Tuesday, May 15, 2012

{ Thankful Tuesday - Remembering Grandma Alice }


Last night we unexpectedly lost Shaun's sweet Grandma Alice. It came as a shock to all of us, and I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the idea that we won't be able to drive down to Cement to visit her.

Looking back on the six years I've known Alice, I'm thankful for all I've learned from her. So today's Thankful Tuesday is a peek at a few of the things about Alice that I'm most grateful for:

1. She listened. I mean...she really listened. She was one of those people who asked how you were doing and actually wanted to hear the answer. If you needed someone to talk to, she was always there.

2. She made special time for all the little ones in our family - grandchildren, grandnieces and nephews, and her great-grandson, Kellen. I remember when Madison was just a wee one, she kept grabbing Alice's hand and leading her away from the others and over to the window. Madison pointed and said over and over, "Alice...sheeps! Sheeps!" They sat there for a good while as Grandma talked to Madison about the goats (or "sheeps" according to Madison). Out of everyone in the family crowd that day, Madison knew that her great-aunt Alice was the one who would take that time with her. I don't think they realized I was spying on them the whole time, but I couldn't help it. It was just too sweet. :)

3. She baked like nobody's business. Seriously, one piece of her butterfinger pie was never enough. I remember when Shaun and I first started dating and we were driving out to Cement where I would meet his family (all 75+ of them) at a party, he kept telling me how great his grandma's baking was. Her yummy baked goods always held a special place in our hearts...and our stomachs.

4. She showed me what quiet strength is. I've heard that saying many times, but I never truly knew what it meant til I got to know her. Most strong people you meet are bold and outspoken, but Grandma Alice was the kind of person with a personality an outsider might find easy to misread. She was a rock of good sense, love, and the kind of grace only God can give.

5. She was, as Shaun and his sister have said, the matriarch of the family - a shining example of a Christian, a generous soul, a caring heart, a true role model for us all.

We are sad that you've left us, Grandma Alice, but we rejoice in the knowledge that you are by God's side. We love you.
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

Monday, May 7, 2012

{Memory Monday - Baby Giggles}

The past week was rather eventful - I got my hair chopped off (thanks Jessica!), had a garage sale, went to my friend Kacie's baby shower, and had dinner with some family members we don't see often, but the best part of the week by far was Kellen's cute antics!

My little guy's been giggling up a storm this week. He's been quite the giggle box since he was about 4 weeks old, but lately it's been nonstop! He giggles at Shaun and me, at his mobile, at his favorite toy (his seahorse. It's a big hit with him!)...it's always insanely adorable. :)


Earlier tonight I gave him a bath, and it's by far his most beloved part of the day. He splashes, talks, smiles, and laughs the whole time. I let him stay in for a while after we're done because he enjoys it so much. I hope he grows up to be a fish in the water like the rest of the (blood related) Ladymons! I can't even go underwater without holding my nose, and I can barely swim. :( Kind of stinks since I'm built like a swimmer lol.

It's moments like we've had this past week that I'll remember forever. The smile on Kellen's sweet little face that makes my heart melt is one of those things that can turn the worst day around. Each time he talks to me (we have great conversations) I feel more successful than a billionaire, because I have the best family in the world. God has blessed me with so much.

This is home
Now I'm finally where I belong
Where I Belong
Yeah, this is home
I've been searching for a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home
This is home
- "This Is Home" by Switchfoot

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

{Thankful Tuesday - Take 4}

It's that time again! Today I'm thankful for...

1. Haircuts. Seriously. My hair was driving me nuts - in my face all the time, impossible to fix...you get the picture. I'd been admiring Emma Watson's short hair for quite a while and finally decided to try it. Photos to come soon!

2. My sweet baby's laugh. It can brighten any day and is the most adorable sound in the world!

3. My husband's help. Shaun is always there to help me get everything done AND keep my sanity. Earlier this evening my sweet boy decided to go on a crying spree (never really figured out the reason. I think he was just super-tired and resisting sleep), and after a while of me walking around with Kellen and bouncing him up and down with no luck, Shaun took over so I could have a break. It's nice to know I'm never alone in this whole parenthood thing! :)

4. My Scottish heritage. At the Kirkin' of the Tartan on Sunday (that's a Scottish church service to you confused readers out there) the preacher reminded us of the time during the Act of Proscription when Scots weren't allowed to wear their family tartans or do anything associated with their cultural heritage. They were so dedicated to their family identities that they would secretly take scraps of their tartans to the pastors to be blessed. I'm so proud to be a part of a people who refuse to be crushed by persecution!

5. Hospital refunds. I received a bill that didn't make sense, so I called the account services number at the hospital, and they told me that I was actually owed a rather large refund! I don't quite understand how this mix-up occurred, but I'm glad to get some money back!