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!