I’m sad today.

My aunt, my dad’s only full sibling, passed this week. I hadn’t seen her in years, but she was on my heart often. She welcomed me into her home when I was a young mom of two rambunctious toddlers (probably 3 and 1) visiting my dad, who lived nearby. Then again when my dad passed a few years later and I had a very fussy two-month-old. Her and my uncle Neil always had a smile and a hug for me. She was 85 years old and loved Jesus with all her heart. She wasn’t perfect, but she was family.

I’m also happy today. 🙂

My grandson, CJ, is visiting me while Mom and Dad work. For the next few weeks, he will visit me on Wednesdays. It’s so fun. And tiring. I forgot how much energy little ones require. He’s peacefully napping at the moment, so I have a few minutes to type. 🙂

Little man will be four months old in a few days. He’s trying to scooch on his hands and knees but hasn’t mastered it quite yet.

I LOVE being a GiGi–Grandma Ginger.

I finished Pray First by Chris Hodges yesterday–yes, it took me THAT long–and started on Love Does by Bob Goff today. I like it so far, though I’ve only read the foreword, introduction, and first chapter.

We went on a cruise last week–I think I mentioned being gone. The ship stopped in Honduras–Isla de Roatan–Belize, and Cozumel. I didn’t go into Honduras or Belize, and only walked through the shops at Cozumel. My husband took an excursion to some Mayan ruins in Belize. I knew he would be gone all day, so I spent a little time “trying” to write, unsuccessfully, then watched some downloaded shows on my computer and crocheted a sweater (cardigan). I’d had the pattern for years but had been unsuccessful in getting my stitch counts right. A friend showed me what I was doing wrong. I finished the crochet part, now I just have to join some pieces together. I’ll try to remember to post a picture next month.

Anyway, around 4:30pm–fifteen minutes AFTER the ship was supposed to leave Belize–Carnival security called me. Heart-in-my-throat-moment. They wanted to know if my husband was on board. I said no. Then the lady asked if I knew where he was. Now I’m getting scared. I told her he was on a Carnival excursion. She said thank you and hung up. I’m worried–a little. But I also know he can’t be the only person NOT on the boat. About 45 minutes later, he walks into the room, tells me that he’ll explain over dinner, jumps in the shower, and dresses for dinner. This is 5:15. We had reservations at 5:30 in the steak house. Not a lot of time for chit-chat if we wanted to make it on time. 😀 Turns out the excursion leaders dilly-dallied too long in the morning and didn’t get them to the ruins–a 2-hour bus ride–until noon. *head shake* You’d think these people had done the same excursion enough times to know their times. We made it to dinner on time and enjoyed it IMMENSELY. I highly recommend the Emerald Steak House (Carnival Glory). It’s worth the cost!

I didn’t take any pictures, so nothing to share there. 🙂

In other areas, life remains basically the same.

How has your May gone so far?

Real Life Tip: My aunt passed estranged from her siblings. I don’t know all the details, but I find it sad. I am estranged from a sibling–his choice. It hurts my heart. My real life tip this month is straight from the Bible… Romans 12:13-18, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” [emphasis mine] AND Colossians 3:15, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” [emphasis mine]

Blessings,