More Joy

Who could guess that we could get so lucky to get another grandaughter!

Adaliah Joy is the Ninth grandchild but the Seventh GRANDAUGHTER! That's as many girls as I had boys.

Someone up there is doing good work on our behalf, and trust me, intelligence is involved here from the other side. My lucky number was always seven, and it's well-loved in our family. But joy of Joys, Adaliah came just in time and seems to have just enough of her dad in her to recognize the genetic connections.

Congratulations to everyone that will know this special girl. Who recognized us immediately as I introduced her to us and welcomed her into the world and our family. Can't wait for the times ahead with her and her cute parents!

A Look Back: At Special Valentine's

Weeks ahead I warned and alerted. Valentine's Day is coming. After spending close to six fairly uncelebrated years, at last I recognized and slyly proclaimed my disappointment." I want something, don't care what it is, don't even spend any money, just don't forget".

I'd planned a gathering for our family on that Sunday, but when Cecily protested she would yet miss another family event, I switched weekends. I had purchased some small treats for everyone and they could still be given on that Sunday.

Preceding 'The Day' I did favor my boyfriend with several happy early "valentines" of all varieties reminding him of my love and care for him. He did not disappoint. He had Jake procure and deliver Tulips, and as I woke up that Sunday there they were on my nightstand! Beautiful red and white wonders, the most gorgeous flowers I'd ever been given. With our budget I'm sure he overspent, I think the cost can be amortized for past years. I had no guilt, but immense gratitude for a husband that didn't forget.

On Being An In-Law

Adaliah meets Grams- Beverly Armstrong


Yesterday was one of the best days I've had in forever! It was a day worth recording and learning from. And the greatest knowledge comes often with a price. Because of that the lessons are extra special and memorable etch our characters.

Our dear Father, Clifford celebrated the anniversary of his earthly birth yesterday, Feb. 18 th. He is the rightful Patriarch of my family of Ackerman's and has been a busy fellow, I submit arranging things in the spirit world to go just so for his celebration. I want to publish my commendation of his talent, albeit with the great forces that exist in Heaven to help as well, for conducting a Birthday Bash worth recognizing.

To our earthly registering of events, Adaliah Joy came, special delivery no doubt. Nine days early yet right on schedule to begin the festivities. She was the perfect weight 7 lbs. 9 ozs. 20 and 1/2 inches long. Announcing her own entry with bluster and fists waving. Arriving at 1:24 a.m. We were notified of the arrival and told to get a good night's sleep. The party had began.

Our meeting time was assigned, and with cheerful hearts we waited to greet our special new family member at noon. I was worried. With Jim preoccupied with a busy day would we be late and miss our time? Yes, almost, but I got to work to busy my hands, sewing and snipping away the hours as gracious other in-laws have taught me. Finally even after meeting her Aunts, an Uncle, and her Maternal grandparents, Adaliah greeted us warmly and with a sparkle in her eyes. She was Our Gift from above, sent to satisfy our longing and envy that we could not attend the Party we'd be missing!

Meanwhile in Bradenton Florida our dear ailing brother and uncle Kip, who had a day or so earlier had returned home from the hospital finally after disappointingly small progress, arrived completely unresponsive to those all around him saying only to his caregiver and sweet wife Shari, "oh I'm home". Quietly he'd began his plan to join the Event, the Bash on the other side. He got his wish and joined them as soon as he could... to the arm's of his Mother Barbara, Father (the birthday boy), and brother David. This along with all the other Grandmother's and Pop's, and a special uncle John whom he loved and introduced him to all the other John's and Jasper's worth knowing. Not to mention the Arthur's, Henrietta's, Edna's and et al.

As I said, the lesson's were and continue to be tremendous for this humble in-law, who is reminded by still unfolding events to get in line and wait for my assignments and do my best to figure out my role and not offend by too much, or too little. Like Goldilocks of old, my quest is for "just right" and trying to not let my zeal, or whatever you choose to call it, get in the way of waiting. One thing aging has taught me, is not only does no one care what you think, you better not say much or you'll be in trouble, somehow.

So to this blogspot I go, thanking my inner child-self, for loving learning and still being teachable at my age. And knowing after all the parties I've given and events we've sponsored here, wiser wonders than I can imagine are being carried out and will come off without a snag with or without me.

Happy New Year

Well the following is a short list of what it is I want to accomplish in the new year, whoops you don't deserve to see this list. It's rather personal.... what's on your list??

Kip and Brotherhood

We love Kip. You'd never know it by our actions.

He is my husband's 49 year old brother that lives in Florida that we never see and seldom speak with but nevertheless love and pray for.

What good is that? We have not sent letters or packages and even he does that. He has a wonderful wife whom he loves, as do we, but since their marriage, which is that last time I saw him and met her we have hardly kept in touch with her, let alone formed any kind of relationship.

We are sorry, and have found ourselves extremely so since he has developed a hard to treat cancer and it appears to be taking him over.

Our lack of participating isn't new, we've all watched this happen before. Perhaps we didn't learn the lessons and we are repeating them from Dad and Mom.

So sending Jim to Florida seems very little... though we've never been apart this long since our marriage 35 years this March. I believe it's high time to enjoy and know his brother and Shari every minute he can, we here all just wish there were more time for knowing and we wish we could all magically appear there and Know Now all we missed through the years that have passed.

May all of us take stock of what it is we are here for and spend our time on the Eternal matters of consequence. Call someone you love today and everyday. Do better, be better.

December Dreams

December started out rough, not enough me to go around and few and futile helpers to do a gargantuan task of presenting parties, performances, and events- to please people and percolate pride.

I decided to confess. My heart and health were waning and panic and exhaustion had set in earlier than planned. I found myself in an ever crescendo-ing malaise, (translated: a Funk that wouldn't quit) and ultimately after a small tantrum/walkout I confessed it to my 2 fellow party people and pleasers. Joel and Dave.

I felt support, darkness lifted and with one small and important date with my boyfriend Christmas came. It had it's joy and glee, and for me... it truly was a Christmas Miracle.

I want to thank my Heavenly Father for knowing me. And my children and hubby for loving me. I hope I remember.We had good sports all around, laughter like crazy and helpers all. We loved the Spirit of it and the lessons learned, but those are for another day/post.