Rain, rain, and more rain. I've worked in it, driven in it, and almost slipped in it...I want to wish it away but then I remember what my daddy always says. When it stops it may not start again...Mississippi summers. This one promises to be hot and muggy and wet...so far at least. We're all (my family) present and accounted for...for the most part. I think part of me, the brain smart part, is on leave but everyone else seems to be fine. My father in law is moving. A huge house, a HUGE undertaking. Everyone has pitched in...thank God for large families. I've worked hard and my arthur is letting me know about it too...the rain doesn't help. My house looks kinda like, well, it is a disorganized mess. My husband will collect and wag home anything. This is true. In one box I found a light bulb. Yes, a light bulb. A plain, ordinary light bulb. Not the energy efficient kind...the "old" kind. Ok, so maybe he thinks of it as an antique. Everyone knows how he is so instead of throwing things away or saving things for garage sales...it's more like...hey talk to T, he'll take anything. And so it goes.... but seriously, the move is sad. So many years of living now condensed to cardboard boxes going in several different directions. Fortunately the kids and grandkids will cherish every single item. I've learned from this experience. Love your parents, make them feel important, listen to them, and don't minimize the way they feel when their entire life is turned upside down. Our turn is coming...and I've told my kids already...if you fight over my "junk" or hoard it all and don't share with your siblings and their children...I WILL be back to haunt you. Life goes on...changes and all...in ours a new chapter is beginning in more ways than one. My world's a little upside down too right now. Love you guys...hugs

Ok, Ok, I have one of those grandsonisms to share with you. Come on, it really has been a while and you just might get a chuckle too. Friday night my daughter had taken the boys with her to a mexican restaurant to eat. As they were sitting there, the 4 year old spotted the cowboys on the light globe. He told his mom that he wanted a horse, really bad. And, with typical mom wisdom, the kind that you're so proud you thought of in a flash of an instant, she told him that if he made all A's in school, he starts kindergarten in the fall, he could have a horse. He looked at her with all the excitement a little boy can hold and asked, "Really?" and she said...yes. He asked with that sound of wonder in his voice, "That's it. Just make A's?" And she said yes.... Well, then he says, "Look mama" and begins to make an A in the air at the table. Overjoyed child...awestruck mom. I wish I had been there. Of course, following this was the "talk" about A's, B's, C's, D's, and F's. And with profound joy he replied that he could make those letters too! Ah to be a child and oh to be a mom!!! Love ya....

Well, it's been a while. I've just been busy....too busy (my son's obervation). So today I took a few moments and watched Home Improvement (my idea) with my son. He commented that he had not heard me laugh so much in a while and it made me think how sad that is. He and I are seldom together anymore. Not since college...not since grandkids...not since computers, not since, well, that list can go on and on. As of today, I will endeavor to laugh more. I do tend to take life much too seriously. But, as you know, it's hard not to. Since gas prices are rising, since talk of a carbon tax, since talk of lost jobs, since higher taxes are coming, since...since abortions are "fine", since, well, just since. But in the big scheme of things life is still worth living. It's what's been promised....not the rose garden but the ride....bumps and potholes, and ruts...along with all the smooth parts. And in the end it's those same ole bumps, potholes and ruts that make us thankful for the smooth ride when it comes. Our time is on the way...since the beginning, since the flood, since the rainbow, since the cross. And SINCE we are here, let's remain joyful....since birds are still singing, since the sky is still blue, since children are still laughing, and right now, today, we have each other...as a family, as friends as a people. And if nothing else works for you, tune into Tim...surely his "man" version of a vacumn cleaner can help you remember how to laugh...and when you hear the sound of your own laughter, you'll remember it feels GREAT to be alive...to be here... love you...since forever...