Headless?

If you haven't heard, it's because I don't have a mouth. It was cut off in a photograph.

I kid.

It's Thursday morning in Brooklyn. Sitting to start the day, I was thinking on the prospects of what is happening and thought it should almost seem like I'm walking around with my head cut off. If you haven't heard, my Dallas-winds are changing. In logical rites, I think I should be running around like that chicken lovingly handled by Aunt Gloria at the barn, just prior to execution; but in fact, I'm really quite calm.

How do you box up a life? Where does the stuff go? And not just scarves and wood spoons and old-ball socks — where does the emotion go when your home is split in two?

Do you know what is crazy amazing? Mom, Amy and Annabelle are coming to NY... today. Right in the midst of a whirlwind of change for Dallas. Call it divine, call it fate, call it too-cool-for-words, but I offered up several prayers of thanks for this little nod from Heaven.

If I'm offered and take the job in NY, it's with a communications firm (a modern day ad agency); if I don't get the offer, I'll still look into another offer in Boston being a Youth and Family Support Worker. That means, I'm not a licensed therapist, but I would be working with social workers and art therapists assisting individuals and families in need of help. My heart that loves causes and the betterment of the human condition is leaning heavily in that direction.

So, the next week will prove interesting, in any case. And not as bloody as one would think, especially having your head cut off while swinging on life's swings.

Just a little something...

I just wanted to share this silly photo of Max. He was helping me take things out of the washer, and put them in the dryer (ps, the key is to start them YOUNG!!) and he suddenly stopped handing me clothes. I looked over at him to see why he stopped and this is what I found. He had found a binky that went through the wash! It was still attached to his pjs from that morning. As you can see in the photo--if you look close--he has a binky attached to his shirt too!! Isn't that funny!? I laughed out loud...so funny!! Love you all, and I'm going to be better at using this blog..so I dare you to use it too!!!

Welcome Home Elder Graham

Welcome back to the blog, family! Just wanted to share the events of a very special day yesterday. We had the pleasure and opportunity of having many of our family and of Wendee's family here at our home to listen to a great report from Elder Garrett Graham! WOW! What a guy! First of all they arrived in time to attend sacrament meeting in our ward. Since it was fast Sunday, we had the great opportunity to hear Garrett bear his testimony right in our own ward! That was wonderful. I was so very excited to have some of my family there. After our meeting we hustled home to make some food preparations for hungry people and visit and have a good time. I fixed Amy's recipe of pinto beans and pork loin. . crock pot variety which was very good. Bo said, "it is just pork and beans" one of his favorite dishes. That is true it was dead pig and pinto beans. It did have other tasty items to improve the delicate and distinctive tastes. That with Lime-Rice, a wonderful big green salad and several options for dessert and we were set. I never did count noses, but there was a good crowd. The real highlight was hearing Garrett as he guided us on a tour (in spirit) of his mission. These missionaries don't get a very good chance to report their missions any more, so we felt it a great opportunity. We were all convinced that Garrett loved his mission and serving the Lord. He left a big footprint. It was truly wonderful and we missed all of you who would have loved to have been there in person. Sure glad we are a good "stopping in" place. Thanks to Elder Graham (Garrett) for honoring our family by his devoted service to the Lord. Now, I want to see some action on our blog! xoxxo Mom

Hi family! Just to let you know that our Littlest One - - Joni - - is running the Ragnar tomorrow and Saturday. Feel free to call and cheer her on! Her group begins at 4 p.m. on Friday. She runs at 6 p.m. on Friday, during the middle of the night, not sure of the next time, but she is the last runner. . . .crossing the finishe line Sat. afternoon. We are sad that we don't get to see it. The spectator thing is very limited this year! She will be in our hearts and prayers, right? Go Joni Go! You are awesome! Loves and kisses! xoxox Mom

Happy Mother's Day All!

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers! I hope your day was made very special. Mine was spent with both our families and made delightful by all involved. Lee's rotation is at a hospital were he gets food from the awesome cafeteria and he has been bringing me my favorite drinks all week! Then he took Graham to the store with him and they picked out a bouquet of white roses and yellow mum, so fresh and pretty on my table! On Thursday Graham brought home a bouquet of hand-painted tulips from egg cartons for my "mah-ders day!"

With the flowers came a note. This is what it said: 

This is to Certify that my mom is the greatest! 

Here's why:  "because she gives me lots of grapes and food. She gives me green beans, and I love those!"

Love, GA...a...m"

(He signed his own name!)

What a sweetie!

(notice the nice lip...he said the couch hit him.)

We spent church and a mother's day luncheon with the Graham Fam. Graham's Primary class facilitated a gift for me too; a rose and a note. Here are Graham's responses to the prompts on the note:

My mom's favorite color is: blue

She loves to eat: grapes

My mom smiles because: she has a little baby in her tummy

My mom wants me to:   eat bacon

I like it when my mom:   makes bacon soda

If I could give her anything I would:  give her fruit

When she grows up she want to:  be a girl

My mom loves me because:  she has lots of watermelon

(It seems Graham - of all people - has food on the brain!)

Luncheon with the Graham was super. It was phenomenal food, including a lime-ice drink, salmon smothered in lime n butter sauted onions, vegi kabobs, a beautiful salad and bruccetta for the 3rd year running! We were pretty stuffed by the time we got to the Ragsdales!

Grandpa Ragsdale is just a little boy in a big body and loves his grandkids! 

He comes up with the best activities!

 

"Here kids, try this!"

Doris Day Mom

Amy posted this on Facebook... and I'm completely in love! Was there ever a more lovely face? A more stylish swish? A more pure and happy lady?

This image (captured by whom?) is something I will always, ALWAYS love looking to remembering my darling, Doris Day Mother!

The White Stork Is Coming

The White Stork was sitting,

Up high in the tree

When the boy kissed the girl

And dropped to his knee.

"Will you?" he asked

With his chiseled, square face

"I will, you goat-lover!"

She answered in haste.

Wedding bells rang

And cheers climbed sky-high,

Dancing and singing,

And mile-deep pie.

The White Stork sat by

As the guests strolled away

And the couple made haste

To "roll in the hay."

Days turned to months

And leaves turned to snow

And the couple began to

Feel life-wheels go.

Groceries and books

And some thoughts of cars;

Spaghetti with meatballs

Was a favorite of thars.

The White Stork kept watch

In the high-time of day;

And he perched near their window

Each "roll in the hay."

You see:

His job is not easy,

This gentle, white bird

He determines all new life,

Just like you've heard.

It's not muscles or brains

That produces a child;

It's something much more

Than a call of the wild.

The White Stork keeps watch

Over each new-made pair;

He checks and he measures

Their level of care.

He helps with the life-math,

The addition of two,

And he watches intentions

To see if they're true.

Why?

Because his job is not easy,

When he places new life

In a small, cotton blankey

Between a man and his wife.

The child is WhiteSpecial

Because of it's soul

And Fathers and Mothers

Have a keen role.

For two that are new

To the burping and tears,

Need patience and love

To the stars and for years.

The White Stork can only

Let go and release

To hearts that are stitched

With forgiveness and peace.

So...

Celebrate and hip-ya!

The White Stork made a nest

That sits in the branches

of the greatest tree-best!

A baby is coming

Direct from the sky

With The White Stork's blessing

And his teary, glad eyes.

--

Love you all,

especially Austin and Cydnee!