I am a Mimi!!

This morning I don't care anymore about the jiggles that hang from my upper arms, the extra "fullness" around my tummy or the gray hair that shows well against my dark hair. I don't care that when I get out of bed my ankles and knees take a minute to work right. I don't mind that I can't remember where I left my grocery list. I am a grandma now and those silly signs of aging now have fallen into proper perspective! It is so wonderful to see the handiwork of God. I think I am more amazed with Violet than I was with my own babies! She is absolutely beautiful and my heart is FILLED with love for her! I love watching Violet as she gazes on he mama when Erin feeds her and I loved seeing Fred hold her and talk to her. Our lives will never be the same!!

Counting Down!

We are (or shall I say say Erin is) in the last days of Erin's pregnancy!! By the time many of you get to this post, Violet will be here!!! On Thursday morning Erin will be induced!! Of course if Violet wants to show her sweet little face before that, well that would be great, but we are counting on Thursday. We all head to the hospital about 6 in the morning and then Dr. Bailey will get Erin all hooked up. Please pray for a safe delivery. We are going to try to keep everyone posted on the days events via Erin's blog, www.thebloginmylife.blogspot.com. So on Thursday, just go to that link and you will get the latest updates. That is, of course, unless we get carried away with all the snacks, DVDs and games we are bringing with us! (he he) I figure if we come prepared for the long haul, then we won't need the stuff, but if we don't bring anything we will! I am so excited I can't wait! I never did think of a name for the baby to call me. I actually found one when my sister, Kathy, was here visiting, but I can't remember it!! Well, enjoy the pics....

My New Duds

This past week I received one of my all time favorite clothing items!! Hosanna found the perfect shirt for me. You know how it is when suddenly you put something on and you know, without even looking in the mirror, that this shirt was made for just for you? Well, that is this one. She found it at a store I would not normally even look in!! I think it will be my most worn shirt this summer. Tomorrow or the next day, when I get all dolled up, I will take a picture with me in my new shirt and show all of you. Stay tuned......

Mercy Reigns!!!!

We recently went on a short trip to Siesta Key, Florida with some of Fred's family. It is a vacation spot that holds dear memories for us. The main purpose for this trip was for me to meet my nephew for the first time, and he is 2 1/2!! Owen Shaw!! It was pure delight! Owen reminded me so much of my own son, Tyler, when he was a toddler, very similar in personality. It brought me back to a place of long ago (do I sound like I am suffering from Alzheimer's!) I remembered being on that same beach with my own small children and hearing their peals of laughter and glee as we played in the waves and looked for shells (which Grandma bought at the store and planted on the beach!!!!) I remembered how much I enjoyed those early years of motherhood and how much joy my children gave me, somehow the drudgery of always having 2 in diapers is fading.:)

When we got on the plane to come home, I was overwhelmed by God's kindness that I was able to go on that trip and get to know Owen. It was such a gift for me. Then, I put on my Ipod and listened to Chris Tomlin's rendition of "Amazing Grace" and when it came to the words "and like a flood, His mercy reigns, unending love, amazing grace" tears poured down my face as I once again was overwhelmed at the mercy of God as I thought about my little granddaughter who will soon make her first appearance! Talk about mercy reigning! I cannot imagine how much I will enjoy this little treasure, how much joy will I derive as I get to watch her run around the backyard and discover the beautiful gardens her Papa has planted. I look forward to teaching her songs and rhymes that I taught her Mom and digging out her Mom's baby dolls and toys for her to play with. I can't wait to just hold her in my arms and tell her over and over how many times I have prayed for her, how many times I asked the Lord to bless her mom and dad with a baby. I can't wait to watch my first daughter with her first daughter. I know Erin will be a great mom!! She fully devotes herself to everything God calls her to. Our God is full of mercy and grace and it gives Him great delight to shower us with it. Knowing how much I desire to pour into little Violet's life and bless her gives me a glimpse of how much the Father desires to pour into us. His grace is amazing and His mercy does reign!