NEVER!"

Suuuure, Ryan.  Tough guy.  He said this in exasperation after being kicked in the back and beaten repetitively over the course of a few nights.

No, she doesn't sleep with us every night, but on the nights when she comes in with those big blue eyes after midnight asking to hop in our bed I think of her moving off to college one day and planning her wedding and my heart is crushed into a pile.  So sue me.

But truly, the best way I can describe sleeping with a toddler is as if you had an octopus next to you that got caught in an egg beater.

How many legs do you HAVE, anyway!??!

I am so happy that Spring is here!  There are so many exciting things happening that I don't know where to start: weddings, Birthday parties, Easter, Mother's Day, a visit from UNCLE JAY, our GENDER REVEAL, need I say more??

But events also happen that will kick us in gear and put things in perspective.  Within the last several weeks the following has taken place:

1) My grandmother was hospitalized with a terrible case of pneumonia.  No one but Ryan knew I was pregnant yet, and while visiting her I sat way across the hospital room and sported just a bit of protective gear.

"Yes, I'm here to see my grandmother.  Name's Wendy."

2) Ryan became immensely ill with what we now assume was a stomach virus.  For the sake of his privacy I will spare you the details, but let's just say that I'm glad I carried him to the doctor in my old car and not my new one, because he got sick during the ride.  The doctor who saw him said it was a combination of the flu and kidney stones.  What a duo!  But by the grace of God his CT scan ruled out anything really bad, kidney stones included. I was nurse Katharine for several days, and last time I checked there isn't an MD degree with my name on it, but I did the best I could to keep him comfortable.  If you remember the story about the salty soup, you'll be happy to know that I did remember to dilute it with a cup of water this time.  Small victory steps.

3) Emerson got strep throat, and my Dad happened to save the day and drive to our house that morning so I could go to my meetings and he could accompany me to the doctor's office.  She was completely inconsolable, and for a child who normally drinks like a camel she wouldn't even take her juice.  THAT was a fun visit, right up there with filing your taxes.  Fortunately, she bounced back very quickly.

4) My parents called me out of our music practice two Sundays ago and said they needed to speak with me. "What did Emerson do?" was my first thought.  Turns out that my grandfather had been admitted to the hospital for what they thought was heart trouble.  They immediately left town, and because I wanted to fulfill my music obligations and Papa was in safe hands at that point I decided to wait until after church.  He was clutching his chest and moaning in pain, so my grandmother thought it was a heart attack, but it turned out to be only pneumonia in only one lung.  The pain he was experiencing was not heart related, thank goodness.  He was actually discharged that day.

5) While on the interstate last week my Dad's entire back tire flew off.  He saw it bouncing in the rear view mirror and had to wait on the side of the road for a long time before AAA showed up.  I have a theory that AAA is run by the AARP, because they do take FOREVER to arrive.

"Your tow truck is here.  Mr. Carlson???"

An hour and numerous 18 wheelers later he was towed to safety, and my mother didn't tell me this tidbit until he was back at home.  I can't bring myself to think of what could have happened.  We. love. this. man, and all I can do is drop to my knees and thank our Heavenly Father that He saw fit to spare my Dad's life that afternoon.  He has work yet to be done on earth, which is not limited to crawling in tunnels.  Hallelujah!


Okay, are you exhausted yet?  Because that doesn't even include half of our commitments, full time jobs, and everything else.  Yes, many of the recent events were stressful, but when I reflect on each situation I see good in them.  I believe there is good in everything; sometimes it's just hard to see.  My constant prayer is that it won't take a tragedy to wake me up and make me fully depend on God.

Just like one morning this past week when it seemed like everything that could go wrong did go wrong, and I called Ryan fuming.  I called from a different phone and actually had to dial his number instead of pressing his name.  Turns out I was a digit off and was ranting, "Where did you put my work portfolio when you cleaned the garage?!!?!" to a complete stranger.  Sorry, dude.  After he assured me that he didn't know what I was talking about I looked at the number, realized it was wrong, said nothing else and hung up immediately.  It wasn't one of my finer moments.

Ryan said, "Listen.  You need to just calm down and say a prayer.  Please stop stressing."  I didn't heed his advice right away as I should have.  I dropped Emerson off at daycare, which is a good 25 minutes from our house, arrived at my destination and then realized that I had left my work bag containing my computer on the kitchen counter.  By this point I almost laughed. This was like the 8th thing that had happened to me that day, and it wasn't even mid morning.  Knowing that I had to back track and wouldn't have time to eat lunch later I decided to stop at Chick-Fil-A.  Guess what?  The lady in front of me was taking forever.  What was she ordering, anyway??? Lunch for the entire city!??  And when I pulled up to the window you might as well have punched me in the gut.

"Ma'am, the lady in front of you paid for your meal and said to have a good day."

But...I...

If that wasn't a brick to the head from God himself telling me that He's got this and to take it easy, then I don't know what was.  I am so thankful for that reminder and will never forget it.  Others suggested that I should sit by this lady at Outback and also get behind her in line at the IRS.  Hilarious!  But what a reminder.

So, we now enter the fun zone...the normal things I live for that make me so happy.

We hosted a couple's shower for Matt & Riviere at Shuler's two weekends ago.  I'd probably host a party for any occasion at Shuler's just for an excuse to eat there.

"Happy Earth Day!"

We also enjoyed play dates with Audrey and baby Hazel, which were lots of fun.

Last weekend my parents came to celebrate the Spring Birthdays in our family.  Aside from the restaurant giving us the wrong amount and type of food, we fixed it after just a few inevitable minutes of Carlson chaos.

My grandparents donate to many organizations and always get free calendars, stickers, and promotional materials in the mail.  But this one took the cake, literally.  My grandmother opened it backwards and thought, "What a lovely wristlet!"  That was until she turned it around and saw the name on the front.

"James" aka my Papa.

Complete with a matching pen! SO FUNNY!!! He'll likely bring it to his next doctor's appointment.  

We also had fun on the playground and eating out that weekend.  

During that trip we visited my Uncle Larry.  While we were there a nature program was on television, which facilitated the following conversation.

Me: "I saw a video the other day of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly!  I saw the syphilis and everything!"
My parents: "The WHAT???  You mean the chrysalis?!??  Syphilis is an STD."

We. absolutely. DIED.

No, STDs are not funny in the least.  But to imagine a butterfly with a sexual disease sent us into a tailspin of laughter.  This is also one of the reasons why spelling is key.  We were imagining a caterpillar with 50 pairs of fishnet stockings prancing around.  You just had to be there.  Again, I know that it's a very serious subject and is not to be taken lightly, but in the moment I was laughing so hard that I could barely breathe.  There's no telling what the little one inside me was thinking.

We all know what last Saturday was: April Fool's Day.  And I wasn't about to let it slide without playing a trick on Ryan.  He's always "on" and waiting for a joke, so I had to be extra selective in how I would go about it.  I came across an app called, "Dude! Your car!" With this app you take a picture of a friend or family member's vehicle and can then add different effects to the photo.  You can set the car "on fire," smash the windows, make dents, add SWAT teams, you name it.  Pure brilliance.

But for me, time was of the essence. I hurried to edit the photo before Ryan woke up, so I decided to go with a large dent in the side of his brand new work truck.   It looked totally real.  I knew that if I shook him awake and said, "Your truck is smashed!" he would never fall for it, but a picture is always proof.  And sure enough, I saved the picture and ran upstairs.

"RYAN!  YOU NEED TO COME OUTSIDE! SOMEONE SMASHED YOUR TRUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!"

Before he could even process what I was saying I showed him my finished masterpiece:



"How did that happen????"
"I guess someone came during the night and did it!"

Sure enough, he ran downstairs and outside.  I got the whole thing on video.

"I can't believe it!!!" He shook his head. "I JUST watched a video on April Fool's."  It was one of the best tricks ever, and whoever created that app is a genius.

I tried to get my Mom, too, with this photo of their van.  She didn't fall for it.



Here are a few more April Fool's laughs...

"Ralph, please have the television dog fixed."

 So, did you pull off a prank or were you the recipient this year?  I'd love to hear ideas!