Me: "Belva Jinks, I just love your sail boats!"
BJ: "My what? Those are justice scales...."
HAHAHA!!! Please tell me I'm not the only one who sees a striking resemblance between these two objects.
Next time you see a lawyer be sure and thank them for sailing away into justice. I have laughed and laughed about that.
That's the thing about life. You've just gotta keep laughing, because the moment you stop...where's the fun in that? Each and every day brings different triumphs and train wrecks, but keep your head up- for your sake and the others around you.
This past weekend was very bittersweet. After fighting sickness for years Ryan's grandfather JC was called home. Even when the family is expecting and waiting on such an event, it doesn't hurt any less once it happens. We got the call at around 5:00 Friday morning and headed home shortly afterwards for a long weekend of being with family, grieving, and visiting with so many people who really cared about JC and his loved ones.
He lived a good, long life with three children, eight grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren. Emmy will make 15, and I believe that JC is in Heaven telling my granddaddy Steve, grandmother Alice, and Ryan's Papa "Slick" about her and how excited the family is. Events like this really put things in perspective. We're just passing through.
Despite the reason we were in town it did brighten our day to have several baby gifts waiting on us at my parents' house.
We were home from early Friday morning until late Monday afternoon, and in all that time almost every single meal was prepared and brought to us. Everyone came bearing love and food for the family. I must thank the Lord for calling some people to bring Zaxby's chicken tenders, pound cake, and homemade bread.
HALLELUJAH!!!
Here I am eyeing each visitor as they arrived and following them into the kitchen.
Ryan has an extremely close family, and although we were together for a somber occasion we still got in some smiles and laughs and enjoyed each others' company. After all, Ryan and all of his cousins are a product of JC and the good life he was given. It is, in part, a reason to celebrate- because we know where he is now.
Ryan was the "baby" grandson, and there is nowhere I would have been but by his side during this time. I love him with all my heart.
Ryan's Mom surprised us by adding Emerson's ultrasound picture to the family collage (in the bottom right corner). That was so special to us. Our little girl is already a huge part of the family.
The funeral service was wonderful, and I believe Ryan's grandfather would have been so pleased with it. Over the weekend we were talking about how many older people prefer a small affair and not a big to-do when it comes to memorial services, etc.
I, however, have some different ideas about my funeral one day...
Upon arriving each guest will receive a foam finger and set of pom poms with their service programs. They will then be escorted to the cheering section.
And when the family comes in for the funeral procession those in attendance will be doing the wave.
And you think I'm kidding.
My blog quote for today: "While saying goodbye, do it in style."
With all the events that have been going on- from the stressful to the super- there is one thing that brings me an incredible amount of joy, and that's when I feel my little girl moving around. And I mean move. There was a three day period when I felt her 24/7. Does this kid know how to relax and slow down? Nope. She's my daughter, alright.
My womb: the city that doesn't sleep.
She has me wondering if she's trying to accomplish the following during these last few weeks until her due date:
1) Training for the 2028 Olympics
2) Doing a ninja routine
3) Practicing pole vaulting
And for the record, several strangers have actually said to me: "Your daughter will be a Daddy's girl only, will love him more, and there's nothing you can do about it." Who says that, and what first time mother would want to hear such a comment?
On what planet would I not be a lovable and fun parent?
A) I have the palate of a five year old and will certainly relate to her in that regard.
B) Emerson's first words will most likely be "Let's hide these shopping bags from Daddy," "Can we bake cookies and eat all the dough again?", or "Will you watch these five Disney movies with me like you usually do?"
C) I live for board games, Nintendo, and all things sparkly.
The truth is that I've always been both a Mama and Daddy's girl. It depends on what kind of mood each of them are in! I know how to work the angles.
So let's just say that Emerson will take after me and will love both of her parents equally. Thank you kindly.
Speaking of fathers Ryan's Dad also had major back surgery last Tuesday, so please say a prayer for his quick recovery. He's quite the trooper and is already doing much better.
In other news my parents are in the process of a massive redecorating project with their house, which has resulted in exacerbated Carlson chaos as we move objects from room to room to accommodate the painter.
And you thought looking for lost keys was hard when the house was clean...
Jay and Ryan lounge in our makeshift furniture.
Our phone is ringing off the hook with calls from the producers of Hoarders.
To quote my Yankee father: "We ahh nevah evah redecorating this house again. EVAH!"
He is too funny for words.
This Sunday was a special day. My dear Robert came forward during the service to join the church! Love him!!!
Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Kate's sweet son, Gabe, who is just a few days old. Isn't he a little bundle of precious???
Ask me that again at 3:00 am!
I am over-the-moon happy for Kate and Walt as they enjoy their first precious days with their little guy. I can hardly wait to see him again!
And a special shout out to my brother-in-law whose Birthday is today!!! We celebrated yesterday with brownies and one of my infamous artistic cards.
Tires, deer antlers, hunting rifles, Swiss rolls, and zzzzs. The boy loves his sleep.
Kevin, I hope your Birthday is full of cheer, just like you!
Now for the big number: 30!
Can you guess what it represents?
It's the approximate number of working days I have left until maternity leave.
Piece of cake. I love putting out fires all day! I'll make it through without wearing a straightjacket or jumping through the nearest window.
It's important to remember that everything in this life- either good or bad- is only temporary. The most important decisions in your life are: your Salvation, who you will marry, your career path, how you raise your children, and the list goes on. Once the major things are set, you'll find that the little ones will fall into place. At least, that is my daily prayer for myself and for you, too.
Life is a puzzle that is never finished. Granted, I'm probably missing several pieces under a pile of papers or in a shoe, but you get my point. We are all a work in progress; just don't plateau. Spiritual growth is one of the most important things this side of Heaven. Do three things this week to foster spiritual growth. It will be some of the wisest time spent.
Sending joy, peace, and hope sailing your way!
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