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I wanted to share this picture with y'all of Mason and a little brown stuffed dog that belonged to my grandmother. Yesterday my aunt gave it me and I gave it to Mason. Of course, he wanted to know what the dogs name was. He said, "Her name is written on the tag." I looked on the tag and written was the name Ruby Graves, my grandmothers name. So, now Mason thinks that this little dogs name is Ruby Graves... not just Ruby but Ruby Graves. Last night I was letting our real dogs out to go potty and from the bedroom Mason yelled, "Mom! Don't forget about Ruby Graves! She might need to go out and pee!" This morning I heard him say, "Ruby Graves, after I eat my food, I'll feed you." "Okay, Ruby Graves, you sit right here while I go to the bathroom." "Hold on Ruby Graves... I'm going to turn the ceiling fan on while you are on it!" Yikes!! It makes me smile to hear my grandmother's name used so often by Mason. Just a little comic relief that MaMa would have loved!

Stronger!!

This past week has been a really hard one for my family. But I can honestly say that we have come out of it stronger. We have all grown closer and have learned to value each other even more. Extended family members have been able to get to know each other again. My prayer is that those relationships will continue to grow.

Mason made the transition from preschool to summer camp yesterday. He was beyond excited. When he woke up, I was in the kitchen fixing a cup of coffee. He came in and said, in a very sleepy voice, "Mom, guess what? Today, I'm grown." And he turned around and walked out of the kitchen. He makes my heart smile so many times during the day..... that's just one example. I am so blessed that he is my son.

A Letter To MaMa

Dear MaMa,

I wanted you to know that you will always have a piece of my heart. I miss you already and it hasn't even been 24 hours yet. I have cried rivers today.... some of them shed while laying in your bed trying so hard to remember every detail about you. They are mostly tears of sorrow but some are tears of joy because I know that you are not suffering anymore. Your back is completely healed and you are not hurting. I miss you already. I will miss the way that you smell, your soft skin, your phone calls telling me that lunch was ready, trips to WalMart, corned beef and cabbage... no one can make it like you, your tenderness, your smile, your love of clothes and shoes, and so much more. When I sat back today and observed the family that started with you, I was amazed. You have left a legacy that will go forever. I miss you already... have I mentioned that?? I will miss seeing you in your yard messing with your flowers or sweeping the steps. How many times did I ride by and not stop?? I regret that so much. I should have stopped every time that I saw you out there no matter where I was headed.

I feel so displaced without you here. Even when you were so sick, I knew where you were and I could visit you every day. Today, I didn't know where to go. Home? Mom's? I felt like I had no where to go because I wanted to be with you and I couldn't. So I chose to sit at your house with your things. I miss you already.

I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck! Thank you for being such an amazing grandmother.

Mason's last day of preschool is today. When did my baby boy get so big? Seems like yesterday I dropped him off at preschool and left with tears in my eyes because I didn't want to leave him there. Today I dropped him off and left with tears in my eyes because I can't imagine him being anywhere else. All of his teachers have been wonderful. They have loved him through their dedication, hardwork and overall love for their profession. Mason has grown to love them as if they are a part of his family and even prays for them at night. On Monday, he starts summer camp at the YMCA. He is ready for the change but his momma is feeling a little sad about the transition. I guess I have to let him grow up a little bit..... what a bummer! :)

Happy Birthday Mom and MaMa!!

My mom and my grandmother share the same birthday. Every year they celebrate together. Every year they open present together, blow out their candles together and eat cake together. This year is extremely bitter sweet. My grandmother is very sick with pneumonia and is not expected to live much longer. She had back surgery in November and just hasn't been able to recover from it. I promise you that I can feel my heart breaking in my chest. I know that God brings us into this world knowing the exact moment when we will leave. I know that my PaPa is waiting for MaMa in Heaven. I know that he is whistling the days away waiting for her to join him. But I also know that doesn't make it any easier to let her go. I doesn't make it easier to think about life without her in it.

So, on this special day, I am wishing MaMa a very special 81st Happy Birthday!! And to my mom, I love you so much! You inspire me every day to be a better woman and a better mom. You are the ultimate example and I thank God that He choose me to be your daughter.

Cardboard Testimonies

Happy Monday to Me!!

Look what I bought for myself! Yes, I bought myself a necklace. No, it's not my birthday or anniversary. The day I ordered it was just a normal Monday. I am so glad that I felt like I deserved a necklace that day because it came in the mail today and I love, love, love it!!! I was browsing a blog about a week ago and came across this website. I highly recommend you go a have a look at Lisa's jewelry. It is all beautiful and very different!

Technical Difficulty

I am not sure what is going on with my header and other graphics...... Sorry! Hopefully I can get it figured out soon! Mason's pictures that run along the top of my blog are so much cuter than that small white box with a red X in it!