Sunday, September 27, 2009

When the Cat is Away...

The mice get sick and can't do anything they planned!

This weekend I had grand plans. Paint the kitchen, stair well to the basement, hallway. Strip and refinish an antique dresser. Sew some pillow covers for the living room. Pull weeds. Oh the list went on and on. See, I figured I would do all these things while the Mr. and the Sons were out of town so no one would ask me why I was doing what I was doing and then offer to give me advice that I did not ask for nor planned to take into advisement. I envisioned them coming home, walking through the door and being COMPLETELY dazzled by what I had done. "Really? You painted that yourself?" and "Wow, you did an amazing job, I don't think I could have done a better job!". Instead it will be more like "Why did you move that little table that was by the door? Where am I supposed to put the keys now?". *sigh*

Instead of doing everything I had on my "Honey-do-if-you-don't-hurry-up-I-will-do-it-myself-or-pay-someone" List, I relaxed. I read. I moseyed around. I bought take out. I got my nails done. (OK, fixed really...another story for another day).I went to church (the highlight of my week I might add). I had lunch with my amazing friends and some awesome young people. I went to the fabric store (another highlight...)

I thought to myself that considering that I had spent the last 4 days sick as a dog to the point of not being to go to work for 2 days, that maybe what I needed was good old relaxation, reflection and reconnecting with those who I love. I visited with family and friends and was at peace with the fact that I got nothing done this weekend that I planned or would have ordinarily considered productive. It just works out that way sometimes.

So the Cat is coming back (and I am so glad I might add). I'm feeling better so I guess this was a perfect little get away for all of us. But next time the mice will play!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Who Knew?

My husband lost his aunt on Tuesday. My best friend lost her father on Sunday. Another dear friend lost his brother a little more than a week ago. I have experienced more loss of very close people in the last year than my whole life. As I move up in age, those around me do too. My friends are burying their parents. Some have had to bury their husband or wife. Even children are not spared. I know that my turn will come. What can I learn from these events? Is there anything to learn? Yes. For one, know Whose you are and don't spend eternity in the smoking section. God made provisions for everybody, not believing it does not make it not so. Have a will. Put money away for your burial. Make your final wishes known to those close to you. Live and Love without regrets.

Death. It's all around us. It does not ask for an invitation to this little intimate party we call life. It crashes in, snatches the host is off to find the next party to crash.

We will all have our party crashed. Some parties will have been going on for some time, others maybe just beginning, you know that time in the party when you finally get enough courage to go dance, or favorite song is finally played...you know that time when you finally say to yourself, "I'm glad I came".

It is my hope that when my party gets crashed, that I am remembered as the hostess with the mostess. Generous, caring, not worried about who's spilling what on the carpet.

What kind of party will death crash for you? Make it so fly that he will want to stay around and party for awhile.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

What a Blessing....

Today my 2 1/2 granddaughter and I baked for the first time. We made chocolate chip cookies. She was amazing. She measured, poured, stirred and even scooped the dough onto the cookie sheet. It was messy. She sneezed, I'm pretty sure into the dough. One of the butterfly stickers that she had on her cheek fell into the flour. She ate the chocolate chips...and I busted her. I think I will remember this day the rest of my life.

There was a time when I didn't know if I would see my children graduate middle school. Now I am baking for the first time with my grandchild!! I mean really, what a blessing is that? I feel so incredibly favored right now.

I don't take it for granted though. I did absolutely nothing to deserve any of this. God sent his twins, Grace and Mercy, to me and that is why I am able to sit here healthy in mind, body and spirit and share this incredible moment with my grandchild.

I look so forward to many more moments. First sewing project, first knitting lesson. I look forward to creating memories and knowing that one day, at least it is my hope that Kamiyah will pass on the lessons that she has learned, just like I am passing them on to her from my grandmothers and she will say..."My grammy taught me how to do that".