Weekend

In five hours and 17 minutes, my weekend will begin. I'll get to see some family I haven't seen in a while-wish Leeble could come up, but if I had two toddlers you would only see me at the store when I would run out of toilet paper (and the Sears catalog had been used). I don't know how she does it but they grow up so fast-evidence of my first date this weekend-to watch Beth try on gowns. Then hopefully visit Ms. Marty and the blueberry patch. I forsee blueberry pancakes in my future. Followed by blueberry muffins-maybe I'll eat them with blueberry beer. That's right blueberry beer and it's good (not as good as the muffins). Then it's on to the chicken fest in Rison. In five hours and 14 minutes. Damn it somebody quit screwing with the clock.

whoa...whoa...whoa...

Last Saturday I watched my youngest son receive his college degree. I am proud of myself-I didn't cry until the exit when the band started playing the theme song from Rocky-swear to heaven that song has never made me cry before.
The next day Beth surprised me with a visit and something very shiny on her left hand.It appears I will have a son-in-law before the year is out. My youngest step son will give me my first (of many I hope) grandchild.And Lauren-she's recovering by leaps and bounds. She's helping around the house and doing more and more each day-she listens to the doctors. Everybody just slow down for a little while. Let me get used to all of this.

It's official

I think these pictures say it all. Best Wishes to my daughter and future son-in-law Jody Carson. No date set yet but we're working on it.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful mothers in my life. My wonderful Mom and Stepmom, Darlene, Robyn, Lee, Debbie, and Julie. You people are an inspiration to me. I'm amazed at your strength,ability to love, and the way you keep it all together. I hope your day is filled with love and pampering.

Graduation

Tonight I'll watch my son graduate and realize one of his dreams. As a parent you always want your child's dreams to come true, but some where along the way this power gets taken out of your hands. You watch him learn to walk, swim, ride a bike, and drive-and you try to make things easier for him.You catch them when they fall. Dust them off after a tumble and reassure them when they're scared. Eventually they'll be somewhere you can't pick them up. They'll be out of your reach. There will be nothing you can do but stand by and hope that you've taught them what they need to know.You pray that they can work hard enough and have the strength to do what they set out to do.
I know that it's his hard work and determination that's being rewarded as he walks across the stage. I know it's his dream, but I have this unbelievable feeling of pure joy. Somewhere along the way I did something right.
Paul-I am so proud of you,what you have done, and the man you have become. May more of your dreams come true-you deserve the best.

Not your ordinary week

 I remember a long, long time ago driving to work on Monday and thinking that this would just be a boring week. No parties. No special dates. Nothing exciting. I guess I jinxed myself because I got "exciting" and boring is looking really good about now.
But when something bad happens-I feel like God just gives you a thump in the head-like a big wake up call. Things could have been a lot worse, but I'm lucky. Lucky that I have very understanding bosses.Lucky that my cell phone that has no signal in my building picked up when it did. Lucky that Lauren wasn't alone. Lucky that I have a wonderful,supportive family.
Lauren continues to be upbeat-and that really helps-it's hard not to laugh when she makes her little jokes. I had forgotten what it's like to feed someone by spoon. It's been a long time since I brushed someone else's teeth. I appreciate good nurses-and I realize the commitment it must take to be a good one-so I'm proud of our family nurses.
I'm a little busy but I've learned a lot this week:
1. Be thankful for everyday-even if you're young and strong and healthy-accidents happen and your world can change in the blink of an eye
2. Don't be afraid to tell others that you love them and that you're there for them-you never know when those words, that text,letter, or phone call might give them a little more strength
3. God made men and boys. Some boys will never gain the status of "Man"-it's not an age thing-it's actions when others aren't looking. It's doing something nice for no reason and it's showing emotions and not caring if anyone sees a moment of weakness and sharing your strength as well as your love.
4. It's ok to make a mistake-acknowledge it-learn from it-and get on with your life.
All this and it isn't even Friday yet.

"I want my mama"

Something freezes in a mom's brain when she hears these words. It really doesn't matter how old her child is-when I got the call that Lauren was in the emergency room I heard her say that and away I flew.
She's doing as well as can be expected after being thrown from her new horse. She has two broken arms and her face is bruised, but she has no brain damage. Wounded pride maybe,but nothing that time won't heal.