My mom ROCKS.  She is the most patient, determined, amazing woman I know.  She manages to find grace and strength in even the most trying of situations.  I have the utmost respect for her - as a mother, and as a person.  She finds energy and ambition when I don't think I could.  I so admire her courage.  She is a constant reminder  to me that nothing is impossible, and to never settle for less than all that you deserve.

And right now, she is feeling frustrated and overwhelmed with obstacles to trying to feel better and being healthy.  But I know she can do it - whatever "it" may be.  Because I know she has more strength and resolve than she is giving herself credit for, and I know this too shall pass.  And in the meantime, ILYMTYLMxI.

Disappointed

Finally, April and I watched Twilight.  What a disappointment.  I don't think the movie at all lived up to the book.  What a bummer.

It was a crazy weekend...

Wow - where does the time go. I thought I'd just gotten all caught up on my blogging (well - sort of the Cliff's Notes version of caught up), and then I look and it's been a week since I posted. I just can't keep up.

This past weekend Trey and I went to Houston for a visit. We got to see Allan and Megan's new house - it is really beautiful. I'm so excited for them. Trey spent all day Saturday (and I do mean ALL day) building a pump house for them, and hanging with Allan. You can look at mom's blog for pics - I don't have them. But it's really cool. It's huge - there is enough room for Mia to have a playhouse if they could block off the pump. Or, as everyone also pointed out - it's a great space for Allan when he misbehaves. There is enough room to put an cot or airmattress for it to be his "doghouse". He didn't think that was too funny. Although he said that was okay since if he was sent out there he could turn off the water to the house.

Mom and I went to step class in the morning and then headed to see the house and pick up Mia. We took her with us for the day. I can't even tell you the smile it put on my face when I walked in the door and Mia came running to give me a hug. Of course it helps that I don't go to see her without a surprise. She was precious. We went to mom's to shower and play a little and then met Aunt Jo and the boys for a late lunch (they were in town for a Bat Mitzvah). It was tons of fun. Mia was so adorable. I told Megan - she was soooo good, and soooo bad. And let me tell you she covered both ends of the spectrum and everything in between. All in all, though, I mostly just laughed and had a great time with her.  Mia is really in to closing doors.  So she was hanging out in her new room, and I opened the door to see her.  She pointed her finger and told me to "get out".  So I did.  And then I thought I heard her calling me so I went back opened the door, and she told me again "get out" and literally shut the door in my face.  So mom went to the door and knocked, and she heard this little voice say "who is it".  So after she giggled, mom said "it's Bubbe", and she heard, "shoot... just a minute... come in".  It was so hilarious - I was laughing so hard I think I was about to cry.  So then we were at Denny's, and Trey wanted a bite of Mia's cheeseburger so he asked her - "Mia, can I have a bite?".  She looked him straight in the eye and said no.  Then when he asked again, she said "not yet.".  We must have asked her 10 more times and every time, she said, "not yet".  So finally we distracted her so he could steal a bite.  She was way in to Uncle Trey on this trip.  When we left Saturday night she gave him big hugs and kisses and when I asked for a kiss she said no!  I'm telling you that kid is a monster and I just love it.

So Sunday morning mom and I woke up and went to step class.  We hung out a little around the house, went to a late lunch, and then it was time to head home.  By the time Trey and I made it home, it was after 9:00.  And I had stuff to do - I had to watch Brothers and Sisters, and HELLO - it was the season finale of Big Love!!!!

I'm here

Yeah, yeah, yeah... I know... Where the heck have I been.


The answer to that is both long and short. I've been busy. And I haven't really felt like I had the time to keep everything up to date on here. But I've thought about it. Does that count? You know - there comes a point where you have to prioritize, and you have to make choices. And I've chosen to clean my house (okay not really - my "housekeeper" does that for me -thanks April!). But I've had to help. And trying to reorganize some, de-clutter, and all around get things settled. It amazes me how much stuff I can accumulate, even after I do so much to get rid. Where does this stuff all come from??


Work has been crazy, but these days I suppose I am just happy to have work to do. It's been busy, and hectic. Lots of change, lots of uncertainty. But good. I can't ask for much more than that. I still work with great people, and we're just getting through tough times like everyone else.


I had an interesting experience a few weeks ago. I had jury duty for the first time ever. Wouldn't you know the first time I ever get a jury summons, I got picked. The defendent actually plead guilty, so we only had to do the punishment phase. It was a really difficult case, I have to say. I'm glad that I was a part of it - a learning experience for sure, and sparked a whole new perspective on our judicial system in me for sure. It was actually 2 separate cases that ran simoultaneously - one an intoxicated assault charge, and one intoxicated manslaughter. The gist... a young guy (about age 24) was involved in a car accident on New Years Eve, a year ago. In the accident, another man who was driving a 18 wheeler was struck, and in the course of the accident, died. It was much more detailed and graphic than that, but you get the idea. It was horribly sad - for all those involved. The guy who caused the accident was clearly a changed person from this, and it was just tragic for everyone. I thought a lot about it in the several days after, and since. I am just so grateful to have never had to experience something like that. It just goes to show you that people make mistakes, and that doesn't make them bad people. But they also have to live with the consequences.


Trey has been extremely busy - which is a great thing. He's been working weekends, and some nights during the week like crazy. He absolutely loves it, but I can also tell that it's taking it's toll on him. It's just hard on when there is no break. But I am so proud of how hard he is working to build up his "hobby" and turn it into a full business opportunity.


Madelyn just finished her Spring break, and spent most of it moving into her new house (her mom and stepdad just bought a new house), and unpacking. She is so excited about her new home, the big backyard with a fence for her dogs to run and play, lots of friends in her neighborhood (some she already had and some new ones she has already made - apparently her neighbors have a trampoline, so you can guess it took her no time to make friends with them!). She got all of her room unpacked, and she's settled. I know her mom wishes she was all settled too - she'll get there. Everyone is super excited about Trey's newest project. He and grandad are building Madelyn bunkbeds! Shh - it's a surprise, so don't say anything!!!! Madelyn's mom and stepdad were going to buy her bunkbeds - with stairs, a desk, and all - that Madelyn has been wanting for a long time. Well, Trey took one look at the picture, and said - I can do that. So now he and grandad have assumed this new project, and they are so excited.


April is in her last year of school - I can't believe it. This time next year, she'll be back in the "real" world. With only about 10 months left to go - it's all creeping up too fast, and I don't like it. The time has really flown by, and I don't like the idea of her wanting to get a full time job, and her own place to live. I don't like it all, and when it's brought up, I refuse to discuss it. And on that note - I'm not discussing it anymore.


Are you ready for this one... Jackie and Dani are driving! It's so scary. Not that they're driving (though that is a little scary too), but that they are old enough to be driving. I sometimes still think of them as my little babies - and they so are not. They are really beautiful young women, and I am so proud of them. I know - I sound like a grandmother, but in honor of my Meemaw, I'll take care of them from that point of view. And speaking of Meemaw, I also can't believe that this month will be 2 years that she's no longer with us. I miss her every day. I never really knew how much I would miss her. It's not like we talked every day, or like I saw her on a weekly basis. But I do now think of her every day, and miss her, and hope that I'm doing what my goal has been since she died... live up to her expectations.


Well, I would update you on my mom, but really it's soooo much easier to just say - read her blog. She is much better than I am at maintaining - she updated just about every day! And I would update you on Mia, but that too is better served by reading mom's blog. I will say, though - that she is growing by leaps and bounds!! She is truly a bundle of energy, and love, and attitude. And when I say a LOT of attitude, I am not exaggerating. That kid has more sassy in her than I ever thought would be possible. And stubborn (wonder where she gets that from?!). And every bit of adorable, huggable, laughable joy that is humanly possible. I am super excited that I will get to see her this weekend. I better go out and get some surprises - Aunt Rarah doesn't come without surprises (and now she tells me so!).


Allan and Megan just closed on their new house, and moved in. I can't wait to see it this weekend. I'm very excited for them. And after I see the house I can get an idea of a housewarming gift.


Okay - so that's about all I have in me for now. Off to bed I go... I'm tired now!