"Worry"... What A Waste Of Time

Just last week I spent some time "conversing" online with a sweet friend.

Respecting her privacy, I will just share that she had a prayer request for her unborn child. And I will also share that it was (and is) my privilege to continue to pray for their family.

We both shared we knew He is in control, but both were candid in saying that as a parent, grandparent, aunt...anyone who has ever loved a child with all their heart - deep down we always "worry".

What I didn't share with her, is that I too have recently been consumed with worry.

"Worry"...what a waste of time!

Why do I let it always get the best of me?

We have known for a few weeks that our precious little granddaughter was going to be fitted with a Doc Band.

It's one of those things that until you find out someone you care about is going to have one...and the reasons that surround why they may be fitted with one...you just never "know".

Now, there are many reasons that children are fitted with Doc Bands. And I will share, gladly, Lil Miss M is only expected to wear hers for six weeks.

And, I will also gladly say that her condition has the ability to corrected. Can I get a big woo hoo!

So, after I got over the "worry" of the "what ifs"...then I moved on to "worry" about how she would feel.

Justin & Casey sent us a picture via phone as she got it on.

OK...I had prepared myself that she would be screaming, flailing to get it off, writhing with pain as it would surely be too conforming to be comfortable...and how would she ever sleep?!?! OK...I got pretty neurotic...I sort of made myself sick with "worry".

So as I forced myself to "accept" the message and look at the photo...there she was, no grimace, she was just there looking into the camera. Yes, she was a little fussy for a day or two...but - so far - that's pretty much it.

I couldn't wait to get there, to see her, for the visual assurance that she truly wasn't in any sort of pain.

And just look, she is - as always...



And certainly she did not appear to be any discomfort, actually she was looking fairly proud of her new fashion accessory (it weighs 6 oz. feels like hard foam, and she sleeps fine)...



And I can't tell you how Lolli's heart moved right back into it's place when we saw her flash one of these....



I'm sure there will be another "worry"...legitimate or not...and when I "worry" myself into another corner, I will once again look for:

"...Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." Psalm 116:1-7

If you "worry"...you should go spend some time there ;p

(and before I forget it...thank you Doc Band)

Who...What...Where?

In case you've been wondering where I've been...and what I've been doing ;p...check it out.

Dimples and Dreams

I love my life, I am so blessed...

So, what you been up to...what's going on in your life...feels like forever since I heard from you!

vaCatiOn

Last week it began...a two week vacation...all planned out...

First mistake...planning ;p

Thank goodness I didn't pre-purchase all the tickets...we would have been in a heap of trouble...well, maybe not trouble...out some cash and some inconvenience.

I won't mention all the plans, just know that each evening we were going to have dinner with the kids, or friends, go to a Rough Riders baseball game, Wicked @ DSM, Dallas Art Museum, downtown McKinney to shop, and just play. Oh well...

My daily plans were right on...I was blessed by keeping her -



For a whole week while Mommy and Daddy went to work. Now, I will fess up...I loved every minute of it...will jump at the next opportunity...but there is a reason God reserves babies for young people. You forget how a baby requires every minute of your attention, and it is at times exhausting. I left so appreciating how the kids manage to have careers and provide such a loving, healthy world for Lil Miss M.

Day 1: got up, put on the coffee...that was it...for the rest of the day...I never showered, combed my hair, put on makeup, picked up the house, prepared a meal...I was SO out of practice! My best laid plans were irrelevant.

Day 2: Showered...then put on the coffee ;p, and we really played!





Day 3: I'm getting in the groove now...





Day 4: We are doing great! Pops even got in a little lovin' time!



And then Lolli fell deeper in love...










John missed out on so much lovin' time with her, as his Dad required alot of his attention. Please continue to keep Dad in your thoughts and prayers, he is really struggling with managing the loss of Mummy, and now his health is suffering.

Now that the "fun" part of our vacation is over...the plans for this week:



Can you say insulation and sheetrocking in 100 degree weather?

Yes, we sure do know how to plan a vacation ;p

In Your Easter Bonnet

Does anyone that reads my posts recall this song? Two "movie" versions I recall were sung first by Bing Crosby, then by Judy Garland.

Oh my...when she put on that big beautiful hat and strolled "down the avenue" with Fred Astaire...it was truly grand. (you can still find this clip on youtube)

As a kid, those movies were how I "saw the world". It was beautiful, it was in color, there was always a happy ending...(some things never change - it's still how I choose to see the world ;p).

So...as Dad talks about his spiral ham for Easter, the kids are discussing which service to attend, John's rummaging through the pantries for the ingredients for his potatoes au gratin, and wishing I could still sit for hours and dye eggs with the kids...

I can't get her out of my head...





No, it's not her Easter bonnet!

Almost every night before I shut the computer down, I go to this particular photo.

I can almost smell her, fresh from her bath, hair in little curls, and those big eyes peeking through under Winnie the Pooh. I am so thankful the kids "share" small daily details with us...we are blessed to live in this age of gadgets. It sure helps "ease" the pain of not being there everyday.

No, this is not her "Easter bonnet"...but wait until I see her on Easter!

I can promise you there will be photos (yes, plural)!

Happy Easter my sweet little girl, Lolli loves you (and you, too)!

New Spring In My Step

Can't deny I began to create this entry table getting ready for the very fun Tablescape Thursday.



Thanks Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch for hosting! If you haven't visited yet, you should go, just click on to her link above! It's awesome to see everyone's ideas! The diversity and creativity is simply inspiring!

And although these interesting corners, edges and textures are inspiration...










This was my true INSPIRATION for this table (Lolli sighs here with love)....

Meet my new granddaughter Mackenzie.



And don't you love the silver, engraved baby cups and spoons? They were her Daddy's and her Auntie Nicole's, and I love the combination of all this family love here on display.



I'm enjoying the entry table by candlelight, feels like a warm greeting...





And by the light of day, the tulips bring a real springtime welcome...











We've enjoyed a few days of sunshine here in East Texas, and enjoyed the fresh air of spring. Can't wait to start decorating for Easter!

Would love to know your plans, too.

Thanks for stopping by, hope you've enjoyed your visit. You sure have blessed my day!

I've Seen Wonderful

For months you've been patient with me.

You've allowed me to gush about becoming a grandmother - a Lolli.

Well let me tell you...you haven't seen gushing yet!

Meet her...isn't she just the most beautiful baby God ever loaned a family?









Their circle is complete....



His heart melts each time he holds her...



I know it is a privilege to be her Lolli...
And have have shed tears as I've looked at her through a grandmother's eyes.



Mummy and Nelda...there are just no words...

She is Mackenzie, she is perfect, she is loved...she is the link that will hold all of us together...forever.