Life is Fragile

As I write this, my father-in-law is in the hospital, ... ICU. It's one of those unknown ailments that the medical professionals are trying to nail down. But, we've been in to see him for the last three days, and anyone can tell that he's making great improvements every day. We expect him to come home tonight, or perhaps tomorrow.

He's an amazing man, and has been a wonderful father to me, especially since my dad passed away 27 years ago.

He and I have talked many times about sitting down together with the photos and documents of family history that he has. We've both agreed that we need to do this. People he can identify, stories that he knows, who's who and what's what. I want to preserve all this information for my children (and grandchildren, and so on!).

I regret that I have put it off. Delayed. Imagined in my head that we have plenty of time, or that other things are more important. I can't do that any longer. I don't know how long we'll have Weld with us -- hopefully, years and years. But you just never know.

Having him hospitalized in a weakened state sure opened my eyes about that. So, as soon as he's up for it, I'm going to start in with him. We can't let this continue to wait. It's so important!!

And this does not discount in any way the fact that sitting down with my mother-in-law is of paramount importance, too. She recently underwent knee replacement surgery and is in recovery and healing stages from that. My, aren't they a pair!!!


I also have a very, very dear friend whom I've known since we were kids. Loralyn and I have been friends for ages!! She's pretty darn amazing, too. I LOVE that she came to visit me for a WHOLE WEEK last summer -- such a blast!!

She also has had issues with her heart -- the real one, beating inside her. This last weekend, she went to the E.R. because her heart was fibrillating again. She's ok now, but she keeps tabs on how her body is doing. LOVE her!!

Again, I'm reminded that life is fragile!! I hug Emma a little tighter -- she's the only kid still within arm's reach! With the rest of my family, I call, text, message, email, snail-mail, SnapChat, Skype, ....... all wonderful ways to keep in contact. I hope they understand why --- because I love them all so much, my heart swells! (My kids probably roll their eyes because their momma is contacting them again!)


And I look at my sweetheart & best friend, unable to imagine what life would be like, if he were unable to work, move, or think. Oh, my ........ I snuggle close to him and thank my Heavenly Father for him every single day -- I am so blessed!

And ...... being almost-empty-nesters is kind of fun, too ---- we've been enjoying movie nights for two lately, --- and lacking anyone younger or stronger, he occasionally has me help out in the master bathroom remodeling project ...... I love that improving things is his hobby. And it's not every couple that goes to work in the same place, either! Did I mention that he cooks, too??  Love him!!

A Llama?! He's Supposed to be Dead!

So, Miss Emma has been missing her siblings immensely, now that they're all off to college, or married, or both. Mom and Dad are probably not the most exciting company, though we do try to take up the slack in the entertainment department.

For Christmas, Grandma gave Emma an adorable felt sewing kit (American Girl brand), and she's worked on it every few days. Last Friday (which was no school), she finished up the last of it. She liked it so much, we went back to JoAnn Fabrics, and got her another kit.

This first kit was a pair of llamas:

(phone photo!)

They're really pretty cute.

Our standing joke is the line from, "The Emperor's New Groove", when Yzma says:

Kronk: "Yeah. Weird."

Emma will enjoy the next two (4, actually) projects, too: owls, and hedgehogs. I love that it is a great, positive learning experience, which is fun at the same time.

Love our little girl!!

Family.

I was challenged last night to re-commit to journalling. Since this blog has sort of become my "journal", I'm renewing my efforts. Here I am!


My biggest highlight of this past holiday season was having all of my children home once more. If only for a few days, we were all there together, and it makes my heart swell.

In our church, at 8 years old, a child can be baptized. Usually this happens in the same month as the birthday. Since Darcie was off overseas for Emma's birthday month, Emma wanted to delay her baptism until Darcie could be back here, too. So, her baptism was on December 30th, and all of her siblings were here with her for it. Brandon & Cecilia and the grandbabies came for nearly a week, and Alyssa and Andrew traveled up for several days, too. (Cameron and Darcie were both at home, since they were between semesters at college.)

I am so grateful that they all agreed to a family photo shoot that New Year's weekend, too! It was pretty darn cold, but our photographer was up for it, and she got some great shots. I feel so blessed!! Here are some of my favorites:

Love this little growing family!!
(Brandon and Cecilia are expecting Baby #3 in June: It's a GIRL!!!)

Andrew and Alyssa have been doing really well -- they make me smile, too!

This little girl keeps me young. Or, at least, she keeps me TRYING to be young!!

Darcie's semester abroad in London has been an absolutely wonderful experience for her.

We are so glad she was able to take advantage of the opportunity!

We have been truly blessed by having Cameron home this past Fall (and other Autumns, too!). He is one awesome young man!

(I think that last one is my favorite shot, of the whole bunch!)

Oh, how I love this guy!! He makes my heart happy. Every. Single. Day.

Mwah!!!

Grandbabies are like the cherry on top!!

As I write this, I can't wipe the smile off my face.

These amazing people are my world!! They are each unique personalities, and I love them for that. And I absolutely LOVE that even as most of them are adults now, ..... they are absolutely FRIENDS with each other.

My heart is so full!!!