Saturday, May 12, 2007

a quick hello

Yesterday I learned how to embroider! It really isn't that hard - I am super excited to start some real projects. I practiced on a pink bandana yesterday, and came up with this kitten:



Very exciting! I had my mom tell my Grandma, and my mom told me Grandma got very happy. She put her hands together and said something like: "I was *wondering* who in the family would be the one to carry on the embroidery. It's funny because once I finished the kitty, I ran my figers over its Braile-like texture and got a clear memory of the turqoise pillowcase my Grandma had stitched for me when i was a baby. It has the outline of my hand on it. Along with the date and some other fixtures. My mom said Grandma told her she has a bunch of books I can have. In some ways, I wish I could spend a few days with Grandma, hearing her stories and learning her tricks. I know her mother made handmade doilies. So I am probably right to assume Grandma learned a lot of her crafting from her mother. I feel honored to be "the one" who continues on with the tradition.

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Johnna is busy getting a fifth tooth. Last night she woke up crying. Nothing we could do would calm her (except bouncing her on the matress). I felt so bad for John because he had to work at the bakery a hour or so after she woke up. He really didn't get any sleep. I was just thankful she calmed down after awhile so I could get some sleep. Believe it or not, mamas get sleepy, too. I'm so excited to see what this next little tooth will look like.

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Along with these feelings of excitement, I am also a little sad. Tomorrow is Mother's Day and, once again, I won't be with my mom. It is so unfair that we have to live so far away. My mom and I are so close. I am her only child, so I know she is feeling empty as well. Johnna and I will be going to Michigan on the 29th (maybe earlier - hehe!) because my family is having a suprise birthday party for my Grandma on the 30th. It will be her 80th birthday. I am soooo excited because every single one of my cousins will be there. And their children! I haven't met most of their kids! My cousins and I have been designated the decorators, so it will be GREAT to be involved in something together and have those moments to once again laugh and reminice.

I don't think John is able to get off from work, which will be so sad, because my cousin who lives in England will even be flying in. As well as the cousins who live in Tennessee! So...he will more than likely be the only one who is not there. And Grandma adores John. I'm sure everyone will understand. It will be good to be centered my roots, and spending some quality time with Johnna, surrounded by those of her (our) lineage.

Speaking of which, today was a suprise party for John's mom - her 60th birthday. I didn't dare tell my mom...I just have this feeling she would be very sad that his parents live so close and she lives far away. It is SO.HARD. I hope some day we can live closer together.

In the meantime, biggest and bestest Mother's Day wishes to all of you!

Melissa at 3:01 PM

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